Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Lori W
Jan 21, 2021

Meet the Santa Fe, one of the most value-packed mid-sized SUVs available on the market. Hyundai didn’t hold back when designing the Santa Fe, however, that doesn’t mean they figured it all out, there have still been some problems.

So, how many recalls has the Hyundai Santa Fe had? 

In total, there have been 29 recalls involving the Hyundai Santa Fe. While the 2020 model has not been impacted by any recalls to date, there have been several recalls affecting other late-model Santa Fe vehicles. 

In this article, we’ll provide the details on seven recalls affecting 2016 through 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. We’ll also offer steps to take so the problem can be fixed by a repair specialist.

Blue 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe From Driver Side

Secondary Hood Latch May Bind and Not Latch

NHTSA Recall ID: 17V358000

Hyundai has issued a recall for certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The concern is the secondary hood latch actuating cable could corrode and bind, causing it to stay in the unlatched position, even when the hood is closed.

The hood could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of crash. This recall began August 4, 2017.

Hyundai has contacted owners, who are asked to take their vehicles to a dealer. The secondary latch cable will be replaced at no charge.

Absence of Front Seat Belt Audible Warning

NHTSA Recall ID: 16V145000

Certain 2016-17 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles are being recalled by Hyundai. Impacted vehicles were manufactured from September 1, 2015 through February 12, 2016. The front seat belt warning may not work because the wires may be damaged by the seat’s height-adjust mechanism.

Occupants may not realize they aren’t buckled, increasing injury risk if there were a crash. In addition, the affected vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 2018, “Occupant Crash Protection.” This recall began August 4, 2017.

Hyundai has contacted owners, who are asked to bring their vehicles to a dealer. A repair professional will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, at no charge.

Engine Bearing Wear May Cause Engine Stall

NHTSA Recall ID: 17V578000

Hyundai is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have irregularities in the crankshaft pin. This can cause the engine to stall, increasing crash risk. This recall began November 6, 2017.

Hyundai has contacted owners. Vehicles should be brought to a dealer who will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge.

Incorrect Tire Pressure Sensor Mode

NHTSA Recall ID: 17V142000

Auto Mechanic Checking Tire Pressure

An incorrect tire pressure sensor mode caused Hyundai to recall certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not have been set in the correct mode when the vehicle was being assembled, resulting in the vehicle’s failure to provide a warning in the event of an underinflated tire. This recall began March 31, 2017.

Hyundai has contacted owners to take their vehicles to a dealer, who will replace the PMS sensors free of charge.

Trailer Brakes May Stay Illuminated

NHTSA Recall ID: 16V842000

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015 through November 14, 2016. Vehicles impacted by the recall may be equipped with a faulty accessory trailer hitch wiring harness, causing the two hitch modules to malfunction, resulting in trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. This recall began January 13, 2017.

Hyundai has contacted owners, who are requested to take their vehicles to dealers who will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harness at no cost.

Steering Wheel May Detach from Steering Column

NHTSA Recall ID: 18V118000

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2018 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly could break. This could result in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while the vehicle is being driven, increasing crash risk.  This recall began March 26, 2018.

Hyundai has contacted owners, who must take their vehicle to a dealer. The dealer will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it at no cost, if necessary.

Bolts Damaging Side Curtain Airbags

NHTSA Recall ID: 18V715000

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Side curtain airbag (SCAB) mounting bolts could interfere with, and even damage, airbags when they are deployed during a crash. This may result in the airbags not inflating properly, increasing risk of injury.  This recall began December 3, 2018.

Hyundai has contacted owners, advising they take their vehicles to a dealer. A repair professional will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts at no charge.

How Should You Handle an Open Recall on a Hyundai Santa Fe?

If you aren’t sure whether your Hyundai Santa Fe has an open recall, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and enter the VIN to find out.

Once you hit “submit,” you will see a list of any open recalls affecting it. Alternatively, you can enter the vehicle’s year, make and model for a list of recalls potentially impacting your vehicle.

If a recall should pop up, make note of whether it is pending and contact the Hyundai customer service line at either 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-633-5151. They will explain what you need to do and where to go for recall service.

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