NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 164 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 7 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH15 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a 5.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 164 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 7 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports with a median failure point at 25,782 miles (IQR: 16,64134,923 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $1,400 – $3,800 .

Hyundai Santa Fe PlatformHyundai Santa Fe Series
DLC Port: Lower dash trim near hood latch release

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
5.7 / 10

14.3 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
164

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
7

7 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Santa Fe Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINHigh Severity84% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

65
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):25,782 milesIQR: 16,64134,923 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756508 • Filed: 08/12/2026

My rear back up camera intermitting stops working. I can shift into reverse sometimes and the camera does not come on at all, other times the screen blinks and other times the screen has green lines and glitchy lines. The camera will also come on while I'm DRIVING forward

ODI #11747209 • Filed: 06/29/2026

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 f...

ODI #11746250 • Filed: 06/24/2026

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 "anom...

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGHigh Severity82% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

50
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):25,782 milesIQR: 16,64134,923 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11747209 • Filed: 06/29/2026

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 f...

ODI #11746250 • Filed: 06/24/2026

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 "anom...

ODI #11737002 • Filed: 05/11/2026

My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN ... ) 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, ...

#3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

37
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):15,000 milesIQR: 14,00017,551 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756508 • Filed: 08/12/2026

My rear back up camera intermitting stops working. I can shift into reverse sometimes and the camera does not come on at all, other times the screen blinks and other times the screen has green lines and glitchy lines. The camera will also come on while I'm DRIVING forward

ODI #11751769 • Filed: 07/21/2026

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.

ODI #11724716 • Filed: 03/16/2026

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 sc...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity66% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

28
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):7,500 milesIQR: 4,25012,526 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11713279 • Filed: 01/25/2026

Vehicle has now had several incidences of completing losing all acceleration power while driving at both high and low speeds, resulting in need to turn on hazards and abruptly pull to side of road. Pushing on gas pedal does nothing and vehicle will even roll backwards if I pul...

ODI #11710993 • Filed: 01/14/2026

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 c...

ODI #11708328 • Filed: 01/02/2026

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 re...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

12
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):9,276 milesIQR: 5,13813,413 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11735795 • Filed: 05/05/2026

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 curr...

ODI #11691820 • Filed: 10/07/2025

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 ...

ODI #11662812 • Filed: 05/23/2025

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 anothe...

#6 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

6
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):44,064 milesIQR: 44,06444,064 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11737002 • Filed: 05/11/2026

My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN ... ) 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, ...

ODI #11731022 • Filed: 04/14/2026Odometer: 44,064 mi

First instance at 50-55 mph the transmission violently shook the car when downshifting to accelerate on multiple occasions. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty transmission and replaced it at 44064 miles on March 18, 2025. Second time the car failed to accelerate when...

ODI #11668144 • Filed: 06/20/2025

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 vehicl...

#7 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSMedium Severity68% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

5
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11691820 • Filed: 10/07/2025

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 ...

ODI #11641254 • Filed: 02/07/2025

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

ODI #11577319 • Filed: 03/14/2024

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 upda...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (7)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V524000Reported: 09/07/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V00M000Reported: 28/12/2021

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V185000Reported: 17/03/2021

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V308000Reported: 03/05/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V746000Reported: 06/10/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V181000Reported: 17/03/2023

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #24V879000Reported: 21/11/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Before purchasing a used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe a reliable used car?

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe earns a 5.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 164 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The leading complaint category is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports, with a median failure point around 25,782 miles (IQR: 16,64134,923 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, the NHTSA records 7 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.