Introduction
Hyundai has announced a major recall affecting nearly 135k Santa Fe SUVs due to an increased fire risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a defect in the starter motor terminal could cause an electrical short, raising the chance of a vehicle fire.
The automaker urges affected Santa Fe model owners to contact their dealer immediately for inspection and repair. This safety move highlights how seriously Hyundai takes driver safety and compliance with federal vehicle safety standards.
What Is Causing the Recall?
The recall is linked to a starter motor terminal issue found in several Santa Fe SUV models. Over time, the terminal may experience electrical shorting, which can cause overheating and potentially ignite the vehicle, even when it’s parked.
According to NHTSA documents, the defect can cause not only increased fire risk but also other vehicle electrical issues if left unrepaired. Hyundai engineers identified that excessive current flow near the starter motor could cause the connector to melt, posing a serious safety concern.
Which Santa Fe Models Are Affected?
The recall applies to certain 2022–2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, totaling approximately 135,000 units sold in the United States. The affected vehicles were manufactured between October 2021 and December 2023.
Owners can verify whether their vehicle is part of the recall by visiting the official NHTSA recall lookup page or contacting a Hyundai dealer directly.
If you need help, read our guide on How to Check Vehicle Recall Information for step-by-step instructions.
What Should Vehicle Owners Do Now?
Hyundai will start the owner notification process soon. Affected owners will receive an official recall letter by mail in December explaining how to schedule a free repair.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check your VIN on the NHTSA website to confirm if your vehicle is affected.
- Avoid parking indoors or near flammable materials until repairs are completed.
- Schedule an appointment with your nearest Hyundai dealer as soon as you receive the notification.
Dealers will inspect and replace the starter motor fuse and update the necessary wiring connections free of charge.
How Hyundai Is Handling the Issue
Hyundai has reported the recall to NHTSA under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The company’s internal safety team found early signs of overheating in warranty claims and acted quickly to prevent further crash or fire risk incidents.
While no crashes or injuries have been confirmed yet, Hyundai says it is taking preventive action out of “an abundance of caution.”
The recall documentation also states that Hyundai will file technical service bulletins and detailed repair instructions to all dealers nationwide.
You can read the official NHTSA report here.
How to Identify Recall Symptoms
Drivers should look out for these warning signs before repair:
- Smoke or burning smell from the engine compartment
- Warning lights on the dashboard
- Slow cranking when starting the vehicle
- Electrical issues or flickering lights
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately turn off your vehicle and contact your Hyundai dealer.
FAQs
Why is Hyundai recalling the Santa Fe SUV?
The recall is due to an electrical short in the starter motor terminal, which could cause overheating and increase fire risk.
Which Hyundai models are affected?
The recall affects 2022–2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, totaling about 135,000 vehicles.
When will owners be notified?
Owner notifications will begin in December, according to NHTSA documents.
What should owners do if they notice a problem?
Owners should contact their local Hyundai dealer immediately and avoid parking indoors until the repair is done.
Will the repair cost anything?
No. All repairs will be done free of charge by authorized Hyundai dealers.
Conclusion
The Hyundai recall for 135K Santa Fe SUVs is a precautionary step to protect drivers from an increased fire risk caused by a starter motor terminal issue. While no serious crash or injury reports have been confirmed, Hyundai’s proactive approach shows its commitment to safety and transparency.
If your vehicle is affected, don’t wait — contact your dealer, check your VIN, and get the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
If you drive a Hyundai Santa Fe, check your vehicle recall status today on the NHTSA website or visit your local Hyundai dealer. Staying informed keeps you — and your car — safe.
