Posted on 10/28/2025
What’s the issue? Automaker Hyundai has issued a recall affecting approximately 135,386 non-hybrid Santa Fe SUVs for model years 2024 and 2025 in the U.S. The defect centers around the starter-motor assembly in vehicles equipped with the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (i.e., the non-hybrid power-train). Specifically: The “B+” (battery positive) terminal cover on the starter motor may not have been fully seated during manufacturing. In certain crash scenarios—when the engine compartment is deformed—the exposed terminal could contact the cooling fan assembly. That contact can cause an electrical short, which in turn raises the risk of a fire. Hyundai reports that the issue was discovered during a crash-test (an NCAP front barrier test) and that they are not aware of any field-accident injuries or fires to date. What models and build dates are affected? Model years: 2024 and 2025 Santa Fe ... read more