2022 Hyundai Santa FE electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The horn has now stopped working in my vehicle twice. It was replaced 01/27/2023, and is now non-functional again. I believe this to be a safety issue as I have no way to warn other drivers or pedestrians of my presence, if necessary. One example of this, was that a vehicle was proceeding into my lane on the interstate yesterday afternoon and I had to avoid them hitting my vehicle by driving onto the shoulder of the road, as I could not use my horn to let them know they were coming into my lane while I was on the side of them.

NHTSA complaint #11756159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I did a navigation update as requested by the infotainment system on the Hyundai. After the update, the air conditioner would not turn on when the ac button was depressed . I took the vehicle to my local Hyundai dealer and they found the ac blower and ac button working intermittently. After further inspection, the mechanic found the multi fuses that sit on the PCB bloc had one burnt fuse that did not blow and was still hot and the PCB block had melted around where the fuse connected to it. ( Hyundai stated that they required the damaged PCB fuse, the PCB block and the harness). I'm concerned that the electrical short discovered by the Hyundai mechanic could have progress and burnt my car or my house since I keep my car in the garage. The Mechanic working for the Hyundai dealer found the burnt fuses and PCB block and kept them after replacing them with new parts. The ac was working fine until I did the navigation update and there were no warnings whatsoever.

NHTSA complaint #11749431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have videos of these two incidents and others that I could not upload. While driving on the PA Turnpike at 4:25PM on 5/22/26 75 mph my accelerator pedal stopped responding, my front collision warning light, engine, EPB, and numerous other lights came on across my dashboard despite there being no contact with any object and my speed rapidly dropped. The front camera came on as if there was an object too close. I was in the middle lane. While I was trying to move to the shoulder there were tractor trailers behind me and to my right that began flashing their lights because my speed drastically dropped and was unable to safely stay with the flow of traffic in the heavy rain. While still in Drive car started changing through notices on my digital screen "Check Blind-Spot Safety system" "Check Forward Safety system" with the car crash icon, and "Check Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system." Then I began trying to press the accelerator pedal again and the car would not move at all but the tachometer was going to 2x1000rpm. When I turned the car off and turned it back on again the engine light was still on, but the accelerator pedal was responsive. About an hour later when the tow truck driver from AAA attempted to drive the car on to the flat bed the accelerator pedal was unresponsive again. This was at least the fifth time my vehicle had lost propulsion without warning. Every prior time Bowser Hyundai had different reasons for the failure, made a repair, and said it was safe to drive. Another incident occurred 4/7/2026 using cruise control at 84 mph when the car unexpectedly lost propulsion. The accelerator was again unresponsive, I was on the turnpike with two children in the vehicle. I steered towards the shoulder and the car slowed to a stop. After that incident, Bowser Hyundai replaced the transmission on the car. They notified me on June 18 that they believe they fixed the problem again but I don't feel the vehicle is safe for my family and worry it will be deadly

NHTSA complaint #11745518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | Current Mileage: 140,000 Description of Safety Defect: While operating a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe at speed, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of motive power in the middle of a live, active roadway without any prior warning or dashboard indicator lights. The transmission abruptly dropped out of gear and the engine shut down entirely, trapping the driver and three young children in active traffic and creating an immediate, life-threatening highway safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to Sport Durst Hyundai in Durham, NC, where technicians confirmed a total internal transmission failure where the gears fail to engage. This exact mechanical failure mechanism directly mirrors the severe engineering defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number 22V746000 (Hyundai Safety Recall 236) for electric oil pump failures causing a sudden loss of drive power. Hyundai Motor America Corporate Case Management has issued a flat denial of all safety and goodwill repair coverage based strictly on the vehicle's 140,000 miles, claiming that mileage absolves them of product liability for a catastrophic drivetrain safety defect that endangered three young children. Furthermore, the franchise dealership is actively withholding the GDS diagnostic failure scan codes from the consumer, calling them "internal documents" to actively suppress federal evidence of this safety failure. Further, the authorized Hyundai dealership engaged in deceptive practices by refusing to put anything in writing, and refusing my request for any diagnostic information, including any report indicating diagnostic error codes, technician summary, etc.

