2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Report

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Powertrain, Fuel System, and Recall-Related Safety Concerns

152Complaints
7Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (31)Unknown Or Other (21)Engine (11)Electrical System (8)Forward Collision Avoidance (6)Visibility (6)Power Train,Engine (5)Visibility/Wiper (5)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (4)Back Over Prevention (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its recall history and complaint data reveal significant safety concerns. There have been 7 recalls, a high number for a single model year, addressing critical issues such as loss of drive power, fuel leaks increasing fire risk, rearview camera failures, and even potential airbag malfunction with child restraints. The complaint data, with 152 total complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, further underscores these issues. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the 'POWER TRAIN' (31 complaints) and 'ENGINE' (11 complaints), often describing sudden loss of acceleration, vehicles entering 'limp mode,' and transmission failures, some directly linked to recall 236 concerning the 'fail-safe' limited-mobility drive mode. Fuel system issues, leading to leaks and fire risk, are also prominent, with two recalls specifically addressing this. Additionally, 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (3 complaints) and 'VISIBILITY' (6 complaints) issues, particularly related to the rearview camera, are frequently reported, with one recall directly addressing a damaged circuit board causing camera malfunction. The recall history is extensive and addresses fundamental safety components. Recalls for 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' and 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY' are particularly concerning due to their direct impact on vehicle control and fire risk. The 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' recall highlights a persistent issue with the rearview camera, as several complaints indicate the problem re-emerging even after recall repairs. The 'AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE' recall is critical for child safety. Despite strong crash test ratings, the numerous recalls and high volume of complaints, especially concerning power train and fuel system integrity, suggest potential reliability and safety vulnerabilities that buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Loss Of Drive Power/Transmission Failure
Vehicles suddenly lose acceleration, enter 'limp mode,' or experience transmission failure, even after recall 236 updates. This is a major safety hazard, increasing crash risk.		 High Common variable, reported post-recall fix miles
Fuel Leaks/Fire Risk
Fuel may leak at high-pressure fuel pump connections, increasing the risk of fire. Two recalls address this critical issue.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera displays distorted images or a black screen, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. This issue persists for some owners even after recall repairs.		 Medium Common N/A miles
Horn Failure
The vehicle's horn stops working entirely without warning, posing a significant safety hazard by preventing drivers from alerting others.		 Medium Common 36000+ miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System False Positives
The ADAS emergency brakes apply themselves without an actual obstruction, nearly causing rear-end collisions.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Fuel Door Not Opening
The fuel door fails to open, requiring multiple lock/unlock cycles, potentially leaving drivers stranded.		 Low Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe:

Power Train 20% of complaints

Frequent reports of sudden loss of acceleration, vehicle entering 'limp mode,' and transmission failures, often linked to recall 236.

Engine 7% of complaints

Issues include misfiring symptoms, rough idle, hesitation, and loss of power during acceleration.

Back Over Prevention 2% of complaints

Rearview camera displaying distorted images or black screens, even after recall repairs.

Fuel System, Gasoline 3% of complaints

Fuel leaks at high-pressure connections, increasing fire risk, addressed by multiple recalls.

Forward Collision Avoidance 3% of complaints

ADAS emergency brakes activating without cause, leading to dangerous sudden deceleration.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Includes issues like horn failure and steering wheel control malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating. However, it has a high number of recalls (7) addressing critical safety issues like loss of drive power, fuel leaks with fire risk, and rearview camera malfunctions. There are 152 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, indicating significant real-world safety concerns despite strong crash test performance.

What are common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe are related to the POWER TRAIN (31 complaints), often involving sudden loss of acceleration and transmission failures, some persisting after recall 236. Other common problems include ENGINE issues (11 complaints) like misfires and loss of power, rearview camera malfunctions (3 complaints under BACK OVER PREVENTION), and horn failures (part of ELECTRICAL SYSTEM complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 7 recalls. These include recalls for BACK OVER PREVENTION (camera issues), TRAILER HITCHES (fire risk), POWER TRAIN (loss of drive power), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (fuel leaks and fire risk, two separate recalls), AIR BAGS (Occupant Detection System module), and VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD (improper bonding).

Does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have transmission problems?

Yes, transmission problems are a significant concern for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. 'POWER TRAIN' is the most complained about component with 31 reports, frequently describing issues like the vehicle going into 'limp mode,' hard shifting, hesitation, and complete loss of drive power. There was also a recall (236) specifically for the 'fail-safe' limited-mobility drive mode which could lead to loss of drive power.

Is the rearview camera reliable on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The rearview camera on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has known reliability issues. There are 3 complaints under 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' and a recall (24V879000) for a damaged printed circuit board causing the camera to display distorted images or a black screen. Several complaints indicate that this issue can reoccur even after recall repairs.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's extensive recall history and frequent complaints regarding powertrain, fuel system, and camera issues; thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of all recall completions are highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The data includes 152 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.