Federal safety data shows 4 recalls and 155 complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

155

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

24V8790002024-21-11

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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."

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

View at NHTSA

21V1850002021-17-03

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

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."

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.

View at NHTSA

21V3080002021-03-05

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

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.

An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

23V1810002023-17-03

TRAILER HITCHES

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.

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 155 issues reported over 1 model years, power train problems are the most common for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Power Train31

02Unknown Or Other21

03Engine12

04Electrical System8

05Visibility/wiper6

155 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy

24–34mpg combined

21-36city

25-31hwy

$1,300-$1,800/yr

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers 24 to 34 MPG combined across 6 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Santa Fe Hybrid Blue - Automatic (AM-S6)

34mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

36 city31 hwy~$1,300/yr7/10 Clean

Santa Fe Hybrid - Automatic (AM-S6)

32mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

33 city30 hwy~$1,350/yr7/10 Clean

Santa Fe FWD - Automatic (S8)

26mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city28 hwy~$1,700/yr5/10 Average

Santa Fe FWD - Automatic (AM-S8)

25mpg

2.5L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city28 hwy~$1,750/yr5/10 Average

Santa Fe AWD - Automatic (AM-S8)

24mpg

2.5L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

21 city28 hwy~$1,800/yr5/10 Average

Santa Fe AWD - Automatic (S8)

24mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

22 city25 hwy~$1,800/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

35States

28%in top 3

Texas has the most inventory at 12%, with options spread across 35 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

TXTexas

3,36612%

FLFlorida

2,5089%

CACalifornia

2,1948%

PAPennsylvania

1,6356%

GAGeorgia

1,4155%

MOMissouri

1,1344%

AZArizona

1,1134%

DEDelaware

1,0394%

NCNorth Carolina

9783%

NYNew York

9423%

ILIllinois

9263%

OHOhio

7232%

DCWashington DC

6952%

NJNew Jersey

6872%

OKOklahoma

6822%

WAWashington

6772%

MDMaryland

6522%

TNTennessee

6032%

MNMinnesota

5782%

INIndiana

5592%

OROregon

5352%

COColorado

5042%

RIRhode Island

4301%

UTUtah

4261%

NH395

VA373

WI369

MI362

AL317

CT316

ID227

MA211

NE204

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe a good car to buy?

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has its strengths and its watch-outs. 4 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report power train as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, 4 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Depending on configuration, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers 24–34 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Out of 155 owner complaints, power train issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2021 compare to other Hyundai Santa Fe years?

Each Hyundai Santa Fe model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Hyundai Santa Fe overview page.