Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Hyundai Santa FE
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has several serious recalls and complaints, notably involving its powertrain, electricals, and fuel system. Although generally a dependable model, buyers should be cautious of potential transmission and safety issues, verifying corrective actions have been taken for all recalls.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Hyundai Santa FE has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 170 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V879000 Rearview Image May Not Display/ FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V181000 Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V746000 Loss of Drive Power NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V00M000 Inadequate Windshield Bonding NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V524000 Fuel Leak at Pipe Connection NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V308000 Fuel Pipe Not Tightened Properly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V185000 Occupant Detection System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 51 complaints
- Unknown or Other 41 complaints
- Engine 38 complaints
- Electrical System 29 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 18 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 11 complaints
Of the 170 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 170 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loss of drive power
How to check: Confirm no recall-related transmission failure by checking service records.
Rearview camera failure
How to check: Test rearview camera function during inspection.
Fuel leak potential
How to check: Inspect for fuel smells or visible leaks under the engine.
Airbag system malfunction
How to check: Ensure airbags function correctly using onboard diagnostics.
Improper windshield bonding
How to check: Check windshield alignment and bonding visually and by feel.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or misfires.
Red flag: Loud knocking or persistent misfire
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe stability and smoothness of idle.
Red flag: Excessive vibrations or sputtering
- 03
City stop-and-go
What to check: Check transmission shifts smoothly and quickly.
Red flag: Sluggish or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway cruising
What to check: Monitor for strange noises or performance issues.
Red flag: Whining noises or power loss
- 05
Braking from speed
What to check: Ensure brakes respond evenly and without noise.
Red flag: Pulling to one side or squealing
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Test rearview camera and sensor accuracy.
Red flag: Camera image fails to display
- 07
Engine shutdown
What to check: Notice any unusual sounds or warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been recalled?
- Were all rearview camera recalls fixed?
- Is there a history of fuel leaks?
- Did the airbags require service?
- Was the windshield ever repaired?
- How often were services performed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Complete service records
- Recall repair confirmations
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty documents
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Hyundai Santa FE? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.