2021 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 166 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 4 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraNov 21, 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."
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V879000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesPark outsideMar 17, 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.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 6, 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.
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshieldDec 28, 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.
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 21V00M000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 9, 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.
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 21V524000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 3, 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.
An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 21V308000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleMar 17, 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."
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.
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.
Campaign 21V185000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
41 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2026
Fuel door mechanism stops working leaving you unable to add fuel. Is a constant complaint in 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. My vehicle's door mechanism as stopped working 53,000 miles as well.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2026
On March 17, 2026, the sunroof of our Hyundai Sante Fe 2021 exploded. The driver and two passengers were not hurt because the sunroof was closed and the liner in place when the explosion took place. The incident occurred on an open country highway on a sunny afternoon with no other vehicles or flying objects sighted.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2026
Driving down the interstate to work at around 70 MPH at approximately 6:40 AM and the front sunroof exploded upwards. Nothing of impact, just a loud explosion and glass blew upwards. The broken glass is positioned upward. The cover of the sunroof was closed and it was not currently in use. Otherwise, glass could have shattered all over me, causing a wreck. I am an [XXX] veteran, the explosion itself set off my anxiety, but thankfully, I was able to pull the car over without incident. I took pictures of the sunroof and I was able to drive slowly down a smaller highway to the dealership, Mac Grubbs Hyundai in Hattiesburg, MS, where I dropped the car off for repairs. I contacted my insurance company and they picked me up in a rental care from the dealership. There was no warning light, not leaks, or cracks in the sunroof prior to the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2026
My horn stopped working. Not under warranty but I believe it is a safety issue. A replacement horn is not available and not under warranty. Online search revealed this is a common issue
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2026
The dealership I bought it from (Vineland Hyundai) I have had trouble with before where they say they fix things and they don’t. Last year there was a recall for the back camera not working. I took it in and supposedly they fixed it. Well, a few months later, the camera does not work at all and the problem issues with it is exactly what the recall says. I contacted the Better Business Bureau and the dealership and even though they have it in the system as completed clearly it was not done or it would not done correctly and right now I have no back camera. They refuse to help. I seriously doubt this was done at all being I’ve had issues with service said they did things before and did not. I even asked Hyundai if I could get this done at a different dealership that is more trustworthy and they refuse to help. I’m hoping you may be able to intervene and have them actually do this recall correctly.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2026
Replaced horns a couple times, after doing research, this seems to be a deeper and ongoing issues with this car ok a larger scale. Horns die out or stop completely, causing multiple replacements.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2026
Horns stopped working entirely. Car was crossing into my lane and I attempted to honk horn and no sound. No warning lights or messages on dash. Is available for inspection. No inspections conducted currently.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2026
Horns assemblies are Failing repeatedly. Since ownership of the vehicle (2023 and a CPO Platinum Wrap), I have had to replace a single horn, or both horns three times with local Hyundai dealerships. mostly the right horn would fail, then the left. I am currently making efforts to have my vehicle’s horns serviced for the fourth time as they are not working. I have been to my dealership on Dec 16, 2025 & Jan 15, 2026, to have the horns repair to no avail. In December, a diagnosis was performed with no action. Yesterday, one part (horn) was not available, and I was quoted a fee of $400 to perform the task. This is extremely concerning as this is not a consumable part or fluid. This is a required vehicle safety item. There are TSB's for other models in the Hyundai line with similar failure of horns ( TSB's: 24-BE-018H & 25-BE-005H). These failures have not been covered under the Santa Fe line or the other remaining Hyundai models of similar years of production and experiencing like failures of horn assemblies as of this date.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2025
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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2025
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2025
The horn has failed and been replaced 2 times after purchasing from brand-new. It has failed again but the vehicle is now out of warranty.
