Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2021)

188 consumer complaints on file.

#11672538July 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668144June 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to formally report an issue with my vehicle that I believe may warrant a recall investigation. The issue involves the fuel door, which is failing to open after the car has been turned off. This has occurred repeatedly and is preventing me from refueling the vehicle, posing a significant inconvenience and potential safety concern. Despite ensuring that the vehicle is unlocked and powered down as instructed, the fuel door remains stuck and will not release. This malfunction requires manual intervention or technical assistance each time I need to access the fuel tank, which is not only frustrating but could also become hazardous in certain situations. I would appreciate it if this matter could be reviewed for possible recall consideration or guidance on next steps. Please let me know if additional documentation, including my VIN or service history, is needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663198May 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I am writing to formally express my deep concern and dissatisfaction with the ongoing quality and safety issues I have experienced with my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, which I purchased new in March 2021. Despite regular maintenance and careful ownership, this vehicle has presented a persistent pattern of failure—most notably involving the electrical systems, onboard cameras, and overall build quality. Specifically, the following issues have occurred: •The rear backup camera has intermittently failed for an extended period, frequently displaying a black screen or static lines, rendering it unusable. •The front camera system has now failed entirely, disabling several advanced safety features. A warning alert is permanently displayed on the dashboard and cannot be dismissed. •I was recently informed that repairing this front camera will cost approximately $2,400, a significant expense for a system that should not fail this early in the vehicle's life cycle. •The overall quality of the interior materials has proven to be poor, with excessive wear and inconsistent performance of various controls and features. •In general, the engine power and performance fall well below expectations, especially given Hyundai's advertised standards. These recurring issues have not only affected our driving experience but have also introduced serious safety concerns, particularly as critical systems such as cameras and driver-assist features are now non-functional. We have never experienced this extent of problems with any vehicle in our ownership history. At this point, we are extremely disappointed and frustrated, and we feel that Hyundai has failed to uphold the level of quality and reliability expected from a modern, family-oriented SUV.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663064May 27, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact filed the complaint on behalf of the contact's mother. The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was crashed into by an oncoming vehicle. The other vehicle crashed into the front passenger's side close to the front bumper area. The driver's side door independently opened, although it was secured and locked prior to the crash. The contact stated the vehicle spun around and flipped onto the driver's side. In addition, the contact's mother's left leg and left foot were pinned underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The paramedics and Police arrived on the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact's mother was transported to the local medical center. The contact's mother sustained compartment syndrome, the big toe bone was broken in two places, and the left foot was broken. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11662919May 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn failure, confirmed by Hyundai dealership. No warning or indication of failure. Went to use horn in a safety situation when I needed it, and it was non-functional. A huge safety risk for myself and other drivers on the road. In doing research, this is a known manufacturer defect, with most owners having to replace low and high horns multiple times due to failure. The horn units apparently due to placement and design fill up with water, which leads to failure, again, without warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662812May 23, 2025
TIRES
Ever since I have purchased these tires I have been experiencing extreme violent vibration between 60 to 75 Mi an hour on the highway at first I wondered if something was wrong with the balance on the tire so I had them checked at the dealership twice and then I went to another dealership because the problem continue and had them checked same results no issues the balance machine only goes to 55 mph then I took it to a private garage paid out of pocket for the diagnostic twice because the problem over time persisted I also had an alignment done out of pocket and the problem again persisted I did a little research yesterday and there's many threads and forms in which people have complained about the exact same problem with the exact same tires I have screenshots I have video of my car doing it this is a manufacturer's defect that I'm trying to get addressed before somebody gets killed I have spoken to Pirelli corporate itself about this they're going to be issuing me a warranty claim let's see how far I get with that but the problem still is out there for others
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660982May 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
