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2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and control unit/module. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “ABS warning light and brake recall part delays.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #17V358000 · May 6, 2017

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #21V303000 · Apr 28, 2021

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #20V520000 · Aug 27, 2020

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk: If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    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 Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

ABS warning light and brake recall part delays

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

17 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2026-07

“For a few months- the ABS light, Downhill assist light, and Slippery road light have all been on. Read it could be due to a bad sensor. Then on Saturday July 4th, I turned the car on and the Ebrake light was on but my ebrake was NOT initiated. Car was making a low humming noise”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749067
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V303000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, after the recall repair was performed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463617
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V520000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEN GARFF HYUNDAI DOWNTOWN (717 SW. TEMPLE, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101, (801) 257-3200) FOR THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414189

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and seizure from rod bearing wear

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

37 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730805
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle would not exceed 60 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pepboys who diagnosed that the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428836
“ON 7/19/2018, AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV MORE THAN 4000RPM WHILE IN PARK. THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE A SAFETY FEATURE SO DIDN'T GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT. I DROVE THE CAR THAT DAY APPROXIMATELY 80 MILES, AND ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE, WHILE STOPPED AT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113283

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption requiring consumption test

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2026-01

“I am writing to express my concern regarding an ongoing and persistent issue with excessive engine oil consumption in my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, Subject: Severe Oil Consumption Issue - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe - VIN: [XXX] The vehicle consumes an alarming amount of oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689911
“Oil consumption issues, can cause engine failure while driving. Car burns 2-3 quarts every 1,000 miles car takes just over 5qt to fill. Issues stated at around 70,000 now at 82,000. This is a long standing issue that needs to be addressed on hundreds of thousands of vehicles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11654023
“THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE IN MOTION AFTER LEAVING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF HYUNDAI. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS PART OF A CONSUMPTION TEST. I WAS ADVISED TO COME IN EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS 1 QUART OF OIL LOW AND AFTER 4 TIMES HYUNDAI WOULD PROVIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993766

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FIRERELATED

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-08

“Driving on freeway and noticed smoke. Realized I needed to pull over and brakes weren’t working. Off ramp was at an incline so car came to a stop just in time to get toddler and myself out of vehicle. Car was on fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678091
“While PARKED IN FRONT OF 7-11 WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING ATTACHMENT IN THE WHEEL WELL BROKE AND RELEASED FLUID ON THE HOT ENGINE. PATRONS IN SORE ALERTED ME THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING OUT THE HOOD. I RACED BACK TO MY SANTA FE AND NOTICED FIRE. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672687
“Per Franklin County Fire Department report, they determined a malfunction in the canister vent valve associated with the gas tank initiated a fire. According to the department findings, the canister vent valve detached from the vehicle and was discovered approximately 200 yards”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667956

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag clock spring failure

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2025-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective clock spring. The contact was informed that the clock”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640632
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that some of the accessory buttons were inoperable. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the clock spring had failed and could affect the deployment of the air bag. The clock spring was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467771
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS STOPPED FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11387030

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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