2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

This 2021 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 7 recallsโ€”above the HYUNDAI averageโ€”centered on the fuel system, gasoline.

Key Factor:elevated fuel system, gasoline issues

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Powertrain issues affect both daily reliability and long-term ownership costs. Unexpected stalling creates inconvenience at best and safety hazards at worst.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:powertrain reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.7)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

29/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe

Model Year2021
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelSanta Fe
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

33 complaints (33% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
8(8%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
25(25%)
๐ŸŸขLow
67(67%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 28,765 miles.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 25 of 100 complaints (25% coverage)
0-20k
11 reports (44%)
20k-40k
7 reports (28%)
40k-60k
5 reports (20%)
60k-80k
2 reports (8%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEVISIBILITYAIR BAGSPOWER TRAINTRAILER HITCHESBACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (7)

Campaign: 21V524000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 21V00M000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Summary

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.

Consequence

A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 21V185000

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Summary

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 21V308000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

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.

Consequence

An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 22V746000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary

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.

Consequence

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 23V181000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

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.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 24V879000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Santa Fe.

INV-2021-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Santa Fe performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 29,977
INV-2021-1001๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Santa Fe performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 25,145

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Santa Fe.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning33%
Acceleration Issues13%
Check Engine Light10%
Stall10%
Accident8%
Hesitate5%
Stuck5%
Display5%
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
POWER TRAIN

My transmission failed, even after the #236 recall in 2022. My car was recalled for Recall #236 in 2022. My car was updated and "fixed" and now in 2025 is showing the p1c2d03 code and requiring a new transmission. The same recall, without the fix.The car is in great health and never had issues until I was going 60 miles per hour on a busy highway and it reduced to 26 miles per hour during busy traffic. Causing me to almost get rear-ended multiple times and people swerving off the highway to miss me. My car was not going, even with the gas pedal down. I had no warnings, it happened out of nowhere.

Engine/Powertrainโš ๏ธ High
ENGINE

While traveling Interstate 75in Florida en route to Venice Hyundai for routine oil change at 65 mph, vehicle rapidly slowed to 40mph, driver pressing on gas pedal but vehicle would not accelerate( while being tailgated by semi that was flashing warning headlights at me). There was burning smell while this was happening. Pulled onto shoulder and called Hyundai service for assistance tow truck brought me in. Vehicle inspected by Hyundai Venice technicians ran through computer tests all ok, tech drove vehicle not able to reproduce problem. Oil changed tired rotated. Instructions included not able to do any repair because cannot find anything wrong with vehicle please contact us if problem recurs. I have had several conversations with service advisor voicing serious safety concerns regarding driving this vehicle and informing him that what occurred was my car went into failsafe/limp home mode which is what happens when there is serious problems with vehicle and should not be driven till repaired. And cannot repair until computer finds a code signifying problem.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
POWER TRAIN

The transmission in my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has failed multiple times. The first failure occurred within the first two years of owning the vehicle. The car began jerking, hesitating, and struggling to accelerate, and the check engine light came on. The dealership confirmed a transmission issue and replaced the transmission under warranty. After that replacement, the same symptoms returned, and the transmission had to be replaced a second time, again under warranty. The most recent transmission replacement was only a few weeks ago, and the same symptoms are already returning โ€” the vehicle hesitates, jerks, and occasionally loses power when trying to accelerate. These problems create serious safety concerns, especially when merging onto highways or crossing intersections. The hesitation and loss of power make it unpredictable and unsafe to drive. I have two young children who ride in car seats, and I no longer feel confident that this vehicle is safe for my family. Hyundai service employees have acknowledged that this is a known, recurring issue with this modelโ€™s transmission design. However, no permanent fix or recall has been issued, and I have been told to continue replacing the transmission under warranty until the coverage runs out. This approach does not address the underlying safety defect. The issue has been confirmed by Hyundai dealerships multiple times. The check engine light has come on before each failure. I am reporting this because repeated transmission failures that cause hesitation and power loss are a clear safety risk, and Hyundai has not provided a lasting solution.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the controls on the steering wheel became inoperable. In addition, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with clock spring failure. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the Department of Motor Vehicles declined the registration renewal due to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall nor special program. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Other๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The horn on my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has completely stopped working. This is a severe safety hazard. I recently attempted to warn another driver who was drifting into my lane but was unable to, forcing me to swerve and nearly resulting in a head-on collision. The horn failed without any warning. After researching online, I have found that this appears to be a known issue with the Santa Fe model and Hyundai vehicles in general. I am requesting a diagnostic and repair as this is a safety feature failure that could lead to a serious accident. Please let me know if this issue qualifies for a recall. Thank You

Visibility๐Ÿ”ต Low
VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, a bystander noticed that the glass partition had shattered without impact. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part replacement was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,677.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

For a few month now the light of ABS have been turning on. At the beginning there was no diagnosis specific, cause kept turning off. Two or three months ago again turn on and gave code of back caliper on the left and was changed. An now yesterday August 5, 2025 the diagnosis its need of change of the SBS module whole.

Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am writing to formally report an issue with my vehicle that I believe may warrant a recall investigation. The issue involves the fuel door, which is failing to open after the car has been turned off. This has occurred repeatedly and is preventing me from refueling the vehicle, posing a significant inconvenience and potential safety concern. Despite ensuring that the vehicle is unlocked and powered down as instructed, the fuel door remains stuck and will not release. This malfunction requires manual intervention or technical assistance each time I need to access the fuel tank, which is not only frustrating but could also become hazardous in certain situations. I would appreciate it if this matter could be reviewed for possible recall consideration or guidance on next steps. Please let me know if additional documentation, including my VIN or service history, is needed.

Other๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact filed the complaint on behalf of the contact's mother. The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was crashed into by an oncoming vehicle. The other vehicle crashed into the front passenger's side close to the front bumper area. The driver's side door independently opened, although it was secured and locked prior to the crash. The contact stated the vehicle spun around and flipped onto the driver's side. In addition, the contact's mother's left leg and left foot were pinned underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The paramedics and Police arrived on the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact's mother was transported to the local medical center. The contact's mother sustained compartment syndrome, the big toe bone was broken in two places, and the left foot was broken. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?

Yes, the 2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has 7 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE.

Is the 2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe safe to drive?

The 2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has 7 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local HYUNDAI dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“‰Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new fuel system, gasoline components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 250% versus the 2020 version.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Fuel system, gasoline

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm fuel system, gasoline recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all fuel system, gasoline recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V52400021V308000
2

Visibility

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm visibility recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all visibility recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V00M000
3

Air bags

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm air bags recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all air bags recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V185000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 7 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your HYUNDAI dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.