8.1

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,798 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Oct 102022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On October 10, 2022, while driving home from the hospital, my car unexpectedly entered limited driving mode (max 15 mph) for 10-15 seconds in the middle of the road and then died totally. Later, I discovered that it was due to a recall that was initiated on October 6th, Manufacturer Recall Number 236 & NHTSA Recall Number 22V746000, for which Hyundai did not give me a notice letter until December 8th, 2022. My automobile has been parked at the dealership since October 10, 2022, with no indication of when the transmission will be available to repair it. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed my car with the P1C2D03 diagnostic code and ordered a new transmission to replace it on or around 10/13/2022, but they haven't received it from Hyundai yet. I've followed up with both the dealership and the Hyundai incident case manager numerous times, but nothing has changed.

- Wheeling, IL, USA

problem #24

Nov 012022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #23

Oct 062022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #22

Dec 112022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle warning alarm activated, car went into limp mode for about 20 seconds, and then lost all drive. Warning message for Transmission Control Unit problem. Several previous temporary failures with no stored codes over past two or three months, one previously reported to NHTSA. Drive would not engage even after multiple restart attempts. The short amount of time and reduced speed could cause a serious accident. Very fortunate that I knew what I was happening and reacted quickly to get vehicle to side of highway. Dealer service has confirmed problem. Awaiting new transmission.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #21

Oct 012022

Santa Fe

  • 13,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.

- Essex, MD, USA

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problem #20

Jun 242022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The issue first came up in June 2022. When driving the vehicle and coming to a stop the vehicle lost power and would not drive at all. After a few seconds the check engine light came on. After multiple attempts to shift into gear and restart the vehicle the vehicle did have power but for only about 10 miles before doing it again. We ended up having the vehicle towed to the Hyundai dealership. They told us it was a transmission electric oil pump going out (which is now recalled). They replaced the pump but immediately after getting the vehicle and driving down the road less than a couple of miles, the vehicle lost power again and did the exact same thing. The dealership towed the vehicle back and this time said they will need to replace the whole transmission assembly. After waiting over 3 months they finally replaced it. We got the vehicle back and currently is able to drive. However, the transmission shifts hard and there have been times where the transmission lags for a long time before shifting into gear to make the vehicle move. When it does finally go into gear the vehicle will take off real hard and quick. I do not feel safe in this vehicle. Considering how the vehicle lags and takes off real hard at times, I feel this is putting me at risk for a wreck. This is absolutely unacceptable for a vehicle this new and so few miles. Unfortunately, I do not feel Hyundai will back up their poor product and give a fair refund. We have received a recall notice for the oil pump but they have no solution. This recall does not take into account how poorly the transmission now shifts after being replaced.

- Ferdinand, IN, USA

problem #19

Oct 062022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have been aware of this SAFETY DEFECT/RECALL for over 2 months now yet Hyundai has no remedy planned thus placing owners and others on the road in serious danger. This is unacceptable and I wish to file a formal complaint with the NHTSA. (NHTSA recall number 22V-746)

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #18

Sep 082022

Santa Fe

  • 11,900 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while making a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle responded but suddenly stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle 5 minutes later. However, upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine made abnormal roaring sounds. The contact was able to drive after several attempts and pulled into a parking lot, however, the failure reoccurred. The contact restarted the vehicle and pulled into a parking spot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. An unknown software update and an unknown repair were completed; however, the vehicle hesitated to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Key Hyundai (4660 Southside Blvd #100, Jacksonville, FL 32216) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced and that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train). However, the parts for the recall repair were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 11,900. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Yulee, FL, USA

problem #17

Dec 072022

Santa Fe

  • miles
There were two warning (?) "bings" from the instrument cluster and then vehicle completely lost power and would not exceed maybe 2 MPH. Vehicle had forward drive, but no willingness for engine to speed up beyond idle speed. Was like this for several city blocks until I was able to restart at a traffic light and then it resumed normal operation. Did not notice any warning lights and no messages popped up in the instrument or vehicle display. Just the two "bings" before power loss. This is actually the second time this has happened. Last time was while accelerating on a freeway onramp, but vehicle corrected itself more quickly and without need for restart.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #16

Oct 112022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The vehicle will not move forward or reverse, when drive or reverse is selected. The car has been at the dealership since 10/11/2022. I was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. No one in the hyundai organization (including the dealership) can tell me when replacement will be.

