Unreliable Vehicle & Untenable Warranty Service
This review reflects a deeply unsatisfactory ownership experience with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Plug In. Despite being under warranty, the vehicle has been plagued by persistent and recurring mechanical and system failures. The repeated issues—particularly affecting core hybrid components and essential comfort systems—raise serious concerns about both the vehicle’s reliability and the effectiveness of Hyundai’s service response.
Key Issues:
Hybrid System Failures:
The hybrid system has failed on three separate occasions, requiring repeated service visits. These failures suggest a potentially fundamental flaw in the vehicle's core design or implementation of hybrid technology.
Prolonged Dealership Stays:
Since August 12, the vehicle has been at the dealership for repairs for all but three days. This indicates either a highly complex issue or insufficient diagnostic and repair capabilities. Either way, it reflects poorly on the overall service experience.In addition, the SantaFe has been at the dealership for extended periods of time on at least two other occasions.
Non-Functional Heating System:
The heating system remains non-functional, despite the thermostat being replaced twice. This issue significantly impacts comfort and safety, particularly in colder climates, and reflects a troubling inability to resolve relatively standard mechanical problems.
Drivetrain Replacement:
A new drivetrain was installed in an attempt to address ongoing issues, but this major repair has not resolved all of the vehicle’s problems. This further undermines confidence in the vehicle’s reliability and engineering.
Unresolved Problems Persist:
Even after multiple major repairs and part replacements, the vehicle continues to exhibit problems. This suggests that the underlying issues are systemic rather than isolated, and cannot be fixed with individual component replacements alone.
Conclusion:
My experience with this vehicle has been dominated by major system failures, extended downtime, and repeated, unsuccessful repair attempts. The vehicle has not been dependable, and the lack of resolution—even after significant interventions—leaves me questioning the long-term viability of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. I hope this feedback helps Hyundai recognize the seriousness of these issues and prompts a more thorough investigation into potential design and quality control deficiencies.
Verified Owner
