NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 27 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band. This rating is significantly bolstered by its impressive NHTSA crash-test performance. However, the presence of three active recall campaigns and a low score in crash-avoidance technology temper the overall assessment. The vehicle presents a solid, though not flawless, safety profile.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid ranks 115 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 27 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 115 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid enters our Safety Index with a score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is based solely on its current data, as no prior-year comparison is available. A key factor in this strong performance is its crash protection, which earned a sub-score of 66 out of 70. This reflects NHTSA's top ratings: 5 out of 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal impact, and 5 stars for side impact. The rollover assessment presents a more moderate outcome, with a 4-star rating and a 17-percent rollover risk. However, the vehicle's crash avoidance technology significantly underperforms, scoring only 2 out of 10. NHTSA data indicates the absence of a forward collision warning system and lane departure warning. Only electronic stability control is listed as standard. This lack of active safety features is a notable concern, as effective crash absorption does not mitigate the risk of a collision occurring. The defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 reflects three recall campaigns already issued for this new model year. These recalls address issues with curtain air bags, instrument cluster electronics, and front seat belt anchorage. For a vehicle in its initial model year, this volume of recalls warrants close observation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance across multiple evaluations. It secured a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact crash tests. The vehicle’s rollover assessment yielded a 4-star rating, with a 17 percent measured rollover risk. In dynamic testing, the Santa Fe Hybrid exhibited no tip.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets curtain air bags across a range of Hyundai and Genesis models including the Santa Fe Hybrid. The second involves the electrical system instrument cluster and panel. The third addresses front seat belt anchorage integrity. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but all three campaigns are active and should be verified by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
NHTSA has logged 27 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues and Seats, each with 5 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance with 4 alleged reports, and Visibility and Wiper systems, and the Electrical System, each with 3. One injury is alleged. All are unverified allegations.
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
Three open recall campaigns already exist for this current model year vehicle. Shoppers should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to confirm whether remedies for the seat belt anchorage, curtain air bag, and instrument cluster have been completed by the selling dealer.
- Three recall campaigns are already attached to the 2026 model year, covering front seat belt anchorage, curtain air bags, and the instrument cluster electrical system - an unusually active defect record for a brand-new model year that accounts for a meaningful portion of the defect sub-score.
- NHTSA crash protection scores are a genuine strength in 2026, with 5-star frontal and side ratings contributing to a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, the primary driver of the 85/100 Safety Index.
- The crash-avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems on this trim configuration, a significant gap that shoppers prioritizing active-safety features should weigh carefully.
- Twenty-seven unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Forward Collision Avoidance appearing as a top alleged problem area despite that system not being listed as standard equipment in the NHTSA crash-avoidance data - a discrepancy worth noting when reviewing individual complaint details by VIN.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid places
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 27 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21135), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 115 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.