2023 Hyundai Santa FE transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026CTTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy has experienced transmission problems since it was new and currently has approximately 20,000 miles. I brought it to the dealership approximately three to four times for these concerns, but I was told they could not find a problem or any diagnostic codes. Recently, while driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate even with the accelerator pedal pressed all the way down. I had to pull over to the side of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11769015 · source
2. Filed Sep 6, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD equipped with the 2.5L turbo engine and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. At approximately 39,900 miles, the check-engine light illuminated. Hyundai Bluelink diagnostics reported powertrain/TCU diagnostic trouble code P1C2D03, identified as a high-pressure electric oil pump motor position sensor fault. I am concerned because this same diagnostic trouble code and high-pressure electric oil pump/transmission issue was…

   NHTSA complaint #11762417 · source
3. Filed Aug 12, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   Subject: Formal Dispute: Warranty Breach and Failure to Repair – 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Timeline & Facts:11/2/25 (~52,000 miles): I officially reported an intermittent loss of power and severe engine revving (up to 7,000 RPM). This created a severe safety hazard when merging and accelerating from an idle stop.3/28/26 (Under 60k miles): After months of diagnostic delays, Hyundai confirmed the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) needed replacement under the 60,000-mile warranty. A…

   NHTSA complaint #11756570 · source
4. Filed Aug 10, 2026NCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   This complaint concerns a serious, unresolved powertrain/propulsion safety defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. While traveling approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate normally while surrounded by highway traffic.MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ADVANCE INDICATION. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the loss of propulsion. I had no opportunity to anticipate the failure or prepare to safely exit…

   NHTSA complaint #11755949 · source
5. Filed Jul 12, 2026TXAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The powertrain launch control system — the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission paired with the 2.5T engine — fails to deliver engine power in response to full accelerator input from a stop. The engine does not rev and the vehicle does not move for approximately 1–2 seconds despite the accelerator pedal being fully depressed, then power engages abruptly and violently. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.…

   NHTSA complaint #11749868 · source
6. Filed Jun 26, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle stalled while driving — unsafe loss of power. While driving at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning and the electrical system malfunctioned. I had to pull over and restart car. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a collision. Prior to this incidenct, the vehicle had intermittent electrical issues during startup (flickering electronics). This is the first time the car has experienced during driving, and is now at the Hyundai…

   NHTSA complaint #11746699 · source
7. Filed May 28, 2026MDTransmission & Drivetrain

   While running errands around town, I noticed my 2023 Sante Fe 2.5T was sluggish shifting out of first gear into second. The RPMS revved to about 3K before the transmission shifted into 2nd. I didn't notice any problem shifting into 3rd and above. I drove to a gas station for fuel and shut off my car. When I started it and began to drive, I received an immediate warning to take the car to a dealer and the check engine light came on. The car had the same problem getting out of…

   NHTSA complaint #11740635 · source
8. Filed May 28, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   Hyundai Corporate is refusing to ground or provide alternative transportation for a documented, warranty-covered engine cooling fault (Code P2181), creating a highway stalling risk. Hyundai's legal compliance team reviews these logs daily.

   NHTSA complaint #11740547 · source
9. Filed May 26, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   Shifter malfunction has appeared since I bought the vehicle new. Once I took it in, they said it was the software. The vehicle now skipped and hesitate in the lower gears. When in high gears ride fine. But once it stops and start driving again, lower gears won’t drive properly. Drives with hesitation and skips.

   NHTSA complaint #11740013 · source
10. Filed Mar 30, 2026NCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    On March 4, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM EST, while driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited on [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70 mph (posted speed limit). The vehicle would not accelerate or maintain speed and would not move forward when placed in drive, indicating a failure within the powertrain/transmission system. The vehicle is currently located at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection upon…

    NHTSA complaint #11728065 · source
11. Filed Mar 8, 2026AZTransmission & Drivetrain

    On 6/7/2023 with the original owner, the vehicle displayed code P1c2D03, according to carfax history the transmission was replaced 7/12/2023. I purchased the vehicle in May, 2025. In December, 2025, while driving to work I experienced intermittent loss of ability to accelerate, followed by the vehicle again displaying code P1C2D03 in the Bluelink app. The dealership performed a software update and told me to come get my car. On Monday, February 16, 2026, I started the…

    NHTSA complaint #11722808 · source
12. Filed Jan 27, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

    Component/System Failure: The electronic throttle control system malfunctioned. The vehicle is reporting powertrain diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 through the Hyundai manufacturer mobile application (Bluelink), indicating an electronic throttle actuator / throttle control motor issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because it can cause sudden loss of throttle response, reduced engine power…

    NHTSA complaint #11713618 · 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