2021 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls and problems
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 6 safety recalls and 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
Recall 24V-879: Back Over Prevention
Problem: 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."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-181: Trailer Hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V-746: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-524: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-308: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-185: Air Bags
Problem: 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."
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.
Fix: 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.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 51 | |
| Unknown or Other | 41 | |
| Engine | 38 | |
| Electrical System | 29 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 23 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | |
| Visibility | 8 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Service Brakes | 6 | |
| Structure | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 15
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 6
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
- Structure › Body — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Visibility › Windshield — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: 24V-879 (back over prevention), 23V-181 (trailer hitches), 22V-746 (power train), 21V-524 (fuel system, gasoline), 21V-308 (fuel system, gasoline) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Owners report power train problems most often (51 reports), followed by unknown or other (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,000 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.