2025 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Driving vehicle on surface street, engine would not accelerate past 3000 RPM. No immediate codes or warnings, backed off gas pedal and went to accelerate again. This time many warnings illuminated. Second report from myself for same issue. Wife has had the vehicle in for same problem 4 times, last time was last week.

   NHTSA complaint #11769868 · source
2. Filed Oct 1, 2026VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was driving. I had to stop on the shoulder of the hwy. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. The dealer opened R.O. No. [XXX] on 9-3, recording mileage in of 23,595. It inspected the vehicle and…

   NHTSA complaint #11768315 · source
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026SCEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The primary component failure is within the hybrid powertrain control architecture, specifically involving the transmission control system or internal transmission clutches/modules (TCM/HEV control module). The vehicle utilizes a 6-speed automatic transmission integrated with an electric motor. During highway cruising, the transmission locks into a single gear ratio or a protective "limp mode," resulting in a total loss of normal acceleration despite high engine RPMs. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11766539 · source
4. Filed Sep 19, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on a highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle abruptly suffered a catastrophic loss of power and entered "Limp Mode," creating a severe safety hazard on the roadway. The vehicle was safely maneuvered and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon shutting the vehicle down and attempting to restart it after a few minutes, the powertrain completely failed to engage, refusing to shift into either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle became entirely disabled and…

   NHTSA complaint #11765583 · source
5. Filed Sep 14, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   **What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection?** The vehicle's electrical/power system failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. This is the fourth occurrence of this failure. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and available for inspection. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The power failure occurred while driving on a busy road. The driver struggled to safely maneuver the vehicle (executing a…

   NHTSA complaint #11764110 · source
6. Filed Sep 9, 2026NCEngine

   The car suddenly loses acceleration; the engine still runs and revs to ~3,000 RPM. The car can't drive over 35mph; no check engine light at all. The dealer said a high-pressure fuel pump caused it and replaced it under warranty; after 3 days, the same problem happened again. This is extremely dangerous if the vehicle is on a highway and suddenly loses acceleration. This could be fatal for the driver and other vehicles around it.

   NHTSA complaint #11763033 · source
7. Filed Sep 4, 2026TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   First Incident – XXX Weekend ([XXX]) Accelerating at an on-ramp to a major highway (I-37S) in [XXX], vehicle suddenly lost power. Speed dropped from 60 mph to 45 mph, then 28 mph, in a 65 mph zone during rush hour traffic. No apparent cause: had ¾ tank of fuel, a clean maintenance history, and no prior issues. Managed to reach the shoulder and, after several minutes, able to exit the highway. Vehicle would not accelerate above 35–45 mph and stayed around 30mph, and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11762194 · source
8. Filed Sep 2, 2026NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power on the highway and would not accelerate beyond approximately 20 mph despite accelerator input. There were no warning lights or check-engine light. The condition created a safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain normal traffic speed. Hyundai dealer has been unable to determine the cause on other vehicles with the same problem, and was trying to discourage me from reporting this. They also said that they'd keep…

   NHTSA complaint #11761734 · source
9. Filed Aug 28, 2026WVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messages, except LV3. Which was a completely different issue. This issue I was able to…

   NHTSA complaint #11760351 · source
10. Filed Aug 25, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    While driving in the evening around 9:00 pm with AC on crash detection lights came on along with other emergency dashboard lights . Speed was limited to 23 miles per hour .

    NHTSA complaint #11759322 · source
11. Filed Aug 24, 2026TXBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

    My vehicle randomly slows it self down while driving. I would be pressing the gas and the car would voluntarily slow down on its own with no warning. This problem can lead to plenty of accidents due to me or any other driver around me being unaware when my vehicle will brake on its own. The problem has been confirmed by Hyundai Patterson of Tyler, Texas and they have worked on my car twice to fix the issue and it still hasn't been fixed. The issue started about a month ago…

    NHTSA complaint #11759187 · source
12. Filed Jul 27, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    1. The SUV experiences complete power loss and goes into limp mode. Have been in nearly 3 accidents on highways with a vehicle that goes from 65 to 35 with no warning and then cannot accelerate or gain speed. 2. Battery, out of no where, goes from 3/4 full to 1 or 2 bars. 3. Extreme shaking of the vehicle while driving and at rest. 4. Vehicle is less than a year old and has been in for the same issue 4x. Currently with dealership since 6 July with no communication despite…

    NHTSA complaint #11752967 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology