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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Hyundai Santa FE Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
51about this part
Share
30%of 168 total for the year
Median mileage
17,050miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE, 30% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,050 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“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

“I was about to turn into a 2 lane road and a warning came on my dash, shifter system malfunction service immediately my vehicle was in Drive I was unable to move my vehicle, unable to shift into any other gear. It was sudden with no warning or loss of power prior to the warning and loss of movement.”

NHTSA complaint #11720840, filed 2026-02

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11746250, filed 2026-06

“The vehicle will not move forward or reverse, when drive or reverse is selected. The car has been at the dealership since 10/11/2022. I was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. No one in the hyundai organization (including the dealership) can tell me when replacement will be.”

NHTSA complaint #11491168, filed 2022-10

“I have been aware of this SAFETY DEFECT/RECALL for over 2 months now yet Hyundai has no remedy planned thus placing owners and others on the road in serious danger. This is unacceptable and I wish to file a formal complaint with the NHTSA. (NHTSA recall number 22V-746)”

NHTSA complaint #11496750, filed 2022-12

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202638%
20252216%
20244529%
20234521%
20225728%
20215130%
20202612%
20193718%
2018109%
201716617%
2016219%
2015229%
2014367%
2013529%
2012247%
20112112%
201010942%
2009247%
2008244%
2007315%
200655%
2005115%
2004217%
20033511%
2002138%
20012311%

Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE

Other or unknown
42 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 31, 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