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.

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.
What owners describe
- Engine (8): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (3), electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (7): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Other / unknown (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 | 30 | 32 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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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.