MotorDeets

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: 3 recalls, 20 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
20owner complaints
0mention a crash
32best combined mpg
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #22V816000 · 2022 · 14,933 vehicles

What's wrong: In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners May explode upon deployment.

Why it matters: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.

The fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022.

Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #23V181000 · 2023 · 584,784 vehicles

What's wrong: Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (pcb) May cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023.

Backup camera Vehicle recall #24V879000 · 2024 · 226,118 vehicles

What's wrong: Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image May fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."

Why it matters: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine8
Transmission & drivetrain7
Other / unknown5
Fuel & propulsion4
Electrical3
Seat belts2
Airbags1
Seats1

What owners describe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has 20 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 6 Santa Fe Hybrid model years for complaints (well below the 43 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 28,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (37 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive333032Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (8), transmission & drivetrain (7), other / unknown (5).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid get?

EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Santa Fe Hybrid years

202120222023202420252026