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Hyundai · Known Issues

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 3 Known Issues

2025 model year · 620+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling ($600-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk with 620 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Santa Fe Fuel System1
  • Santa Fe Body/Panels1
  • Santa Fe Suspension1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Fuel System1
  • Body/Panels1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

On the 2021-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI (G4KR), on the 2.5L Smartstream GDI+MPI engine (G4KR) used in the TM Santa Fe from 2021, the internal filter/screen inside the direct injector can break apart and the injector leaks fuel into the cylinder after shutdown and at idle. Owners report a hard hot start, raw-fuel smell, rough idle, single- or multi-cylinder misfires, loss of power and stalling while driving; the leaking fuel also dilutes the engine oil. Hyundai addressed it with TSB 23-FL-002H-1, which lists the diagnosis and replacement procedure for internally leaking GDI injectors and was later expanded to a wider production date range covering Santa Fe, Tucson and Santa Cruz. A 2025 class action alleges Hyundai has still not recalled the vehicles. Note the earlier 2.4L Theta II GDI injectors are a different part and this pattern is specific to the 2.5L.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Excel

Common Symptoms

  • Long crank / hard hot start
  • Rough idle and shaking at stop
  • Misfire, flashing check engine light
  • Sudden loss of power or stalling while driving
  • Fuel smell; oil level rising and smelling of gasoline

How to Fix

Pull misfire DTCs and identify the offending cylinder(s). The dealer procedure under TSB 23-FL-002H-1 is a leak-down/injector-balance test, then replacement of the affected direct injectors (many techs replace all four, since one failed screen usually means the rest are the same production lot) plus new injector seals and combustion seals. Change the engine oil afterward — fuel dilution from the leak contaminates it. Powertrain warranty covers this on most affected vehicles; push for the TSB by number if the dealer resists.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, the panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended water intrusion can damage the body control module, amplifier, or other electronics located under the carpet.

Common Symptoms

  • Water dripping from headliner
  • Wet front seats after rain
  • Water pooling in rear footwells
  • Musty or mildew smell in cabin
  • Electrical issues from water damage

How to Fix

Clear all four sunroof drain tubes using compressed air blown from the top (at the sunroof tray). Do not use wire or stiff objects that can puncture the drain hoses. Check that the drain tube grommets at the bottom of the A and C pillars are intact and draining properly. Clean the sunroof tray channel of debris. Perform this maintenance every 6-12 months, especially if parked under trees.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
620 owners

On the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, the intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai issued TSB 19-ST-001 addressing the concern.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Sorento

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk when turning steering wheel
  • Popping noise at low speed turns
  • Looseness felt in steering wheel
  • Noise worse in cold weather
  • Clunk going over speed bumps while turning

How to Fix

Apply lithium grease to the intermediate shaft U-joint as a temporary fix. For a permanent repair, replace the intermediate steering shaft assembly (Hyundai part 56400-S1000). Dealer cost is $350-600. Some owners have had success requesting goodwill coverage from Hyundai.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipWhite lithium grease sprayed into the U-joint boot provides a temporary 3-6 month fix while waiting for a permanent repair
Typical repair cost:$100 - $600

Research This Issue

Based on 620 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified620 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

Campaign #21V52400009/07/2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.

Campaign #22V19700028/03/2022

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.

Campaign #26V21800006/04/2026
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Other Hyundai Models

Hyundai Elantra42Hyundai Sonata31Hyundai Tucson23Hyundai Veloster22Hyundai Palisade19Hyundai Santa Cruz17

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling, Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog, Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 known issues documented across 620+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Santa Fe issues range from $50 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling, typically costs $600-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2021-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling?

On the 2.5L Smartstream GDI+MPI engine (G4KR) used in the TM Santa Fe from 2021, the internal filter/screen inside the direct injector can break apart and the injector leaks fuel into the cylinder after shutdown and at idle. Owners report a hard hot start, raw-fuel smell, rough i… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog?

The panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended wa… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 620+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

Campaign #22V74600006/10/2022

TRAILER HITCHES

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Campaign #23V18100017/03/2023

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk?

The intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai issued TSB 19-ST… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.