Hyundai Recall 23V-181: Trailer hitches

Affected: 2022–2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2019–2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2021–2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and 1 more. Filed with NHTSA on March 17, 2023, covering about 584,784 vehicles.

Park outside: the manufacturer advises owners to park outside and away from structures until repaired.

The problem

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

The risk

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign23V-181 (23V181000)
Manufacturer number244
ManufacturerHyundai Motor America
ComponentTrailer hitches
Report dateMarch 17, 2023
Owners notifiedMay 16, 2023
Vehicles affected584,784
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the equipment & accessories

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 23V-181 repair free?

Yes. Hyundai dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 584,784 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is it safe to drive?

Owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings until the repair is done, because of a fire risk.

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.