2021 Hyundai Santa Fe electrical problems

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · KS

-shift lever in transmutation stopped working so car would go into auto shut off and then would not drive once I took my foot off the break. Would not switch gears or drive. Had to shut car off then turn back on to get it to switch gears. -safety was put at risk majorly. Car did that in 5 lanes of traffic with me and kids in car and couldn’t drive. We almost got hit. -dealership said no issues found until I took it in a second time for the same issue then they said it was the translation shift leaver. -Briggs Kia inspected it -no warnings at all -This happened MULTIPLE times. Put the most current date

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Electrical · MI

The rearview backup camera system malfunctioned. The camera was replaced under a safety recall on my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Within four days of the recall repair, the camera continued to fail intermittently, displaying a blank/black screen and not providing a rearview image when the vehicle was placed in reverse. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I also have video documentation clearly showing the malfunction occurring. The failure of the rearview camera puts me and others at risk because the system is required to provide visibility behind the vehicle when reversing. When the screen goes blank, I cannot see pedestrians, children, vehicles, or objects behind me. This creates a significant risk of a backing collision, especially in parking lots and residential areas. The vehicle was brought back to the dealership four days after the recall repair because the issue continued. The dealer stated they could not duplicate the issue at the time of inspection and are requesting a diagnostic fee to continue evaluation. However, I have video evidence clearly showing the malfunction occurring after the recall repair. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership that performed the recall repair. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The manufacturer has not personally inspected it beyond the dealership performing the recall repair. There were no warning lamps. The issue presents intermittently when shifting into reverse, at which time the display screen fails to show the rearview camera image. The issue first appeared prior to the recall repair and continued within four days after the recall component was replaced.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Electrical · PA

Horns assemblies are Failing repeatedly. Since ownership of the vehicle (2023 and a CPO Platinum Wrap), I have had to replace a single horn, or both horns three times with local Hyundai dealerships. mostly the right horn would fail, then the left. I am currently making efforts to have my vehicle’s horns serviced for the fourth time as they are not working. I have been to my dealership on Dec 16, 2025 & Jan 15, 2026, to have the horns repair to no avail. In December, a diagnosis was performed with no action. Yesterday, one part (horn) was not available, and I was quoted a fee of $400 to perform the task. This is extremely concerning as this is not a consumable part or fluid. This is a required vehicle safety item. There are TSB's for other models in the Hyundai line with similar failure of horns ( TSB's: 24-BE-018H & 25-BE-005H). These failures have not been covered under the Santa Fe line or the other remaining Hyundai models of similar years of production and experiencing like failures of horn assemblies as of this date.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Electrical · CT

Horn stopped working due to the same issue other Hyundai horns stopped working.

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · WV

Was coming off an exit on the interstate and started slowing down. My brakes act like they didn’t want to work. Grinding and the pedal was twitching under my foot. The car stopped thankfully, but then all Linda of lights came on the my dash and will not go off. And 3 warning come up!

Filed Jul 10, 2025 · Electrical · NJ

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.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

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.

Filed May 24, 2025 · Electrical · PA

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.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Electrical · MN

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.

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · NC

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.