Recalls · problems · safety

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: recalls and problems

8 recalls and 186 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train.

8recalls
186complaints
4crashes reported
2fires reported
2injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Power Train57 · 31%
  • Unknown Or Other46 · 25%
  • Engine45 · 24%
  • Electrical System32 · 17%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance19 · 10%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System13 · 7%
  • Back Over Prevention8 · 4%
  • Vehicle Speed Control8 · 4%
  • Visibility/Wiper7 · 4%
  • Visibility7 · 4%

What owners report

Engine Fire

The contact owned a 2021 hyundai santa fe. the contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly caught on fire. the contact's wife became aware that the radio was inoperable before the failure. additionally, the contact’s wife’s eyes were irritated, and there was a hot, harsh odor which grew stronger very quickly. the odor was inside the vehicle. the contact stated that the smoke was b

Fuel/Propulsion System

The door to the gas tank is a push door which is temperamental. i can be at the pump and push the door to pop it open and it won't. i'm at the point where i have to pop my gas tank open before i even get to the gas station because to pull up to the pump and not be able to put gas in the tank is a waste of time. there is no lever to flip along side the driver seat because it is a push to open door.. it is available fo

Back Over Prevention

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

Back Over Prevention

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.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering SANTA FE, SANTA FE HYBRID. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.