Diagsheet

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 29owner reports
  • 73,000median miles
  • 1involved a crash

Newest report May 9, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

29 of the 254 complaints on this car describe brake wear.

Tick what matches of 29 reports

1
1
1
1
13

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (9 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-651Sep 22, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk and remedy
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Santa Fe

AQ23-002opened Nov 17, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2013 to 2018

Hyundai and kia abs module fires. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 55,000 and 102,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.

117
1320
821
122
223
324
126

What owners wrote

“While driving at 65 mph on an urban expressway, the engine quit without warning and would not restart. This resulted in diminished steering and braking control as well as exposure near the edge of traffic on a narrow berm of an overpass bridge. Full tank of fuel, good battery, the engine would not crank or restart. All electrical accessories work fine.”

Filed Sep 3, 2023

“The car was parked for about 4 hours and suddenly catches fire and reports says it was ABS anti brake system and i got my car burnt. Is there any help Hyundai can assist me.”

Filed Apr 6, 2022

“Leak which may cause a fire. This is second recall for same problem. I feel unsafe while driving. They say if ABS light comes on to stop immediately. Unable to park in my garage or close to the house. No incidents as of now. I do not understand why this is taking so long and we are expected to drive an unsafe vehicle. Value of car has also dropped.”

Filed Jun 15, 2021

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 29 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

Other problems on this car