NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 198 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV SUV AWD achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, despite one active recall for a park-outside condition. Its NHTSA crash-test results are otherwise excellent across all categories.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV SUV AWD received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 74 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 198 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 74 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2023 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Santa Fe HEV in safety scoring, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising four points to 86/100 from the 2022 model's 82/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is largely attributable to the crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting standard-equipment forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across this trim. Where the 2023 year falls short is in the defect record component, which scores only 10 out of 20, a direct consequence of the active trailer hitch recall carrying a park-outside designation. That campaign is not a minor service notice; it is the type of advisory that NHTSA reserves for situations where the agency considers the vehicle potentially unsafe to garage indoors or operate. The 198 unverified complaints filed with NHTSA add texture to that concern, with alleged issues spanning the forward collision avoidance system, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. None of those complaint categories represent confirmed defects, but the volume and breadth across safety-critical systems are worth monitoring. The net picture for this year is a vehicle with genuinely strong crash-test hardware offset by an unresolved recall that carries real urgency.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Santa Fe HEV SUV AWD achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side crash protection. Rollover protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 15 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18654
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. One recall is active for the 2023 Santa Fe HEV, and it carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, the most serious safety classification. The campaign involves trailer hitches and spans certain 2019 through 2023 Santa Fe and related models. Owners should verify remedy status immediately via their VIN.
TRAILER HITCHES23V181000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous rec
Reported 2023-03-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has received 198 unverified owner complaints. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues (57 reports), Power Train (40), Electrical System (34), Engine (34), Forward Collision Avoidance (34), and Service Brakes (22). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
198 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2023 Santa Fe HEV's most pressing safety concern is the active park-outside trailer hitch recall. Before any purchase, prospective buyers must confirm that this recall has been remedied for the specific vehicle in question; a VIN check through NHTSA's lookup tool is essential. The assumption that a dealer or prior owner has completed the repair is not sufficient.
- The 2023 Santa Fe HEV carries one active NHTSA recall with a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, specifically involving trailer hitches, making VIN-level recall verification a non-negotiable step for any prospective buyer.
- The Safety Index rose four points year over year from 82 in 2022 to 86 in 2023, driven by strong crash-protection and perfect avoidance-tech sub-scores, but the defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20 reflects the weight of that open recall campaign.
- NHTSA received 34 unverified complaints specifically alleging issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system on this model year, a notable figure given that forward collision warning is listed as standard safety equipment on this vehicle.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 15 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result is the only crash-test category below the maximum, consistent with the physics of a taller SUV body style rather than a specific structural deficiency identified in testing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe places
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Hyundai Santa Fe safety questions
Was the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 198 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Santa Fe years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18654), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe 2023.
- 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 74 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.