2022 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid problems

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic structural manufacturing defect involving a transmission case half seal failure. The transmission is actively seeping/leaking fluid directly from the factory-mated case assembly line seal. This presents a severe, progressive safety hazard. Transmission fluid leaking from the case half migrates along the underbody of the vehicle and directly coats hot exhaust and powertrain components during highway operation. This creates an immediate risk of under-hood smoke, thermal degradation, component stalling, or a potential vehicle fire at high speeds. Certified diagnostic inspection confirms this is a factory assembly defect (defective RTV sealant application or improper factory bolt torque) and not mechanical wear-and-tear or driver neglect. The vehicle currently has 88,000 miles, but the structural failure was first physically documented by a licensed facility at 59,870 miles. The manufacturer (Hyundai Motor America) has currently refused to honor the powertrain failure, forcing the vehicle to remain on the road with an active powertrain fluid leak risk.

NHTSA complaint #11753084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While accelerating at a light, the accelerator became unresponsive, only propelling the vehicle a couple miles per hour. I was not able to pull over, as I was in the left lane of a very busy road. After about 15 seconds of lack of acceleration, the accelerator responded enough for me to pull over. I’m glad this incident did not occur on a highway, during a turn, or other hazardous situations. Dash displayed, “Check hybrid system. Pull over safely”. There was no indication or issue with the vehicle prior to this. I haven’t had any issues since I bought it several months ago. I’ve read reports of this same issue happening with this same model. I have a scheduled date for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11708867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While accelerating at a light, the accelerator became unresponsive, only propelling the vehicle a couple miles per hour. I was not able to pull over, as I was in the left lane of a very busy road. After about 15 seconds of lack of acceleration, the accelerator responded enough for me to pull over. I’m glad this incident did not occur on a highway, during a turn, or other hazardous situations. Dash displayed, “Check hybrid system. Pull over safely”. There was no indication or issue with the vehicle prior to this. I haven’t had any issues since I bought it several months ago. I’ve read reports of this same issue happening with this same model. I have a scheduled date for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11708867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While accelerating at a light, the accelerator became unresponsive, only propelling the vehicle a couple miles per hour. I was not able to pull over, as I was in the left lane of a very busy road. After about 15 seconds of lack of acceleration, the accelerator responded enough for me to pull over. I’m glad this incident did not occur on a highway, during a turn, or other hazardous situations. Dash displayed, “Check hybrid system. Pull over safely”. There was no indication or issue with the vehicle prior to this. I haven’t had any issues since I bought it several months ago. I’ve read reports of this same issue happening with this same model. I have a scheduled date for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11708867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil leaking from engine dripping down to floor.

NHTSA complaint #11657968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Ever since new this suv will periodically hesitate when trying to accelerate. I have almost been rearended numerous times over the last few years do to this issue. I have had the SUV into the dealer and complained about this issue every time and they cannot seem to do anything about the issue. The have update software (or at least said they have) and done other things and it has made NO difference. This issue almost caused a serious accident just this week when I was trying to merge into traffic on I5.

NHTSA complaint #11656192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Ever since new this suv will periodically hesitate when trying to accelerate. I have almost been rearended numerous times over the last few years do to this issue. I have had the SUV into the dealer and complained about this issue every time and they cannot seem to do anything about the issue. The have update software (or at least said they have) and done other things and it has made NO difference. This issue almost caused a serious accident just this week when I was trying to merge into traffic on I5.

NHTSA complaint #11656192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

vehicle will not change out of EV electric mode and return to gas power causing hybrid battery drains to zero, vehicle loses acceleration, you can push the gas pedal to the floor and you have no acceleration, very UNSAFE when you are in traffic, no power to maneuver or avoid other vehicles quickly if needed, potential for accidents, hybrid system warning lights and alarms go on, have to try and pull over safely, battery will not recharge or takes a very long time to do so, only recourse is to shut vehicle off and restart which seems to reset vehicle, which in turn does not leave any warning lights other than codes on to show dealer, very dangerous to lose all acceleration capacity while in traffic, this has happened multiple times with the latest being today 3/23/25, vehicle is available for you to inspect, have had other powertrain codes issues as well, dealer has replaced fuel pump and erg valve but it does not resolve this hybrid issue, this battery drain issue has occurred multiple times but no resolution, help!

