NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 116 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD shows a four-point gain over the 2024 model in its NHTSA Safety Index, reaching 78/100, which places it in the Average band. This improvement is bolstered by a strong side-crash performance. However, five active recall campaigns and a modest sub-score for avoidance technology prevent this model year from achieving a Good tier rating.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 145 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 116 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 145 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid AWD represents a measurable step forward from its immediate predecessor, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising four points to 78/100 from the 2024 model's 74/100, both within the Average band. That gain is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, supported by the 5-star side result and a clean No Tip outcome in rollover testing. Where this specific model year loses ground is in its defect record: a sub-score of 11.5 out of 20 reflects five recall campaigns that span genuinely varied safety systems, from curtain air bags and seat belt anchorages to engine connecting rod bolts and a starter assembly electrical cover. The connecting rod bolt recall is particularly notable because a fastener failure in that location can cause catastrophic engine damage. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 signals that while forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard, the broader suite of active safety features is not as comprehensively equipped as top-scoring competitors. The 116 owner complaints, with unverified allegations touching the electrical system and forward collision avoidance system specifically, echo two of the recall themes and are worth monitoring as the vehicle ages.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid secured a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact protection. Its overall safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars. Rollover risk was assessed at 17 percent, with the dynamic tip-test showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20572
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include front seat belt anchorages, the rearview camera display function, curtain air bags, the starter motor electrical terminal cover, and engine connecting rod bolts. The connecting rod bolt campaign is a critical-fastener defect that warrants prompt attention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
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
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V549000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
Reported 2025-08-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Owners have filed 116 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 5 crashes and 4 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Unknown or Other issues, Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance, Power Train, and Tires.
116 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Five recall campaigns are on record for the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid, including one addressing engine connecting rod bolts. For any prospective owner of this model, confirming that each recall remedy has been completed by a franchised dealer is a critical pre-purchase step. The VIN should be run through NHTSA's recall lookup to verify this information.
- The 2025 model year carries five NHTSA recall campaigns, more than many competitors in this segment, with defects spanning curtain air bags, seat belt anchorages, rearview camera function, the starter motor electrical cover, and engine connecting rod bolts.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating is the strongest individual result for this model year and is the primary driver of the 61/70 crash-protection sub-score.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the lowest-scoring component of the 2025 Safety Index, indicating room for improvement in how the vehicle's active safety suite is equipped relative to the scoring criteria.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include 116 unverified allegations, with the Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance system among the top reported components, a pattern that aligns with two of the active recall themes.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe places
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Hyundai Santa Fe safety questions
Was the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 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 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 116 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20572), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe 2025.
- 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 145 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.