How to Replace Windshield Wipers on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

To replace the windshield wipers on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, lift each wiper arm away from the windshield, release the small locking tab on the blade, slide the old blade off the hook-style arm, then slide the new blade into place until it clicks, and gently lower the arm back onto the glass. The full process takes about 10–15 minutes and requires no tools if you purchase compatible replacement blades.

Understanding Your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Wiper System

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe uses a modern hook-style wiper arm with model-specific blade sizes for the driver and passenger sides. Knowing the correct sizes and the type of connection will help you buy the right parts and avoid damaging the wiper mechanism or windshield during installation.

Correct Wiper Blade Sizes

Most 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe models use different-size blades for the front windshield. Verifying the sizes before purchase is essential to ensure full coverage and proper operation.

This list outlines the commonly specified wiper blade sizes for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, so you can quickly identify what to buy before starting the replacement.

• Driver’s side front wiper: typically 26-inch blade
• Passenger’s side front wiper: typically 16-inch or 17-inch blade (varies by market/trim; check manual or existing blade)
• Rear wiper (if equipped): commonly 12-inch to 14-inch specialty rear blade

Because manufacturers and trim packages can vary slightly by region, always confirm these sizes against your owner’s manual, the existing blades, or the fitment guide on the replacement blade packaging before purchasing and installing new wipers.

Choosing the Right Replacement Blades

Selecting suitable replacement blades ensures clear visibility in bad weather and helps protect your windshield from scratches or streaks caused by worn rubber or exposed metal.

This list details the main types and features of blades available for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe so you can decide which style best fits your driving conditions and budget.

• Beam-style blades: Common on newer vehicles, they use a one-piece, low-profile design that conforms well to curved windshields and performs effectively in rain and snow.
• Hybrid blades: Combine the aerodynamic look of beam blades with a partial frame for added stability and all-season performance.
• Conventional frame blades: Older multi-arm style; usually cheaper but less common on new SUVs and sometimes less effective in heavy snow or ice.
• Winter or snow blades: Designed with protective rubber boots or special coatings to prevent ice buildup in severe winter climates.
• Premium rubber compounds: Silicone- or graphite-coated rubber can offer quieter operation and longer life than basic rubber.

Matching the style of blade (beam or hybrid) to what Hyundai originally fitted, or choosing a quality aftermarket equivalent, will generally provide the best wiping performance and minimize wind noise at highway speeds.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Front Windshield Wipers

Swapping the front wiper blades on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a straightforward process most owners can handle themselves. Working carefully and following each step helps avoid accidental damage to the windshield or the wiper arms.

Preparation and Safety

Before removing any parts, take a few safety precautions to prevent the metal wiper arms from snapping back onto the glass, which can crack the windshield.

This list walks you through the basic setup steps you should complete before actually detaching the old wiper blades.

1. Park on a level surface: Ensure the vehicle is in Park with the engine off and the parking brake engaged.
2. Turn off the wipers completely: Make sure the wiper switch is in the OFF position so they do not move unexpectedly.
3. Protect the windshield (optional but recommended): Place a folded towel or soft cloth on the glass under each wiper arm in case it snaps down.
4. Lift one wiper arm at a time: Gently raise the driver’s side wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks or stays in an upright position.

Completing these preparation steps reduces the risk of accidental damage and makes the blades easier to handle while you perform the actual replacement.

Removing the Old Wiper Blades

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe typically uses a J-hook (hook-style) attachment for its wiper blades. Removing the old blade involves releasing a small locking tab and sliding the blade off the arm.

This list explains each movement required to detach the old blade from the wiper arm without forcing or bending any components.

1. Locate the connector: With the arm raised, look where the blade meets the metal arm. You should see a plastic adapter that clips onto the hook-shaped end of the arm.
2. Find the locking tab: On the adapter, identify the small tab or clip—usually on the underside—that secures the blade to the arm.
3. Press the tab: Use your thumb or a fingertip to press or pull the tab inward, toward the blade, to unlock the mechanism.
4. Slide the blade downward: While holding the tab, slide the blade toward the base of the arm (toward where it attaches to the vehicle), so the hook disengages from the adapter.
5. Remove the blade from the hook: Once the hook is clear, angle the blade so it can slip off the arm completely, and set the old blade aside.

