MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
198Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI SANTA FE

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a five-passenger midsize SUV that has competed in one of the most crowded segments in the American market since its debut. Positioned as a family-friendly crossover with mainstream appeal, it targets buyers who want a practical, comfortable daily driver with a reasonable footprint. The 2019-through-2025 generation covers meaningful design and technology changes, making its safety record worth examining closely before you sign anything.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Santa Fe as a competitive, well-rounded midsize SUV that offers a comfortable interior and a strong feature set for its segment. Most find it a credible alternative to segment leaders, praising its cabin refinement and driver-assistance technology, though opinions on powertrain character and driving dynamics tend to be more measured than enthusiastic.

READ MORE REVIEWSExpert reviewsEdmundsCar and DriverCheck recalls at NHTSARead our full Santa Fe review

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18654

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record10/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Frontal impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side pole // NCAP // NHTSA

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

198 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

11reported crash
3reported fire
15reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 57Power Train 40Electrical System 34Engine 34Forward Collision Avoidance 34Service Brakes 22

Other Santa Fe years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

2023 Tesla Model X Later ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Tesla Model Y Later ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Buick EnvisionSUV96Exceptional2023 Kia EV6SUV96Exceptional
Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18654), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Santa Fe 2023. Class rank 73 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure