VehicleVerdict

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid sits mid-pack among Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 30, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (5), driver assistance (4), and fuel system (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid years?

Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted44 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 44 complaints2023: 30 complaints
Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System517%
Driver Assistance413%
Fuel System310%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Brakes27%
Engine27%
Other27%
Speed Control27%
Transmission27%
Airbags13%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Lighting13%
Suspension13%
Seats13%

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

22V816000Seat BeltsOctober 31, 2022 · 14,933 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.

Consequence

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“"check turn signal error". This message pops up at random times. When this error does pop up, the rear turn signal ceases to operate until the error message clears itself. Dealership "cannot duplicate". I have photographed the warning many times. Hyundai corporate is of no help. Check LED headlamp…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 5, 2024

“My horn isn't working as designed but when I push on steering wheel feels like it's cracking or breaking behind it. My front axels from factory were out of balance causing a vehicle vibration from 80+km/hr. Dealer thought it was tires not driveline. Different dealer diagnosed it as both axels in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 15, 2023 · crash

“While on the highway my car lost power, gradually slowing down to a stall. I was able to safely park on the side of the road. I got the car to a nearby dealership that kept it for 10 days. The dealership said that the problem was code P2118 (Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 7, 2026

“Windshield wiper in auto mode. Sometimes wipers turn on automatically in bright sunny days with nothing on windshield. When it rains, sometimes automatic wipers will not activate until windshield is completely covered with rain, and visibility is greatly reduced. Sensitivity adjustment has zero…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 1, 2024

“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's side floor mat was the incorrect fit for the year, make, and model vehicle. The contact stated that the floor mat was obstructing the brake…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 15, 2023

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

It is close to typical for the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: 30 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.