2023 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
37 owners have reported engine problems with the 2023 Hyundai Santa FE, 18% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 1,404 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 37
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 1,404 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 35 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software | 1 |
Engine complaints across Hyundai Santa FE years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 5, 2026MDEngine
I was driving, and the SUV all of a sudden lost power. I was trying to press harder on the gas pedal to keep up with the traffic, but the SUV was stalling. The SUV would not move, and as I kept trying to press on the gas pedal, a roaring noise like something was trying to turn but the engine kept trying to move the car. It felt like something in the car was trying to move but something kept slipping. I had to turn the car off in the middle of the street and restart it before…
NHTSA complaint #11755136 · source - Filed Jun 11, 2026OKCrashDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
We were at full stop with Auto Hold feature enabled. Car lurched / jumped forward with no depression of the gas pedal. This caused us to strike the car in front of us.
NHTSA complaint #11743508 · source - Filed Jun 8, 202635,652 miVATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving and decelerating to approximately 10 MPH onto an exit ramp, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The contact noticed that there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes, and several unknown warning lights and messages illuminated, including the Check Engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that a fuel injector had failed and needed to be…
NHTSA complaint #11742763 · source - Filed Jun 3, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
I was driving down the road and came to a stop at a stop light. After accelerating again my car lost the ability to increase speed above 20 miles/hour and would not shift gears. I was heading to the turn lane to get on the interstate and quickly had to change lanes to find an area to pull over as I could not reach highway speeds. I turned the car off. I turned the car back on and the problem resolved. This is the second time this has happened. I have seen this problem…
NHTSA complaint #11741734 · source - Filed Mar 30, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine
During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 Last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] in Los Angeles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728083 · source - Filed Mar 4, 2026TNEngine
I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related incident involving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe on February 14, 2026. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began to overheat, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was close to my home and was able to return there safely, but once parked, I observed coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle. Due to the risk of further overheating or engine failure, the vehicle was not drivable and had to be towed to a local Hyundai…
NHTSA complaint #11722135 · source - Filed Dec 8, 2025NEDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
On a clear road a sencor comes on detect comes on says detection collision. The breaks come on when you are traveling on interstate or two lane roads. When you are traveling 75 mph and breaks come on all of a sudden on the highway. We are lucky we never got hit in the back of the car going that fast. We will stop 75 to 35 mph in 10 seconds.
NHTSA complaint #11703865 · source - Filed Oct 29, 2025MDEngine
Was driving at 10 MPH on highway car began to cut out run rough and produce an extremely pungent smell of gasoline.. then stalled.. vehicle serviced and low pressure fuel injector had a leak causing fuel to spill onto the vehicles starter causing it to fail as well.. both were replaced under warranty by dealer. Highly concerned about fuel leaking from injector system onto a hot engine and electrical components and the aerosolized fuel. Police advised not to start vehicle due…
NHTSA complaint #11696368 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2025PAEngine
My 2023 Santa Fe Limited has 3,000 mils on it. At least four times it had low speed hesitation (lags then revs up for a few seconds). It’s a problem with the DCT (Dual Clutch Tranny) Hesitation pulling onto a highway poses a significant risk of a faster car colliding into my car. I called my car dealer and the service manager said they know they are having problems with this. He said they tried everything to remedy the problem but, there is no solution. They said the only…
NHTSA complaint #11690291 · source - Filed Sep 12, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngine
On [XXX] in Rehoboth, DE, my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a sudden and complete power failure while reversing out of a parking spot. All electrical systems shut down—including propulsion, dashboard lights, and emergency brake—causing the vehicle to roll backward into oncoming traffic. No warning lights appeared beforehand. After about an hour, power returned on its own. A passing police officer witnessed the situation and a report was filed with the Rehoboth Beach…
NHTSA complaint #11686936 · source - Filed Jul 7, 2025FLEngine
While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the fifth of five times…
NHTSA complaint #11671548 · source - Filed Jul 7, 2025FLEngine
While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the fourth of five…
NHTSA complaint #11671543 · source
Other 2023 Hyundai Santa FE problem areas
- Other / Unknown (62)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (45)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (40)
- Electrical System (36)
- Brakes (25)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (15)
- Visibility & Wipers (13)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (12)
- Body & Structure (7)
- Wheels & Tires (6)
- Steering (3)
- Seats & Seat Belts (3)
- Lighting (3)
- Airbags (2)
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