Total Complaints
37 filings
HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID · model year
37 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021HYUNDAISANTA FE HYBRID carries 37 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 SANTA FE HYBRID is engine with 8 filings, followed by power train (7) and unknown or other (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2021 SANTA FE HYBRID, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
37 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 8 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 1 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING | 1 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR | 1 |
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirem
TRAILER HITCHES
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water acc
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was repaired several times however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Mileage: 32,000
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. A message indicating that there was no power was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a red Hybrid warning light with a stop safely message was displayed. The contact stated that the Hyundai App displayed the Power Train and Chassis indicated the contact needed to schedule a service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined the vehicle had either bad fuel or the vehicle was refueled while the engine was running. Additionally, the gas cap was left open. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer
Mileage: 31,000
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. A message indicating that there was no power was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a red Hybrid warning light with a stop safely message was displayed. The contact stated that the Hyundai App displayed the Power Train and Chassis indicated the contact needed to schedule a service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined the vehicle had either bad fuel or the vehicle was refueled while the engine was running. Additionally, the gas cap was left open. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer
Mileage: 31,000
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to restart, and the vehicle was towed. A message indicating that there was no power was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the intake valve had failed. Additionally, an unknown recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mil
Mileage: 25,000
I have been taking my 21 Santa Fe hybrid limited into the dealership for a year and a half for the same code . Powertrain code P040B00, and to this day they can not repair this issue. I looked it up and a ton of us are having issues with this same code. It should be investigated, and customers should be warned. Hyundai needs to recall these vehicles or provide a solution. A year and a half is unacceptable
While driving 80 mph down the highway my brand new vehicle shut off completely, the entire car lost power. In another instance I was going around a roundabout and my acceleration completely went out, my son was in the back seat and another car had to jump the curb to avoid crashing into us. I met a woman in the dealership who has been waiting over a year for her recalled tow hitch to be fixed. When it rains or snows the forward safety systems shut off and the alert repeats extremely distracting on your dash, like sounds, red flashing lights, over and over again. You have to constantly hit the ok button while driving to get it to go away.
While driving 80 mph down the highway my brand new vehicle shut off completely, the entire car lost power. In another instance I was going around a roundabout and my acceleration completely went out, my son was in the back seat and another car had to jump the curb to avoid crashing into us. I met a woman in the dealership who has been waiting over a year for her recalled tow hitch to be fixed. When it rains or snows the forward safety systems shut off and the alert repeats extremely distracting on your dash, like sounds, red flashing lights, over and over again. You have to constantly hit the ok button while driving to get it to go away.
While driving 80 mph down the highway my brand new vehicle shut off completely, the entire car lost power. In another instance I was going around a roundabout and my acceleration completely went out, my son was in the back seat and another car had to jump the curb to avoid crashing into us. I met a woman in the dealership who has been waiting over a year for her recalled tow hitch to be fixed. When it rains or snows the forward safety systems shut off and the alert repeats extremely distracting on your dash, like sounds, red flashing lights, over and over again. You have to constantly hit the ok button while driving to get it to go away.
From what I have been told there is no recall on this issue. Purchased a Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid 2021 brand new in 2021. I live in La Quinta California summers are especially hot. Temps can be anywhere from 105 to 120 . Only had the car for 6months when in light came on saying Inverter needs coolant this has been a problem for the past 2yrs. Checked with Hyundai Service department my coolant is fine air conditioning works well. This not a safety issue but should be fixed and Hyundai is doing nothing about it. Many complaints have been ignored.
From what I have been told there is no recall on this issue. Purchased a Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid 2021 brand new in 2021. I live in La Quinta California summers are especially hot. Temps can be anywhere from 105 to 120 . Only had the car for 6months when in light came on saying Inverter needs coolant this has been a problem for the past 2yrs. Checked with Hyundai Service department my coolant is fine air conditioning works well. This not a safety issue but should be fixed and Hyundai is doing nothing about it. Many complaints have been ignored.
From what I have been told there is no recall on this issue. Purchased a Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid 2021 brand new in 2021. I live in La Quinta California summers are especially hot. Temps can be anywhere from 105 to 120 . Only had the car for 6months when in light came on saying Inverter needs coolant this has been a problem for the past 2yrs. Checked with Hyundai Service department my coolant is fine air conditioning works well. This not a safety issue but should be fixed and Hyundai is doing nothing about it. Many complaints have been ignored.
Whenever the weather gets above 80 degrees outside my car put a notice to refill inverter coolant, when everything is filled max line. Iâve mentioned it twice to the Hyundai service and both times the employee told me not to worry about it and it is a sensor issue. That is unacceptable, I live in Las Vegas, Nevada where temperatures on average in summer are 90+. Thatâs a big risk an unnecessary danger to have my car engine over heat and stop in the middle of no where and potentially leave me stranded or worse cause an accident or fire. On top of that I have to see the message every day in the summer temperatures, without any way to remove the message. This will be the 2nd summer Iâve seen this message appear in my car, and Iâm tired of the dealership & their car service staff telling me this is nothing to worry about⦠especially on car not even 4 years old!
Whenever the weather gets above 80 degrees outside my car put a notice to refill inverter coolant, when everything is filled max line. Iâve mentioned it twice to the Hyundai service and both times the employee told me not to worry about it and it is a sensor issue. That is unacceptable, I live in Las Vegas, Nevada where temperatures on average in summer are 90+. Thatâs a big risk an unnecessary danger to have my car engine over heat and stop in the middle of no where and potentially leave me stranded or worse cause an accident or fire. On top of that I have to see the message every day in the summer temperatures, without any way to remove the message. This will be the 2nd summer Iâve seen this message appear in my car, and Iâm tired of the dealership & their car service staff telling me this is nothing to worry about⦠especially on car not even 4 years old!
When turning at low speeds especially sharp turns and accelerating, a cracking sound occurs.
Gas pedal stops working while driving down the road. Happened 3 times. Will work again after awhile. Dealership can't find what's wrong with it and so hyundai and the dealership said they can't fix it.
On December 28, 2022, we were driving 70 miles per hour on Route 75 in the third lane of a four-lane highway from Michigan to Tennessee. In Ohio, the vehicle lost all drive power without warning. As it decelerated, we were able to maneuver the vehicle to the breakdown lane, narrowly avoiding other vehicles around us driving at 70 miles per hour. We do not know what caused this to happen. After several hours on the side of the highway, the vehicle was towed to Jeff Wyler Hyundai in Fairfield, Ohio. They have not been able to diagnose the problem as of today. The contact stated that the cause of the issue was due to an oil plug that was improperly tightened by the dealership during service maintenance. As a result of that, the oil was able to drain out and cause the engine to fail.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V816000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The driver's side seat belt failed to extend smoothly. The contact stated that occasionally the seat belt became stuck and excessive force was needed to operate the seat belt. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mileage: 26,000
Having issues with the dash going completely black; so you can not see any instruments on the dash panel or the head unit (navigation/radio/airplay). The car has been into the shop three times so far with no resolution. The newest issue; the horn doesn't work, the safety features such as lane assist, lane departure etc. only work intermittently, and I have had the brakes slam on for no reason. The last time I took the car back to dealer and told them I was afraid to drive the car, the service manager changed the settings on the safety features, not sure how that was to fix anything? We have been so close to being rear-ended because of the faulty braking system. The electrical system is having major issues, I have videos of the car doing all these things and have showed them to the dealership and they claim they can not fix the car because it doesn't happen when they drive the car.
Having issues with the dash going completely black; so you can not see any instruments on the dash panel or the head unit (navigation/radio/airplay). The car has been into the shop three times so far with no resolution. The newest issue; the horn doesn't work, the safety features such as lane assist, lane departure etc. only work intermittently, and I have had the brakes slam on for no reason. The last time I took the car back to dealer and told them I was afraid to drive the car, the service manager changed the settings on the safety features, not sure how that was to fix anything? We have been so close to being rear-ended because of the faulty braking system. The electrical system is having major issues, I have videos of the car doing all these things and have showed them to the dealership and they claim they can not fix the car because it doesn't happen when they drive the car.
Having issues with the dash going completely black; so you can not see any instruments on the dash panel or the head unit (navigation/radio/airplay). The car has been into the shop three times so far with no resolution. The newest issue; the horn doesn't work, the safety features such as lane assist, lane departure etc. only work intermittently, and I have had the brakes slam on for no reason. The last time I took the car back to dealer and told them I was afraid to drive the car, the service manager changed the settings on the safety features, not sure how that was to fix anything? We have been so close to being rear-ended because of the faulty braking system. The electrical system is having major issues, I have videos of the car doing all these things and have showed them to the dealership and they claim they can not fix the car because it doesn't happen when they drive the car.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.