Using gentle, controlled pressure and fully releasing the locking tab allows the old blade to slide off smoothly, reducing the chances of breaking the plastic connector or scratching the arm.

Attaching the New Wiper Blades

Installing the new blades is essentially the reverse of removal. The key is ensuring that the new blade’s adapter matches the hook-style arm and locks into place with an audible or tactile click.

This list outlines the correct order of actions to attach your new blade securely to the Santa Fe’s wiper arm.

1. Confirm the correct blade for each side: Check the packaging or size markings to ensure you are using the longer blade on the driver’s side and the shorter one on the passenger’s side.
2. Orient the new blade correctly: Hold the new blade so that the curved wiping edge faces the windshield and the connector lines up with the J-hook on the arm.
3. Insert the hook into the adapter: Slide the hook of the arm into the opening in the blade’s adapter from the side or end, depending on design, then pull it upward so the hook seats fully inside the adapter.
4. Pull until it clicks: Gently pull the blade toward the end of the arm until you hear or feel a “click,” indicating the locking tab has engaged.
5. Check the connection: Tug lightly on the blade to confirm it is secure and does not slide off the arm.
6. Lower the wiper arm carefully: Support the arm with one hand and slowly lower the new blade onto the windshield, avoiding any sudden drop.

Once the new blade is firmly locked in place and resting flat on the glass, repeat the same installation process for the second front wiper, ensuring both are aligned and evenly seated.

Replacing the Rear Wiper Blade (If Equipped)

Many 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe models include a rear wiper that uses a smaller, specialized blade. Its replacement process is slightly different from the front but still simple and tool-free in most cases.

Accessing and Removing the Rear Blade

The rear wiper arm typically sits tight against the glass, partially sheltered by the rear spoiler or tailgate trim. You’ll need to gently move it away from the window to remove the blade.

This list shows the common method for releasing and removing the rear wiper blade used on modern SUVs like the Santa Fe.

1. Lift the rear wiper arm: Gently pull the rear wiper arm away from the glass until it moves outward and gives you clear access to the blade.
2. Locate the release mechanism: On many Hyundai rear wipers, a small clip or tab at the pivot point of the blade locks it to the arm.
3. Press or pull the tab: Use your finger or a small plastic tool (not metal, to avoid scratching) to press the tab and unlock the blade from the arm.
4. Slide or pivot the blade off: Depending on design, slide the blade off the arm’s small pin or pivot it away until it detaches completely.

Removing the rear blade carefully, without twisting the arm too far, helps preserve the spring tension and alignment of the rear wiper system for the new blade.

Installing the New Rear Blade

The new rear blade must match the original style and length to avoid interference with trim and to ensure full wiping coverage on the rear glass.

This list explains how to reattach a new rear wiper blade so it locks solidly onto the arm and tracks correctly across the back window.

1. Match the new blade: Verify that the replacement blade is the same length and connector type as the original Hyundai rear wiper.
2. Align the connector: Position the new blade so the mounting point lines up with the arm’s small pin, hook, or clip area.
3. Attach the blade to the arm: Slide or snap the blade onto the arm’s connector until it seats firmly.
4. Listen/feel for engagement: Press until you hear a click or feel the connector lock; gently pull on the blade to confirm it is secure.
5. Lower the arm to the glass: Carefully return the rear wiper arm to its normal resting position against the rear window.

With the new blade securely attached and the arm lowered, the rear wiper should sit flat and ready for use, offering improved rear visibility in rain or snow.

Final Checks and Testing

After installing new wiper blades, a quick functional test ensures they operate smoothly, quietly, and without streaks or unusual noises.

This list walks you through simple checks to confirm that the new wipers are performing correctly and not causing any issues on the glass.

1. Remove any towels or cloths: Clear protective materials from the windshield and around the wiper arms.
2. Spray washer fluid: Use the windshield washer to wet the glass thoroughly before the first wipe to reduce friction.
3. Activate the front wipers: Turn on the wipers at low speed and watch for smooth, even motion without skipping or chattering.
4. Check wiping pattern: Make sure the blades clear water across the full swept area, with minimal streaking or missed sections.
5. Test the rear wiper (if equipped): Turn on the rear wiper and washer, confirming the blade tracks cleanly across the rear glass.
6. Listen for noise: Note any squeaks or scraping sounds, which can indicate improper seating, wrong size, or debris trapped on the blade.

