Recall Alert: Thousands of Hyundai Santa Fes Are Being Recalled Over Dangerous Windshield Issue
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the South Korean automaker’s compact SUV model. It offers incredible value for its price. Now, thousands of Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs are being recalled due to a strange issue involving the SUV’s front glass. Is this recall enough to make you reconsider buying a Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s windshield is the subject of Hyundai’s latest recall
According to Car and Driver, 26,000 Hyundai Elantras, Sonatas, and Santa Fe SUVs are being recalled over a window that could detach in the event of an accident. This recall is serious, and the windshield defect could cause drivers and passengers serious injury if it goes unaddressed. The Hyundai Santa Fe has been very reliable since the 2018 model year after many drivers complained of transmission issues on the 2017 model year.
After years with very few complaints, the Santa Fe is now back in hot water. Luckily Hyundai’s latest and greatest Santa Fe, the 2022 model year, isn’t affected by the recall. The recall extends to 2020 and 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe models.
The 2021 model year received an Editor’s Choice award from Car and Driver. Does this new recall take away from the Santa Fe’s greatness? The reason that Hyundai believes windshields could come loose from the Santa Fe is improper bonding to the structure of the vehicle because of an additive in its clearcoat paint.
The recall only specifically applies to 8,561 Santa Fe models, with Elantras and Sonatas accounting for the rest of the 26,000. Considering the fact that 8,561 Santa Fe models are a tiny percentage of yearly Santa Fe sales, this recall is unlikely to severely damage the compact SUV’s reputation. No injuries or fatalities have been reported as a result of the windshield issue yet.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a good SUV?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has significantly improved over the last five years. It went from an average SUV with inconsistent reliability to one of the best options on the market. The Santa Fe Hybrid is also a huge competitor in the compact SUV segment.
The Santa Fe is well-rounded. It doesn’t particularly excel in one area. Instead, it provides its buyers with a great balance of smooth ride quality, a well-equipped interior, and an affordable price.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe should you buy?
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe may have won Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice award, but the 2022 model year received the same overall score from the automotive publication. Consumers also have to consider whether they want to opt for the hybrid option or not and which Santa Fe trim provides the most value.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $27,400. The SEL trim starts at $29,000 and adds creature comforts like heated front seats and wireless device charging. If you are looking for the best Hyundai Santa Fe to buy, start at the 2022 Hyundai Santa FE SEL. If you want even better gas mileage, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, starting at $33,750, is the best option available.