YearToAvoid

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 29 brake complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, 11% of its 254 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure is 66,500 miles, and a related recall (23V651000) covers a brake fluid leak fire risk.

Brakes complaints
29
11% of 254
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
66,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the ABS module leaking fluid onto electrical components, sometimes leading to engine compartment smoke or fire while parked or driving.
  • Some describe brakes locking up or grabbing unexpectedly, accompanied by illuminated check engine or ABS warning lights.
  • Several drivers report having to press the brake pedal to the floor before the vehicle would stop.
  • One owner reported all four brake pads falling off the backing plates at low mileage, with the wear-indicator squealers never sounding a warning.
  • Multiple complaints mention delays getting recall parts or being told by dealers their VIN was not covered despite matching symptoms.
  • A few reports describe an ABS-related noise or clicking sound coming from the module even when the vehicle was turned off.

When 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 7, 2017, latest May 9, 2026.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe brakes complaints: complaints filed per month5May 2017Oct 2020Jan 2021Aug 2021Aug 2023Mar 2024
29 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2017 to May 2026; peak Oct 2020 (5).

Brakes recalls for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

  1. NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside

    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: 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.

Brakes complaints by Santa Fe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (5%)
  2. 201127 (15%)
  3. 201230 (8%)
  4. 201372 (12%)
  5. 201467 (14%)
  6. 201529 (11%)
  7. 201619 (8%)
  8. 201769 (7%)
  9. 201819 (17%)
  10. 201914 (7%)
  11. 202010 (5%)
  12. 20216 (4%)
  13. 202211 (6%)
  14. 202325 (12%)
  15. 202413 (9%)
  16. 20254 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake complaints on the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA lists 29 brake complaints for this model year, making up 11% of the 254 total complaints filed for the 2015 Santa Fe.
Is there a brake recall for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. Recall 23V651000 covers the brakes and advises owners to park outside due to fire risk; the remedy involves dealers replacing the affected part.
At what mileage do 2015 Santa Fe brake problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 66,500 miles.
Did the 2015 Santa Fe brake issue cause any fires or crashes?
NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint set shows 6 fires and 1 crash reported, with no injuries recorded.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.