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Hyundai Recalls 135,386 Santa Fe SUVs Over Starter-Wiring Fire Risk

Hyundai’s recall covers 135,386 potentially involved Santa Fe SUVs over a starter-terminal cover fire risk. VIN checks determine eligibility; the dealer remedy is free.
Entry845 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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Hyundai has recalled 135,386 potentially affected U.S. Santa Fe SUVs because an improperly seated starter-motor terminal cover could allow an electrical short and fire in certain crash scenarios. The recall applies to certain 2024–2025 Santa Fe models with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, but eligibility is determined by the vehicle identification number (VIN). Owners can check their VIN and arrange the free dealer remedy through Hyundai’s recall lookup.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles are included?

The recall is NHTSA campaign 25V659, also identified by Hyundai as recall 285. It covers certain U.S.-market 2024–2025 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama from December 28, 2023, through July 7, 2025. Hyundai Motor America’s 2025 filing lists 135,386 potentially involved vehicles and estimates that 1% have the defect; that estimate is not a count of confirmed defective vehicles. NHTSA recall information

Those model, engine and production details can help identify a vehicle that may be affected, but they do not replace a VIN check. A vehicle’s individual recall status is VIN-specific.

What is the defect and what is the risk?

The starter motor’s positive B+ terminal cover may not have been fully seated during assembly. In certain crashes involving deformation of the engine compartment, the exposed terminal could contact the cooling fan assembly, creating an electrical short and increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Hyundai’s filing identified no warning that would alert an owner to the condition beforehand. The stated risk applies to certain crash scenarios; it does not mean every potentially affected Santa Fe will catch fire. NHTSA recall information

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#1 Best Overall
X AUTOHAUX Starter Solenoid Wire Harness 10" for Hyundai Accent 1 Pcs
  • [Fitment] for Hyundai Accent; for Hyundai Azera; for Hyundai Elantra; for Hyundai Entourage; for Hyundai Equus; for Hyundai Kona; for Hyundai Santa Fe; for Hyundai Sonata; for Hyundai Tiburon; for Hyundai Tucson; for Hyundai Veloster; for Hyundai Veracruz.
  • [10 Inch Wiring] 10" long wire to ensure adequate length for installation.
  • [Pros] Made of good quality material, reliable quality, and durable material, easy to install. Manufactured according to the original dimensions, fully adapted.
  • [Function] Replaces the old or broken starter motor solenoid connector.
  • [Package] 1x Starter Motor Solenoid Connector. Please confirm your car model and OE number before purchasing. Please check relevant operation video when you replace it.

What has been reported about incidents?

The issue came to light during an NHTSA New Car Assessment Program frontal barrier test on November 20, 2024. A post-test inspection found smoke from the engine compartment. Hyundai later replicated a possible short between the exposed starter terminal and cooling fan motor housing in bench testing, then surveyed vehicles to assess terminal-cover fitment.

In its 2025 filing, Hyundai reported one U.S. NCAP test result with confirmed signs of a thermal event. It reported no attributable U.S. field incidents, crashes, injuries or fatalities as of that filing. The test finding is distinct from an incident involving a customer vehicle in regular use. NHTSA recall information

Rank #2
Starter Motor Solenoid Connector Pigtail Plug Harness Compatible with Hyundai Accent Azera Elantra Entourage Equus Kona Santa Fe Sonata Tiburon Tucson Veloster Veracruz
  • Compatible with: Hyundai Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Equus, Genesis, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz May fit other models and applications, please review picture(s).
  • Package Includes: 2pcs connector
  • Used to repair melted or burned blower motor connectors
  • Premium Material: The metal material is anti-scratch and durable. The pure copper wires have better conductive
  • After-sales: If you have any problem, click "Leezhen" under the "Buy Now" button and then click "Ask a Question" to Ask for help. We use amazon's warehouse, so it is very convenient to return and exchange goods. Please rest assured.

How to check your Santa Fe and get the free repair

  1. Find your 17-character VIN. Hyundai lists the driver-side dashboard, driver-side door jamb, insurance card and vehicle title as places to find it.
  2. Check the VIN with Hyundai. Enter it in the Hyundai Safety Recalls and Service Campaigns lookup. Hyundai’s lookup, updated October 6, 2026, provides recall and campaign status, remedy information and appointment scheduling.
  3. Schedule the recall remedy with a dealer. Hyundai’s stated remedy is for a dealer to inspect the starter-motor B+ terminal cover and reinstall it if necessary, free of charge. The repair is free regardless of remaining Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage; Hyundai says its preferred dealer completes recall repairs at no charge. NHTSA recall information

Hyundai planned to begin notifying owners on December 1, 2025, and VINs were searchable beginning October 4, 2025. If the lookup shows the recall as incomplete, contact a Hyundai dealer to arrange the remedy. Do not treat buying a cover or attempting a DIY repair as a substitute for the dealer recall repair.

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Who to contact

The NHTSA acknowledgment dated October 7, 2025, lists Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. NHTSA recall acknowledgment

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
X AUTOHAUX Starter Solenoid Wire Harness 10' for Hyundai Accent 1 Pcs
X AUTOHAUX Starter Solenoid Wire Harness 10" for Hyundai Accent 1 Pcs
[10 Inch Wiring] 10" long wire to ensure adequate length for installation.; [Function] Replaces the old or broken starter motor solenoid connector.
$6.49
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Compatible with Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Equus, Genesis, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz Starter Motor Solenoid Connector Pigtail Plug Repair Harness
Compatible with Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Equus, Genesis, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz Starter Motor Solenoid Connector Pigtail Plug Repair Harness
Single lead (male) pigtail harness that plugs into the Starter Solenoid; Cross linked polyethylene high temperature SXL 14 gauge Black wire
$14.99
Bestseller No. 5
HiSport Starter Motor Solenoid Connector
HiSport Starter Motor Solenoid Connector
[Package]-1 PC Starter Motor Solenoid Connector; [Feature]-Made of high-quality material, lightweight and long time to use
$7.49
Best Value
HiSport Starter Motor Solenoid Connector
  • [Fitment]-Compatible with Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Equus, Genesis,Tiburon, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata .May fit other models and applications, please review pictures.
  • [Package]-1 PC Starter Motor Solenoid Connector
  • [Feature]-Made of high-quality material, lightweight and long time to use
  • [Note]-Please check your vehicle fitment carefully again in the product description.
Rank #4
Compatible with Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Equus, Genesis, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz Starter Motor Solenoid Connector Pigtail Plug Repair Harness
  • Compatible with Models: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Equus, Genesis, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz May fit other models and applications
  • Single lead (male) pigtail harness that plugs into the Starter Solenoid
  • Cross linked polyethylene high temperature SXL 14 gauge Black wire
Rank #3
HCPAUELP Starter Solenoid Connector Pigtail Harness, Compatible with Hyundai Accent/Elantra/Santa Fe/Sonata/Tucson/Kona, Replacement 1-Pin Electrical Plug Wiring, OEM Quality
  • 【Precision Fit】Designed for Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Santa Fe, etc., ensuring precise connection to starter solenoids
  • 【Enhanced Durability】Features heat-resistant nylon housing and copper alloy terminals for superior conductivity and longevity.
  • 【Reliable Starting Performance】Ensures consistent power delivery to your starter system, eliminating intermittent starting issues.
  • 【Quick Installation】True plug-and-play design - no wiring modifications needed (complete harness replacement in minutes).
  • 【Vibration-Resistant Construction】Reinforced locking mechanism maintains secure connection even under rough driving conditions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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