2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 50

“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 stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11747209, 2026

“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 otherwise nothing to be concerned about since everything checked out "okay" and no problems were identified during their test drive. However, that very afternoon, I was driving down the interstate, where the posted speed limit is 70mph, when my check engine light came on again and suddenly lost power…”
NHTSA complaint #11746250, 2026

“-shift lever in transmutation stopped working so car would go into auto shut off and then would not drive once I took my foot off the break. Would not switch gears or drive. Had to shut car off then turn back on to get it to switch gears. -safety was put at risk majorly. Car did that in 5 lanes of traffic with me and kids in car and couldn’t drive. We almost got hit. -dealership said no issues found until I took it in a second time for the same issue then they said it was the translation shift leaver. -Briggs Kia inspected it -no warnings at all -This happened MULTIPLE times. Put the most c…”
NHTSA complaint #11723881, 2026

Unknown Or Other 41 1 crash 1 injury

“The passenger door has a sharp edge at the bottom exactly like the palasade hyundai recall. Both my daughter and my 82 year old mother have gashed their ankle on the door. In the case of my mother she was lucky we did not need stitches! I have a picture of the injury. I made a case submission to Hyundai.”
NHTSA complaint #11471807, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11580394, 2022 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11748829, 2026

Engine 36

“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 otherwise nothing to be concerned about since everything checked out "okay" and no problems were identified during their test drive. However, that very afternoon, I was driving down the interstate, where the posted speed limit is 70mph, when my check engine light came on again and suddenly lost power…”
NHTSA complaint #11746250, 2026

“My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing severe engine instability, including rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and intermittent stalling. These symptoms align with TSB 26-FL-001H regarding defective GDI fuel injectors. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision. Despite being within the 100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, the manufacturer is refusing to perform the required diagnostic tests (GDS Fuel Pressure Drop Test) to identify the leaking injectors. This failure to diagnose a known fuel system defect poses a significant saf…”
NHTSA complaint #11737002, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11709148, 2026

Electrical System 29 1 crash 1 fire

“12v connector for phone charger melted my phone cord. Reported to Centennial Hyundai Las Vegas and High Desert Hyundai Kingman Az. Both service departments said my vehicle cannot detect the problem because I purchased a substandard plug-in. I have worked as an operator of high voltage electrical systems. I understand in some circumstances that a system cannot detect a fault, however the company is still responsible for the fire it caused. This is unsafe and can cause serious consequences. It must be corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #11643612, 2025 · crash · fire

“-shift lever in transmutation stopped working so car would go into auto shut off and then would not drive once I took my foot off the break. Would not switch gears or drive. Had to shut car off then turn back on to get it to switch gears. -safety was put at risk majorly. Car did that in 5 lanes of traffic with me and kids in car and couldn’t drive. We almost got hit. -dealership said no issues found until I took it in a second time for the same issue then they said it was the translation shift leaver. -Briggs Kia inspected it -no warnings at all -This happened MULTIPLE times. Put the most c…”
NHTSA complaint #11723881, 2026

“Horn stopped working due to the same issue other Hyundai horns stopped working.”
NHTSA complaint #11711076, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 18 1 crash

“Message: I own a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe with the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist feature installed and activated. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist did not function properly to stop my car to avoid a low speed impact. I applied the brakes to stop. I could not avoid impacting another vehicle. The damage was minor. Hyundai did inspect my vehicle braking system on June 8 at Hyundai of Cool Springs. I was not provided full report on findings/corrective action. Hyundai America was supposed to provide a follow up report. I was called today and the Hyundai representative had no details on the…”
NHTSA complaint #11424621, 2021 · crash

“Was coming off an exit on the interstate and started slowing down. My brakes act like they didn’t want to work. Grinding and the pedal was twitching under my foot. The car stopped thankfully, but then all Linda of lights came on the my dash and will not go off. And 3 warning come up!”
NHTSA complaint #11710993, 2026

“On 1/1/26 while traveling on the highway with no traffic in front of or right of my vehicle the ADAS emergency brakes applied themselves and slowed the vehicle nearly causing my vehicle to be rear ended. Vehicle is available for inspection. Faulty assistance nearly caused a rear end collision along the highway. Not aware of ADAS being tested inspected although multi-point inspection was done 10/2025. No warnings prior to incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11708328, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 8

“My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing severe engine instability, including rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and intermittent stalling. These symptoms align with TSB 26-FL-001H regarding defective GDI fuel injectors. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision. Despite being within the 100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, the manufacturer is refusing to perform the required diagnostic tests (GDS Fuel Pressure Drop Test) to identify the leaking injectors. This failure to diagnose a known fuel system defect poses a significant saf…”
NHTSA complaint #11737002, 2026

“When I try to open the fuel cover it wont' open. I have to lock and unlock my car, sometimes up to 10 times, to get the fuel fill door to open. This eventually is going to leave me stranded somewhere stranded. Some of my same year and model are covered under recall for this issue by when I call Hyundai my VIN is not covered. I would like it to be covered and repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11722432, 2026

