2021 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 9, 202658,000 miILFireTowedEngine

   The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly caught on fire. The contact's wife became aware that the radio was inoperable before the failure. Additionally, the contact’s wife’s eyes were irritated, and there was a hot, harsh odor which grew stronger very quickly. The odor was inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke was black, and flames started shooting out from under the hood to…

   NHTSA complaint #11763201 · source
2. Filed Jun 24, 2026SCEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 otherwise nothing to be concerned about since everything checked out "okay" and no problems were identified during their test drive. However, that very afternoon, I was driving…

   NHTSA complaint #11746250 · source
3. Filed May 11, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing severe engine instability, including rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and intermittent stalling. These symptoms align with TSB 26-FL-001H regarding defective GDI fuel injectors. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision. Despite being within the 100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, the manufacturer is refusing to perform the required diagnostic tests (GDS Fuel Pressure…

   NHTSA complaint #11737002 · source
4. Filed Apr 14, 2026MAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   First instance at 50-55 mph the transmission violently shook the car when downshifting to accelerate on multiple occasions. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty transmission and replaced it at 44064 miles on March 18, 2025. Second time the car failed to accelerate when merging into traffic while the engine revved very high. Again it was taken to the dealership and the diagnosis was faulty transmission. A second transmission was in stalled at 51331 miles. Second…

   NHTSA complaint #11731022 · source
5. Filed Apr 9, 2026NYEngine

   My vehicle loses power on the highway intermittently. I had my car set on cruise control at 55 and with no other vehicle in front of me the speed decreased to 45. It frequently sputters going up hills. My car has had 4 oil leaks.

   NHTSA complaint #11730287 · source
6. Filed Jan 6, 2026NCEngine

   Car misfiring symptoms like rough or shaky idle, hesitation and loss of power during acceleration, stumbling, unusual popping/backfiring noises, poor fuel economy, and a lit Check Engine Light. Felt vibrations / heard sputtering sounds, as if the engine skipped a beat, often becoming more noticeable under load or when accelerating. Sometimes, the issue goes away after restarting the engine.

   NHTSA complaint #11709148 · source
7. Filed Oct 22, 2025FLEngine

   While traveling Interstate 75in Florida en route to Venice Hyundai for routine oil change at 65 mph, vehicle rapidly slowed to 40mph, driver pressing on gas pedal but vehicle would not accelerate( while being tailgated by semi that was flashing warning headlights at me). There was burning smell while this was happening. Pulled onto shoulder and called Hyundai service for assistance tow truck brought me in. Vehicle inspected by Hyundai Venice technicians ran through computer…

   NHTSA complaint #11695077 · source
8. Filed Jul 5, 202441,122 miTXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating after a cold start. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. The contact's husband restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train).…

   NHTSA complaint #11599223 · source
9. Filed Jul 3, 202467,000 miTXTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted to neutral(N). The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11598688 · source
10. Filed May 23, 2024PREngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    When I press the pedal to acelérate it has no power to move on drive or reverse and other problem power off when I drive on the road.

    NHTSA complaint #11590478 · source
11. Filed Mar 26, 2024AZBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

    My sante fe has shifted out of park and rolled away from me on 2 occasions. The first time I was about 30 feet away when my son and husband started screaming for me. The car we rolling across the parking lot. I tried to jump in and hit the brake but was unsuccessful and we slammed into a flag pole. The dealer ran a code reader on it and there was no codes so they denied responsibility. Basically called me a liar [XXX] it happened again In McDonald's drive thru The window…

    NHTSA complaint #11579428 · source
12. Filed Mar 8, 2024PREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    While driving and must stop due to traffic light, stop sign or intersection and the auto start is on as soon I lift the foot foot from the brake pedal to continue driving the vehicle stumble and it completely stop the engine while the vehicle transmission is still in drive. In order to start again I have to switch transmission to park and turn key ignition switch to start vehicle, it start again and I can continue. While driving and must stop due to traffic light, stop sign…

    NHTSA complaint #11576264 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology