NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 27 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, marking a notable six-point improvement over the 2025 model's 78/100. This places it firmly in the Strong safety band. Its crash protection ratings are a clear strength, though four active recalls and a modest score for avoidance technology remain relevant considerations.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA 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 ranks 117 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 27 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 117 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2026 Santa Fe represents a notable safety step forward compared to its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index moved from 78/100 in the Average band to 84/100 in the Strong band, a six-point gain driven primarily by crash protection, which scores 66 out of a possible 70 points and anchors the overall index. NHTSA's five-star overall crash result, with maximums in both frontal and side categories, is the clearest expression of that strength. The rollover score of 4 stars and a 17 percent rollover risk are not disqualifying but do represent the one area where this year's crash performance falls short of a clean sweep. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is a significant drag on the index, reflecting the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems as standard equipment, even though electronic stability control is standard. Four recalls in a current model year, spanning seat belt anchorages, curtain air bags, instrument cluster electronics, and engine connecting rod bolts, add a layer of active concern that prospective buyers should weigh carefully. The defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of 20 reflects that recall activity. The 27 unverified owner complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance among the top alleged problem areas, are notable given the vehicle's low avoidance-tech score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Santa Fe achieved an impressive 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance in both frontal and side crash tests was exceptional, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in each. The vehicle's rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, while still strong, represents a slight decrease in performance relative to its perfect scores in other categories. This rating is based on a measured rollover risk of 17 percent and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21133
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 have any recalls?
Yes. Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The components involved are front seat belt anchorages, the instrument cluster and electrical panel, side and curtain air bags, and engine connecting rod bolts described as potentially insufficiently tightened. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory was identified in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
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
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 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Owners have filed 27 unverified complaints with NHTSA. 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 plus the Electrical System with 3 each. One injury is alleged; no deaths or fires are reported.
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Four active recall campaigns affect the current model year, necessitating that any prospective owner verify recall remedy completion through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Unresolved recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The Safety Index jumped six points year over year, from 78/100 in 2025 to 84/100 in 2026, moving the Santa Fe from the Average band into the Strong band for the first time in this data set.
- All four active recalls on this specific model year involve safety-critical systems: front seat belt anchorages, curtain air bags, instrument cluster electronics, and engine connecting rod bolts.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, which meaningfully caps the overall Safety Index despite strong crash-test results.
- Twenty-seven unverified owner complaints include four alleged reports specifically targeting Forward Collision Avoidance, a component area that also scores poorly in the index breakdown.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe places
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Santa Fe safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 27 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. 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.
Other Santa Fe years
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 21133), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe 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 117 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.