NHTSA complaint #11743203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Beginning on 04/17/2026, my vehicle began displaying multiple safety-related dashboard warnings simultaneously, accompanied by audible alerts. The warnings included the Forward Collision Safety System, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Stability and Traction Control, Lane Keep Assist, and AUTO HOLD — all activating at the same time. These warnings reappeared on several occasions and were photographed with date and location data embedded in each image. My vehicle was brought to Burlington Hyundai dealership, where a repair order was opened and a loaner was provided. The car was returned without the issue being fixed. Within days, the same warnings reappeared and the situation worsened. On multiple occasions, the engine shut off completely and the transmission shifted into neutral on its own while my vehicle was being driven at approximately 20 to 40 mph. On at least one occasion, the parking brake engaged automatically without any input from the driver. A dashboard photo clearly documents the message "Engine Off! Shift to N, then start engine." These failures are a serious danger to everyone on the road. When the engine shuts off while driving, normal steering and braking ability is lost. When the parking brake engaged on its own, the car stopped abruptly with no warning. Any one of these incidents could have caused a serious accident or injury. My vehicle was returned to the dealership for a second repair visit and a second loaner was provided. The dealership confirmed via text that the car was still in the shop but never followed up with a diagnosis or timeline. When the dealership was called directly, no update was provided. As of 06/04/2026, my vehicle has been at the dealership for at least 30 days across two visits — 11 days for the first and at least 19 days for the second — with no confirmed root cause, no completed repair, and no clear communication.

NHTSA complaint #11742021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving to work, the rear driver-side window suddenly fell down into the door without warning. The power window/regulator system appears to have failed. The window would not stay up or operate normally afterward. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This created a safety concern because the vehicle could not be secured, outside air/noise entered the vehicle while driving, and rain/debris could enter the passenger compartment. It also created a distraction while driving because the sudden window drop was unexpected. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The issue has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair shop. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. The suspected failed component is the rear driver-side power window regulator or related window mechanism. Cause is unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11740975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuel injector failed the entire engine on my 2022 Santa Fe had to be completely replaced. The dealership put in a new engine. Santa Fe is only four years old. That is highly unusual.

NHTSA complaint #11733833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Took my 22 Sante fe to the Hyundai dealership to have the blower motor checked since I have no air flow in my car. Dealership informed me that the engine harness needs replaced and that it melted the fuse box under the hood. So, I am not able to replace my blower motor at this time due to the melted fuse box. Dealership also advised that they have seen the same problem in multiple 22 Sante Fe. and that there is likely more with the same issue within the United States. I have been noticing a melting/hot smell in the car before the airflow quit and I took it to the dealership to be diagnosed.

NHTSA complaint #11713858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Engine control harness with under fuse box due to melted fuse box. This caused my blower motor and relay to go bad. No air flow currently in car due to control harness. Dealership stated that there has been several Sante Fe that has came in this year with the same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11706884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that intermittently, the gear shifter was inoperable, and the message "Gear Shift Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure required that the vehicle be turned, which automatically engaged the parking brake. The contact stated that upon pressing the Start button, and then depressing the brake pedal, the contact was able to move the gear shifter to park(P) and to the other gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring was open between the transaxle, the rain switch, and the shift control unit. The dealer replaced the wiring. Upon test-driving the vehicle, the dealer noticed that the vehicle was still experiencing abnormal vibrations. The dealer recommended that the transmission be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA complaint #11705794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Horn stopped working

NHTSA complaint #11695126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Bought Car in 2022 when COVID was still a problem. I had problems with the LED screen on the dash turning off. It did come back after about 10-15 minutes. I had to pull over to the side of the road in the meantime. I brought my car in and no problem was found. I was told that there was no way they could order a $6,000 part if they could not reproduce the problem. I still have had this problem periodically, but it does not last as long. This can be a safety risk when the screen goes out when driving. My check engine light has gone off many time in the 3 yrs and 7 months of me owning the vehicle. I am asked if the light is blinking when this occurs. If I said 'no', I was told 'then you don't have to worry'. I had my car in to evaluate the engine light on, and was told not to worry that no code showed up (I did not get a service record if they didn't find any thing, despite me asking). The very next day I was stranded on a busy Hwy. My car was towed to the shop. I barely got off the Hwy as one of my fuel injectors was bad. I was 45 min from my home and the check engine light went on. I started driving home and called the service dept. I was told that as long as the light was not blinking, it would be ok, and I tomorrow I should call for an appt if it is still on. My car started to act up when I was nearing my home, but it was drivable. The next morning the light was still on. I did not feel safe driving it around and felt it was another fuel injector. I was driving my car to the shop and the car was slowing down a little at a time. By the time I was about 1/2 mile from the shop, my car was only going 14 miles per hour. I was driving on the side of the hwy with my flashing lights on. Very unsafe. I know that I have a lemon for a car, but not taken seriously, that is a PROBLEM. I have had many more times that my engine light was on and would bring it in for an evaluation. Sometimes things were found, other times not. I am concerned about that lack of concern.