This vehicle has two instances of transmission disengagement. One at highway speed and the other while driving in a residential area. In both cases the vehicle suddenly started to slow down, and the rpms went up to 4-5 thousand. I was able to stop the car and turn it off and after a few minutes restarted the car and completed the journeys without any further issues. I have contacted the dealer and will be taking the car in for a diagnosis. I did not notice any warning lamps or other symptoms before each occurance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660786May 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn has failed and been replaced 2 times after purchasing from brand-new. It has failed again but the vehicle is now out of warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655003April 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Horn stopped working on my 2021 Santa Fe. Reported to dealer and they confirmed that both horns (high and low?) were broken. There was no indication that the horn was malfunctioning. It worked and then it didn't.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646266March 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the horn had become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645700March 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Upon starting the vehicle and placing in drive, it drove like it was stuck in a low gear. A few seconds later the vehicle stopped moving while in drive and would not respond to drive or reverse despite turning off the ignition and restarting. I was stranded in an intersection and the car would not move. It had to be towed to the dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643612February 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12v connector for phone charger melted my phone cord. Reported to Centennial Hyundai Las Vegas and High Desert Hyundai Kingman Az. Both service departments said my vehicle cannot detect the problem because I purchased a substandard plug-in. I have worked as an operator of high voltage electrical systems. I understand in some circumstances that a system cannot detect a fault, however the company is still responsible for the fire it caused. This is unsafe and can cause serious consequences. It must be corrected.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641254February 7, 2025
SEAT BELTS
The seat belt is incredibly slow to retract. Most times I need to help it along. I've tried pulling it out to check for kinks (none there) and tried cleaning it but it still won't retract
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637595January 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought this vehicle brand new in 2021. It failed its first safety inspection in 2022. I was asked ..did you know your horn is not working? Took it to the dealer and was told this has been a common issue, the relays are freezing and popping in the cold. Have lots in stock because of this issue. The service dept has stated on each replacement parts are in stock because this happens all the time. It has now become an annual replacement for me. I just had my third set of horns in 3 years installed on 1/21/25. So for one this is a vehicle safety requirement to pass inspections in NYS. Two: I dont know my horn isnt working until I go to use it because I need to in a dangerous situation and its dead. There is no fix other than replacing the horns which is a huge inconvenience since closest dealer is 30+ miles away and can be weeks before they can get it in. There also has been no recall on this. My repair invoices are available in required.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633275December 30, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I hadn't been begging Hyundai to help remove a public safety risk for years ! Today, The service lady witnessed my car have a severe safety defect. Although initially offering a rental car, ultimately denied due to my inability to provide insurance until the 1st. My insurance is valid until tomorrow. N they REFUSED to provide the rental without the insurance being dated for 4 days from today. The man in the service office asked if I needed a ride home!? Suggesting i drive the car home. Hyundai has witnessed this cars emergency parking failing, and are aware that this car has rolled out of gear TWO TIMES, W my son in it !!?? Until today, claiming unable to "duplicate" the defect. And unable to "substantiate " my claims due to not being able to duplicate the deflect. They duplicated the defect today. The car no longer has a safety system, that safely parks the car, when the door is open. The safety system fails, at more then half of the attempts,engage and the car will roll in either direction with the car door wide open The service department duplicated the defect today. They claim to have documented the defect . i would like to believe they will finally do what is right.. The realistic fact that they have chosen to disregard the safety of the community, and refuse to offer the rental car, is extremely dangerous to the community and neglectful to the laws of the Safety Act and my Consumer rights. With now, TWO (NOT AT FAULT) Rollaway accidents , insurers are refusing n to provide coverage for the vehicle. Some only offer liabilit, or want 4 xs the quoted rate. Hyundai is aware that this car is defective.. Hyundai has a recent consent order, for over 54 millionth dollars, for untimely recalls and falsafying reports to the NHSTA . They are now, as they then, are in violation of the Safety Act and the NHSTA Consent Order with Kia in the Theta II engines Class Action The purpose of the Safety Act, is to prevent serious injuries, from known defects before
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632063December 23, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rearview Camera does not work (Signal Loss message appears). I nearly hit 1 adult and 2 small children that were passing behind my vehicle in a parking lot. I felt the need to report this even though a recall is being put into place. I have an appointment already to have the camera repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631455December 18, 2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V879000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614616September 14, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a problem with the horns on this vehicle. The horns have been replaced by the dealer 5 times so far and they are out again. THE HORNS LAST ABOUT 1 TO 2 MOUNTHS. There is no warning that the horn stopped working, and if it's needed in an emergency to avoid an accident and doesn't work, myself and others could get hurt. This is ongoing problem that should to be addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600067July 8, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was repaired several times however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599223July 5, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 41,122.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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