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2025
Horn stopped working on my 2021 Santa Fe. Reported to dealer and they confirmed that both horns (high and low?) were broken. There was no indication that the horn was malfunctioning. It worked and then it didn't.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2025
I bought this vehicle brand new in 2021. It failed its first safety inspection in 2022. I was asked ..did you know your horn is not working? Took it to the dealer and was told this has been a common issue, the relays are freezing and popping in the cold. Have lots in stock because of this issue. The service dept has stated on each replacement parts are in stock because this happens all the time. It has now become an annual replacement for me. I just had my third set of horns in 3 years installed on 1/21/25. So for one this is a vehicle safety requirement to pass inspections in NYS. Two: I dont know my horn isnt working until I go to use it because I need to in a dangerous situation and its dead. There is no fix other than replacing the horns which is a huge inconvenience since closest dealer is 30+ miles away and can be weeks before they can get it in. There also has been no recall on this. My repair invoices are available in required.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 30, 2024
I hadn't been begging Hyundai to help remove a public safety risk for years ! Today, The service lady witnessed my car have a severe safety defect. Although initially offering a rental car, ultimately denied due to my inability to provide insurance until the 1st. My insurance is valid until tomorrow. N they REFUSED to provide the rental without the insurance being dated for 4 days from today. The man in the service office asked if I needed a ride home!? Suggesting i drive the car home. Hyundai has witnessed this cars emergency parking failing, and are aware that this car has rolled out of gear TWO TIMES, W my son in it !!?? Until today, claiming unable to "duplicate" the defect. And unable to "substantiate " my claims due to not being able to duplicate the deflect. They duplicated the defect today. The car no longer has a safety system, that safely parks the car, when the door is open. The safety system fails, at more then half of the attempts,engage and the car will roll in either direction with the car door wide open The service department duplicated the defect today. They claim to have documented the defect . i would like to believe they will finally do what is right.. The realistic fact that they have chosen to disregard the safety of the community, and refuse to offer the rental car, is extremely dangerous to the community and neglectful to the laws of the Safety Act and my Consumer rights. With now, TWO (NOT AT FAULT) Rollaway accidents , insurers are refusing n to provide coverage for the vehicle. Some only offer liabilit, or want 4 xs the quoted rate. Hyundai is aware that this car is defective.. Hyundai has a recent consent order, for over 54 millionth dollars, for untimely recalls and falsafying reports to the NHSTA . They are now, as they then, are in violation of the Safety Act and the NHSTA Consent Order with Kia in the Theta II engines Class Action The purpose of the Safety Act, is to prevent serious injuries, from known defects before
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2024
Rearview Camera does not work (Signal Loss message appears). I nearly hit 1 adult and 2 small children that were passing behind my vehicle in a parking lot. I felt the need to report this even though a recall is being put into place. I have an appointment already to have the camera repaired.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2024
The fuel door release button on my SUV has stopped working. It is a press and spring opening fuel door. While trying to get gas, it would not open, prohibiting me from putting gas in my car. (May 18, 2024) I went to the dealer on a Saturday in an emergency instance and while in the lane, because the shop had no openings, the technician had to remove the inside trunk panel and other trunk parts to separate the fuel door compartment from the car to get the fuel door open. He put tape over the door engaging mechanism, so it would not engage and become stuck closed again. There is no inside car release button for my model. Also, there was no indication in the health stats in the My Hyundai mobile app. I scheduled a service appt for the following Friday and received the notice that the part (fuel door release button) was on backorder with no ETA. (May 24, 2024). While speaking with the Service Agent, she mentioned that another 2 customers had this fuel door problem. (no details). This poses a problem for me because I have been driving with my fuel door open. Someone could tamper with my very expense SUV by breaking my fuel door completely off, chiffon my gas out, or putting something in my gas tank.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2024
Vehicle horn continues to stop working. Problem occurred within a month of purchase. I have had it repaired 3 times, and each time it has been repaired it works for only a few days and then stops working. I am tired of paying to have it fixed, only to work a few days. It has been a safety concern as I have not been able to alert pedestrians, other vehicles, or animals to my presence. Having a working horn is a required safety feature for my employment and driving on company property.
