2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Report

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Report

249Complaints
2Recalls
92/100Reliability Score
9Crash Reports
13Fire Reports
10Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (118)Unknown Or Other (14)Power Train,Engine (11)Service Brakes (10)Air Bags (8)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (7)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Electrical System (5)Structure (5)Steering (4)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenModerate (2)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (249)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports22Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubEngineCompare engine issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2018Compare against the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 105 complaints and 2 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2017Check the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe before buying across this generation.

Hyundai Santa Fe Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Santa Fe years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 231 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 897 6 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 105 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 178 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 172 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 152 7 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Engine

118 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Hyundai only

Unknown Or Other

14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai only

Power Train,Engine

11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Power Train,Engine issues Hyundai only

Service Brakes

10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Service Brakes issues Hyundai only

Air Bags

8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Air Bags issues Hyundai only

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Hyundai only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has accumulated 249 complaints and 2 recalls in the NHTSA database. Among the complaints, 9 involved crashes and 13 involved fires. There have been 10 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are engine (118 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints), power train,engine (11 complaints). Service brakes hydraulic issues: 7 reports, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip control unit malfunctions. Engine and fuel/propulsion system issues: 6 reports, including crankshaft position sensor problems and engine knocking noises. Key known issues to be aware of include Hydraulic Service Brakes, Engine Knocking Noise, Engine Failure. Be cautious of hydraulic service brake issues and engine problems, especially around 110,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a reliability score of 92 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Hydraulic Service Brakes
Hydraulic service brake issues, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip control unit malfunctions, have been reported.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Engine Knocking Noise
Engine knocking noises have been reported, often occurring at around 110,000 miles, indicating potential engine issues.
Medium Common 110k-134k miles
Engine Failure
Engine failure due to unresolved issues has been reported, with some vehicles experiencing severe engine damage at around 148,000 miles.
High Common 110k-148k miles
Oil Burning
Oil burning issues have been reported, with some vehicles burning a quart of oil in 1000 miles, indicating potential engine problems.
Medium Common 110k-134k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe:

Service Brakes 23% of complaints

Issues with hydraulic service brakes, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip control units, are common.

Engine 18% of complaints

Engine-related issues, such as knocking noises and oil burning, are frequently reported.

Air Bags 10% of complaints

Air bag issues, including cracked dash and malfunctioning passenger airbags, have been reported.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Electrical system issues, such as malfunctioning brake light switches, have been reported.

Recall Details for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe by NHTSA:

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Campaign #23V651000 22/09/2023

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.

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

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
Campaign #17V358000 05/06/2017

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 3 involved fires.

Crash Reports: 1 Fire Reports: 3
Engine
02/20/2026

I purchased this vehicle one year ago from a used car dealership with 148,000 miles on it. Within a few months it was throwing crankshaft position, sensor codes, camshaft codes, and burning oil. I cannot bring my RPMs above two without my check engine light coming on and blinking. My car will go into limp mode. Hyundai does not have my car included in the engine recall they only have the sport San...

ODI #11719329
Air Bags
02/16/2026

Passenger airbag dash is cracked risking unpredictable deployment of air bag

ODI #11718270
Engine
11/09/2025

On 08/15/2025 I started the vehicle and heard a ticking noise that lasted for 3 seconds and stopped. The same noise happened when I would start the car in the mornings. It never lasted more than 3 seconds and I wasn't too sure what the noise was. There was no engine lights that came on so I wasnt too worried about it. On 8/21/2025 my husband went to the store and when he came back the car shut off...

ODI #11698430
Engine
07/24/2025

015 Santa Fe Ultimate. 134,000 miles. Original owner. All maintenance done per manual. Wife on hwy 2 hrs. Started loud engine knocking noise. No warning whatsiever.Pulled off closet exit. Stalled.Restarted.Pulled into gas station. Trusted mechanic inspected. Stated not to drive. He had identical vehicle at shop,identical problem.110,000 miles. Needs new engine.Noticed on fbook Forum,"Hyundai Engin...

ODI #11675906
Engine
Crash 05/10/2025

Time Belt problem. Check engine, yellow.

ODI #11660125
Unknown Or Other
12/31/2024

The driver's door is stuck, it cannot be opened.

ODI #11633342
Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance
12/21/2024

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON CONTINIOUSLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON SO THERES NO INDICATION THAT I'M GETTING READY TO STOP BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON, INCREASEING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO AFECTECED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL AND IT SAID THAT...

ODI #11631945
Vehicle Speed Control
11/21/2024

I was driving on the highway when, out of nowhere, my car started shaking whenever I went over 40 miles per hour. It was quite alarming and honestly a bit scary. So, I would like to request a recall on it. A week after I took it to Hyundai, they informed me that they sent it to you to see if it would be approved to cover the motor. I’ve had this car for just 2 years, and it's frustrating to deal w...

ODI #11626687
Engine
10/31/2024

At 110K miles my Sante Fe Sport began burning increasing amounts of oil. My mechanic says he does not know why it is burning oil. Today it has 134171K miles on it. It has been burning a quart or more of oil weekly. I drive about 200 miles per week.

