High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2015-hyundai-santa-fe

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

← Compare All Santa Fe Years
Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
255
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
2
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
22
9 Crashes • 13 Fires
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2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Engine & Cooling 51.4%
131 reported failures
Braking System 9%
23 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 8.6%
22 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 7.1%
18 reported failures
Electrical System 6.7%
17 reported failures
Airbags & Restraints 3.5%
9 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe (2)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #17V358000 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch

Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Safety Hazard: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Free Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 Component: Braking System

Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Safety Hazard: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Free Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11771633 • Engine & Cooling 10/16/2026

"While driving home at approximately 60 mph in our 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. We were able to carefully maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road, but the vehicle would not turn over or restart. We were traveling with our young children at the time, and this sudden engine failure created an extremely dang..."

ODI #11751822 • Engine & Cooling 07/21/2026

"Driving on highway no warning lights appeared the car made a loud pop noise and heavy smoke appeared from under the hood. Immediately pulled over and noticed all of the oil poured out and was nasty looking. The car was up to date on oil change. My car was towed home and bone dry no oil and no coolant the engine now had loud knocking and needs to be..."

ODI #11743719 • Engine & Cooling 06/12/2026

"I was driving down the road ( a busy Farm to market road) and my car lost power and died. Luckily i got off of the road. I tried to start the car again, but it kept dying. I had my son in law come help me move the car to a friends house so that I could get it to the dealership. It was after hours. I regularly get my oil changed and when my SIL chec..."

ODI #11738413 • Engine & Cooling 05/17/2026

"The engine failed due to complete and sudden oil loss. The vehicle is currently at Fremont Hyundai and available for inspection. Safety risk: the engine failed while driving on the highway with children in the vehicle. A check engine light appeared with no prior warning, the vehicle immediately lost power and stalled, requiring an emergency exit an..."

ODI #11736814 • Powertrain & Transmission 05/09/2026

"2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at night. With NO prior warning — no warning lights, no..."