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2023 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems

45 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 9,500. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
45
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
9,500
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems in other years

200120052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Won't shift 9Transmission failure 7Jerking 6Shudder 6Hesitation 5Slipping 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · CT

My 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy has experienced transmission problems since it was new and currently has approximately 20,000 miles. I brought it to the dealership approximately three to four times for these concerns, but I was told they could not find a problem or any diagnostic codes. Recently, while driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate even with the accelerator pedal pressed all the way down. I had to pull over to the side of the highway. Without turning off the engine, I shifted into Park and then back into Drive. The vehicle began moving again, but the transmission continued slipping. On [XXX] I brought the vehicle to Key Hyundai of Manchester for scheduled maintenance and again reported the recurring transmission problems. The dealership requested a diagnostic fee of more than $200, which I declined because I had repeatedly reported this problem since the vehicle was new. They completed the scheduled maintenance without performing the requested transmission diagnosis. After leaving the dealership that same day, the vehicle repeatedly malfunctioned while I was driving, and the check engine light came on. I returned to the dealership. A scan showed three fault codes related to the transmission, clutch, and a sensor. I asked to leave the vehicle and receive a loaner because I feared another loss of power on the highway could cause a rear-end collision. I was told the person who could authorize a loaner had left for an appointment, could not be contacted, and that I should return Monday. On [XXX], I called and spoke with Anthony, whom I was told was in charge. He told me I needed to bring the vehicle in and would have to join a waiting list for a loaner. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle back, and it is currently at the dealership being evaluated. My primary concern is safety: recurring transmission slipping and a loss of acceleration that left me unable to maintain speed on the highway. IINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Transmission · IN

I own a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD equipped with the 2.5L turbo engine and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. At approximately 39,900 miles, the check-engine light illuminated. Hyundai Bluelink diagnostics reported powertrain/TCU diagnostic trouble code P1C2D03, identified as a high-pressure electric oil pump motor position sensor fault. I am concerned because this same diagnostic trouble code and high-pressure electric oil pump/transmission issue was associated with Hyundai Safety Recall 236 (the federal safety agency Recall 22V746) involving certain earlier Santa Fe model years. Hyundai's recall documentation described the possibility of the transmission high-pressure electric oil pump malfunctioning and causing loss of motive power while driving. My vehicle is a 2023 model and therefore was not included in that earlier recall, but Hyundai has subsequently issued technical service information covering 2021–2023 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 2.5T engine and 8-speed wet DCT, including vehicles displaying DTC P1C2D03. The current Hyundai service procedure indicates that affected vehicles may require transmission replacement. I have stopped driving the vehicle because of my concern about a possible loss of propulsion and have scheduled an appointment with a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. At this time, I have not experienced a loss of motive power or an accident. I am reporting the issue because a 2023 vehicle outside the original recall population is displaying the same fault code associated with the previously recalled transmission condition. I believe the federal safety agency should evaluate whether the affected population should include additional model years.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Subject: Formal Dispute: Warranty Breach and Failure to Repair – 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Timeline & Facts:11/2/25 (~52,000 miles): I officially reported an intermittent loss of power and severe engine revving (up to 7,000 RPM). This created a severe safety hazard when merging and accelerating from an idle stop.3/28/26 (Under 60k miles): After months of diagnostic delays, Hyundai confirmed the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) needed replacement under the 60,000-mile warranty. A Hyundai Case Manager tracked the issue.Service Delay: Hyundai delayed repairs due to a lack of loaner vehicles, which were grounded for recall updates. Commuting pushed my mileage to 60,218. The Case Manager assured me coverage was locked in because the defect was documented before 60,000 miles.4/8/26: Due to corporate protocol, they ordered a valve body installation instead of a new transmission.8/11/26: The valve body failed. Hyundai delaership resubmitted the transmission replacement request. Corporate denied 100% coverage because the odometer was now over 60,000 miles (60,218). They are offering only 80%, leaving me with a $1,000 plus out-of-pocket expense.Legal & Contractual Position:Hyundai is contractually and legally obligated to cover 100% of this replacement. Under federal and state consumer protection laws, any defect reported prior to warranty expiration must be fully repaired by the manufacturer, even if the final repair occurs after the mileage threshold. The current mileage is a direct result of Hyundai’s internal diagnostic and loaner delays.Demanded Resolution:I demand that Hyundai cover 100% of the transmission replacement costs immediately. I am hoping this escalation to the federal safety agency will help in bringing this matter to a positive end result, otherwise I have no choice but to pursue formal legal remedies.

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · NC

This complaint concerns a serious, unresolved powertrain/propulsion safety defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. While traveling approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate normally while surrounded by highway traffic.MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ADVANCE INDICATION. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the loss of propulsion. I had no opportunity to anticipate the failure or prepare to safely exit traffic. This placed me and other motorists at immediate risk of a serious or potentially fatal collision.A Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and documented DTC P284001, Shift Fork D Position Fault. Despite this documented fault, the underlying safety issue remains unresolved. Hyundai has not identified a permanent correction or established that the vehicle is safe to operate.There has not been another incident because I will not risk another sudden loss of propulsion by driving the vehicle. The absence of another failure does NOT mean the problem is resolved. The vehicle remains available for inspection.I have repeatedly sought assistance from Hyundai and the dealership without a meaningful resolution. Newer information regarding a possible computer reset/relearn procedure has also been presented, but the dealership refuses to perform it.I reviewed the federal safety agency complaints for 2023 Santa Fe vehicles and found multiple reports describing similar safety symptoms, including sudden loss of propulsion, inability to accelerate, abnormal transmission shifting, and loss of speed. This raises serious concern that this may not be an isolated failure.A vehicle that can unexpectedly lose propulsion at highway speed WITHOUT ANY WARNING creates an extreme crash risk. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review the similar complaints, investigate whether a broader transmission/powertrain safety defect exists, and determine whether corrective action is necessary before this results in serious injury or death.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · TX

COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The powertrain launch control system — the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission paired with the 2.5T engine — fails to deliver engine power in response to full accelerator input from a stop. The engine does not rev and the vehicle does not move for approximately 1–2 seconds despite the accelerator pedal being fully depressed, then power engages abruptly and violently. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: The failure occurs when launching from a stop into intersections and cross-traffic. In the most recent incident, I was turning left across the roadway from a stop with an oncoming vehicle approaching. I applied full accelerator and the vehicle did not respond at all for approximately 2 seconds — no engine response, no movement — leaving me stationary in the oncoming vehicle’s path. Power then engaged violently and without warning, causing the vehicle to lurch across the road. I was nearly struck. Similar events have occurred multiple times throughout my ownership; this was the closest to a collision. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Not yet inspected by a dealer. A dealer service appointment is being scheduled. OTHER INSPECTIONS: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. WARNING LAMPS/PRIOR SYMPTOMS: No warning lamps or messages have appeared before, during, or after any of the events. The failure is intermittent and occurs without warning. The condition has been present since I purchased the vehicle in October 2022 and has occurred regularly throughout ownership — numerous occurrences over more than three years. No warning lamps have ever accompanied it. ADDITIONAL: Condition persists with Idle Stop & Go disabled, ruling out engine-restart delay. Same 8-speed wet DCT was subject to Recall 236 (the federal safety agency 22V‑746) on 2021–2022 models for similar throttle non-response; 2023 excluded despite identical hardware.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

Vehicle stalled while driving — unsafe loss of power. While driving at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning and the electrical system malfunctioned. I had to pull over and restart car. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a collision. Prior to this incidenct, the vehicle had intermittent electrical issues during startup (flickering electronics). This is the first time the car has experienced during driving, and is now at the Hyundai dealership. The car has been reported as unsafe to drive. This appears similar to other Hyundai stalling/power loss issues and may indicate a developing safety defect. Requesting investigation.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Transmission · MD

While running errands around town, I noticed my 2023 Sante Fe 2.5T was sluggish shifting out of first gear into second. The RPMS revved to about 3K before the transmission shifted into 2nd. I didn't notice any problem shifting into 3rd and above. I drove to a gas station for fuel and shut off my car. When I started it and began to drive, I received an immediate warning to take the car to a dealer and the check engine light came on. The car had the same problem getting out of 1st gear at each of the traffic signals I got caught at on my way to the dealership about 2 miles away. The following day, the service department contacted me and determined I needed a new transmission due to the failure of the Dual Clutch electric high pressure oil pump in the transmission. They submitted a parts request and Hyundai approved a refurbished DCT warranty replacement. The transmission only has 50200 miles on it I am second owner but the car was a CPO so I have full warranty coverage. I was given a loaner under Hyundai' warranty provisions. My main concern is that although this vehicle is a 2023 Sante Fe, it was put in service around August of 2022 and would therefore have the same transmission as the 2021 and 2022s covered under Hyundai recall 236, but this has yet to be acknowledged as far as I know. Please investigate my situation and consider further requirements of Hyundai! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 28, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Hyundai Corporate is refusing to ground or provide alternative transportation for a documented, warranty-covered engine cooling fault (Code P2181), creating a highway stalling risk. Hyundai's legal compliance team reviews these logs daily.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Shifter malfunction has appeared since I bought the vehicle new. Once I took it in, they said it was the software. The vehicle now skipped and hesitate in the lower gears. When in high gears ride fine. But once it stops and start driving again, lower gears won’t drive properly. Drives with hesitation and skips.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · NC

On March 4, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM EST, while driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited on [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70 mph (posted speed limit). The vehicle would not accelerate or maintain speed and would not move forward when placed in drive, indicating a failure within the powertrain/transmission system. The vehicle is currently located at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection upon request. This incident created a significant safety risk, as I was traveling at highway speed in active traffic when the vehicle unexpectedly lost the ability to move under its own power. This placed me at risk of being rear-ended and made it difficult to safely maneuver out of traffic. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership. Diagnostic trouble code P284001 (Shift Fork “D” Position) was identified, and I was informed the failure is transmission-related. The condition was reproduced by placing the vehicle in drive, at which point the vehicle would not move. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. The manufacturer has been notified but has not physically inspected the vehicle. No police or insurance inspection was involved. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The issue occurred suddenly without any indication of a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Questions about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission

Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the transmission of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, 21% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 9,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Hyundai Santa Fe have bad transmission?

The Hyundai Santa Fe model years with the most transmission complaints are 2017 (166 complaints), 2010 (109 complaints) and 2022 (57 complaints).

Other 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

Driver assistance 41Electrical 37Engine 37Brakes 27Acceleration 15Visibility 13Fuel system 12Body 6Wheels 5Lights 3Seat belts 3Steering 3Airbags 2Tires 1

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