2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 81 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (46% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 5 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Apr 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Today while driving to church we started hearing a ping noise ever so often. This just started then . After leaving church to go home the pinging noise got louder than the engine stalled and wouldn't start again. I had to have my car towed to my house. That is where it is now. The tow truck driver said that it was a rod. He said that he was mostly sure that it was happened. He stated that he has towed similar ones like mine with the same problem.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“On 4/25/2026 I lost power on business freeway an orange light flash on along with whining noise I had to steer to right side shoulder for safety. Had it towed to dealership on 4/27/2026 they informed me 3 days later on 4/30/2026 that my car overheated. My car never overheated no smell of coolant nor no steam from the car when I exit to shoulder and turn car off. Retrieved manual from glove compartment it stated it had went into limp model. This has been a constantly nightmare my family could have been planning a funeral. These car manufacturers needs to be held accountable for their vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the warranty service was declined because the oil maintenance records were not available. The failure mileage was approximately 114,080.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 101,000 miles has experienced gradual deterioration of both low beam headlights. The light output is extremely dim and unsafe for night driving. Visibility is significantly reduced, making it difficult to see lane markings, pedestrians, and road hazards. The issue developed gradually over time and affects both headlights equally, suggesting an internal projector or reflector failure rather than a bulb issue. Bulbs have been checked/replaced, but brightness remains poor. This condition creates a serious safety hazard when driving at night. I am requesting investigation into potential headlight projector or reflector defects.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2025
“Driving on freeway and noticed smoke. Realized I needed to pull over and brakes weren't working. Off ramp was at an incline so car came to a stop just in time to get toddler and myself out of vehicle. Car was on fire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2025
“Despite regular oil changes and maintenance. Engine failed due to lack of oil at 122,000 miles. Complete oil change was done at 120,000 miles. Tune up completed at 118,000 miles”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“While PARKED IN FRONT OF 7-11 WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING ATTACHMENT IN THE WHEEL WELL BROKE AND RELEASED FLUID ON THE HOT ENGINE. PATRONS IN SORE ALERTED ME THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING OUT THE HOOD. I RACED BACK TO MY SANTA FE AND NOTICED FIRE. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD TURNED RADICALLY AFTER I PARKED IT. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE BROUGHT FROM THE STORE. I RETRIEVED AS MUCH AS I COULD. MY SANTA FE BURST INTO FLAMES AND WAS TOTALLY CONSUMED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. OBVIOUSLY, MY VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. 7-11 HAS THE EVENT ON TAPE. I RECEIVED NO COMPENSATION FROM ANYONE. I HAD TO CLEAN UP THE CHARRED REMAINS. WHY WAS THIS VIN NOT RECALLED/”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2025
“Per Franklin County Fire Department report, they determined a malfunction in the canister vent valve associated with the gas tank initiated a fire. According to the department findings, the canister vent valve detached from the vehicle and was discovered approximately 200 yards behind the final position of the vehicle, still burning. This malfunction is believed to have compromised the fuel system, leading to an ignition and subsequent vehicle fire. The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was deemed a total loss.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2025
“During acceleration to pass car sputters and has no power. Merging into traffic is dangerous. The best shift is faulty as well . Mine is in park but it is showing it in drive and won't crank”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2025
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective clock spring. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2015 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Santa FE Sport by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport reliable?
NHTSA has 81 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport. The most complained-about area is engine (46% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.
Does the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.