2023 Hyundai SANTA FE PLUG-IN HYBRID: complaints, problems and recalls
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.
Examples from the source records
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 11549413 · 2023-10-11 (October 11, 2023)
Upon selecting my driver settings from the door panel, and the infotainment, the vehicle moves the seat settings back to driver 2. It does this in gear or not. Happens everytime a new setting is selected from the door panel button. Say driver 2 from driver 1. Very dangerous. Could move so far as to limit ones proximity to accelerator or brake.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11549413 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 11575162 · 2024-03-03 (March 3, 2024)
On the afternoon of 2 Mar 2024, the front panel of my sunroof exploded suddenly while driving at freeway speed, without warning or provocation. No one was injured. After the initial shock, I pulled over and inspected the damage. Fortunately, the inner upholstery was intact and kept all of the shattered glass out of the passenger areas. I had to drive almost 30 miles to the nearest gas station / auto parts store in order to perform makeshift repairs with duct tape and plastic. I took digital pictures of the exploded sunroof. I contacted my…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11575162 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11575928 · 2024-03-07 (March 7, 2024)
Rear passenger door cannot be opened from the inside. Lock operates remotely and manually and door can be opened from the outside. This is a safety issue. The door cannot be opened from the inside in an emergency. The door has not been assessed by a dealer tech. I have an appointment at the dealer to repair. There were no warning lights, messages or warning tones.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11575928 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11589599 · 2024-05-20 (May 20, 2024)
on the freeway and along side another car and "emergency breaking activation" warning. Happened 2 times in a month. Car swerved but I was able to control it. I was doing about 65 mph in each case.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11589599 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 ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
22V816000 · Seat Belts:Front | Seat Belts:Pretensioner
Reported: 2022-10-31 (October 31, 2022)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V181000 · Trailer Hitches
Reported: 2023-03-17 (March 17, 2023)
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.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