2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 5 Known Issues
2021 model year · 620+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling ($600-$1,800 repair), Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816) ($0-$0 repair) and Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire. The most commonly reported issue is Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk with 620 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe vehicles. A software error in the transmission control unit may result in a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in PARK.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The overhead console rear sunshade switch knob may not be fully recessed, which can result in unintentional closing of the sunshade. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a trailer parking assist message. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling, Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816), Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 5 known issues documented across 620+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling and Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816) and Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Repair costs for known Hyundai Santa Fe issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling, typically costs $600-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling?
On the 2.5L Smartstream GDI+MPI engine (G4KR) used in the TM Santa Fe from 2021, the internal filter/screen inside the direct injector can break apart and the injector leaks fuel into the cylinder after shutdown and at idle. Owners report a hard hot start, raw-fuel smell, rough i… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816)?
Hyundai recalled certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid (TM HEV) and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid (TM PHEV) vehicles because the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners contain pyrotechnic charges that can deploy abnormally in a crash. Instead of retracting the belt… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire?
NHTSA recall 23V-181 (Hyundai recall 244) covers model-year 2019-2023 Santa Fe vehicles that may have a Hyundai accessory tow-hitch harness, including listed hybrid and plug-in-hybrid populations. The tow-hitch-harness module circuit board can be susceptible to water entering thr… Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog?
The panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended wa… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk?
The intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai has not issued a… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.