repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
2021 Hyundai Santa FEProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 170 owner complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE, most often about the power train. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 21V00M000 the manufacturer reports only 64% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 1, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: 융구티비YunKoo Tv, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE has problems
170 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
51Power train
38Engine1 crash/fire/injury
29Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
18Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
11Fuel/propulsion system
8Back over prevention
7Visibility
7Vehicle speed control
7Visibility/wiper
2412 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 51 | 0 |
| Engine | 38 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 29 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 18 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 8 | 0 |
| Visibility | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 24 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2021 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Trailer hitches
Park outsideRisk. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Visibility: windshield
Risk. A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q2
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Santa FE year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Santa FE median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Hyundai Santa FE safety ratings
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Santa FE owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On September 20, 2026, my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy suffered sluggish acceleration while operating on a public roadway due to an internal dual-clutch transmission (DCT) failure. The Malfunction indicator light illuminated, and a diagnostic scan revealed stored history code P1C2D03,…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle lost motive power. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact…
My check engine light came on, and my car was also feeling "sluggish" and slow to accelerate. I scheduled a service appointment at my local dealer 4 days later. At the appointment, the technician stated everything checked out okay and the check engine light was likely an "anomaly" or "outlier" but…
Own a 2021 Santa FE?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.