2023 Hyundai SANTA FE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2023 Hyundai SANTA FE has 301 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 289. The most common issue is other problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: i bought a brand new 2023 hyundai santa fe. not even one month later the panoramic sunroof exploded while i was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. there were no warning lamps, messages or other signs that this would/could happen prior to the incident. i was not informed by the dealership that this. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.
301
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
OTHER
58 complaints- • I bought a brand new 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not even one month later the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. There were no warning lamps, messages or other signs that this would/could happen prior to the incident. I was not informed by the dealership that this
- • While traveling on state highway I heard a sudden, loud pop, similar to a gunshot sound. I looked everywhere and noticed that the sunroof was shattered. It is panoramic and was open. The rear, unopened section was completely shattered. Upon closer inspection there is a jagged hole about 1.5 inches i
- • Hello, I would like to point out a safety issue many new car manufacturers have actually implemented. I've witnessed this safety issue at two accident myself. Most automakers today lock your car doors automatically unnoticed by most drivers . The door locks are operated by electrical current only,
“I bought a brand new 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not even one month later the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. There were no warning lamps, messages or other signs that this would/could happen prior to the incident. I was not informed by the dealership that this”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2023 Hyundai SANTA FE
Based on 26 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 8K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.
Recalls (1)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
High theft risk
The Hyundai SANTA FE was the #22 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 4,500 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Notes: Kia Boys challenge affected pre-2022 keyless models
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2023 Hyundai SANTA FE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Hyundai SANTA FE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Hyundai SANTA FE Service Intervals
Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 301 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐OTHER: I bought a brand new 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not even one month later the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. There were no warning lamps, messages or other signs that this would/could happen prior to the incident. I was not informed by the dealership that this
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Forward collision warning system engaged unexpectedly, braked hard to the point of smelling burnt tires. No collision imminent. Normal driving conditions. On a second occasion, stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle suddenly warned of foward parking collision. Front camera engaged and yellow
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: Stopped at left turn lane light. Light turns green and vehicle engine revolutions increase as I press on gas pedal but car does not move. Cars behind me lean on their horns and take evasive maneuvers to go around me. Car finally goes very slowly and transmission disengages in middle of left turn lea
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: Driving at 25 mph and the vehicle alerted "shift to neutral" and came to a complete stop and stalled. Had no warning, couldn't even pull to side of road. Could not start again and had to be towed.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Hyundai SANTA FE — Year Comparison
How does 2023 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 301
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 5
- Crash reports
- 18
- Injury reports
- 18
- Segment avg
- 289
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2023 Hyundai SANTA FE