2015 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 254 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, filed between 2015-03-19 and 2026-07-21. The most common problem areas are the engine (160, 63%), power train (22, 9%) and service brakes (21, 8%). Owners reported 9 crashes, 13 fires and 10 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 160 | 63% | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 22 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 22 | 9% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 8% | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 8% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 9 | 4% | 6 | 0 | 8 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 9 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 1% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 160 complaints
- 160 complaints of 254 (63%) name the engine.
- 16 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash and 7 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Power train: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 254 (9%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 16 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Service brakes: 21 complaints
- 21 complaints of 254 (8%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 5 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe; the recall, campaign 23V651000, says: “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.”
Electrical system: 20 complaints
- 20 complaints of 254 (8%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 8 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 254 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 10 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Air bags: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 254 (4%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 6 crashes and 8 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2023 | 52 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 7 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SANTA FE, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe's most common problem areas are the engine (160 of 254 complaints), power train (22 of 254 complaints) and service brakes (21 of 254 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA has 254 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, including 9 reported crashes and 13 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.