NHTSA complaint #11680011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The horns stopped working, and this is a safety item since it’s the only way to notify another vehicle or pedestrian if they will be hit by my car. Another day, a car came out of the parking lot and almost hit my car. I was only able to avoid that accident because I reversed quickly. I took my car to the dealership, and it was confirmed that the horns are not working. To fix this issue, I need to replace them. But since my car is out of warranty, I will need to pay for this service. On 07/14/2025, I called Hyundai (Case number 4117-7538) to request the application of an extended warranty that they started to offer for the 2021-2025 model year Elantra (Z03). Since my car is the 2022 model year Santa Fe, they did not accept my request. I noticed that on several websites, Hyundai car owners are complaining about their car horns. Just the fact that Hyundai started to provide an extended warranty for a different model, but in the same year range as my car, confirms that they are having issues with this part. I just know about this extended warranty because I also have an 2024 elantra hybrid, that is covered by it (as you can see on the uploaded letter).

NHTSA complaint #11673292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle will stall out while driving at speeds Loss of braking capability and steering capabilities all lost when this happens. Vehicle will roll until stop. No control to steer or brake

NHTSA complaint #11669378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On [XXX] at [XXX], my [XXX] daughter was locked inside my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) while holding the Smart Key fob in the back seat. She pressed the lock button, and the vehicle completely locked — with her and the key fob still inside. This violates the Smart Key safety feature described in Hyundai’s owner’s manual, which says the car should not lock if the key is inside. That system failed. There were no warning lights or alerts. I had no way to unlock the doors. I experienced a full panic attack. I feared my child could die from heat exposure. I was forced to break the rear window to rescue her. I was terrified the glass might injure her, but I had no choice. Since then, I have been emotionally traumatized and avoid driving out of fear it will happen again. To my knowledge, this has not yet been inspected by a dealer or Hyundai. I am reporting this because the Smart Key locking system failed in a dangerous way that put my child’s life at risk. This system should be investigated for defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11664151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The reverse camera system did not come on when reversing. It could lead to someone like a child getting hurt if they’re walking behind the vehicle. The problem was reproduced by the dealer and serviced for this issue. They confirmed it was the same problem as the recall. There is a recall for 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe’s that were manufactured in the Alabama plant. This is where my car was manufactured. For some reason, it was not included in the VINs that were recalled.

NHTSA complaint #11653437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The integrated thermal monitor is stuck. When I took it to Ken Vance Hyundai today, they said it is a common issue and if left unfixed. It would blow the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11632208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

I have had to have a problem with my power teain worked on at two different Hundia dealership I am having an issue where the horn just stops blowing and that isvery dangerous. After switching off and restarting the horn will work again.

NHTSA complaint #11630749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2022 santa fe xrt within the 1st yr of owing in 2022 the horn stopped working in the winter. Went to dealership told it was known issue they replaced it. A few months later into following year still winter went out again they fixed again stating my car has 2 horns and both failed. So far 2022 and 2023 2 times. Fast forward to earlier in 2024 beginning of year horn failed again took to dealer expressed my concern of this is a safety and inconvenience issue they apologized but no recall yet. Now it's almost 2025 and I will be taking my car back to the dealership this weekend for yet another time due to the horn not working at all. I've found out my horn has not worked due to driving and a vehicle almost colliding into my lane and went to honk horn and nothing. A separate time a person has cut out in front of me almost causing an accident and all I could do is to lock up my breaks and swerve hope they see me and don't get hit could not beep to warn them. I bought the car brand new in 2022 feb and I have had the horn replaced 4 to 5 times and they still are staying no recall this is ridiculous.

NHTSA complaint #11630492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The back doors should unlock when the SUV is put in park or the motor is turned off. However, it does not unlock over 25% of the time. This means the back doors can not be opened from the outside or inside. People in the back cannot get out unless the doors are manually unlocked from the control panel in the front. This is a real safety issue if there was an accident and the people are trapped in the car. This issue has been reported to the dealer for almost two years. They have not been able to fix the issue. I have reported this problem to Hyundai National Consumer Affairs (case # [XXX]) asking for their help. I ask if this falls under the lemon law since it can not be fixed and is safety issue. I was informed they could not help me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11626147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car completely shut off in the middle of driving and I was unable to put the car into park or use the emergency brake and hazard lights because all of the controls are electronic. The lack of mechanical safety features is a danger.

