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    Hyundai Santa Fe

    EPA MPG: 24 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Santa Fe will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2024 model.

    The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Horn

    "One or both horns (high and low note) failed completely THREE TIMES since new. Hyundai service said it is because the way they are mounted allows water, dirt and debris into the opening of the horn. Very difficult to replace as the bumper has to be removed just to see where they are. Poor design. The problem with this failure is you don't know they are not working until you need them."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Went ro clay cooly dealership to get horn fixed. It took 2 1/2 weeks to replace defective horn. No loaner car was available. We had to call and ask about the car, service did not communicatr. Car sat in car lot waiting for parts. Bad service. Will not go back to that dealership again."

    Anonymous, CO (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "Constant door locking and unlocking issues. With key fob in pocket or purse, driver side door would not automatically lock or unlock. Often had to move to passenger side door to activate auto lock or unlock features."

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "The electronic interface to one of the doors stopped working correctly. When the car is put into drive, that door doesn't automatically lock like all the other doors."

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Wiper motor or washer

    "Washer motor failed and was replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Began having rough engine running, higher than usual RPMs. Then check engine light came on. Was not able to get car in to dealership until 5 days later (it was still running). Error code indicated complete change of catalytic converter, which took 3 days to get part in and 2 days for installation. Dealership did provide a nice loaner, but failed to properly re-attach skid plate in one corner, requiring a return to the dealer for replacement, which they were able to do in about an hour"

    Anonymous A., AL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "We were out of town and we could not get the door to fill up our gas tank opened. We stopped at a Hyundai dealer in Valdosta, GA and they found the problem. They ordered the part and found a way to temporarily leave the fuel door opened just a little. Within two days it was all fixed, good as new."

    Anonymous A., GA (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "After running the air conditioner, when I turn it off, It continues to run for a minute or two."

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other minor engine problem

    "Check engine light kept activating. Dealership found a bad mass air flow sensor in engine. Replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "The transmission felt like it was straining a few times one morning after driving a short distance, maybe 8 mi round trip. I didnt drive it again that day. The next morning after driving maybe another 5-6 miles, it began slipping gears. A couple of miles later, the check engine light came on. Before I could even park the car, the display center displayed a message to take the car for service TODAY. I did. I learned that it needed a new transmission. The car is 3 years old and has fewer than 20k miles."

    Anonymous A., MD (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy)

    "The transmission felt like it was unable to change gears As well, it was slipping"

    Anonymous, BC (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel injection system

    "Driving home from work, vehicle began losing a little power sporadically, then suddenly had marked decrease in power and had to reduce speed to no more than 20 on the highway. Was able to get the vehicle to the dealer unannounced, they took it in and ran diagnostics showing a bad fuel injector, which they replaced the next day."

    Anonymous A., AL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Cooling fan

    "The problem happens only when running the air conditioner."

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
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    06
    07*
    08
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13*
    14
    15
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    18
    19*
    20
    21*
    22
    23
    24*
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Nov 21, 2024
    A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
    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."
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 19, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V879000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 226118
    TRAILER HITCHES
    Mar 17, 2023
    A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V181000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 584784
    SEAT BELTS
    Oct 31, 2022
    An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V816000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 14933
    POWER TRAIN
    Oct 06, 2022
    Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V746000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 56148
    VISIBILITY
    Dec 28, 2021
    A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V00M000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 26413
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Jul 09, 2021
    A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V524000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 15752
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    May 03, 2021
    An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V308000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2
    AIR BAGS
    Mar 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.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V185000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10
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