NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a five-passenger midsize SUV that has competed in one of the most crowded segments in the American market since its debut. Positioned as a family-friendly crossover with mainstream appeal, it targets buyers who want a practical, comfortable daily driver with a reasonable footprint. The 2019-through-2025 generation covers meaningful design and technology changes, making its safety record worth examining closely before you sign anything.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Santa Fe as a competitive, well-rounded midsize SUV that offers a comfortable interior and a strong feature set for its segment. Most find it a credible alternative to segment leaders, praising its cabin refinement and driver-assistance technology, though opinions on powertrain character and driving dynamics tend to be more measured than enthusiastic.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15915
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V879000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
Reported 2024-11-21
TRAILER HITCHES23V181000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous rec
Reported 2023-03-17
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V746000
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Reported 2022-10-06
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD21V00M000
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Reported 2021-12-28
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V524000
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Reported 2021-07-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V308000
Risk: An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers inspected and tightened the fuel pipe connection, free of charge. The affected vehicles have been repaired and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 206.
Reported 2021-05-03
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V185000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ODS module, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied as of May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 202.
Reported 2021-03-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
159 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.