Driver Alert Warning (DAW) Issues… Should I Be Worried?

I absolutely love the Santa Fe Hybrid and I’m looking to buy a slightly used 2025, but I keep seeing complaints about the Driver Alert Warning (DAW) going off too easily and even disconnecting cruise control.

Does this actually happen to everyone, or is it just a few unlucky cases? Are there any fixes?

I really don’t want this to be a dealbreaker because I can’t find anything else with the same features and price.

I read a lot about this too, but I’ve had mine for a week and a half and haven’t had a single issue. I wear polarized mirrored sunglasses all the time, so maybe that helps?

Only time I had a problem was when the sun was directly ahead of me, and I guess it reflected off my clear prescription glasses. Other than that, it’s been solid.

Over a month in with a 2025 Hybrid Limited—zero issues so far.

Had mine since October, and I think it’s only popped up once.

Works fine for both me and my wife, and we switch between multiple pairs of sunglasses.

Remy said:
Works fine for both me and my wife, and we switch between multiple pairs of sunglasses.

Same here—no problems at all, and I wear polarized sunglasses most of the time.

I only triggered it once at a stoplight. But I was reaching for the glove box, so it was kind of justified. :sweat_smile:

I’m starting to think this issue only happens to certain people based on their height or seating position. Definitely something to test during a test drive!

Ben said:
I’m starting to think this issue only happens to certain people based on their height or seating position. Definitely something to test during a test drive!

It’s also, unfortunately, a problem for some people’s facial features. If the system wasn’t trained on a wide variety of faces, it might have trouble recognizing some people.

@Payton
Well, lucky for me I’m just a generic white girl, so I guess I’m in the target demographic. :joy:

My wife got hers in June, and I’ve never heard the alert go off once—whether she’s driving or I am. I wear polarized sunglasses too.

I wear prescription polarized mirrored sunglasses, and it hasn’t complained once. I was worried after reading all the posts about it, but I’ve had zero issues.

Yes, I had this problem, but only when wearing expensive sunglasses. Switched to a cheap pair, and the issue disappeared.

The sudden cruise control disconnect was nerve-wracking, especially for the cars behind me—I’m sure they had a few choice words for me. :joy:

The only time it triggered for me was with one specific pair of mirrored sunglasses. Otherwise, no issues.

Also, if I take too long sipping my coffee, it sometimes blocks the sensor and sets it off. :laughing:

I have a 2025 Hybrid, but I don’t seem to have this feature at all. Either it’s not available in Canada, or it’s only on the higher trims.

Loving mine so far, though!

I get the DAW warning almost daily, but it’s because of how I hold the steering wheel—not my sunglasses.

Also, if you’re getting one with the column-mounted gear shifter, be careful at automatic car washes. You have to press the brake to shift out of neutral, which can be a pain if you’re in one of those tight car washes where they cram everyone together.

I love a lot about this car, but after my lease, I’ll probably switch to something else because of these little quirks.

@Jesse
Why would an automatic car wash be a problem? I always just put it in neutral, let go of the brake, and roll through. What changes here?

@Jesse
Yeah, I’m also confused about this—can you explain?

Ben said:
@Jesse
Yeah, I’m also confused about this—can you explain?

Depends on which shifter style you get. The one by the steering wheel won’t let you shift out of neutral without pressing the brake pedal.

So when you get to the end of the car wash and have to quickly shift into drive, it can make for a stressful moment.

If the rollers sense that you’ve stopped moving for too long, the whole car wash shuts down and everyone behind you gets stuck.

Happens to me every time I go through in winter (I’m in the Midwest, so I get a lot of salt on my car). Still makes my heart race at the end of the wash. :sweat_smile: