2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
Common Problems
Ranked from 69 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
18 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Issues Leading to Loss of Power
12complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission loses power suddenly, causing the vehicle to stall or become immobile, often requiring towing.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V746000
- 2
Check Engine Light and Unresponsive Engine
11complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates, and the engine becomes unresponsive, leading to stalling and difficulty in driving.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Horn Failure
9complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe horn has failed and been replaced multiple times, posing a significant safety risk.
- 4
Engine Stall During Acceleration
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls during acceleration, often without warning, causing the check engine light to illuminate.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Unreliable Forward Collision Avoidance System
6complaintsHigh severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing unexpected braking and loss of control, posing a safety risk.
- 6
Unexpected Vehicle Shutdown
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle unexpectedly shuts down while driving, often without warning, leading to loss of power and difficulty in restarting.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Back Over Prevention System Failure
4complaintsSafety riskOtherBack over prevention system malfunctions, obstructing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
- 8
Sunroof Malfunction
3complaintsSafety riskOtherSunroof has exploded or malfunctioned, potentially causing injury or property damage.
- 9
Transmission Slipping and Jerking
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission slips and jerks when accelerating, causing the vehicle to hesitate and lose power.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V746000
- 10
Visibility Issues
3complaintsLow severityOtherWindshield cracks or shatters unexpectedly, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
- 11
Automatic Emergency Braking System Malfunction
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe automatic emergency braking system activates unexpectedly without any vehicle in front, potentially leading to accidents.
- 12
Engine Shutdown During Operation
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving, without warning or indication.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle frequently stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Fuel Door Mechanism Failure
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel door mechanism stops working, preventing refueling and posing a significant inconvenience.
Related recalls: 21V524000, 21V308000
- 15
Seat Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe driver's seat moves forward and reclines unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or loss of control.
- 16
Service Brakes Malfunctioning
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe service brakes fail to engage properly, requiring immediate attention to prevent accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Unintended Vehicle Movement
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle has rolled away unintentionally on multiple occasions, posing a significant safety risk.
- 18
Windshield Cracking Without Impact
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe windshield starts cracking for no apparent reason, even with minimal driving distance.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.