Hyundai Recalls: What Causes the Korean Brand Remove It's 2024-2025 Models In the US?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Hyundai Motor Company officially announced the recall of more than 135,000 Santa Fe SUVs in the United States due to a potential fire risk that could endanger the safety, as reported by USA Today.

This recall specifically targets the recently launched 2024 and 2025 model years.

The Hyundai Santa Fe recall announcement was made on October 8, 2025, after an investigation revealed a defect in certain components.

The primary issue lies in the B+ terminal cover on the starter motor assembly, which may be improperly installed and can trigger an electrical short circuit after a vehicle collision.

The affected vehicles are non-hybrid Santa Fes equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

This recall covers 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles manufactured between December 28, 2023, and July 7, 2025.

A total of approximately 135,386 vehicles are potentially affected by this issue in the United States.

It is important for owners to understand that only non-hybrid variants with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine are included in the recall.

The defect centered on the B+ terminal cover on the starter motor assembly and if this cover is not properly installed, the terminal could become exposed.

In a crash scenario that damages the engine compartment, this exposed terminal could be at risk of contact with the cooling fan, which could cause an electrical short circuit and increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

This issue was first revealed during a New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) frontal crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The test, conducted in November 2024, detected smoke coming from the engine compartment after a collision.

However, Hyundai stated that to date, they have not received any reports of incidents, accidents, injuries, or even deaths related to this issue in everyday use.

A thorough investigation subsequently confirmed that an improperly installed starter motor terminal cover was the root cause of the problem.

This component's design is supposed to protect the terminal from accidental contact, but a failure to install it can eliminate this protective function.

To address this issue, Hyundai dealers will conduct a thorough inspection of each affected Santa Fe.

Hyundai estimates that only about 1% of the total recalled vehicles actually have the defect, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Hyundai will cover the full cost of repairs, regardless of the vehicle's warranty status.

Official notifications to owners of affected vehicles will begin being mailed on December 1, 2025.

Owners can also proactively check whether their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting NHTSA.gov/recalls and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Hyundai's recall number for this issue is 285, while the NHTSA recall number is 25V-659.

Owners with further questions can contact Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460.