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Forward collision avoidancePart report

2021 Hyundai Santa FE Forward collision avoidance Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
11%of 168 total for the year
Median mileage
1,100miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE, 11% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The forward collision system is automatically being activated without any car or object near the front of the vehicle. It happened 3 times while on the freeway and highway. The system automatically slams on the brakes, the vehicle swerves a little to left and right due to the sudden application of the brakes, and a large red waring indicator appears on the dash. We were nearly rear ended while travelling about 65 miles/hr because of this. We turned off the system, but every time the car is started, it automatically turns this feature on!! So you always must remember to turn it off. …”

NHTSA complaint #11416206, filed 2021-05, 1,100 miles

“Was coming off an exit on the interstate and started slowing down. My brakes act like they didn’t want to work. Grinding and the pedal was twitching under my foot. The car stopped thankfully, but then all Linda of lights came on the my dash and will not go off. And 3 warning come up!”

NHTSA complaint #11710993, filed 2026-01

“There were 2 instances where my vehicle stopped. Once I was driving 15mph and it said “Put car in Park”. The 2nd, I was driving 45mph and the vehicle said “Step on the Brake to start car”. I have also had 2 instances where my odometer just keeps going up and down. He 2nd instance, the car was making a ticking noise and hazard along with other lights were flashing.”

NHTSA complaint #11518995, filed 2023-04

“On 1/1/26 while traveling on the highway with no traffic in front of or right of my vehicle the ADAS emergency brakes applied themselves and slowed the vehicle nearly causing my vehicle to be rear ended. Vehicle is available for inspection. Faulty assistance nearly caused a rear end collision along the highway. Not aware of ADAS being tested inspected although multi-point inspection was done 10/2025. No warnings prior to incident.”

NHTSA complaint #11708328, filed 2026-01

“While driving in the fast lane on the freeway at speed limit the car suddenly began to slow/stop, after which a warning flashed on the display that said Danger, collision imminent, or something like that. There was no one close in front of me when that happened. This exact scenario has happened three times now in this car, in the same way! I felt my life was endangered every time by the sudden and unnecessary braking of my car.”

NHTSA complaint #11439221, filed 2021-11

Forward collision avoidance: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026514%
20252015%
20241610%
20233717%
2022168%
20211811%
2020146%
2019136%
201822%
201771%
201531%
201441%
201351%
201210%
201010%
200910%

Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE

Transmission and drivetrain
51 complaints
Other or unknown
42 complaints
Engine
37 complaints
Electrical system
29 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology