Trailer hitchesRecall 23V-181 · Hyundai vehicles
Hyundai Motor America recall 23V-181 covers 584,784 Hyundai vehicles for a trailer hitches problem, reported to NHTSA on March 17, 2023. The manufacturer's latest report (2025 Q4) shows 85% of affected vehicles repaired.
Park outside and away from structures until repaired
Source: NHTSA recall 23V181000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
The risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
85%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 23 vehicles were listed as unreachable.