Completing these tests lets you spot and correct issues immediately—such as an incorrectly sized blade or a loose connector—before driving in adverse weather.

Maintenance Tips and Replacement Intervals

Regular inspection and timely replacement of wiper blades on your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe help maintain clear visibility and extend the life of your windshield.

This list highlights practical maintenance habits and replacement guidelines that keep your new wipers working effectively throughout the year.

• Typical replacement interval: Every 6–12 months, or sooner if you notice streaking, squeaking, or splitting rubber.
• Inspect monthly: Check for cracks, tears, or hardened rubber, especially after extreme heat or freezing conditions.
• Clean blades regularly: Wipe the rubber edge with a damp cloth to remove dirt, road grime, and washer fluid residue.
• Avoid using wipers on dry glass: Always wet the windshield with washer fluid before operating the wipers.
• Lift blades in winter storms: In heavy snow/ice, consider lifting wipers away from the glass when parked to reduce freezing to the windshield.
• Use correct washer fluid: Choose season-appropriate fluid (including de-icer in cold climates) to support wiper effectiveness.

Following these care tips will help your replacement wiper blades last longer, reduce noise and streaking, and provide more reliable performance in harsh weather.

Summary

Replacing the windshield wipers on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a quick, DIY-friendly task: lift each arm, release the old blade from the hook-style connector, slide on a correctly sized new blade until it clicks, and lower the arm gently back onto the glass. By choosing the proper lengths for the driver, passenger, and rear blades, installing them carefully, and performing a brief operational test, owners can restore clear, streak-free visibility in minutes. Regular inspection and timely replacement—roughly every 6–12 months—ensure the Santa Fe’s wipers remain ready for sudden downpours, snow, and everyday driving conditions.

How to put Hyundai Santa Fe wipers into service mode?

Power. Turn the vehicle. Off. And simply hold the wiper sock up for about 3 seconds immediately after turning the wiper. Off.

How to change the wiper blades on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?

To change the wiper blades on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, first put the wipers in “service mode” by turning the ignition on, then off, and immediately holding the wiper stalk up until the wipers stop in an upright position. Next, lift the wiper arm and press the release tab or clip to slide the old blade off. Finally, slide the new blade onto the arm, ensuring it locks into place, and gently lower the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
 
This video demonstrates how to put the wipers in service mode on a Hyundai: 58sHyundai How ToYouTube · Feb 16, 2022
Step 1: Put the wipers in service mode 

• Turn the vehicle’s ignition to the “on” position (without starting the engine). 
• Turn the ignition off and immediately pull the wiper stalk up and hold it for a few seconds. 
• The wipers will move up to a vertical position on the windshield; let go of the stalk once they stop. 

Step 2: Remove the old wiper blade 

• Lift the wiper arm gently away from the windshield for clearance. 
• Locate the release tab, clip, or lock on the base of the wiper blade. 
• Press the tab or clip and slide the old wiper blade down and off the J-hook on the wiper arm. 

You can watch this video to see how to remove the old wiper blade: 1mBrian Doolan at Fitzpatricks Garage KildareYouTube · Jun 11, 2025
Step 3: Install the new wiper blade 

• Align the opening on the new wiper blade with the J-hook on the wiper arm. 
• Slide the new blade up onto the arm until it clicks and locks into place. 
• Make sure to remove the plastic cover from the edge of the new blade. 
• Gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield. 

This video shows how to install the new wiper blade on a Hyundai Santa Fe: 1mJMS Grind-It-OutYouTube · May 20, 2023
Step 4: Finish up

• Turn the ignition back on and press the wiper stalk once to return the wipers to their normal position. 
• Gently pull on the new blades to ensure they are securely locked before use. 

How to lift windshield wipers on 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Off then press the windshield wiper stock into the mist setting. And hold it there for 3 seconds. The wipers will Move to a vertical position and hold there to turn off the park feature.

What size wiper blades go on a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Wiper Blades Size/Price Chart

Car	Driver	Rear
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe	26 in.	12 in.