2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous features for the price. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4 producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 hybrid engine producing a combined 226 horsepower. Transmission options include an 8-speed automatic transmission (standard with the 2.5L non-turbo), an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with the 2.5L turbo, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with the hybrid. Owners often praise the Santa Fe’s value, comfortable seats, and user-friendly infotainment system. Some common complaints include the sometimes sluggish acceleration with the base engine and the DCT’s occasional rough shifts at low speeds.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 (Non-Turbo)

• Engine Stalling/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported their 2.5L engine stalling unexpectedly while driving. There are reports of complete engine failure, sometimes related to connecting rod bearing failure. This may be preceeded by a knocking noise.
  • Solution: Engine replacement or repair. A class action lawsuit settlement provides extended warranty coverage for connecting rod bearing failure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (engine replacement). Free under extended warranty if applicable.
  • Recalls: 2023 NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V072000

2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks have been reported, sometimes from the turbocharger oil lines or seals.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking lines or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Hybrid

No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (2.5L Non-Turbo)

No Issues Found

8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) (2.5L Turbo)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The DCT can exhibit rough or jerky shifting, especially at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. Some owners also report hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, clutch replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500 - $3,000+ (Clutch Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (Hybrid)

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain, replacement of the battery if necessary, software updates.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (Battery Replacement), $100+ (Diagnostic Labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $500 - $1,500+ (Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Automatic tailgate may not open or close properly, or may stop midway.
  • Solution: Resetting the tailgate motor or sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Rattling/Wind Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises or excessive wind noise from the sunroof, especially at higher speeds.
  • Solution: Adjustment of the sunroof mechanism, replacement of seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has some notable issues, primarily related to the 2.5L non-turbo engine and the 2.5L turbo with the DCT transmission. Engine failures, although covered by an extended warranty in some cases, can be a significant concern. The DCT’s rough shifting can be annoying but sometimes resolved with software updates. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and infotainment problems, are also common. Overall, the severity of issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially major engine repairs. The cost to fix these issues can vary widely, from free software updates to thousands of dollars for engine replacement.