One of the lowest-complaint Santa Fe years
The 2021 Santa Fe has a complaint rate well under the average. Hesitation and rough idle are the main reports.
Updated November 2026 · based on 190 owner complaints and 8 recalls
170 60% below the Santa Fe average
8 free to fix at a dealer
Every Santa Fe year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Hesitation and rough idle
Rough running and slow response to the gas pedal.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200
Engine
Fuel hose and transmission recalls
Recalls 21V524 and 22V746.
Fix: Free under recall
Fuel system
Recalls
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Show all 8 recalls
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Confirm recalls 21V308, 21V524 and 22V746 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Santa Fe has 8 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the horn works.The air bag light should go out a few seconds after start. If it stays on, the air bags may not work in a crash. On some cars a worn clock spring also kills the horn.
- Feel for hesitation pulling away.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.46 of the 190 owner complaints about the 2021 Santa Fe involve the engine (24%).
Questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
One of the lowest-complaint Santa Fe years. The 2021 Santa Fe has a complaint rate well under the average. Hesitation and rough idle are the main reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
8 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Hesitation and rough idle; Fuel hose and transmission recalls.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.