RoadVitals

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 23V181000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Jul 8, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 21, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 47 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine929.0%
  • Powertrain (other)722.6%
  • Fuel system412.9%
  • Electrical39.7%
  • Driver assistance39.7%
  • Seat belts26.5%
  • Tires & wheels13.2%
  • Interior & seats13.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Nov 21, 2024
226,118 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 271View on NHTSA.gov
23V181000NHTSA advisory: park outside

TRAILER HITCHES

Mar 17, 2023
584,784 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 244View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Oct 31, 2022
14,933 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 238/011GView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was repaired several times however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID
11600067
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
Mileage
32,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. A message indicating that there was no power was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a red Hybrid warning light with a stop safely message was displayed. The contact stated that the Hyundai App displayed the Power Train and Chassis indicated the contact needed to schedule a service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined the vehicle had either bad fuel or the vehicle was refueled while the engine was running. Additionally, the gas cap was left open. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the rocker cover gasket and oil gasket to resolve a leak. The vehicle was at the local dealer awaiting Field Technical Engineer inspection. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number 22V746000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ID
11564397
Incident
Nov 29, 2023
Mileage
31,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to restart, and the vehicle was towed. A message indicating that there was no power was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the intake valve had failed. Additionally, an unknown recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

NHTSA ID
11563515
Incident
Oct 2, 2023
Mileage
25,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 22, 2023

I have been taking my 21 Santa Fe hybrid limited into the dealership for a year and a half for the same code . Powertrain code P040B00, and to this day they can not repair this issue. I looked it up and a ton of us are having issues with this same code. It should be investigated, and customers should be warned. Hyundai needs to recall these vehicles or provide a solution. A year and a half is unacceptable

NHTSA ID
11533831
Incident
Apr 13, 2023
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 27, 2023

While driving 80 mph down the highway my brand new vehicle shut off completely, the entire car lost power. In another instance I was going around a roundabout and my acceleration completely went out, my son was in the back seat and another car had to jump the curb to avoid crashing into us. I met a woman in the dealership who has been waiting over a year for her recalled tow hitch to be fixed. When it rains or snows the forward safety systems shut off and the alert repeats extremely distracting on your dash, like sounds, red flashing lights, over and over again. You have to constantly hit the ok button while driving to get it to go away.

NHTSA ID
11529228
Incident
Nov 29, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 9, 2023

From what I have been told there is no recall on this issue. Purchased a Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid 2021 brand new in 2021. I live in La Quinta California summers are especially hot. Temps can be anywhere from 105 to 120 . Only had the car for 6months when in light came on saying Inverter needs coolant this has been a problem for the past 2yrs. Checked with Hyundai Service department my coolant is fine air conditioning works well. This not a safety issue but should be fixed and Hyundai is doing nothing about it. Many complaints have been ignored.

NHTSA ID
11521248
Incident
May 9, 2023
Engine
Filed Apr 10, 2023

Whenever the weather gets above 80 degrees outside my car put a notice to refill inverter coolant, when everything is filled max line. I’ve mentioned it twice to the Hyundai service and both times the employee told me not to worry about it and it is a sensor issue. That is unacceptable, I live in Las Vegas, Nevada where temperatures on average in summer are 90+. That’s a big risk an unnecessary danger to have my car engine over heat and stop in the middle of no where and potentially leave me stranded or worse cause an accident or fire. On top of that I have to see the message every day in the summer temperatures, without any way to remove the message. This will be the 2nd summer I’ve seen this message appear in my car, and I’m tired of the dealership & their car service staff telling me this is nothing to worry about… especially on car not even 4 years old!

NHTSA ID
11516429
Incident
Apr 10, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 4, 2023

When turning at low speeds especially sharp turns and accelerating, a cracking sound occurs.

NHTSA ID
11515463
Incident
Nov 1, 2021

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

26-GI-003H

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

26-01-081H DCS

ENGINE

Certain Santa Fe Hybrid (TM HEV), Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid (TM PHEV), Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV), andTucson Plug-in Hybrid (NX4 PHEV) vehicles may experience intake air line freezing and Exhaust GasRecirculation (EGR) valve corrosion due to excessive condensation accumulating within the EGR system.This condition can lead to drivability concerns related to the following DTCs: - P040400: (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range) - P049D00: (EGR 'A' Control Position Exceeded Learning Limit) - P047100: (Exhaust Pressure Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance) - P012800: Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature below Thermostat Regulation Temperature) - P262B00: (Control Module Power Off Timer Performance) - P050C00: Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance - P1DFD00: (EVAP System Purge Pump Target Speed) - P2DFD00: (EVAP System Purge Pump Performance) - P112000: (Inlet Metering Valve – Malfunction) - P033500: (Crankshaft Position Sensor A)

26-01-081H DN

ENGINE

Certain Santa Fe Hybrid (TM HEV), Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid (TM PHEV), Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV), and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (NX4 PHEV) vehicles may experience intake air line freezing and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve corrosion due to excessive condensation accumulating within the EGR system. This condition can lead to drivability concerns related to the following DTCs: • P040400: (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range) • P049D00: (EGR 'A' Control Position Exceeded Learning Limit) • P047100: (Exhaust Pressure Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance) • P012800: Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature below Thermostat Regulation Temperature) • P262B00: (Control Module Power Off Timer Performance) • P050C00: Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance • P1DFD00: (EVAP System Purge Pump Target Speed) • P2DFD00: (EVAP System Purge Pump Performance) • P112000: (Inlet Metering Valve – Malfunction) • P033500: (Crankshaft Position Sensor A)

26-EM-016H TSB

ENGINE

Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when deemed necessary based on inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle as outlined in TSB 26-EM-015H, Engine Oil Consumption – Inspection & Repair Guidelines, or the latest revision.

26-01-081H TSB

ENGINE

Certain Santa Fe Hybrid (TM HEV), Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid (TM PHEV), Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV), and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (NX4 PHEV) vehicles may experience intake air line freezing and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve corrosion due to excessive condensation accumulating within the EGR system. This condition can lead to drivability concerns related to the following DTCs: • P040400: (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range) • P049D00: (EGR 'A' Control Position Exceeded Learning Limit) • P047100: (Exhaust Pressure Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance) • P012800: Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature below Thermostat Regulation Temperature) • P262B00: (Control Module Power Off Timer Performance) • P050C00: Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance • P1DFD00: (EVAP System Purge Pump Target Speed) • P2DFD00: (EVAP System Purge Pump Performance) • P112000: (Inlet Metering Valve – Malfunction) • P033500: (Crankshaft Position Sensor A) The bulletin below provides instructions to perform a software update for the Engine Control Module (ECM).

26-EM-015H TSB

ENGINE

Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and maintenance history. Hyundai recommends following the prescribed maintenance schedule and periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick to maintain proper engine oil level.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027100—
2026213058.1
20251123056.5
2024374052.0
2023581038.4
2022374154.4
2021Viewing203144.3

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.