2021 Hyundai Santa FE Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 25%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE, 25% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 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.
“While in drive and stationary, my vehicle has continuously cad connections issues with my mobile phone. I have received the same error message stating 'phone not responding. Please reconnect it and try again.' this has happened while driving through areas I'm unfamiliar with and put myself and others at risk while trying to regain connection. I've left my vehicle at the dealership, but was told the problem was my cellphone and was advised to purchase a new phone. …”
NHTSA complaint #11404392, filed 2021-03, 1,500 miles“Dark spot in low beam headlight field causes loss of view for driver as the dark spot passes from object to object. People or animals, even signs lose illumination as the dark spot covers them. Reflective barrels in construction areas lose their reflectivity at night as this spot covers them. This occurs on the low beam function. Hyundai dealer said it is factory created to prevent night blinding of oncoming vehicles. To me it is a serious problem for the driver of the Hyundai. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415375, filed 2021-05, 300 miles“Problem #1 - At least 4 quarts of oil spewed from the oil tank and covered most of the engine for an unknown period time. There were no notifications, alerts, or any other indication concerning the oil tank having 1 or less quart of oil. Ultimately, there are at least three (3) questions that need to be addressed 1.In a 2021 Santa Fe, what would cause both the timing and valve covers to leak out at least four (4) quarts of oil out of the oil tank onto the engine. 2.Why was there no notification, alerts, or indication that the oil tank only had less than one (1) quart of oil. …”
NHTSA complaint #11466641, filed 2022-05, 18,500 miles“The car horn stopped working very suddenly, without any prior warning, while I was driving. The car has around 36000 miles on it, so the horn dying out was a surprise. Driving without a functioning horn has also become a safety issue. I have an upcoming appointment with the dealership to diagnose and fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11672538, filed 2025-07“My transmission keeps slipping. I was on freeway this time and it slipped out of gear but it was like I pushed all the way down on pedal the RPM went way up so I had to wait until it slipped back into gear to be able to continue on down the freeway. I backed up traffic for a minute because I can't put on gas until it goes back in gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11523146, filed 2023-05Related service bulletins
- 11030684Mar 30, 2026Certain 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles may experience an inoperable horn…
- 11028966Feb 19, 2026Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn…
- 11028965Feb 18, 2026Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn…
- 11028963Feb 18, 2026Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 27% |
| 2025 | 30 | 22% |
| 2024 | 32 | 21% |
| 2023 | 64 | 30% |
| 2022 | 47 | 23% |
| 2021 | 42 | 25% |
| 2020 | 45 | 21% |
| 2019 | 50 | 25% |
| 2018 | 13 | 12% |
| 2017 | 96 | 10% |
| 2016 | 25 | 11% |
| 2015 | 22 | 9% |
| 2014 | 41 | 8% |
| 2013 | 58 | 10% |
| 2012 | 17 | 5% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 23 | 9% |
| 2009 | 31 | 9% |
| 2008 | 19 | 4% |
| 2007 | 46 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE
51 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsForward collision avoidance
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir 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 30, 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