Imagine driving your new Hyundai Santa Fe, taking pleasure in its beautiful design and smooth ride, only to discover that it poses a potential fire hazard in the event of an accident. More than 135,000 drivers of the 2024 and 2025 Santa Fe SUVs are affected by a defect in the production process. To fix this significant problem, the carmaker has announced a recall. If you’re an owner or considering purchasing one, it is essential to be aware of the details. This blog dives into the Hyundai Santa Fe recall, what it means for you, and how to stay safe, all while keeping you informed with the latest facts.
What Prompted the Hyundai Santa Fe Recall?
Hyundai is recalling over 135,000 Santa Fe SUVs from the 2024 and 2025 model years due to a manufacturing defect that could pose a fire hazard in the event of a collision. The problem was discovered during a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test in which smoke was found in the engine compartment of a sample car. This led to a probe that now has a source: the installation of the starter motor in vehicles with 2.5-liter turbocharged engines is incorrect.
The defect is the improper installation of the protective cover on the starter motor’s positive terminal (B+). In the event of a crash, if this terminal is in a position that allows it to make contact with the cooling fan assembly, an electrical short may occur, thereby increasing the risk of fire. Hyundai, however, estimates that only about 1% of the affected vehicles may have this problem. Nevertheless, due to the seriousness of the issue, the recall is of vital importance to all car owners.
Key Details of the Recall
- Vehicles Affected: 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs with 2.5-liter turbocharged gas engines, manufactured between December 28, 2023, and July 7, 2025.
- Number of Vehicles: Over 135,000 in the U.S.
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V659
- Hyundai Recall Number: 285
- Risk: Electrical short leading to a potential fire in a crash.
Why This Recall Matters for Santa Fe Owners
The problem in question has nothing to do with the risk of fire during everyday driving, unlike some of Hyundai’s previous recalls, which were related to fire risks. Still, the possibility of a fire in a crash is quite frightening, particularly for parents who use the Santa Fe due to its spacious cabin and safety features. The good news? Hyundai is taking proactive steps to fix the issue at no cost to owners, and no crashes, injuries, or deaths have been reported outside of the controlled test environment.
This recall highlights the importance of staying informed about vehicle safety. Even a well-regarded SUV like the Santa Fe, renowned for its modern design and advanced technology, can encounter unexpected manufacturing issues. By understanding the recall and taking action, owners can ensure their vehicles remain safe and reliable.
What Hyundai Is Doing to Fix the Issue
Hyundai has a no-cost and straightforward response to the recall. Kia will send a letter to the affected vehicle owners from December 1, 2025, explaining how to visit a Hyundai service center. If the starter motor’s protective cover is found to be improperly installed, technicians will reinstall it correctly at no charge. For owners who may have already paid for repairs related to this issue, Hyundai is offering reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
Steps Hyundai Is Taking
- Inspection: Dealerships will check the starter motor’s B+ terminal cover.
- Repair: If needed, the cover will be properly installed to prevent contact with the cooling fan.
- Cost: All repairs are free, regardless of warranty status.
- Notification: Owners will receive mail notifications starting December 1, 2025.
The Safety Test results, as reported by the NHTSA, led Hyundai to take preemptive action, which is a clear indication that Hyundai prioritizes the safety of its customers. Through a press release, the company stated that the issue was discovered during their own testing and that, as of October 2, 2025, no cases of the problem occurring in the environment have been reported.
How to Check If Your Santa Fe Is Affected
If you own a 2024 or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, it’s essential to verify whether your vehicle is part of the recall. The process is straightforward and can help you avoid potential risks down the road.
Steps to Confirm Your Vehicle’s Status
- Check Your VIN: Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if your Santa Fe is included.
- Contact Hyundai: Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 285 for assistance.
- Monitor Notifications: Keep an eye on your mail for Hyundai’s official recall notice starting December 1, 2025.
Taking these steps ensures you’re informed and can schedule a free repair as soon as possible. Even if your vehicle isn’t affected, staying proactive about recalls is a smart habit for any car owner.
The Santa Fe’s Reputation and Recall Context
The Hyundai Santa Fe has consistently been the top pick for American families, as it combines style, comfort, and reasonable pricing. In fact, the 2024 and 2025 editions have continued to uphold their energetic appearance and turbocharged engine choices, thereby maintaining their long-standing reputation. However, a recall like this one can shake the confidence of even the most loyal customers.
This is not the first fire-related recall for Hyundai. The carmaker has dealt with several issues in the past, including battery problems with EVs and engine malfunctions with gasoline cars. Nevertheless, while those recalls sometimes caused heavy inconveniences for the affected owners, such as long walks to the parking lot, the Santa Fe incident is limited to a crash zone only; thus, it does not constitute a bad driving condition. However, it is still essential to have the defect repaired as soon as possible for safety assurance.
Why Recalls Happen
- Manufacturing Errors: Even minor oversights, such as an improperly installed cover, can pose significant risks.
- Testing and Discovery: Rigorous crash tests, such as those conducted by the NHTSA, help uncover issues before they cause harm.
- Proactive Fixes: Automakers issue recalls to address defects, often at no cost to owners, to maintain safety and trust.
What Owners Should Do Next
In case your Santa Fe is part of the recall, there’s no need to worry. The recall is easy to handle; Hyundai will pay all the expenses related to the fix, and you will be assisted in the best possible way. But the fact remains that a swift reaction is the best way to ensure your safety. The following are the steps:
Action Plan for Owners
- Verify Your Vehicle: Use your VIN to check if your Santa Fe is part of the recall.
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact your local Hyundai dealership to arrange a free inspection and repair.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Hyundai or NHTSA for any additional information.
- Drive Confidently: Once repaired, your Santa Fe will be free of this specific fire risk.
For those considering the purchase of a used 2024 or 2025 Santa Fe, it is recommended to check the vehicle’s recall status before making a decision. A repaired vehicle should have no issues related to this defect, but confirming its status adds an extra layer of security.
Hyundai’s Commitment to Safety
Hyundai is taking proactive action by identifying problems through crash testing and announcing a recall before any accidents occur in the real world. Additionally, the free repairs and reimbursement options also demonstrate the car brand’s commitment to the safety and satisfaction of its customers.
This recall is, to a great extent, a momentary inconvenience for car owners. The Santa Fe still holds its ground as one of the best in the competitive SUV market, and addressing this issue is the vehicle’s way of reassuring users that the safety and performance they have expected remain intact.
Looking Ahead: Safer Roads for Santa Fe Drivers
The recall for 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe models serves as a reminder that safety in transportation is an ongoing journey. No one really likes to be in the position of a recall, but Hyundai’s quick reaction and free repair service make it quite convenient for the owners to solve the problem. By staying up to date, verifying whether your vehicle is affected, and scheduling an appointment, you can ensure the safety of your Santa Fe for a long time.
The recall is not a reason for panic if you are an owner of a Santa Fe or planning to buy one. After the solution of the fault, you will be able to go anywhere safely without any doubt, as Hyundai will always be there for you. Be proactive, safe, and have fun driving your car.
