2021 Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report engine-related issues, including stalling, loss of power, and unexpected shutdowns. Common symptoms described include the engine misfiring, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and the vehicle unexpectedly shifting to neutral or failing to accelerate beyond certain speeds. These issues are often accompanied by a lit Check Engine Light and occur at varying mileages, with some reports as early as 14,000 miles and others around 67,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in instances where vehicles stall at high speeds or lose power unexpectedly, posing risks of collisions due to loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these recurring engine problems and the potential for unresolved issues even after dealer visits.

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report issues with glass components, particularly the panoramic sunroof and windshields. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof glass shattering spontaneously, sometimes while driving, with reported mileages ranging from 7,000 to 46,677 miles. There are also reports of windshield cracks forming suddenly, either while parked or driving, often described as starting with a small impact or noise. Safety implications include potential driver distraction and minor injuries from shattered glass. Some owners mention difficulties with warranty coverage for these repairs, and one complaint notes a delay in recall part availability.

Owners report that the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's Forward Collision Avoidance system frequently activates unnecessarily, leading to abrupt braking without any apparent obstacles. Complaints indicate this issue occurs both on highways and local roads, with some incidents happening at speeds ranging from 30 to 65 mph. Symptoms include sudden brake application, vehicle swerving, and warning indicators on the dashboard. One report involves a minor crash due to the system failing to activate when needed. Multiple owners express concerns about the risk of rear-end collisions as a result of these unexpected brake activations. The system's reliability is questioned, with some owners noting that the feature automatically reactivates upon restarting the vehicle, requiring manual deactivation each time.

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe report issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, both on highways and while reversing, without any obstacles present. Complaints frequently mention brake pedal issues, including instances where the pedal must be depressed to the floor to stop the vehicle, and in one case, the pedal lost resistance entirely, leading to a near-miss at an intersection. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with one specific mention at approximately 58,800 miles. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected braking and loss of braking capability, posing risks of collisions or near-misses. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported symptoms and consider having the braking system inspected.

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report issues with the seat belts, primarily involving slow retraction and improper positioning. Complaints describe seat belts that retract slowly or require manual assistance, and some owners note that the driver's side seat belt does not extend smoothly, occasionally becoming stuck and needing excessive force to operate. In addition, one owner mentions a seat belt that crosses the neck despite adjustments, raising safety concerns about potential injury in an accident. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one specific case noting the problem at approximately 26,000 miles. No crashes or injuries are reported in the complaints, but safety concerns are expressed due to improper seat belt positioning.

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe report issues primarily related to the air bag system. Complaints frequently mention air bag warning lights illuminating, often associated with clock spring failure or software-related issues. In some cases, the air bag system fails to recognize an occupant due to seat cushions, and replacements or software updates do not resolve the issue. Problems are noted at mileages ranging from approximately 16,000 to 60,000 miles. Safety implications include potential air bag non-deployment, though no crashes or injuries are reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring air bag system concerns.

Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe report issues related to unexpected acceleration and transmission slippage. Multiple owners describe incidents where the vehicle accelerates without pressing the accelerator, particularly after releasing the brakes on an incline, with no prior warnings or indicators. Another frequent complaint involves the transmission slipping out of gear, causing a sudden increase in RPM and temporary inability to accelerate, which poses a risk of traffic disruption. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control is reported to slow the vehicle significantly when detecting other vehicles, leading to abrupt speed changes that can surprise surrounding traffic and potentially cause rear-end collisions. These issues typically occur within the first year of ownership, with no specific mileage range mentioned.