- West Seneca, NY, USA

problem #15

Sep 272022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the highway, when I pushed on gas pedal the car would not accelerate, I was uncertain if I was losing power of the vehicle, luckily it maintained the current speed and did not decelerate, but I was unsure at the moment if I was losing complete power, because it wasn't responding, it felt like the car was going to stall similar to when you run out of fuel. This occured for around 20 seconds, i would guess, long enough to notice that the car was not responding and continued to not respond, and to be concerned from a safety perspective. The night before I had filled the fuel tank and I noticed to guage that predicts fuel mileage kept changing by 3-5 miles difference, back and forth repeatedly, before I even left the fueling station and as I continued to drive. I'm unsure if that is related to the driving performance issue of not accelerating the next day. The next morning when the non acceleration occurred the predicted fuel mileage was consistent. The next time I drove the vehicle following the non accelerating issue, there was an error that popped up on my digital dash stating "A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected. A full system check is recommended to be done when convenient. Please contact your local dealership to schedule an appointment." Also, the check engine light came on. MyHyundai app showed a DTC - P040B00, DTC system - powertrain, DTC sub system- EMS. I took the vehicle to the Hyundai dealership to confirm that the car was safe to drive or if I should rent a car until it can be further inspected. They read the codes and said it is safe to drive and no additional information, I will be taking the car back to the dealership in a week, which is their first available appointment with a hybrid certified technician. Both the dealership and Hyundai corporate customer service states there are no current recalls, but through other car forums, it appears to be a similar issue that has occurred with other Hyundai models.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

problem #14

Sep 232022

Santa Fe

  • miles
This SUV has been plagued with issues, and yet after 5-6 visits to the dealership, they don't seem to be able to fix them all. The vehicle (2.5T AWD) currently has around 14k miles and within the past month the gas pedal suddenly became unresponsive, worst of all while carrying my kids and wife in the car. Coming to a dead stop to cross an intersection, went to accelerate to join traffic and the car wouldn't accelerate. Last time on 9/23 when I almost got into a head-on accident while making a left turn as the car barely moved into the first of three incoming lanes, would not accelerate and so forced me to quickly hit reverse, outrageous! Other three times while making a right turn. Auto engine-off has been disabled on all occasions (hate it); two times happened while driving on smart mode, another one on comfort and another one on sport mode. Car has been always using Mobil, Shell or Chevron gasoline. Which also brings me to another point, the vehicle suddenly started consuming crazy amounts of gas, currently at 16mpg for the past 4 full tanks! The vehicle was dropped off at dealership on 9/26/22 and already filed for Lemon Law in FL as this is absolutely unreliable and dangerous to carry my family on. According to manager at Rick Case Hyundai of Davie, an update for the transmission just came out this week after a recall and so they were going to reprogram. I am still getting rid of this p.o.c.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #13

Jul 282022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Car was without power after 16 months and 7500 miles. Got it jump started. Two days after that, car would not start again. Second time jump started. Taken to the dealership (Alexandria Hyundai) where two days after that they found "nothing wrong with the car" and returned it to me. Before that, I asked them to change the battery, they denied my request and I paid out of pocket for a new battery as maybe that was the problem. One month approximately after that, car would not even open. Got it jump started again. Drove to blocks and completely and suddenly shut off in the middle of a busy intersection posing a major safety concern for myself and third parties. Involved 911 and towing. Had to spend 40 minutes depressing the brake for the car not to roll down and avoid an accident. Taken to the dealership again. 5 days after that, dealership found "nothing wrong with the car". 7500 miles inspection done in parallel "supposedly" put the tires at 35 psi per report issued but dashboard shows tires at 30 psi. Do not trust dealership, car poses significant driving and safety concern for me and third parties.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #12

Mar 022022

Santa Fe

  • miles
While traveling 70 mph the vehicle had a sudden loss of engine and battery output performance while driving and began losing speed despite the accelerator being fully depressed. There was a very rapid decrease in speed, and no warning chime activated per manual. -??Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely, triangle warning displayed.-?? Observed battery indicator rapidly deflecting left and right. The vehicle would not accelerate and had to be coasted through four lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder of the highway. While on an SOS call with Bluelink, who was unable to see the location of my vehicle, Oil Light illuminated, and a message on the dash said -??Check Battery Discharge.-?? After the first Bluelink Operator was unable to assist in dispatching a tow truck due to the inability to see the vehicle-??s exact location, the second Bluelink Operator was able to assist and dispatch a tow truck to the location and tow the vehicle to the closest dealership. The vehicle could not be turned on or placed in neutral. Was given a jump start to place in neutral to tow. Upon arrival at the dealership, the key fob would not register inside the vehicle for the service manager and technician to move with the tow truck operator. The vehicle was evaluated by the dealership and the only reported issue was a signal error that was present when the vehicle arrived at the dealership after being towed. Dealership reported radar was not vertical and contributed that to the cause of loss of acceleration on the highway despite not having identified it before or being a result of being towed. I requested this be reported if truly the cause since that could be catastrophic. The matter was considered resolved by the dealer since it couldn-??t be duplicated. This unknown, continued sudden loss of output power, acceleration, and electrical power is a Serious Safety Defect and significant impairment to the vehicle, posing a fatal risk for the operator and other motorists on the road. Occurred at 24618 miles.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #11

