How common are engine problems in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

NHTSA lists 42 engine complaints for the 2021 Santa Fe, which is 25% of all 166 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 Santa Fe is 18,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine complaints reported on the 2021 Santa Fe.

Are engine complaints on the 2021 Santa Fe worse than other years?

The 25% share of complaints tied to the engine in 2021 is lower than several other Santa Fe model years, including 2017 at 73% and 2012 at 75%, based on NHTSA data.

Did any 2021 Santa Fe engine complaints involve fire?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 fire reported among the engine-related complaints for the 2021 Santa Fe, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries recorded.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 42 of 166 total complaints (25%) for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, with a median failure mileage of 18,500 miles. There are no related recalls listed for this issue, but one fire was reported among the sample complaints.

Engine complaints: 42; 25% of 166
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 18,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine suddenly stalling or shutting off while driving, sometimes when the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system is active.
Some describe the engine trembling or shaking briefly before shutting off, with dashboard warning lights staying on.
Several owners report the vehicle hesitating or failing to accelerate immediately when the pedal is pressed, even as RPM rises.
One owner reported oil spewing from the oil tank and covering the engine with no prior warning or alert.
A fire was reported while the vehicle was being driven at 50 MPH, preceded by a radio failure, unusual odor, and eye irritation.

When 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 21, 2021, latest Sep 9, 2026.

42 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2022 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Santa Fe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200559 (27%)
200626 (25%)
2007122 (18%)
2008115 (21%)
2009116 (32%)
201063 (24%)
201187 (48%)
2012264 (75%)
2013293 (48%)
2014289 (59%)
2015163 (64%)
2016157 (67%)
2017701 (73%)
201859 (54%)
201980 (40%)
202088 (41%)
202142 (25%)
202264 (32%)
202348 (23%)
202420 (13%)
202520 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: NHTSA lists 42 engine complaints for the 2021 Santa Fe, which is 25% of all 166 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 Santa Fe is 18,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine complaints reported on the 2021 Santa Fe.
Are engine complaints on the 2021 Santa Fe worse than other years?: The 25% share of complaints tied to the engine in 2021 is lower than several other Santa Fe model years, including 2017 at 73% and 2012 at 75%, based on NHTSA data.
Did any 2021 Santa Fe engine complaints involve fire?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 fire reported among the engine-related complaints for the 2021 Santa Fe, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries recorded.