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2024, crash
On two different occasions the car is rolled away from me and while I was out of the car and walking away from the vehicle. The first time it rolled backwards across the parking lot and into a flagpole and the second time it was a McDonald's parking lot and I was able to jump back in the car in time but it started to roll forward as I was bending down to get my debit card off the ground.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 26, 2024
My sante fe has shifted out of park and rolled away from me on 2 occasions. The first time I was about 30 feet away when my son and husband started screaming for me. The car we rolling across the parking lot. I tried to jump in and hit the brake but was unsuccessful and we slammed into a flag pole. The dealer ran a code reader on it and there was no codes so they denied responsibility. Basically called me a liar [XXX] it happened again In McDonald's drive thru The window lady witnessed it. I got out to.get my debit card and as I was leaning down the car rolled out of park snd started coasting away from me. I again, contacted my Hyundai who assigned another case manager. This case manager promised to reimburse me for a rental I paid for the first time the car rolled away from me. The case worker had told me she set up an appointment at another local dealer and they would have a rental waiting on me the next morning I asked her to call amd confirm the appt and rental and to call me back Never heard from her again After numerous calls and emails I recieved an email stating she could no longer assist me since I had obtained legal counsel. Complete lie I never informed them that I had retained counsel. I merely asked if I needed one. . This was their way of brushing me off for the 2nd time Myhyundai has record of me calling trying to gather a resolution at least 30 xs. I have contacted the attorney general's office who reached out to my dealer and my dealer told them they followed protocol and found no issue that would be a warranty issue Of course they aren't wanting to admit that this is issue because this one case could cost millions in recalls. Now there are more and more people that have had the same experience and I fear there will be death before this is addressed. Please help !! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2024
While driving and must stop due to traffic light, stop sign or intersection and the auto start is on as soon I lift the foot foot from the brake pedal to continue driving the vehicle stumble and it completely stop the engine while the vehicle transmission is still in drive. In order to start again I have to switch transmission to park and turn key ignition switch to start vehicle, it start again and I can continue. While driving and must stop due to traffic light, stop sign or intersection and the auto start is on as soon as I lift the foot from the brake pedal to continue driving the vehicle stumble and it completely stop the engine while the vehicle transmission is still in drive. When I take the vehicle to the dealership the Service writer writes on the computer but they do not allow me to see a copy of what I am reporting. I like my vehicle, I just want it to be fixed and me and my two daughters be safe when needed after a mandatory stop due to traffic signs, intersection driving through or any other emergency stop and go due tragic and or road condition.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2023
This vehicle has to replace car horn 3 time unsafe to drive this vehicle have opened repair . Unable to get load . have to Walt for service day .this vehicle have only 14000 mile I am disable person.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 23, 2023
April 2022 My 2020 one, Honda Santa Fe started rolling backwards in rolling to a flagpole as I was walking away from the car. I tried to to catch up with the car. It had my family inside screaming. But I was unable to stop it from slimming into the fireplace. I let Hyundaiusa know. They recommended that I take the car to the dealer. They promised to reimburse me for rental car after the diagnostic came back. they found nothing wrong with the car and never paid for the reimbursement Now September 2023. Same thing just happened again. I was in McDonald's drive through and I drop my debit card so I got out to get my debit card. I got out of the car and had to close the door and as I bend down at sensed the car start starting to pull away. The car once again started running away for me. I was outside the vehicle, but I was able to jump in the car and apply the brake before it slammed into McDonald's. I have made a police report. And I have a witness from McDonald's That saw the incident. I had already reached out to the attorney General's office About the first time the car rolled away from me in April 2022. They claim that my Hyundai found nothing wrong with the diagnostics. There was no argument I can make except for Being called a liar. The mechanic did a little demonstration showing us how the safety mechanism in the Santa Fe makes it impossible for the car to roll out of park if the doors open or. How it's impossible. Even if the door is open, it shifts back to park. If you hit the drive button with the doors open It automatically shifts to park. .. So there's supposed to be "no way. The car can shift out of park into drive or neutral." It rolled away in 2022 April, and it did it again September 2023.
Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2023
The panoramic sunroof which is made of tempered glass is a large piece above the back passenger. There is also a small piece above the windshield. The sunroof sits in between these two pieces (not made of tempered glass). I noticed a crackling sound driving my daughter to day care on Friday August 11. I couldn’t figure out what it was. The next day I was on the highway, my husband driving our car and my toddler in the back when there was a loud pop like a gunshot. We pulled over assessed the car and realized the panoramic roof was shattering. We drove it home and realized the front piece above the windshield was also shattering and there was no impact. I googled this and apparently it’s happening to a lot of people and the dealerships aren’t helping saying it’s not a manufacture defect when in fact it is. There was no impact that caused this. Anyone else would have lost control of the car and crashed hearing that loud pop or if the shade was open we could have had glass showering down on us. This is unacceptable if anyone would have mentioned this would happen I would have never bought this vehicle. I filed a claim and State Farm paid the claim to have it replaced but this car is only 2 years old and it should be under warranty and this is a definite defect. Please google panoramic roof shattering and see what comes up. I don’t think enough people have reported this although some people have commented that they have so I’m not sure if this is currently under investigation. If not please help
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2023
My transmission keeps slipping. I was on freeway this time and it slipped out of gear but it was like I pushed all the way down on pedal the RPM went way up so I had to wait until it slipped back into gear to be able to continue on down the freeway. I backed up traffic for a minute because I can't put on gas until it goes back in gear.