The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several warning lights illuminated and the ABS message was displayed. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport abs comes on
69 of the 1,207 owner complaints about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 69
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 61,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 9Fire or smoke 8Oil consumption 5Engine failure 5Warning lights 4Stalling 4Knocking 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0302 1C2402 1C1209 1C1206 1C1203 1C1200 1
What owners say
Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Limited, VIN [XXX]. Registered and titled in Georgia, USA since July 2022. Built in the USA (VIN begins with 5); originally retailed in Canada. The vehicle has an unremedied ABS module defect that can cause an engine-compartment fire even when parked and turned off. Hyundai Canada lists it as open safety recall R0246-1 (41D013, Transport Canada 2024-080), remedy available since 2024-05-27. The same defect and the same remedy (ABS fuse replacement) are covered in the US by the federal safety agency recall 23V651 / Hyundai Recall 251, which includes 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles produced 7/12/2012 to 6/15/2013. A second Canadian fire-risk recall is also open: R0212 (21DG01, TC 2022-659, rear park-assist sensors). the federal safety agency recall lookup for my VIN shows 0 open recalls (checked 10/26/2026), apparently because the vehicle was first sold in Canada. Georgia Hyundai dealers refuse to perform the recalls, telling me they do not do recalls on Canadian vehicles. As a result, a US-registered vehicle with a known fire defect that Hyundai Motor America has recalled in the US cannot get the remedy anywhere in the US. I have asked Hyundai Auto Canada (10/26/2026) to authorize a US dealer. I ask the federal safety agency to ask Hyundai Motor America (1) why US-registered vehicles that are the same as those in recall 23V651 are excluded from the remedy because of their original market, and (2) to authorize its dealers to perform the remedy on my vehicle. I am parking outdoors away from structures in the meantime. My family, including three young children, rides in this vehicle. No fire, crash or injury has occurred. Documents available: Hyundai Canada recall lookup and the federal safety agency lookup for this VIN, both dated 10/26/2026. [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There was a low noise when I got in the vehicle in the morning. I looked at the engine and it was coming from the abs system. I took it to the mechanic shop and the noise was even louder, the abs part on the passenger side of the firewall in the engine blew up and catch fire. Luckily they were able to put the fire down right away. I’m glad that didn’t happen while driving or while in the driveway of our house were there’s more vehicles parked. There was an Abs light on the dashboard due to an abs sensor for the rear right wheel.
In October/November of 2023, while Hyundai was actively initiating Safety Recall 251 (the federal safety agency Campaign 23V‑651), my vehicle's ABS Control Unit suffered an internal fluid leak that resulted in an electrical short-circuit. The failure caused major electronic communication errors, illuminated dashboard warning lights, and placed the vehicle into Limp Mode, rendering it unsafe to drive. Because the failure occurred prior to receiving a formal owner notification in the mail and the vehicle was un-drivable, I paid $1,300.54 out-of-pocket on November 17th 2023 to replace the failed ABS module. Hyundai Corporate has twice denied reimbursement, arguing that Recall 251 only covers a multi-fuse replacement and claiming internal fluid leaks are not covered. This contradicts the federal safety agency 23V‑651 documentation, which explicitly identifies internal ABS module fluid leaks and electrical shorts as the core safety defect. Installing a fuse current-limiter cannot repair an already-ruined ABS circuit board or resolve a safety-mandated Limp Mode. I am reporting this to document on the official public record that Hyundai is actively denying reimbursement for the exact root-cause failure identified in the federal safety agency Campaign 23V‑651. PLEASE NOTE: This report is submitted solely to document Hyundai Motor America's non-compliance and improper reimbursement denial for official record-keeping under Campaign 23V‑651. I do not require follow-up contact from the federal safety agency regarding this submission.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa FE. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at 60 mph the vehicle began to shake violently, and the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, the service vehicle soon, ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered off an exit into the parking lot of an AutoZone where a diagnostic scanner displayed the code "P0302". The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the exhaust valve on cylinder two had dissolved and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a local Hyundai dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the exhaust valve in cylinder two was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,687.
On June 20, 2026, while the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was being driven on Richardson Highway near Mile 155 in Alaska, smoke and flames developed from the engine compartment without any collision. The driver stopped and both occupants exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed. The fire created an immediate risk of serious injury or death and blocked the northbound lane. There were no known prior drivability problems, warning lamps, or other symptoms before the incident. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Potential areas requiring investigation include the engine, electrical system, ABS/HECU brake module, multi-fuse, fuel system, and other engine-compartment components. Alaska Department of Public Safety responded. Its report states that there was no obvious cause, but that the fire appeared to have originated in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed and preserved for the manufacturer. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the inspection was completed on July 11, 2026. Hyundai later stated orally that it did not find an engine defect, but it has not provided the complete inspection report, testing methods, photographs, technical findings, or a written origin-and-cause determination. Hyundai has not explained whether the ABS/HECU, electrical system, multi-fuse, fuel system, or other potential fire sources were separately examined. The vehicle sustained catastrophic damage and was a total loss. Both occupants escaped, but experienced severe ongoing psychological distress after the fire. I request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether the fire involved an engine, electrical, ABS/HECU, fuel-system, recall-remedy, or other safety defect. The vehicle was available for Hyundai's inspection. Its current availability for further inspection is UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains preserved and is currently available for further inspection upon request.