“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 on…”
NHTSA complaint #11668144, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 7

“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 otherwise nothing to be concerned about since everything checked out "okay" and no problems were identified during their test drive. However, that very afternoon, I was driving down the interstate, where the posted speed limit is 70mph, when my check engine light came on again and suddenly lost power…”
NHTSA complaint #11746250, 2026

“Hyundai filed Recall Campaign 236 for the vehicle entering an unsafe state. On July 10th I took in our 2021 Santa Fe Limited with just over 15,000 miles, which had been operating normally with the serious safety defect and received the Remediation for this recall filed under NHTSA Recall Campaign 236. I took possession back of the vehicle and within a few miles of driving had the exact issues the recall remediation was supposed to fix, occur. I lost the ability to safely control the vehicle followed by multiple warning lights displaying and then experienced full loss of power. I could not sign…”
NHTSA complaint #11536373, 2023

“The vehicle will accelerate unexpectedly without using the accelarator. Usually this occurs when releasing the brakes and on a slight incline.. To date no injuries or damage has occurred due to this. My dealer has not reproduced this defect as far as I know. This vehicle has nor been inspected by the daeler or insurance reps to my knowlwdge. There is no prior indication that an acceleration will occur-no lights or any warnings. This issues has occurred several time within the last year.”
NHTSA complaint #11534088, 2023

Visibility 7

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11680406, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, the glass located above the windshield and sunroof showed cracks. Additionally, parts of the glass had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact to contact the insurance provider. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11526188, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11492466, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 7

“The windshield wipers intermittently stop working. This has been occurring for 2 years and the 5dealership cannot find an issue because they always work when the car is in for service. They also now want to charge a diagnostic fee each time it's in since the car is no longer under warranty”
NHTSA complaint #11748720, 2026

“My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN starting with 5NM) began experiencing a significant failure of the air conditioning system during its third year of ownership. The vehicle developed a persistent refrigerant leak that now requires annual recharges to remain functional. Multiple inspections suggest the failure is due to a porous evaporator core, a component defect that is increasingly reported by owners of this model year as they reach the 3-to-5-year mark. Despite being a documented manufacturing issue, there is currently no recall or warranty extension for this expensive and vital system. The fa…”
NHTSA complaint #11733955, 2023

“The windshield has waves through it causing parts of the windshield to be blurry.”
NHTSA complaint #11495549, 2022

Back Over Prevention 6

“When i select (R) reverse my camera does not come on. It started as just a flashing screen, but does not come on. It has come on momentarily while I am (D)driving. it has flashed a green screen before.”
NHTSA complaint #11751769, 2026

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V879000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera displayed a distorted image or a black screen occasionally while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no record that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer. The contact found the paperwork…”
NHTSA complaint #11724716, 2025

“I am writing to formally express my deep concern and dissatisfaction with the ongoing quality and safety issues I have experienced with my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, which I purchased new in March 2021. Despite regular maintenance and careful ownership, this vehicle has presented a persistent pattern of failure—most notably involving the electrical systems, onboard cameras, and overall build quality. Specifically, the following issues have occurred: •The rear backup camera has intermittently failed for an extended period, frequently displaying a black screen or static lines, rendering it unusable.…”
NHTSA complaint #11663198, 2024

Service Brakes 6

“Was coming off an exit on the interstate and started slowing down. My brakes act like they didn’t want to work. Grinding and the pedal was twitching under my foot. The car stopped thankfully, but then all Linda of lights came on the my dash and will not go off. And 3 warning come up!”
NHTSA complaint #11710993, 2026

“The Automatic Emergency Braking system activated without there being any vehicle in front.This was on a highway at 60 mph. It lightly braked for a couple of seconds with the warning light flashing and beeping as well.There was no prior indication prior. I will be taking vehicle to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11578359, 2024

“The automatic emergency braking has engaged 6 times while backing up and there has never been anything behind the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11527291, 2023

Seat Belts 3

“The seat belt is incredibly slow to retract. Most times I need to help it along. I've tried pulling it out to check for kinks (none there) and tried cleaning it but it still won't retract”
NHTSA complaint #11641254, 2024

“The driver side seat belt crosses at my neck. I have adjusted it as much as it will adjust and it still cuts into my neck. I am very concerned that if I am in an accident it will choke me or even decapitate me. In addition it is very uncomfortable but I am mostly concerned about the safety issue. I have not brought the issue to the dealer and I am unaware of any actual instances of injury happening. I assume you have access to that information.”
NHTSA complaint #11571962, 2024

“Emergency braking comes on with no vehicles in front for 1/4 mile. Passenger front seat belt is no working properly. Caution Collision comes on sporadically. Clock does not show correct time. Stop-Start System works sporadically. A/C fan blows out defrost sometimes. Remote start does not always work or shuts off too soon. Case Manager does not return calls. Changed Case Manager but NO BETTER. Hyundai DOES NOT CARE.”
NHTSA complaint #11481170, 2022

