2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 14,362 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power and decelerated to 30 MPH. While in heavy traffic, the contact pulled over to the side of the road, waited for the battery to charge, and drove to the dealer at a slow speed. The dealer inspected the vehicle and associated the failure with low ethanol and heavy contaminants in the fuel. The fuel pump was replaced, and a fuel injector service was performed, but 30 days later the failure reoccurred. The high-pressure fuel pump and the high-pressure fuel pump sensor were replaced and repaired. The contact stated that several days after the repair, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the same dealer, and the contact was informed of a catalytic converter failure caused by the contaminated fuel. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 14,362.

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · NV

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which I purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in April 2026 with approximately 15,000 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 27,000 miles. While driving on the [XXX], my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost propulsion. The vehicle’s electrical systems remained on, but it would no longer accelerate normally. There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts before the loss of power. I was in active freeway traffic with numerous vehicles behind me. Because my vehicle could no longer maintain speed or accelerate, I was placed in an extremely dangerous situation. I feared being struck from behind by another vehicle. It was a terrifying experience. I was eventually able to pull over to the side of the freeway. I turned the vehicle off and waited briefly before restarting it. I was then able to get off the freeway and reach a gas station. Once at the gas station, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and I observed that the hybrid battery was not charging. The vehicle ultimately became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Centennial Hyundai in [XXX] for diagnosis. The dealership advised that diagnosis could take approximately two to three days. This is the first time the vehicle has experienced this failure. However, the sudden loss of propulsion without any prior warning created a serious risk of a rear-end collision. I am concerned that this failure could happen to other Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid owners while driving at freeway speeds. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect, including the sudden loss of propulsion, lack of advance warning, and apparent hybrid charging-system malfunction. At the time of this complaint, the cause of the failure has not yet been confirmed by the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

While driving at freeway speeds in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, complete loss of motive power and rapid deceleration. The accelerator pedal became entirely unresponsive. No warning messages, check engine lights, or diagnostic indicators appeared on the dashboard during or immediately after the failure leaving me blind to the vehicle's state. This loss of propulsion on a high-speed live freeway created an immediate, extreme safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across active lanes of traffic without predictable vehicle control. Component or System: Engine / Powertrain / Fuel System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump / Fuel Rail Sensor) Recurring / Prior History: This is a severe, recurring safety defect. The exact same highway power loss and deceleration event occurred last month. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership where a repair was allegedly completed on 9/11/2026. However, that repair failed to address the root cause, and the dangerous failure has now repeated itself. The lack of a dashboard warning light masks a systemic component failure (strongly suspected to be the high-pressure fuel pump or associated pressure sensors failing to maintain adequate rail pressure under load

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was driving. I had to stop on the shoulder of the hwy. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. The dealer opened R.O. No. [XXX] on 9-3, recording mileage in of 23,595. It inspected the vehicle and confirmed the concern. It replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor (Part No. 35342-2M400) under warranty, confirmed a good idle with no codes, and performed a test drive of about three miles. The dealer reported the vehicle ready on 9-15-26; mileage out 23,596. On [XXX], within a few miles of picking up the vehicle after the first repair, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. We returned the vehicle to the dealer the same day; the dealer recorded the mileage in as 23,602. The MyHyundai app shows active Diagnostic Trouble Code P00BD00 (Mass or Volume Air Flow "A" Circuit Range/Performance — Air Flow Too High), powertrain system, recorded at 23,600 miles, with a listed date of [XXX]. The dealer returned the vehicle on [XXX]. On [XXX], four days after the 2nd repair, we brought the vehicle back to the dealer. We reported that it was idling high, at about 1,200 to 1,900 RPM while stopped, and that we had heard a low clicking sound since the repair. The dealer did not keep the vehicle. The next morning, [XXX], about 7 miles from home, the vehicle lost power on a bridge on [XXX]. It slowed to about 50 miles per hour and did not appear to shift. I stopped on the bridge with my [XXX] daughter in the car. VDOT responded. My husband and I switched cars. [XXX] then drove the vehicle. After about two miles it again lost power, and he had to leave the highway and use secondary roads at low speed to get to the dealer. The car is currently at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

While driving on a highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle abruptly suffered a catastrophic loss of power and entered "Limp Mode," creating a severe safety hazard on the roadway. The vehicle was safely maneuvered and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon shutting the vehicle down and attempting to restart it after a few minutes, the powertrain completely failed to engage, refusing to shift into either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle became entirely disabled and required a flatbed tow to the dealership. ​Dashboard Warning Messages: - ​"Transmission Control System" - ​"Check Hybrid System" ​Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): - ​P177700 (Transmission / Hybrid Powertrain Control Malfunction) - ​P178400 (Transmission Control System / Electric Oil Pump or Actuator Circuit Fault)

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

**What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection?** The vehicle's electrical/power system failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. This is the fourth occurrence of this failure. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and available for inspection. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The power failure occurred while driving on a busy road. The driver struggled to safely maneuver the vehicle (executing a U-turn) to get out of traffic and reach a safe location. The vehicle had to be towed as a result. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** The vehicle has been brought to the Hyundai dealership for this same issue four times. As of the most recent update, the dealership has not been able to identify the root cause or confirm a fix. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle is currently with the Hyundai dealership (manufacturer-affiliated) for the fourth time for inspection related to this issue. No inspection by police or insurance has been reported. **Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. Warning lamps/messages appeared only after the vehicle lost power.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