*"I am filing a complaint against Hallmark Hyundai in [XXX] regarding an active safety recall on my vehicle's ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) module.My vehicle was brought to the dealership on XXX. As of today, XXX, the dealership has held my car for 27 days without completing the safety remedy. The dealership continues to give me conflicting stories, refuses to provide an expected repair date, and is denying me manufacturer-funded alternative transportation while my vehicle is grounded for this safety defect.I am reporting this because the dealership is failing to provide a timely remedy for a critical braking safety hazard, leaving me without a safe vehicle." The warning lights came on on XXX every light on my dash is flashing. Hallmark Hyundai inspected my vehicle and said it was the abs module I have been without transportation for a whole month with no answers on when my car will be ready for pick. The advisor Devita keep telling me lie after lie I need my car immediately no way it takes a whole month to fix a recall repair I need my car I have lost my job due to this I’ve missed important dr appointments do to my car being held for a month with no answers INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am reporting a severe safety failure on my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that perfectly matches the safety defect described in Recall 21V‑303 / Campaign 205. This happened even though I had the dealer perform the official recall fuse fix back in 2024. The problem started after I left the car parked for about 3 to 4 hours. When I came back, I heard a motor (not the motor) loudly running under the hood even though the ignition was completely off. It stayed on even after starting and turning the car off. The battery in the vehicle had drained so bad it was deemed bad when hooked up to a tester at the auto parts store. After getting a new battery and trying to drive the car, the electrical system went haywire. The dashboard lit up with every brake warning light on, the speedometer stopped working, miles to empty being erratic, and the exterior rear brake lights kept flickering erratically after the car was turned off. The steering was acting abnormal and unnatural, not crisp and easy to turn as usual. There were absolutely no warning lights or symptoms before I parked the vehicle. I had it towed to my local Hyundai dealership, and their diagnostic scan confirmed major brake and chassis issues, specifically code C2402 for an ABS Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction and codes C1200, C1203, and C1206 for a loss of wheel speed data. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, but it is currently sitting at the dealership waiting for a resolution from a Hyundai customer care case manager. The 2024 recall remedy only involved dropping the fuse amperage to mitigate fire intensity; it did not replace the module housing or prevent the internal brake fluid leak from eventually destroying the system. The defect has seemingly now fully manifested, knocking out primary braking indicators and power steering assist, presenting an ongoing safety and fire hazard while driving and parked.
For a few months- the ABS light, Downhill assist light, and Slippery road light have all been on. Read it could be due to a bad sensor. Then on Saturday July 4th, I turned the car on and the Ebrake light was on but my ebrake was NOT initiated. Car was making a low humming noise on front passenger side of vehicle as well. I read the ebrake light could come on due to low brake fluid, so I wanted to drive it around the block to further try and diagnose the issue. My car then made a pop noise and started smoking from where the ABS pump is located and my tail lights all started flickering like Christmas lights. I instantly turned the car off and disconnected the battery to prevent an electrical fire. UPON researching- there is a recall for 2015 Santa Fe’s for this exact issue except mine isn’t on the list. I need to talk to someone who has seniority upon this situation because I have called Hyundai Customer service and my local dealership and nothing is being done or nobody cares to resolve this situation. My car is currently at a trusted local garage awaiting repair- I can not tow it back and forth between the garage and a dealership. I rely on my car for my children and work.. I can’t play around waiting for them to inspect it weeks from now. This is a serious issue as my children were also in the car. Everything is VERY similar to the recall on other 2015 Santa Fe’s..
My ABS Lights the triangle with the ! In the middle goes in and off the down hill control light and the sweet control light all go on when the ABS light goes on my oil was completely dry had to add two quarts while the engine was ticking when started and when accelerating it was making a clicking noise I still had 3000 miles before needed an oil change but like I said it was bone dry and then the drivers seat was going back and not wanting to come back up I’ve only had the car 42 days and it’s having all kinds of problems
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Recall number 23V651000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V‑056.
Recall number 22V810000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Recall number 22V056000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Recall number 21V303000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V‑303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.
Recall number 20V520000 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport abs
Why does the abs come on in the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, fire, smoke or burning smell and excessive oil consumption, and the codes they mention most are P0302, C2402 and C1209.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (19 complaints), 2014 (19 complaints) and 2017 (12 complaints).
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