NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
This page covers 13 recalls, 177 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.
24–32 mpg combined
7.4–9.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Santa Fe draws the most complaints around the powertrain and engine. On the transmission side, owners commonly describe violent shuddering during downshifts, delayed or failed acceleration when merging, and in some cases full transmission replacement. Engine complaints follow a similar theme, rough idling, hesitation under acceleration, intermittent stalling, and unexpected power loss at highway speeds, including reports of the vehicle slowing on its own while cruise control is engaged. A handful of owners also mention oil leaks showing up relatively early in ownership. Electrical system complaints round out the top three, though they cover a scattered range of symptoms without a single dominant pattern. A smaller but recurring thread involves the HVAC system, specifically refrigerant leaks that owners say require recharging on a recurring basis to keep the air conditioning working.
177
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 13 recalls, the most serious involving fire risks from fuel leaks, exploding seatbelt pretensioners that can send metal fragments into the cabin, and a tow hitch harness that can catch fire while parked or driving.
On the fuel side, the high-pressure fuel pipe on 2.5-liter turbocharged models can leak near the engine, and on hybrid models the fuel tank mounting bracket can deform in a side-impact crash and rupture the tank. The tow hitch wiring harness, whether factory-installed or dealer-added, carries a separate fire risk. The seatbelt pretensioner issue affects hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims, where the front pretensioners can burst in a crash and scatter metal pieces toward occupants rather than simply tightening the belt.
On the drivetrain side, a transmission oil pump fault can disable the fail-safe drive mode and cause a complete loss of power while moving. Two structural recalls cover the windshield, which may not be properly bonded and can separate from the vehicle in a crash. The front passenger seat sensor may fail to detect a child restraint and leave the airbag active, raising the risk of airbag deployment with a child in that seat. Rearview camera failures on certain vehicles can leave the screen blank while reversing. There is also a software issue where some vehicles do not fully meet Canadian anti-theft requirements.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
A damaged circuit board in the rearview camera may prevent the camera image from displaying on the screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may have a manufacturing defect that causes it to fail over time, preventing the rearview image from displaying when you reverse.
What the fix does
Hyundai will send you a notification letter. Take your vehicle to a Hyundai dealership to have the rearview camera replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can accumulate on the tow hitch harness electrical circuit board, causing a short that may result in fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit at no charge to prevent electrical short and fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software programming error prevents the vehicle from meeting Canadian anti-theft safety requirements.
What the fix does
Hyundai will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for a software update that corrects the error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode when they deploy.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may explode during a crash, potentially sending metal fragments toward vehicle occupants.
What the fix does
Protective caps will be installed over the driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners at a Hyundai dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A transmission oil pump malfunction can disable the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode, potentially causing complete loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, and update the transmission control unit software. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not have been properly bonded during manufacturing, which could cause it to detach in a crash.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and reinstall the front windshield at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not be securely bonded to the vehicle. In a crash, the loosely attached glass could separate from the car.
What the fix does
Hyundai will send you a notice. Take your vehicle to a dealer, who will remove and reinstall the windshield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel can leak where the high-pressure fuel pump connects to the fuel rail in the 2.5L turbocharged engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pipe connection and tighten or replace it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not be tightened properly, creating a potential leak.
What the fix does
Dealers inspect and tighten the fuel pipe connection at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Occupant Detection System module may fail to disable the front passenger airbag when a child restraint system is present, creating an airbag deployment risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Occupant Detection System module at no cost to owners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank mounting bracket may deform during a side-impact crash, damaging the fuel tank and potentially causing a fuel leak.
What the fix does
Hyundai will mail you with repair instructions. The fix is currently being developed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