NHTSA complaint #11605078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On Monday nite returning Tuesday Morning I was coming home from work and I noticed my engine light is on and car is not running properly. I had to drive slower than normal at 12:30 AM I can usually drive the expressway but I am glad I didn’t .I live in Detroit Mi My employer which is Amazon is located in Romulus Michigan so I took [XXX] to [XXX] that when I notice my automobile was not driving as usual so I pull over and I notice my check engine light was on so I restarted my car several and it still was on so I Prayed and drove slow all the way home Thank God I made safely my auto have 7100 miles on it I had one oil change the next one is due at 10,000 miles. So the next morning I was at dealership when it opened and met with the manager at Lafountain Hyundai on Telegraph in Dearborn Mi He tried to diagnose my car and showed but it didn’t work so he told me to take it to Lafountain Dealership in Livonia I arrived and they told me their were backed for three weeks And couldn’t get a appt and when I do I will have to leave like everyone else and I saw all those cars mine just sitting so I ask the reception and she had no answer after I explain so I tried Hyundai Corporate office no answer so I been read all the trouble shooting information but that wouldn’t help because is slipping so I came home and back on the internet and began reading other comment. I can’t leave my car I need to go to work how am going there buses do run out there and I don’t have any other Transportation so my car will just until someone helps me Thank you for excepting my complaint please help me I am losing money how can I pay for my car with no money. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11598248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Engine light comes on and car starts jerking or when I start the car it does it and jerks and drives 5 mph. Cruise control jerks when using it and the sensors go off for no reason.

NHTSA complaint #11579130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

The horn is not working. I looked on google and it says that the manufacturer does not know about the problem and other cars are not working.

NHTSA complaint #11552923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving the vehicle my pregnant wife and 1 year old baby were in the car with me. Car started shaking and i was loosing speed right before getting off the freeway. There was a very strong smell of gas as if it was leaking but it was not. I have an appointment to be checked at the dealership Wednesday August 16th. This is the second time something like this happens while driving in the freeway.

NHTSA complaint #11538430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the horn was inoperable. Additionally, the TPMS was offering an incorrect reading. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and the contact was informed that nitrogen needed to be used while inflating the tires. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000

NHTSA complaint #11499547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car has stalled and shut down and locked up completely while I was driving the vehicle for the 4 th time Thanksgiving Day. I was petrified! I called service at the dealership and they wanted to charge me. The car isn’t even a year old! What is Hyundai going to do about this?

NHTSA complaint #11494975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We have had already had two issues with our Hyundai Santa Fe that we purchased new from a dealer on 5/21.The first malfunction happened on 7/23. While driving, we had several messages come across the dashboard warning that some sensors were not working properly. We then had the warning light, front collision light, the traction control light, the abs light, the auto hold and the emergency brake all light on the dash. We also lost the blind spot sensor on the side mirrors. Called the dealer and took the car in. Two days later was told it was a wheel sensor and all should be good. Then on 8/31, while merging onto a highway, I pressed the accelerator and although the engine revved, the car did not increase in speed. Luckily the car behind me was able to swing around me and I put on my hazards and pulled to side of the road. I turned the car off, restarted it and pulled out. Five miles down the road, while in traffic, the same issue occurred, but after about thirty seconds or so, the car jerked and picked up speed, Back to the dealer it goes and they called to tell me that they cannot replicate it and there are no diagnostic codes showing. They are going to keep it for a few more days to do some more diagnostic testing, but don't know what the issue is. This is a brand new car -

NHTSA complaint #11482769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We have a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe with less than 17,000 miles. We pulled into the left turn lane at an intersection. When we stopped for a red light, the vehicle abruptly shut down all power with no warning. We tried to restart the car and nothing would work. We tried the hazard warning flashers and they did not work. Our vehicle was completely dead with no dash lights, no infotainment screen, we could not put the car in park or drive. We could not activate the emergency brake. It was as if the battery was disconnected. We were sitting in the travel lane of a very busy multi-lane roadway with no way to exit the vehicle unless we allowed it to become an errant vehicle. If my husband took his foot off the brake, the vehicle would have rolled backwards down the hill where we were stopped. After several light cycles, we were able to get a break in traffic and he was able to let the vehicle roll backwards and steer the car into a small roadside parking lot. I was able to find someone in an adjacent business who gave us a wooden chock to put under the tire so he could take his foot off the brake and prevent the car from reentering back into traffic. We called Roadside Assistance and tried unsuccessfully to restart the vehicle numerous times over the 2 1/2 hours while we were waiting for the tow truck. The tow truck driver came and was able to jump start the vehicle. This has now happened a total of 4 times in the last 4 months. The dealerships can not recreate the problem and there are no diagnostic codes because the vehicle dies abruptly. Hyundai Customer Service refuses to do anything to help with this issue because there are no codes and the tech can't recreate the issue. We can not drive this vehicle because when it happens it is very sudden and gives no warning. This could be a serious safety issue when the vehicle shuts down in the travel lane and we are unable to get out of the vehicle, activate emergency flashers or even put the car in park.

NHTSA complaint #11481829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.