Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 14% | 0 miles |
| 2025 | 6 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 2024 | 9 | 6% | 20,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% | 92,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% | 140,000 miles |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% | 66,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2013 | 9 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% | 76,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 159,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to adjust the front driver's seat, the second-row passenger's side seat engaged unintendedly. The child was seated in the booster seat, and the main seat started to fold down. The contact was unaware that the seat had been activated, but was able to stop the seat from fully folding. The child was unharmed. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 174.
My 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a dangerous power-fold feature for the middle row. This problem is making headlines in another model, the Hyundai Palisade, and for good reason. Why isn't the Santa Fe included in the recall(s) that are intended to correct the problem in the Palisade? In my vehicle, the second row has two seats (captain's chairs). The power-fold feature is the only way to fold the middle row for additional cargo space. When my wife activated the power-fold, I was unable to prevent that seat from folding. When I activated the power-fold, and an [redacted] relative was standing outside the vehicle, he was able to reach in, but he was not able to prevent the seat from folding, and he was very concerned when he learned this. …
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the button was pressed to fold the second row passenger seat while the [redacted] daughter was still seated. During the incident, the electronic folding seat began to fold down onto the daughter, causing extreme distress to the child and crushing her into the seat. The button was pressed, which stopped the seat from continuing to fold down, and the child was freed from the seat. No medical treatment was required. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who examined the seat and determined no failure had occurred. The contact was informed that although the incident was extremely dangerous, the electronic folding seat had operated as intended. The contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be buckled to avoid the problem in the future. …
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was parked and either running or turned off, the second-row seats closed on the safety seats when the button in the rear of the vehicle was depressed. The contact stated that once the button was pressed, the seat could not be stopped from closing until the button was pressed a second time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at the dealer, the transmission became inoperable. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a hole in the front driver's seat. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the dealer declined to service the vehicle or honor the service plan. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 2,600.
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the anchor in the third row detached. The vehicle rolled while in the drive position. The vehicle failed to accelerate. While reversing, the vehicle jerked. No warning lights The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on five occasions and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle shifted into limp mode, causing the speed to be reduced to 20 mph. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. Additionally, while driving at speeds above 60 mph, the 2nd-row captain seats shook and vibrated abnormally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
On my Driver/passenger seat the recline switch with not go back only forward. The dealer explains to me that just diagnosing the issue is 250 then the switch is going to cost me over $800. If replace the Power Seat Switch for $49.99 and the Power Seat Switch Knob only cost $ 15 plus dollars, also to replace the motor $200-300 now my air bag light is on not sure if it's because of the seat functioning or not, my kid's car seats are right behind the seats so its concerning to me. Looking online they are hundreds of people complaining of this, but no action has been taken such as a recall.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (9), 2024 (9), 2017 (6), 2025 (6) and 2014 (5) model years. Seat complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Santa Fe seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for any Hyundai Santa Fe model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Hyundai Santa Fe seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › head restraint (1 mentions), followed by the critical fasteners (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.