NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a midsize SUV that slots into one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Designed for families and commuters who want efficiency without sacrificing space or refinement, it pairs a hybrid powertrain with Hyundai's latest generation of safety and driver-assistance technology. It competes directly against the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Santa Fe Hybrid as one of the more polished and well-rounded entries in the midsize hybrid SUV segment. They tend to highlight its upscale cabin materials, composed ride quality, and strong driving dynamics relative to its price point. Practicality and interior comfort draw consistent praise, and most reviewers consider it a genuinely competitive choice against established segment leaders.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21135
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE26V218000
Risk: A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinforce or replace the seat belt anchors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 298 and 032G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchabl
Reported 2026-04-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V047000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN25V809000
Risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289 and 029G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.