2023 Hyundai SANTA FE PLUG-IN HYBRID problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
20 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
28,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 20 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 7 | 35.0% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 15.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 10.0% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 10.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 10.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 5.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
Electrical System: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Engine: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 2; Power Train: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2023: 3; 2024: 9; 2025: 5; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11542947 · 2023-09-06 (September 6, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's side floor mat was the incorrect fit for the year, make, and model vehicle. The contact stated that the floor mat was obstructing the brake and accelerator pedals, presenting a possible safety issue. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The floor mats were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that there were no…
Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11542947 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11543477 · 2023-09-08 (September 8, 2023)
On several occasions, the Automatic Emergency Braking System engages even though there is no evidence of a dangerous situation or imminent crash. It usually occurs during highway driving or at speeds over 40mph. In each case the brakes engage, the steering tightens, the AEBS notification appears on the dashboard and an alarm sounds. After a few seconds, the brakes and steering return to normal. This occurs even when there is no evident traffic issues. I googled the situation and found that other drivers of this car have had similar problem…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11543477 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11565471 · 2024-01-14 (January 14, 2024)
My horn isn't working as designed but when I push on steering wheel feels like it's cracking or breaking behind it. My front axels from factory were out of balance causing a vehicle vibration from 80+km/hr. Dealer thought it was tires not driveline. Different dealer diagnosed it as both axels in front. Issue was repaired once parts were available. Vibration still is evident but think its tires. Trying to get hyundai to replace tires now as its consequential damage. In November 2023 I was involved in a accident where the front collision…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11565471 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11603359 · 2024-07-19 (July 19, 2024)
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated after starting the vehicle, the transmission would only shift into neutral and would not shift into any other gear. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The contact activated the parking brake to exit the vehicle safely. The contact stated prior to the failure, the vehicle had failed to shift into reverse; however, the failure was self-corrected. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated an independent m…
Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11603359 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11643753 · 2025-02-19 (February 19, 2025)
Two issues with powertrain/transmission: 1- The powertrain/transmission fails intermittently- vehicle RPM goes sky high but vehicle receives no power, seems to fail/lose power. Has happened in very dangerous road conditions where unexpectedly was struggling to get the motor to engage/get power to the vehicle. Check engine and check hybrid system lights accompanies the problem. 2- The car should be driveable in electric only mode without use of gasoline. The powertrain/transmission seems to struggle to shift between electric and gas motors. H…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11643753 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11718953 · 2026-02-18 (February 18, 2026)
While on the highway my car lost power, gradually slowing down to a stall. I was able to safely park on the side of the road. I got the car to a nearby dealership that kept it for 10 days. The dealership said that the problem was code P2118 (Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance) that the air "flap" was frozen stuck shut and the engine was disabled on the freeway in order to prevent damage. The resolution was "waited for it to thaw and cleared the code". The dealer has a service bulletin and a software update but it did not …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11718953 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11641064 · 2025-02-06 (February 6, 2025)
>>>>What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? According to the Hyundai Bluelink app, the problem is caused by the battery management system, producing error code P0AA600. The result is that the vehicle does not get power to the wheels for a few seconds after giving it gas. It looks like the car is not moving, then it very slowly gains speed, followed by sudden acceleration. It is available for inspection upon request. >>>>How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It is a s…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11641064 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11757840 · 2026-08-19 (August 19, 2026)
The fuel range calculation is often very wrong in our plug in hybrid. This issue has been brought to the attention of the manufacturer and dealer with no results but pointing at the other organizations. With a full fuel tank the gasoline range should be about 387 miles. Often the computer will show 610 miles but sometimes has other ranges but has never been correct after the first fill up. While this normally isn't a big problem, there is a danger for some people. Say you see a sign on a curvy mountain road with no shoulders showing the ne…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11757840 at NHTSA ↗