NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 129 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Seven recall campaigns temper the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV AWD's otherwise solid crash-test performance. The model year's NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, an "Average" rating, represents a 12-point decline from the 2023 model's "Strong" 86. This drop in the Safety Index, coupled with the recall record, suggests the need for careful consideration of the vehicle's long-term defect costs.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV SUV AWD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 137 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 129 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 137 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2024 Santa Fe HEV AWD presents a complex safety profile, marked by strong crash protection scores yet hampered by a notable increase in recall campaigns. Seven distinct recall campaigns, ranging from seat belt anchorage issues to a wiring harness defect impacting airbag function, contribute to a defect record sub-score of 7.5 out of 20. This recall burden directly influences the model's NHTSA Safety Index, which has fallen 12 points to 74/100 Average for 2024, a decline from the 2023 edition's 86/100 Strong score. Crash protection remains a relative strength, scoring 61 out of 70, supported by a 5-star side impact rating and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover result. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 limits the overall Index, even with standard features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The 129 reported owner complaints, some detailing alleged crashes and injuries, further underscore a year where laboratory crash tests contrast with real-world defect and complaint data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Santa Fe HEV AWD achieved a perfect 5-star rating for side-crash protection. Its overall safety score from NHTSA is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also garnered 4 stars. The Santa Fe HEV AWD presents a 17 percent rollover risk, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip, contributing to its 4-star rollover rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19542
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes, seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include front seat belt anchorages, the rearview camera display function, the starter motor B-positive terminal cover, an overhead console rear sunshade switch knob, and a main floor wiring harness that may chafe and affect air bag deployment. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status 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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V808000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY25V659000
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 285. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 4, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS24V843000
Risk: A sunshade that closes unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switch knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 270.
Reported 2024-11-07
AIR BAGS24V561000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally can increase the risk of an injury. An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the wiring harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 265.
Reported 2024-07-26
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V529000
Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to use the emergency parking brake after parking their vehicles. Hyundai will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update for the transmission control unit. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the dual clutch transmission, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 26, 2024. Owners may contact H
Reported 2024-07-12
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE24V246000
Risk: An obstructed rearview camera image reduces rearward visibility and increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 31, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 258.
Reported 2024-04-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
A total of 129 consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged 10 crashes and 8 injuries. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are Power Train with 36 reports, Electrical System with 23, Forward Collision Avoidance with 13, and Service Brakes with 12.
129 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Shoppers considering this 2-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All seven recall campaigns should show completed remedies. Confirm the seat belt anchorage and wiring harness repairs in particular, as those involve restraint and air bag systems.
- The Safety Index dropped 12 points year over year, from 86/100 Strong in 2023 to 74/100 Average in 2024, driven largely by a defect-record sub-score of 7.5 out of 20 tied to seven active recall campaigns.
- A recall covering the main floor wiring harness cites potential chafing that could affect air bag deployment, making remedy verification a priority for any used-market buyer of this specific model year.
- The rearview camera display function recall affects 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles, meaning this generation carries a back-over prevention concern that should be confirmed as resolved by VIN.
- Despite the Index decline, crash protection scored 61 out of 70, including a perfect 5-star side-crash result and a No Tip dynamic rollover outcome, indicating the structure itself performed well in NHTSA testing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe places
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Hyundai Santa Fe safety questions
Was the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 129 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Santa Fe years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19542), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe 2024.
- 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 137 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.