NHTSA complaint #11650017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

vehicle will not change out of EV electric mode and return to gas power causing hybrid battery drains to zero, vehicle loses acceleration, you can push the gas pedal to the floor and you have no acceleration, very UNSAFE when you are in traffic, no power to maneuver or avoid other vehicles quickly if needed, potential for accidents, hybrid system warning lights and alarms go on, have to try and pull over safely, battery will not recharge or takes a very long time to do so, only recourse is to shut vehicle off and restart which seems to reset vehicle, which in turn does not leave any warning lights other than codes on to show dealer, very dangerous to lose all acceleration capacity while in traffic, this has happened multiple times with the latest being today 3/23/25, vehicle is available for you to inspect, have had other powertrain codes issues as well, dealer has replaced fuel pump and erg valve but it does not resolve this hybrid issue, this battery drain issue has occurred multiple times but no resolution, help!

NHTSA complaint #11650017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

vehicle will not change out of EV electric mode and return to gas power causing hybrid battery drains to zero, vehicle loses acceleration, you can push the gas pedal to the floor and you have no acceleration, very UNSAFE when you are in traffic, no power to maneuver or avoid other vehicles quickly if needed, potential for accidents, hybrid system warning lights and alarms go on, have to try and pull over safely, battery will not recharge or takes a very long time to do so, only recourse is to shut vehicle off and restart which seems to reset vehicle, which in turn does not leave any warning lights other than codes on to show dealer, very dangerous to lose all acceleration capacity while in traffic, this has happened multiple times with the latest being today 3/23/25, vehicle is available for you to inspect, have had other powertrain codes issues as well, dealer has replaced fuel pump and erg valve but it does not resolve this hybrid issue, this battery drain issue has occurred multiple times but no resolution, help!

NHTSA complaint #11650017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Our vehicle continues to experience loss of power driving , on cold days below freezing. When driving normally this hybrid vehicle will be in hybrid mode at a stop, then when accelerating, the ICE engine will not start to assist the hybrid, causing a bare minimum of power to be available, just enough to pull over. On several occasions this has led to very near rear end collisions from the driver's behind. So far I've been able to avoid injury, as I recognize the condition and am hyper attentive to its possible happening. The vehicle handed shown any Check engine warnings until yesterday. As it was dying I pumped the accelerator to see if it would go, latching a TPS out of range code. The condition has been brought to Hyundai Corporate and dealerships with no repair, and no resolution, they say it's fine. This is well documented by others driving Santa Fe Hybrids, and Tucson Hybrids on forums. No one fix has been established, with some dealerships replacing parts, and others no work being done because their scan tool sees nothing. With dozens of recalls for minor inconvenience issues, I do not understand why a recall for this drivability safety issue has not been mandated! These vehicles are defective, and potentially very dangerous. Loss of power, acceleration when others are behind you anticipating you to go, is a real serious danger, not to mention you being stranded in frigid weather. This began happening at 23k miles and continues today with 48k miles on mine. If the vehicle is shut off, then restarted, it is again drivable, until the next happening. One reason Hyundai, says nothing's wrong, and often blames the owners. I can't be without a vehicle, and Hyundai has washed their hands on this, so I'm stuck Hyundai must be forced into an investigation, and a safety recall on this or nothing will be done. How many accidents or deaths are required to get a recall accomplished?

NHTSA complaint #11642761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Our vehicle continues to experience loss of power driving , on cold days below freezing. When driving normally this hybrid vehicle will be in hybrid mode at a stop, then when accelerating, the ICE engine will not start to assist the hybrid, causing a bare minimum of power to be available, just enough to pull over. On several occasions this has led to very near rear end collisions from the driver's behind. So far I've been able to avoid injury, as I recognize the condition and am hyper attentive to its possible happening. The vehicle handed shown any Check engine warnings until yesterday. As it was dying I pumped the accelerator to see if it would go, latching a TPS out of range code. The condition has been brought to Hyundai Corporate and dealerships with no repair, and no resolution, they say it's fine. This is well documented by others driving Santa Fe Hybrids, and Tucson Hybrids on forums. No one fix has been established, with some dealerships replacing parts, and others no work being done because their scan tool sees nothing. With dozens of recalls for minor inconvenience issues, I do not understand why a recall for this drivability safety issue has not been mandated! These vehicles are defective, and potentially very dangerous. Loss of power, acceleration when others are behind you anticipating you to go, is a real serious danger, not to mention you being stranded in frigid weather. This began happening at 23k miles and continues today with 48k miles on mine. If the vehicle is shut off, then restarted, it is again drivable, until the next happening. One reason Hyundai, says nothing's wrong, and often blames the owners. I can't be without a vehicle, and Hyundai has washed their hands on this, so I'm stuck Hyundai must be forced into an investigation, and a safety recall on this or nothing will be done. How many accidents or deaths are required to get a recall accomplished?