ODI #11622913
Electrical System,Engine
10/27/2024

The engine has basically come apart. There is a timing chain issue, the engine is not recalled and it is getting where the car cannot drive. There is a constant smell of burning electrical wires. There’s also issues with the heating and air that is related to electrical.

ODI #11622164
Engine
10/18/2024

My car burns a lot of oil. The Hyundai dealership service center ran a controlled test and validated that my car burned a quart of oil in 1000 miles. This is not normal. It turns out that there are a lot of Hyundai owners with the exact same problem. It seems there are bad piston rings.

ODI #11620707
Engine
09/21/2024

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, which recently suffered engine failure due to an unresolved issue related to error code P1326. The check engine light began flashing, and despite multiple visits to my local Hyundai service center (Gateway Hyundai Nissan in Fargo, ND), the problem was not properly diagnosed or repaired, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. T...

ODI #11615734
Engine
08/25/2024

Car was burning lots of engine oil and lost power, dealer said nothing was wrong with it. months later when to limp mode, lacks of power in the highway, dealer said it lost compression on 2 cylinders and that I need a new engine. I ask them if the vehicle has a recall and they said no, all my research said that this type of engine has a recall for me they are looking for any loophole in order not ...

ODI #11610743
Engine
08/07/2024

Sudden loss of engine power in traffic on highway in funeral procession. My safety was put at risk on the highway. The check engine light came on intermittently the previous week. I made six trips to the Hyundai dealer in Plymouth, MA. First told the oil was low when the dipstick was normal. Oil was changed. Check engine light came on as I left the lot. Two more trips computer reset two different ...

ODI #11607075
Fuel/Propulsion System
08/02/2024

Misfire code P0302 Injector failed open, flooded cylinder with fuel. Gas in the oil Possible cylinder failure Lack of compression

ODI #11606012
Power Train,Engine
08/01/2024

The 3.3 liter V6 GDI engine failed while driving at approximately 136000 miles. Heard a ticking noise start shortly after leaving home, and had hesitation and shaking upon acceleration from a stop sign, but saw no warning lamps. Went around the block back home to find out the ticking noise was under the hood. Motor oil was almost 3 quarts low, but only 2/3's of the way through the service interval...

ODI #11605981
Engine
07/24/2024

My 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 3.3L engine started ticking sound while driving in residential are with the speed below 25miles. Within seconds, Engine started screaming and dropped power in the middle of the road. It is a huge security and life threatening risk. I was lucky that I was driving in residential area with very slow speed, and just imagine if it happens in the middle of the freeway cruisi...

ODI #11604173
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
06/18/2024

Engine has goes on out at 99000 miles has seized up .

ODI #11595085
Power Train,Electrical System,Engine
06/17/2024

The engine is continually knocking. It has caused the powertrain system to start to fail. The interior portion of the car with electrical is malfunctioning and causing the car to lag. Many attempts have been taken to get the vehicle fixed to no avail. $1,000 just to take out the engine to diagnose the problem.

ODI #11594813
Power Train,Engine,Lane Departure
06/17/2024

We were on our way home from the children's hospital in Philadelphia for my daughter (4 hours away from home) and my 2015 Santa Fe with the 3.3L motor began to knock. My dad (who is very mechanically inclined) pulled over at a gas station and checked oil and other fluids. It was low, even though I just had oil changed 900 miles before and it was checked before our trip to the hospital. We bought o...

ODI #11594753

Showing 20 of 249 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA DP22003 Closed

Component: Engine

Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...

Throttle control system vulnerabilities
NHTSA DP21003 Closed

Component: Vehicle Speed Control:Throttle

Opened 2021-11-12 · Closed 2023-06-20

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of t...

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
NHTSA AQ23002 Open

Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Opened 2023-11-17

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando....

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

Has the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE been recalled?

Yes, the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?

The 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 249 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 10 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

The 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE involve engine (118 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints), power train,engine (11 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, air bags, service brakes, hydraulic.

How many crash reports does the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?

There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE out of 249 total complaints (3.6% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?

There are 13 fire reports for the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE out of 249 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE.

How many injuries are reported for the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

10 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is extreme caution advised. It has 249 complaints, 2 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

The components with the most failures on the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE are: 1. ENGINE (118 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (11 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints), 5. AIR BAGS (8 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 118 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

Be cautious of hydraulic service brake issues and engine problems, especially around 110,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 249 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record.

How reliable is the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

The 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE receives a reliability score of 92/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 249 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 22 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Hydraulic Service Brakes and Engine Knocking Noise.

What are the known issues with the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?

Known issues with the 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE include: Hydraulic Service Brakes, Engine Knocking Noise, Engine Failure, Oil Burning. These are based on patterns found across 249 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the most common issues with the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Common issues include hydraulic service brake problems and engine knocking noises.

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, there are recalls for hydraulic service brake control units and hood latches.

What should I do if I experience engine knocking noises?

Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to identify the cause and address the issue promptly.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of hydraulic service brake issues and engine problems, especially around 110,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The data includes 249 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 13 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16