2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and engine. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 165
- Recalls
- 8
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 4
- 2 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Santa Fe is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylGas | AWD, FWD | 24–26 mpg |
| 1.6L 4-cylHybrid | AWD | 34 mpg |
- The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Santa Fe that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Sudden loss of drive power
6,506–15,000 miles
Sunroof or window glass shattering
10,000–46,677 miles
Horn stops working
14,000–55,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission52No crashes
Sudden loss of drive power at speed dominates these reports. The car slows from highway speed while the engine revs and the gas pedal does nothing. Often there is no warning. Some cars show a check engine light, a "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely" message, or code P1C2D03. Several owners say the failure returned after the Recall 236 repair, and some report repeated transmission replacements under warranty. Dealers often cannot reproduce it. Failures range from about 6,506 to 99,700 miles, and many drivers describe nearly being rear-ended.
Electrical251 crash
Horn failure leads this category. Horns quit with no warning light, and several owners report two to five replacements. One dealer explanation is water collecting in the horn units. Failures appear at roughly 14,000 to 55,000 miles. Other reports describe stalling or full power loss, including after the Recall 236 repair, with warning lights flooding the dash. Backup and front cameras fail intermittently. One fire-related report involves a 12v outlet that melted a phone cord.
Engine15No crashes
Stalling is the main complaint. The engine cuts out while driving or when braking to a stop, sometimes with a flashing check engine light, and some owners link it to the Idle Stop and Go system. Others describe misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and power loss on the highway. Repairs named in these reports include fuel injectors, an intake valve, and full engine replacement, yet dealers sometimes find nothing wrong. Several failures occur in the first months of ownership, and one engine failure is reported near 67,000 miles.
Wipers and visibility12No crashes
Glass shatters or cracks with nothing striking it. Most reports involve the panoramic sunroof, including the small "eyebrow" glass above the windshield, breaking while parked, backing out, or driving on the interstate. A rear window also shattered in a driveway. Dealers often refuse warranty coverage and send owners to their insurer. Failures appear between about 10,000 and 46,677 miles. One complaint concerns a visibility recall delayed by unavailable parts rather than an actual failure.
Windshields crack easily, either with no impact at all or after a small pebble strike. Chips can spread across the driver's view within days. Several of these failures happen on nearly new cars, one under 1000 miles. Other complaints cite wavy windshield glass that blurs parts of the view and a gap between the sun visor and the A pillar that lets glare reach the driver.
Automatic emergency braking61 crash
False automatic braking is the main pattern. The system slams on the brakes at highway speed with nothing ahead, flashing a red warning and nearly causing rear-end collisions. One owner saw it start at about 1,000 miles. Smart Cruise Control also shuts off partway through drives with a master warning light and brakes abruptly near trucks. One crash report says the system failed to stop the car before a low-speed impact. A separate complaint describes an ABS light leading to caliper and module replacement.
Brakes4No crashes
Two problems appear. Automatic emergency braking engages with nothing ahead at highway speed, or with nothing behind while reversing, in one case 6 times. More serious, the brake pedal sinks to the floor with little or no braking, at least once forcing a driver through a red light. No warning light accompanies the soft pedal. One owner ties it to a technical service bulletin, with failure at about 58,800 miles.
Seat belts4No crashes
Belts retract slowly or stick, sometimes needing extra force to pull out or a hand to help them retract. One complaint involves a seat belt recall whose repair part was unavailable, leaving the owner waiting, with sticking at about 26,000 miles. Other reports describe the driver's belt crossing at the neck even at its lowest adjustment and a front passenger belt that does not work properly.
Airbags3No crashes
The air bag warning light comes on alongside related faults. Reports include a failed clock spring that also disabled the steering wheel controls and blocked a registration renewal, and a passenger air bag off message that returned after a software update and a module replacement. Another owner traced multiple air bag codes to a replacement cowl cross bar that blocked the ground connection. With 3 reports, no mileage pattern is visible.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Santa Fe owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
When driving on the highway the suv would not change gears. It felt like it was stuck in 1st gear, reving very high. Was unable to move the suv to the side of the road. Came to a stop with heavy traffic blowing there horns. Put the suv into park, switched it over to sport mode and was able to get going. This is the third time the suv has lost power. Also have noticed the transmission has been taking to long to change gears.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
I have been taking my 21 Santa Fe hybrid limited into the dealership for a year and a half for the same code . Powertrain code P040B00, and to this day they can not repair this issue. I looked it up and a ton of us are having issues with this same code. It should be investigated, and customers should be warned. Hyundai needs to recall these vehicles or provide a solution. A year and a half is unacceptable
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
The car horn stopped working very suddenly, without any prior warning, while I was driving. The car has around 36000 miles on it, so the horn dying out was a surprise. Driving without a functioning horn has also become a safety issue. I have an upcoming appointment with the dealership to diagnose and fix the problem.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
Car had a dead battery called road service they tested the battery said it had a bad cell they jumped it and I took it to the dealership they tested it by Hyundai protocol charged it for 60 minutes then load tested said it passed didn’t find anything wrong with it sent me on my way couple days later dead battery brought it back to dealer charged it tested it said nothing wrong sent me on my way. Have to jump car every couple of days
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
It's only been less than a month, since I bought this car and I've driven ~500 miles. Now when I was driving the car yesterday it just stopped in the middle of the road all of a sudden for no reason. After getting the car towed to the service center, they are reporting that there is an issue with the car's transmission and they are going to replace it.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2021
Car misfiring symptoms like rough or shaky idle, hesitation and loss of power during acceleration, stumbling, unusual popping/backfiring noises, poor fuel economy, and a lit Check Engine Light. Felt vibrations / heard sputtering sounds, as if the engine skipped a beat, often becoming more noticeable under load or when accelerating. Sometimes, the issue goes away after restarting the engine.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
While backing out of our garage, the “eyebrow” glass portion of the panoramic sunroof shattered. Nothing struck the glass. Our insurance is paying for the repair and rental car for a week. Hyundai will not cover the glass damage under the warranty. Online searches indicate that Hyundai has a lengthy history of faulty panoramic sunroofs.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2022
How the 2021 compares with other Santa Fe years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks joint fifth for owner complaints among 9 Santa Fe years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission5227
- Electrical2520
- Engine1539
- Wipers and visibility123
- Automatic emergency braking65
- Brakes413
Where the 2021 fits in the Santa Fe's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the third model year of the Santa Fe's fourth generation (2019–2023).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2021
- New platform introduced
- Updated design features
- Enhanced safety technology
Recalls to confirm (8)
Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V181000Trailer HitchesPark outsideMar 2023
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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
24V879000Backup cameraNov 2024
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
22V816000Seat beltsOct 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.
22V746000TransmissionOct 2022
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
21V00M000Wipers and visibilityDec 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
21V524000Fuel systemJul 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
21V308000Fuel systemMay 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 2.5-litre Turbo engines. The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly.
Risk: An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers inspected and tightened the fuel pipe connection, free of charge. The affected vehicles have been repaired and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 206.
21V185000AirbagsMar 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles. The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the air bag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ODS module, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied as of May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 202.
Also looking at these instead of a Santa Fe?
Cars shoppers compare with the Hyundai Santa Fe, with their own 2021 checklists.
2021 owner complaints, side by side
- Ford Edge92
- 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe165
- Kia Sorento217
- Kia Telluride280
- Ford Explorer354
- Honda Pilot358
- Toyota Highlander403