NHTSA complaint #11642761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Our vehicle continues to experience loss of power driving , on cold days below freezing. When driving normally this hybrid vehicle will be in hybrid mode at a stop, then when accelerating, the ICE engine will not start to assist the hybrid, causing a bare minimum of power to be available, just enough to pull over. On several occasions this has led to very near rear end collisions from the driver's behind. So far I've been able to avoid injury, as I recognize the condition and am hyper attentive to its possible happening. The vehicle handed shown any Check engine warnings until yesterday. As it was dying I pumped the accelerator to see if it would go, latching a TPS out of range code. The condition has been brought to Hyundai Corporate and dealerships with no repair, and no resolution, they say it's fine. This is well documented by others driving Santa Fe Hybrids, and Tucson Hybrids on forums. No one fix has been established, with some dealerships replacing parts, and others no work being done because their scan tool sees nothing. With dozens of recalls for minor inconvenience issues, I do not understand why a recall for this drivability safety issue has not been mandated! These vehicles are defective, and potentially very dangerous. Loss of power, acceleration when others are behind you anticipating you to go, is a real serious danger, not to mention you being stranded in frigid weather. This began happening at 23k miles and continues today with 48k miles on mine. If the vehicle is shut off, then restarted, it is again drivable, until the next happening. One reason Hyundai, says nothing's wrong, and often blames the owners. I can't be without a vehicle, and Hyundai has washed their hands on this, so I'm stuck Hyundai must be forced into an investigation, and a safety recall on this or nothing will be done. How many accidents or deaths are required to get a recall accomplished?

NHTSA complaint #11642761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When pressing the accelerator from a full stop, the car would either not move at all, idle/roll forward, or unsteadily jerk forward. In addition, the car would brake while driving despite not applying any pressure to the brake pedal. This issue persisted regardless of "drive mode" and no cruise control was in use.

NHTSA complaint #11636018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When pressing the accelerator from a full stop, the car would either not move at all, idle/roll forward, or unsteadily jerk forward. In addition, the car would brake while driving despite not applying any pressure to the brake pedal. This issue persisted regardless of "drive mode" and no cruise control was in use.

NHTSA complaint #11636018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

When pressing the accelerator from a full stop, the car would either not move at all, idle/roll forward, or unsteadily jerk forward. In addition, the car would brake while driving despite not applying any pressure to the brake pedal. This issue persisted regardless of "drive mode" and no cruise control was in use.

NHTSA complaint #11636018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Headed to my work ,outside temp 26 deg F, when on hiway entrance ramp, vehicle lost all acceleration. Vehicle is a hybrid, condition no warning lights on dash, vehicle was stuck in EV mode, which the ICE engine would not start to help as normally would do. Hybrid battery began draining very quickly. There was a semi truck right behind me accelerating hard to get on highway .This time I managed to pull over on the debris filled shoulder before the system fully shut down as it has done before with the warning ⚠️ HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, PULL OVER NOW ! and loud alarm going off. This is a serious loss of total motive power, which I've reported to Hyundai Corporate, and dealerships for repair before, to which they say " we can't duplicate, all systems are fine", and blame me for the problem. Hyundai has washed their hands of this dangerous situation and won't help me. This is the 5th occasion of this problem, I now know from my experience and reading Hyundai forums this issue is wide spread among Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe hybrids, with some places replacing parts, that doesn't fix the issue. I know how to react by pulling over immediately, shut off the vehicle completely, wait... Then restart the vehicle, and so far ,it will drive normal with no codes or warnings after that, until the next random occasion it happens. This is extremely dangerous in cold weather and around other traffic posing a major collision hazard and stranding someone who knows less about this condition. Hundreds have reported this as per the forums, yet no recall or TSB or real fix has been issued by Hyundai.

NHTSA complaint #11635034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Headed to my work ,outside temp 26 deg F, when on hiway entrance ramp, vehicle lost all acceleration. Vehicle is a hybrid, condition no warning lights on dash, vehicle was stuck in EV mode, which the ICE engine would not start to help as normally would do. Hybrid battery began draining very quickly. There was a semi truck right behind me accelerating hard to get on highway .This time I managed to pull over on the debris filled shoulder before the system fully shut down as it has done before with the warning ⚠️ HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, PULL OVER NOW ! and loud alarm going off. This is a serious loss of total motive power, which I've reported to Hyundai Corporate, and dealerships for repair before, to which they say " we can't duplicate, all systems are fine", and blame me for the problem. Hyundai has washed their hands of this dangerous situation and won't help me. This is the 5th occasion of this problem, I now know from my experience and reading Hyundai forums this issue is wide spread among Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe hybrids, with some places replacing parts, that doesn't fix the issue. I know how to react by pulling over immediately, shut off the vehicle completely, wait... Then restart the vehicle, and so far ,it will drive normal with no codes or warnings after that, until the next random occasion it happens. This is extremely dangerous in cold weather and around other traffic posing a major collision hazard and stranding someone who knows less about this condition. Hundreds have reported this as per the forums, yet no recall or TSB or real fix has been issued by Hyundai.

