CarModelProblems.com

2021 Hyundai Santa FE Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
162Complaints
7Recalls
4Crashes
1Fires
2Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (30.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Power Train complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train50 · 30.9%RecalledRecall 22V746000
Engine36 · 22.2%Investigation closedDP22003
Electrical System28 · 17.3%No official action
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking15 · 9.3%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System8 · 4.9%RecalledRecall 21V524000 · Recall 21V308000
Visibility/wiper7 · 4.3%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN50 · 30.9%
Unspecified / other41 · 25.3%
ENGINE36 · 22.2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING15 · 9.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8 · 4.9%
VISIBILITY/WIPER7 · 4.3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS6 · 3.7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6 · 3.7%
SERVICE BRAKES6 · 3.7%

Percentages are the share of the 162 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 7 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 21V524000 · 2021 · reported 07/09/2021

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:windshield

NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 2021 · reported 12/28/2021

A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

NHTSA campaign 21V185000 · 2021 · reported 03/17/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 21V308000 · 2021 · reported 05/03/2021

An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 2022 · reported 10/06/2022

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Trailer Hitches

NHTSA campaign 23V181000 · 2023 · reported 03/17/2023

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 24V879000 · 2024 · reported 11/21/2024

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“Once again on 7/18/2023 (P1C2D03) and 8/15/2023 (P1C2E92) DTC for TCU issues VERY DANGEROUS condition, fails to accelerate from stops at signs and traffic lights…”NHTSA complaint 11538851 — filed 08/16/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“24 Jan 2023 I had this Santa Fe repaired at the dealership for Recall #236, oil pump transmission code DTC P1C2E92. They claimed the software…”NHTSA complaint 11525829 — filed 06/07/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the…”NHTSA complaint 11509841 — filed 03/02/2023 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

282021722022502023272024262025352026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 50 of 162 NHTSA complaints (30.9%), followed by unspecified/other issues (41), engine (36), electrical system (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE have?

162 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V524000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE's reported problems?

2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.