For approximately the past year, my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, currently with about 23,000 miles, has experienced intermittent engine and fuel-system problems. During start-up, the vehicle sometimes makes an abnormal rattling/cranking noise, followed by noticeable engine and vehicle vibration. Warning lights may appear, and on some occasions the engine does not start successfully on the first attempt. When it does start, it may initially run rough. The vehicle has also stalled intermittently and has had repeated incidents where pressing the accelerator produced little to no engine response or acceleration. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, lose power, or fail to accelerate when needed while driving. The vehicle has been at an authorized Hyundai dealership for more than one month. The dealership has been working with Hyundai Tech Line and has replaced or evaluated the low-pressure fuel pump, high-pressure fuel injector, high-pressure fuel pump, MPI/port fuel injector, and valve cover. The latest recommendation is to drain, clean, and refill the fuel tank. Despite these repair attempts, the root cause has not been clearly identified or permanently resolved. I am concerned that the repair process has become trial and error, with additional components being replaced while the underlying safety-related issue remains unresolved. I am also being asked to pay out-of-pocket for some of these unsuccessful repair attempts. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection if needed.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems
38 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,500.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 37,500
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
What 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly caught on fire. The contact's wife became aware that the radio was inoperable before the failure. Additionally, the contact’s wife’s eyes were irritated, and there was a hot, harsh odor which grew stronger very quickly. The odor was inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke was black, and flames started shooting out from under the hood to consume the vehicle. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire was extinguished by the Murphysboro Fire Department. The Fire Department was unable to determine where the fire had started. There was a Police report filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
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. However, that very afternoon, I was driving down the interstate, where the posted speed limit is 70mph, when my check engine light came on again and suddenly lost power, drastically reducing my speed and could not accelerate faster than 39mph. Luckily, the interstate was not busy at the time (about 10:30-11:00 a.m. Saturday morning) and there were only less than 4 cars behind me that were able to easily switch lanes and pass me. I moved over to the shoulder to a complete stop and restarted my car. My check engine light remained illuminated and was still slow to accelerate and "sluggish" but was able to (slowly) reach interstate speed (60-70mph) until I reached an acceptable exit and safely made it to my destination. I have since used roadside assistance to tow the vehicle from my home to the the same dealership for inspection and service (again).
My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing severe engine instability, including rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and intermittent stalling. These symptoms align with TSB 26-FL-001H regarding defective GDI fuel injectors. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision. Despite being within the 100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, the manufacturer is refusing to perform the required diagnostic tests (GDS Fuel Pressure Drop Test) to identify the leaking injectors. This failure to diagnose a known fuel system defect poses a significant safety risk to the driver and other motorists. The primary safety risk is unexpected engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion or stopped at intersections. Additionally, the loss of power during acceleration prevents the vehicle from safely merging into high-speed traffic, significantly increasing the likelihood of a collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
First instance at 50-55 mph the transmission violently shook the car when downshifting to accelerate on multiple occasions. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty transmission and replaced it at 44064 miles on March 18, 2025. Second time the car failed to accelerate when merging into traffic while the engine revved very high. Again it was taken to the dealership and the diagnosis was faulty transmission. A second transmission was in stalled at 51331 miles. Second transmission began downshifting hard upon accelerating at highway speeds. Retuned to dealership and diagnoses was faulty fuel injectors and all four were replaced on April 7 at 52960 miles. On April 10, 2026 the car displayed a check engine light after the car began shuttering at highway speeds and was immediately returned to dealership where it’s pending a diagnoses. Failure to safely accelerate when merging make this vehicle a safety risk.
My vehicle loses power on the highway intermittently. I had my car set on cruise control at 55 and with no other vehicle in front of me the speed decreased to 45. It frequently sputters going up hills. My car has had 4 oil leaks.
Car misfiring symptoms like rough or shaky idle, hesitation and loss of power during acceleration, stumbling, unusual popping/backfiring noises, poor fuel economy, and a lit Check Engine Light. Felt vibrations / heard sputtering sounds, as if the engine skipped a beat, often becoming more noticeable under load or when accelerating. Sometimes, the issue goes away after restarting the engine.
While traveling Interstate 75in Florida en route to Venice Hyundai for routine oil change at 65 mph, vehicle rapidly slowed to 40mph, driver pressing on gas pedal but vehicle would not accelerate( while being tailgated by semi that was flashing warning headlights at me). There was burning smell while this was happening. Pulled onto shoulder and called Hyundai service for assistance tow truck brought me in. Vehicle inspected by Hyundai Venice technicians ran through computer tests all ok, tech drove vehicle not able to reproduce problem. Oil changed tired rotated. Instructions included not able to do any repair because cannot find anything wrong with vehicle please contact us if problem recurs. I have had several conversations with service advisor voicing serious safety concerns regarding driving this vehicle and informing him that what occurred was my car went into failsafe/limp home mode which is what happens when there is serious problems with vehicle and should not be driven till repaired. And cannot repair until computer finds a code signifying problem.
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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 41,122.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted to neutral(N). The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine
Does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have engine problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, 22% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Hyundai Santa Fe have bad engine?
The Hyundai Santa Fe model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (673 complaints), 2013 (279 complaints) and 2014 (277 complaints).
Other 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
Transmission 51Electrical 29Driver assistance 26Visibility 14Fuel system 12Acceleration 7Brakes 6Body 3Seat belts 3Airbags 2Lights 2Seats 2Locks 1Steering 1Tires 1
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