Hyundai has issued a sweeping Hyundai recalls Santa Fe notice, impacting 135,386 U.S. units of the 2024 and 2025 Santa Fe models. The recall stems from a fire risk tied to an improperly installed starter motor cover, which under certain crash conditions could lead to an electrical short—and possibly ignite a fire.
In this article, we dive into what owners should know, how the recall will be handled, and what steps you can take if your Santa Fe is affected.
Why Hyundai Recalls Santa Fe Now
Hyundai reported to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the starter motor in certain non-hybrid Santa Fe models may have been assembled with a cover that is not fully seated over the “B+” terminal. In a crash scenario, the exposed terminal could contact the cooling fan within the engine bay, triggering a short-circuit and increasing the risk of fire.
During a New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash test of a 2024 Santa Fe, smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment—prompting deeper investigation. Although Hyundai has not documented field incidents of fires so far, the automaker decided to initiate a recall to address the safety defect proactively.
This recall affects only Santa Fe models with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Hybrid Santa Fe variants are not included in this campaign.
Scope and Timeline of the Recall
- Number of vehicles affected: 135,386 units in the United States
- Model years: 2024 and 2025 (non-hybrid)
- Recall start date: Hyundai will begin notifying dealers and owners starting December 1, 2025
- Estimated repair time: Less than 30 minutes per vehicle
When owner notifications begin, Santa Fe owners can take their vehicles to authorized Hyundai dealers for free inspection and remediation. The repair involves checking the starter motor cover and ensuring it’s properly seated—or reinstalling it if needed.
Until that fix is made, Hyundai recommends owners avoid driving the vehicle in ways that might damage or deform the engine compartment, though the automaker emphasizes that the risk remains very low unless a crash occurs.
What It Means for Santa Fe Owners
1. Check Your VIN
Owners can enter their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) into Hyundai’s official recall lookup tool to see whether their Santa Fe is part of this recall campaign. The tool is regularly updated.
2. Wait for Official Notice
Hyundai will mail out recall notices beginning in December 2025. This mailing includes instructions on how to set up an appointment for inspection and repair at a local dealership.
3. Schedule the Inspection
The fix is relatively quick. A trained Hyundai technician will examine the starter motor cover and ensure it is properly positioned over the B+ terminal, or reseat it correctly if needed.
4. Safety Precautions in the Meantime
While Hyundai stresses the risk remains remote, owners should be cautious about any signs of smoke, burning smells, or electrical anomalies, and should stop driving and seek service immediately if such symptoms appear.
How This Recall Compares to Past Santa Fe Recalls
This is not Hyundai’s first recall involving the Santa Fe. In mid-2024, Hyundai recalled around 12,349 Santa Fe vehicles due to a software defect in the transmission control unit. That issue could cause intermittent loss of drive power.
The latest recall, however, is more urgent in nature given the possibility—however remote—of fire after a crash.
Comparing them:
| Recall | Year(s) | Issue | Risk | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission control software | 2024 | ECU software error | Loss of drive | Software update / reprogramming |
| Starter motor cover | 2024–2025 | Exposed B+ terminal | Electrical short → fire | Inspect / reseat cover |
Both recalls come at critical times and reflect Hyundai’s effort to maintain safety standards across its models.
What Hyundai Says About Risk & Coverage
Hyundai has stated that the condition appears rare—only a fraction of vehicles would actually experience the defect. In internal testing, properly installed covers remain in place over time. The manufacturer is unaware of any real-world fire incidents tied to this issue.
The recall is entirely covered by Hyundai. Owners of affected Santa Fe SUVs will pay zero out-of-pocket cost for inspection or repairs under this safety campaign.
What the NHTSA Requires Automakers to Do
The NHTSA mandates that once an automaker identifies a safety defect, it must recall and repair affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Hyundai’s recall plan includes:
- Submitting a formal remedy plan to NHTSA
- Mailing notifications to owners
- Performing inspections and repairs at authorized dealerships
- Monitoring for any confirmed incidents and reporting back to NHTSA
Hyundai also must track and close out repair completions to ensure that owners of affected vehicles receive the remedy.
How to Stay Informed
- Monitor your mail for the official recall notice
- Check your Hyundai account or dealership communications
- Use Hyundai’s recall lookup tool with your VIN
- Reach out to Hyundai customer service or your dealership for questions
Hyundai also maintains a public “Safety Recalls and Service Campaigns” page where you can check for recalls on your vehicle at any time.
If your Santa Fe is part of this recall, it’s best to act promptly once your notice arrives. The inspection and repair are straightforward, and taking action ensures your vehicle remains safe long term.
Have you received a recall notice or had your vehicle inspected? Feel free to drop a comment below or share your experience as we continue to monitor developments.