VehicleVerdict

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 112 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Santa Fe Hybrid year — the 2023 model ranks #2 of 6 Santa Fe Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (25), driver assistance (17), and transmission (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

112

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Santa Fe Hybrid years?

Santa Fe Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted125 complaints2021: 37 complaints2022: 61 complaints2023: 112 complaints2024: 58 complaints2025: 125 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Santa Fe Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2522%
Driver Assistance1715%
Transmission1513%
Electrical System1312%
Fuel System1312%
Other109%
Speed Control76%
Brakes33%
Body & Structure22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Steering11%
Trailer Hitch11%
Lighting11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V181000Trailer HitchMarch 17, 2023 · 584,784 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“As I was driving today my Santa Fe Hybrid lost all power while on the road. The hybrid battery gauge went from 3/4th full to empty in 20 second and I could not get the vehicle to move. Thankfully there was no one behind me and I could safely pull off. When I stopped and restarted the car, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 18, 2024

“The contact owned a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that his partner was driving at 50 MPH, a light ahead had just turned red, with two vehicles stopped just a couple of feet ahead of her, the contact stated that his partner had proceeded to frantically attempt to brake, however, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 19, 2024 · crash

“As I was driving today my Santa Fe Hybrid lost all power while on the road. The hybrid battery gauge went from 3/4th full to empty in 20 second and I could not get the vehicle to move. Thankfully there was no one behind me and I could safely pull off. When I stopped and restarted the car, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 18, 2024

“Check engine light and HEV warning light come on and vehicle looses all power. It has been confirmed by myrtle beach Hyundai also they tried fixing the problem gave me back car supposedly fixed just to have same problem within 24 hours.The problem started later part of April and is still ongoing…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 29, 2023

“Check engine light and HEV warning light come on and vehicle looses all power. It has been confirmed by myrtle beach Hyundai also they tried fixing the problem gave me back car supposedly fixed just to have same problem within 24 hours.The problem started later part of April and is still ongoing…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 29, 2023

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 112 complaints put the 2023 model at #2 of 6 Santa Fe Hybrid years. It is one of the Santa Fe Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (25 complaints), driver assistance (17 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe Hybrid years to avoid are 2025, 2023. The cleanest record among Santa Fe Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.