Structure 3

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, the glass located above the windshield and sunroof showed cracks. Additionally, parts of the glass had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact to contact the insurance provider. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11526188, 2023

“The Brow Glass between the top of the windshield and the sun roof, alligator cracked following by a complete crack and breakage along the full width of the glass.”
NHTSA complaint #11523880, 2023

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. I PULLED OFF TO CHECK THE EXTERIOR BUT SAW NOTHING. I DRIVE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR MORE WHEN IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE THE SUNROOF WAS OPEN. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT, AND IT WAS DESTROYED..SHATTERED WITH A LARGE HOLE IN IT. CALLED HYUNDAI WHO SAID REPORT TO INSURANCE EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS LESS THAN 1 MONTH OLD.”
NHTSA complaint #11415657, 2021

Air Bags 2

“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 ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11691820, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with an occupant in the passenger’s side front seat, the air bag light off message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. After driving the vehicle, the air bag off light message was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer info…”
NHTSA complaint #11577319, 2024

Exterior Lighting 2

“NOTICE: THIS CONCERN IS NOT THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, IT IS AN ATTEMPT TO BRING ATTENTION TO WHAT I FEEL IS POOR ENGINEERING/DESIGN OF THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS ON THE BACK END OF THE 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. We recently purchased this vehicle and just noticed, after owning the vehicle for about a week, that the only turn signal indicators on the back of the vehicle are located down low in the bumper. No turn signal indicators on the tail light assemblies located just below the rear window of the SUV as found on EVERY OTHER recently built SUV currently driving on US highways. That includes…”
NHTSA complaint #11422424, 2021

“DARK SPOT IN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FIELD CAUSES LOSS OF VIEW FOR DRIVER AS THE DARK SPOT PASSES FROM OBJECT TO OBJECT. PEOPLE OR ANIMALS, EVEN SIGNS LOSE ILLUMINATION AS THE DARK SPOT COVERS THEM. REFLECTIVE BARRELS IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS LOSE THEIR REFLECTIVITY AT NIGHT AS THIS SPOT COVERS THEM. THIS OCCURS ON THE LOW BEAM FUNCTION. HYUNDAI DEALER SAID IT IS FACTORY CREATED TO PREVENT NIGHT BLINDING OF ONCOMING VEHICLES. TO ME IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR THE DRIVER OF THE HYUNDAI. WHEN DRIVING IN A CURVE THE DARK SPOT MOVES WITH THE SHAPE OF THE ROAD SO THE DRIVER LOSES THE ABILITY TO SEE E…”
NHTSA complaint #11415375, 2021

Seats 2

“Seat full forward, into the dash with no input from operator. SECOND OCCURRENCE 08/04/2022 at 1700 Central time when parking the Santa Fe in the garage. When turned off, the driver's seat ran full forward and reclined forward into the dash - unsafe and potential injuries -- have a photo. I will be contacting the local dealership tomorrow to schedule an appointment for an inspection and routine maintenance. Since this is no longer an isolated occurrence we will be asking our dealer for assistance. Complaint Number 11475184”
NHTSA complaint #11477655, 2022

“17551 mileage. Parked vehicle. Placed in Park, set parking brake. Drivers seat moved full forward and leaned forward pinning me against the steering wheel forcing the breath out of me before I was able to stop the spontaneous movement. Restricted my breathing could have injured my ribs had I not stopped it.”
NHTSA complaint #11475184, 2022

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V524000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available and would not be available for another three months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11433639, 2021

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 1 crash 1 injury

“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 underne…”
NHTSA complaint #11663064, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 1

“While driving the crash avoidance emergency braking came on out of nowhere, and the steering locked up. I was driving on a straight and level roadway with no vehicles in front of me when suddenly the whole dash lit up with warning lights and the car, a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, came to a emergency stop, the steering wheel was shaking and wouldn't turn. This was the second time this happened. The first time on 09/29/22 I called the car dealer and was told that "They knew of the problem and that there was no remedy". This is extremely dangerous, both times it happened while I was driving on a high…”
NHTSA complaint #11493337, 2022

Tires 1

“Ever since I have purchased these tires I have been experiencing extreme violent vibration between 60 to 75 Mi an hour on the highway at first I wondered if something was wrong with the balance on the tire so I had them checked at the dealership twice and then I went to another dealership because the problem continue and had them checked same results no issues the balance machine only goes to 55 mph then I took it to a private garage paid out of pocket for the diagnostic twice because the problem over time persisted I also had an alignment done out of pocket and the problem again persisted I d…”
NHTSA complaint #11662812, 2025

Trailer Hitches 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle turned off and on intermittently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the key out of the ignition to completely turn off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the r…”
NHTSA complaint #11525574, 2022