2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Report
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Strong crash ratings, but early recalls and numerous complaints about power seats, tires, and electrical systems raise concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Reliability Score
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Row Power Seat Unintended Operation Power seats in the second row can inadvertently operate, crushing occupants or car seats, due to easily accessible buttons. |
High | Common | new-5000 miles |
| Tire Sidewall Bubbles/Blowouts Multiple reports of OEM Pirelli and Goodyear tires developing sidewall bubbles or experiencing blowouts at low mileage. |
High | Common | 3000-12000 miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions Issues with radar calibration, false warnings, and the driver assist camera shutting off cruise control due to eye detection. |
High | Occasional | new-10000 miles |
| Electrical System Failures (Dashboard/Audio) Dashboard going black, flickering screens, and complete loss of audio for all systems (radio, turn signal, warnings). |
Medium | Occasional | new-10000 miles |
| Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving at highway speeds without impact. |
High | Rare | new-8000 miles |
| Loss Of Drive Power/Transmission Issues Vehicle experiencing sudden loss of power, transmission warning lights, skipping gears, and inability to shift. |
High | Occasional | new-7000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe:
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, indicating diverse issues not fitting specific component groups, including structural deformities and HVAC defects.
Issues with windshield wipers failing, streaking in rain, and the side view camera intermittently showing a green screen instead of the blind spot.
Malfunctions with the forward collision avoidance system, including false warnings, radar calibration problems, and cruise control disengagement.
Problems related to the transmission, including loss of drive power, gear selection errors, and inability to shift properly.
Premature tire wear, sidewall bubbles, and blowouts on OEM tires at low mileage.
Dashboard blackouts, flickering screens, and complete loss of audio for all warning and entertainment systems.
Inadvertent operation of second-row power seats, leading to crushing hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side). However, it has 80 complaints, 5 crashes, and 3 injuries reported early in its lifecycle, along with four significant safety recalls concerning airbags, rearview camera, starter assembly fire risk, and engine connecting rod bolts. This suggests potential quality control and design issues despite good crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most reported issues for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe include unintended operation of the second-row power seats, tire failures (sidewall bubbles/blowouts), malfunctions with the forward collision avoidance system, and various electrical system problems like dashboard blackouts and audio loss. There are also complaints related to visibility/wipers and powertrain issues.
What recalls affect the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has four recalls: one for improperly installed side curtain airbags (increasing injury risk), another for rearview camera display issues (reducing visibility), a third for an improperly installed starter motor terminal cover that can cause an electrical short and fire, and a fourth for improperly tightened engine connecting rod bolts that can lead to a loss of drive power and fire risk.
How does the 2025 Santa Fe perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, an excellent 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating strong performance in these controlled tests.
Are there any fire risks with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes, there are two recalls that specifically mention fire risk. One recall (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY) is due to an improperly installed B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly, which can cause an electrical short and increase the risk of fire. Another recall (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS) states that an oil leak from improperly tightened connecting rod bolts in the engine, in the presence of hot engine components, can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous early complaints and four significant recalls, particularly concerning the second-row seats, tires, and electrical/engine fire risks. Ensure all recall repairs have been completed before purchase and thoroughly test all power seat functions and driver-assist systems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The data includes 80 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
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.