2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 187 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has 187 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 187
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
Inspection Focus
- Investigate uncategorized issues by requesting detailed service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Investigate uncategorized issues by requesting detailed service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe are concentrated in uncategorized issues, transmission/drivetrain, engine problems, and forward collision avoidance systems. The data shows a low confidence level due to limited sample size and potential reporting biases.
- Uncategorized issues account for the highest number of complaints at 54.
- Transmission/drivetrain and engine problems together total 70 complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) and electrical faults each have 31 complaints.
- Uncategorized Issues: 54 complaints, the most reported category.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 36 complaints, a recurring theme.
- Engine Problems: 34 complaints, another frequent issue.
All 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 54 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 34 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 31 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
It is not just this vehicle; it is ALL vehicles with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. When sensors get snow or debris on them, they shut the vehicles down without warning. I have had 3 times this winter when the roads were fine, cruise control set, and bec…
The front rotors need machining every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. The rotors experience exceeding distortion due heating by the brake pads. When brakes are applied, there are large vibrations in the front suspension which inhibits braking. This is especially true when braking on wet …
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the horn was inoperable and inaudible when pressed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mile…
Today, i received an extended warranty for my horn. There is a known issue with water getting into the horn and causing them to fail. Upon researching this, people have reported having their horns changed several times. This is a safety matter that an extended warranty is not fix…
Driving on sunny day, the fixed roof glass located between the windshield and sunroof exploded across the entire width of the glass insert with a very distracting noise.
On March 4, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM EST, while driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited on [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70 mph (posted speed limit). The vehicle would not accelerate or maintain speed and would…
During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 Last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] in Los Angeles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oil pan leak.
I have been fighting this issue now for 2 years, vibration while driving interstate speeds, especially right rear seat. I have had tires replaced twice trying to fix balance issue only to find out that one rim will not road force balance correctly, even with tire matched it only …
Driving to work and a loud noise (pop) was heard and then I realized the sunroof had basically exploded. Glass was all over the car and all over myself. I immediately got off the road and turned on my hazard lights to assess the situation. This could have caused an accident had I…
While driving on the interstate at 70mph the vehicle’s fuel injectors failed causing the vehicle to lose power suddenly.
On 6/7/2023 with the original owner, the vehicle displayed code P1c2D03, according to carfax history the transmission was replaced 7/12/2023. I purchased the vehicle in May, 2025. In December, 2025, while driving to work I experienced intermittent loss of ability to accelerate, f…
I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related incident involving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe on February 14, 2026. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began to overheat, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was close to my home and was able to return there safely, but…
I have attached a photo since I couldn’t save it
The horn stops working which is a safety hazard in case someone is backing into you, etc. This horn has stop working 4 times and had to be replaced.
1. The factory-supplied scissor-type jack that came with my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe failed. While changing a flat tire on the side of the road, the jack collapsed three times and could not hold the vehicle. Yes, the jack is still available for inspection. I have it in my possession…
Needed to use horn in an emergency situation and that's when I found out my horn no longer works. 20,000 miles on 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Horn How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My horn stopped working - cannot use it when driving to warn other drivers - safety issue Has the problem been reproduc…
Total horn failure, both horns. Took vehicle to the dealership, diagnosed both horns need to be replaced. None in stock. Horns ordered , no dates known by Hyundai when they will be in stock. Hyundai admits it h. Known with many models Driving a car in Buffalo NYwith. Out a horn d…
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy repeated horn failures since purchasing vehicle new. Will be having 5th and 6th horns replaced with no effective remedy as vehicle has less than 11K miles on it and this urgently safety failure needs to be corrected. There is no warning of the ho…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 187 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (54 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (36 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (34 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 187 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. A major recall area is TRAILER HITCHES. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.