NHTSA complaint #11635034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Headed to my work ,outside temp 26 deg F, when on hiway entrance ramp, vehicle lost all acceleration. Vehicle is a hybrid, condition no warning lights on dash, vehicle was stuck in EV mode, which the ICE engine would not start to help as normally would do. Hybrid battery began draining very quickly. There was a semi truck right behind me accelerating hard to get on highway .This time I managed to pull over on the debris filled shoulder before the system fully shut down as it has done before with the warning ⚠️ HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, PULL OVER NOW ! and loud alarm going off. This is a serious loss of total motive power, which I've reported to Hyundai Corporate, and dealerships for repair before, to which they say " we can't duplicate, all systems are fine", and blame me for the problem. Hyundai has washed their hands of this dangerous situation and won't help me. This is the 5th occasion of this problem, I now know from my experience and reading Hyundai forums this issue is wide spread among Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe hybrids, with some places replacing parts, that doesn't fix the issue. I know how to react by pulling over immediately, shut off the vehicle completely, wait... Then restart the vehicle, and so far ,it will drive normal with no codes or warnings after that, until the next random occasion it happens. This is extremely dangerous in cold weather and around other traffic posing a major collision hazard and stranding someone who knows less about this condition. Hundreds have reported this as per the forums, yet no recall or TSB or real fix has been issued by Hyundai.

NHTSA complaint #11635034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On October 28, 2024 and again on November 26, 2024, a warning light appeared on the dash which said “ check hybrid system stop safely” Within 20 seconds both times , the car became inoperable . When I stepped on the gas nothing happened . The first time I was blocking major traffic , the second time I was on an interstate in the right lane and had time to pull over. In about 15 minutes the light went off and the car drove as normal. The dealer has had the car after both instances , currently for 28 days, and has not been able to replicate the problem .

NHTSA complaint #11632498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On October 28, 2024 and again on November 26, 2024, a warning light appeared on the dash which said “ check hybrid system stop safely” Within 20 seconds both times , the car became inoperable . When I stepped on the gas nothing happened . The first time I was blocking major traffic , the second time I was on an interstate in the right lane and had time to pull over. In about 15 minutes the light went off and the car drove as normal. The dealer has had the car after both instances , currently for 28 days, and has not been able to replicate the problem .

NHTSA complaint #11632498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 80 MPH, the "power low" warning message was displayed, immediately after the contact vehicle proceeded to decrease in speed. The contact proceeded to pull over onto the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was able to successfully restart, and the contact successfully drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed however the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11632444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission faulty needed to be replaced by Hyundai dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11627753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Was driving home from work on the highway at highway speeds and suddenly lost the ability to accelerate with a "Check Hybrid System" warning. At the time of loss of power, I was crossing a bridge and got stuck in the middle of the bridge. I also notice the oil indicator light come on. The engine remained on as far as I can tell but it wouldn't go with the accelerator pedal pressed. I placed the car in park and turned off the vehicle while blocking bridge traffic. 15 seconds later, I turned the vehicle back on, vehicle said ready to drive. I put the car in drive and everything worked normally as best I can tell. Still nervous driving the car for fear of it happening again. Called dealer service but they were closed. What I don't understand is there was 2 recalls for Hyundai Sante Fe hybrids 2022 but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. Why is it only associated with a VIN?

NHTSA complaint #11621525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Was driving home from work on the highway at highway speeds and suddenly lost the ability to accelerate with a "Check Hybrid System" warning. At the time of loss of power, I was crossing a bridge and got stuck in the middle of the bridge. I also notice the oil indicator light come on. The engine remained on as far as I can tell but it wouldn't go with the accelerator pedal pressed. I placed the car in park and turned off the vehicle while blocking bridge traffic. 15 seconds later, I turned the vehicle back on, vehicle said ready to drive. I put the car in drive and everything worked normally as best I can tell. Still nervous driving the car for fear of it happening again. Called dealer service but they were closed. What I don't understand is there was 2 recalls for Hyundai Sante Fe hybrids 2022 but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. Why is it only associated with a VIN?

NHTSA complaint #11621525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.