Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2025 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has multiple recalls affecting safety features, including seat belts and airbags, and issues with electrical and engine systems. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect for electrical problems, engine performance, and recall repairs to ensure the reliability and safety of the vehicle.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2025 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 103 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V218000 Seat Belt Anchors May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V808000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V809000 Side Curtain Air Bags May Not Deploy Properly NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 34 complaints
- Electrical System 31 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 31 complaints
- Power Train 25 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 22 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 15 complaints
Of the 103 complaints on file, 5 report a crash; across all 103 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Seat belt anchors may detach
How to check: Inspect seat belts for secure attachment.
Rearview camera malfunction
How to check: Check if the camera displays properly.
Side curtain airbags not deploying
How to check: Ensure airbags are properly installed.
Frequent electrical system faults
How to check: Test all electrical components for faults.
Engine-related complaints
How to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or misfires.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check the dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent dashboard warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor powertrain responsiveness and smooth shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure stable acceleration without engine strain.
Red flag: Engine sputtering or power loss
- 05
Parking
What to check: Check rearview camera for clear display clarity.
Red flag: Camera not displaying image
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any known electrical issues?
- Has the engine shown any problems?
- Are there complete service records?
- Have the airbags ever deployed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records and repairs
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2025 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.