Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 4.8/10 — Do your homework. It has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and about 163 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

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

The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have?

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

A used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe typically sells for $22,000–$30,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe expensive to maintain?

Hyundai is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

A well-kept Hyundai Santa Fe can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Strong safety ratings and improving reliability record — check for recall completions.

Typical price: $22,000–$30,000
Recalls: 7
Owner complaints: 163

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NHTSA Recalls

7 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#21V524000
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Visibility:Windshield#21V00M000
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module#21V185000
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#21V308000
An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission#22V746000
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Trailer Hitches#23V181000
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#24V879000
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(163 total)

Transmission & Drivetrain32
Unknown Or Other24
Engine12
Electrical System8
Visibility/Wiper7
Power Train,Engine6
Forward Collision Avoidance6
Visibility6

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 4.8/10 — Do your homework. It has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and about 163 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have?: The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: A used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe typically sells for $22,000–$30,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe expensive to maintain?: Hyundai is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: A well-kept Hyundai Santa Fe can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

2019 Hyundai Tucson

$13,000–$18,000

2020 Hyundai Tucson

$15,000–$21,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Strong safety ratings and improving reliability record — check for recall completions.

Typical price: $22,000–$30,000
Recalls: 7
Owner complaints: 163

ShareX f

Have a specific 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

7 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#21V524000
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Visibility:Windshield#21V00M000
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module#21V185000
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#21V308000
An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission#22V746000
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Trailer Hitches#23V181000
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#24V879000
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(163 total)

Transmission & Drivetrain32
Unknown Or Other24
Engine12
Electrical System8
Visibility/Wiper7
Power Train,Engine6
Forward Collision Avoidance6
Visibility6

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 4.8/10 — Do your homework. It has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and about 163 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have?: The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: A used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe typically sells for $22,000–$30,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe expensive to maintain?: Hyundai is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?: A well-kept Hyundai Santa Fe can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Featured in

Also consider

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

2019 Hyundai Tucson

$13,000–$18,000

2020 Hyundai Tucson

$15,000–$21,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free