First Incident – XXX Weekend ([XXX]) Accelerating at an on-ramp to a major highway (I-37S) in [XXX], vehicle suddenly lost power. Speed dropped from 60 mph to 45 mph, then 28 mph, in a 65 mph zone during rush hour traffic. No apparent cause: had ¾ tank of fuel, a clean maintenance history, and no prior issues. Managed to reach the shoulder and, after several minutes, able to exit the highway. Vehicle would not accelerate above 35–45 mph and stayed around 30mph, and the hybrid battery showed less than 25% charge. Notified Red McCombs Hyundai (original seller). When a loaner vehicle became available, we brought the Santa Fe in. After a week, the dealership stated they could not duplicate the problem and returned the vehicle to us. Second Incident – XXX ([XXX]) On a planned trip from [XXX] to [XXX], again experienced a sudden and severe loss of power. While merging onto I‑10W, in [XXX], the vehicle speed dropped from 80 mph to 60, then 50, then 38 mph. Able to avoid a collision because of an unusually wide median where I could safely stop. Used GPS to find a local Hyundai dealer - Casa Hyundai of [XXX] - and drove there, using surface roads only. Turned vehicle in for maintenance and continued trip using a loaner vehicle. Casa Hyundai reported, days later, that despite logged error messages indicating problem with hybrid system and advising user to immediately stop, they were unable to isolate problem. Third Incident – XXX (Unknown location in [XXX]) Entering I-10E after fuel stop (80mph zone) and accelerating hard on a slight incline, again experienced sudden loss of power, slowing to less than 40 mph. Drove on shoulder for two miles to next exit 284 and stopped w/motor running to recharge. No error codes or warnings displayed on dash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Fuel system · IN

I've had this vehicle for 13 months, and it has roughly 13K miles on it. Since 7/3/26, it has been in the service department at Hyundai of Noblesville on three separate occasions. This all started on 7/3/26 when we were driving on the interstate and out of nowhere the vehicle lost critical power and would not go more than 20 MPH. There was some kind of warning message that momentarily popped up but then disappeared. We were so rattled, we didn't get a chance to take notice of what it said. It was towed to the dealership and they said they cleared the codes and drove it a little and the problem was resolved. It was driving OK and then on 7/15/26, we had just got onto the interstate and there was a sudden loss of power AGAIN. We had it towed to the dealership. They replaced the high pressure fuel pump and assured us that the problem was resolved. Then on 8/29/26, the same thing happened again on the interstate--critical loss of power. Had it towed to the dealership again. This morning, they say that it is the fuel pump railings that are the issue. I have placed a formal Hyundai Corporate Case and I am notifying you of this safety issue which presents major risk to the safety of anyone in the car.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

1. The SUV experiences complete power loss and goes into limp mode. Have been in nearly 3 accidents on highways with a vehicle that goes from 65 to 35 with no warning and then cannot accelerate or gain speed. 2. Battery, out of no where, goes from 3/4 full to 1 or 2 bars. 3. Extreme shaking of the vehicle while driving and at rest. 4. Vehicle is less than a year old and has been in for the same issue 4x. Currently with dealership since 6 July with no communication despite calls and in-person visits. 5. Loaner not provided despite car being under warranty and brand new.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Engine · TX

Sudden loss of power while driving on the interstate (65 MPH) , car would no longer accelerate and slowed down to ~10 MPH. Had to merge onto emergency lane, car struggled to power over 30 MPH. Warning light came up to "Park with engine On to charge battery". Parked car and restarted car and still did not resolve issue. Had to switch the car into "Sport" mode to drive home.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD was serviced under warranty on 4/22/2026 for a driveability concern after experiencing a loss of power while driving. The service history shows part HY35326-2M500 was replaced. On or about 5/25/2026, the same issue occurred again while driving at highway speed. The vehicle suddenly lost motive power and dropped from approximately 70 mph to approximately 30 to 40 mph, creating a serious safety risk because the vehicle could not maintain speed with surrounding highway traffic. No warning lamps, dashboard messages, or diagnostic codes appeared during the failure. The vehicle is currently at a Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair for the repeat issue and should be available for inspection upon request. The prior dealer record appears to describe the issue generally as a “driveability concern,” but the current repair diagnosis and full repair notes are still pending. It is unknown whether the dealer has reproduced or confirmed the failure during the current visit. I am reporting this as a sudden loss of motive power at highway speed involving the fuel/propulsion system, engine, and/or powertrain.

Filed May 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Driving home from church this morning, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power and the car went into “limp mode”. Even the pedal floored and the engine rpms high, the car would barely go about 25 or 30 mph. A message from the dash board told me to pull over and leave the engine running to charge the EV batteries. The batteries would charge enough for what I thought would get me home but quickly drained leaving repeat the action until I could limp the six miles home with flashers on and cars passing me to get around. No warning lights and no indication there was a problem until it happened leaving me baffled and frustrated. I was just thankful that I wasn’t going faster when it happened. If I had been going faster when this happened, it could have created a major accident. Dangerous! Since this happened on Sunday, the dealer wasn’t open. I hope to get it to the dealer tomorrow to find out what is going on and how to fix it. The car has only 14850 miles on it.