Aug 112021

Santa Fe

  • miles
While I was traveling 70-75 mph the vehicle had a sudden loss of engine and battery output performance and I began losing speed. There was a very rapid decrease in speed, and no warning chime activated per manual. -??Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely, triangle warning displayed.-?? The vehicle would not accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor and had to be coasted off the interstate through three lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. No fault indications were present in the Bluelink app despite warnings present on the dash. Mileage was 6506 at the occurrence, vehicle was in Smart. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist were being utilized, when disabled acceleration did not return. I was advised to turn off the car and turn it back on due to no faults present via remote troubleshooting tools and no dealership within 150 miles, and the vehicle resumed operating okay. After taking it for service at the next available -??emergency slot-?? two weeks later at my local dealership and the car being there for one week, they reported condition could not be duplicated, the vehicle is operating to the manufacturer's specifications. I noted my serious concerns and that a serious safety defect that allows a vehicle to lose all acceleration on the highway and the vehicle not sounding a warning chime can lead to dangerous scenarios on the road and I was assured there was nothing wrong with my vehicle and it would not occur again as it was operating within manufacturer specifications. The vehicle did have a subsequent failure of this same type at a later date. It was not investigated by anyone other dealership. The manufacturer failed to address the loss of acceleration concerns when requested. No chime activated but should have received one per manual. A safety warning was present on the dash, -??Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely-?? service warning triangle. I am unsure how long it appeared before the loss of acceleration due to no chime.

- Chesapeake , VA, USA

problem #10

Aug 012022

Santa Fe

  • miles
I took my car to the dealer because it hesitates when accelerating. I was told since no lights are on there's nothing they can do. This can be very dangerous as it jerks when accelerating

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #9

May 272022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Got stuck at a traffic light when the idle stop and go never came back. Diagnosed as a transmission problem and the dealer-??s going to replace the transmission.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #8

Jun 302022

Santa Fe

  • miles
I ran into a pretty dangerous situation while on the highway. I was driving at about 70mph picking up speed to pass a vehicle on the far left/fast lane when I suddenly noticed a loss in power (no warning, nothing!). I could hear the engine rev when stepping on the gas but the speed never picked up. I managed to stop on the far left shoulder next to the jersey barrier since there wasn't enough speed to safely get to the right shoulder. Restarting the car multiple times didn't fix the issue but the engine light came on at this point. I had to get the car towed to the nearest dealer after seeking help from the highway patrol and roadside assistance. After 3 weeks at the dealership, they told me they could not replicate the issue and asked me to take possession of the vehicle. The very next day, while on the highway, I ran into the same issue just after driving 7 miles. Again, it could have been pretty dangerous. It's now back at the dealership.

- Concord, NC, USA

problem #7

Jun 292022

Santa Fe

  • miles
I keep my vehicle backed into my single car garage. I have had 3 incidents in the last couple of months Beginning of mayish to now, where I start the vehicle, put it in drive and it does not drive. Twice it started to reverse and today it acted as though it were in neutral. I've taken video of the last 2 incidents showing that drive is selected, the dashboard and the Birdseye camera. My dealership is working to resolve but has stated to plan on my vehicle being there for awhile. This seems to be quite dangerous. When I turn the vehicle off and restart it, drive works.

- Hudson, FL, USA

problem #6

Jun 072022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Most of the time, when the vehicle stops the transmission slams and pushes the vehicle forward requiring additional breaking effort. This problem started before 5 thousand miles of use. I reported it at his first oil change and I have continued to report it. The Hyundai dealer's machine shop claims to test and verify it, they claim they have no problem or technical bulletin about it. They say this is normal for this model. My concern is that this fault ends up breaking the transmission in the middle of the avenue and having a traffic accident. There is a forum of this same model owners reporting the same problem, https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/2021-santa-fe-transmission-shudder.680164/page-2 apparently they don't know this website to report these problems.

- Hormigueros, PR, USA

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