2021 Hyundai Santa FE Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 17,050 miles.
- 51power train complaints
- 17,050median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 32%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 12 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 51 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
Hyundai Santa FE power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Santa FE | 3 | 8% | 5,100 |
| 2025 Santa FE | 22 | 16% | — |
| 2024 Santa FE | 45 | 29% | 15,000 |
| 2023 Santa FE | 45 | 21% | 9,500 |
| 2022 Santa FE | 57 | 28% | 35,000 |
| 2021 Santa FE | 51 | 31% | 17,050 |
| 2020 Santa FE | 26 | 12% | 27,823 |
| 2019 Santa FE | 36 | 18% | 13,739 |
| 2018 Santa FE | 10 | 9% | 3,008 |
| 2017 Santa FE | 166 | 17% | 5,350 |
| 2016 Santa FE | 21 | 9% | 50,109 |
| 2015 Santa FE | 22 | 9% | 106,000 |
| 2014 Santa FE | 36 | 7% | 40,000 |
| 2013 Santa FE | 52 | 9% | 48,427 |
| 2012 Santa FE | 24 | 7% | 21,825 |
| 2011 Santa FE | 21 | 12% | 22,701 |
| 2010 Santa FE | 109 | 42% | 10,500 |
| 2009 Santa FE | 24 | 7% | 84,000 |
| 2008 Santa FE | 24 | 4% | 65,000 |
| 2007 Santa FE | 31 | 5% | 80,000 |
| 2006 Santa FE | 5 | 5% | 83,801 |
| 2005 Santa FE | 11 | 5% | 107,592 |
| 2004 Santa FE | 21 | 7% | 37,000 |
| 2003 Santa FE | 35 | 11% | 52,448 |
| 2002 Santa FE | 13 | 8% | 76,650 |
| 2001 Santa FE | 23 | 11% | 58,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On September 20, 2026, my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy suffered sluggish acceleration while operating on a public roadway due to an internal dual-clutch transmission (DCT) failure. The Malfunction indicator light illuminated, and a diagnostic scan revealed stored history code P1C2D03…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle lost motive power. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact…
My check engine light came on, and my car was also feeling "sluggish" and slow to accelerate. I scheduled a service appointment at my local dealer 4 days later. At the appointment, the technician stated everything checked out okay and the check engine light was likely an "anomaly" or "outlier" but…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2021 Hyundai Santa FEs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 51 owner complaints about power train for the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE (31% of the 167 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 17,050 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
See all 2021 Hyundai Santa FE problems or power train problems across all Santa FE years.