According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk with 620 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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 water intrusion can damage the body control module, amplifier, or other electronics located under the carpet.
Clear all four sunroof drain tubes using compressed air blown from the top (at the sunroof tray). Do not use wire or stiff objects that can puncture the drain hoses. Check that the drain tube grommets at the bottom of the A and C pillars are intact and draining properly. Clean the sunroof tray channel of debris. Perform this maintenance every 6-12 months, especially if parked under trees.
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Community Reported
620 owners
On the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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 issued TSB 19-ST-001 addressing the concern.
Apply lithium grease to the intermediate shaft U-joint as a temporary fix. For a permanent repair, replace the intermediate steering shaft assembly (Hyundai part 56400-S1000). Dealer cost is $350-600. Some owners have had success requesting goodwill coverage from Hyundai.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 620+ owners who fixed this issue
High ConfidenceVerified620 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
⚠️NHTSA Recalls17 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Campaign #25V54900026/08/2025
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.
Campaign #25V65900002/10/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Campaign #25V80800021/11/2025
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
Campaign #25V80900021/11/2025
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.
What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 620+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog, Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
The 2021-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 2 known issues documented across 620+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. 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 $50 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 issued TSB 19-ST… 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.
