8 complaints reported

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Electrical System

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
8
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

The rearview backup camera system malfunctioned. The camera was replaced under a safety recall on my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Within four days of the recall repair, the camera continued to fail intermittently, displaying a blank/black screen and not providing a rearview image when the vehicle was placed in reverse. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I also have video documentation clearly showing the malfunction occurring. The failure of the rearview camera puts me and others at risk because the system is required to provide visibility behind the vehicle when reversing. When the screen goes blank, I cannot see pedestrians, children, vehicles, or objects behind me. This creates a significant risk of a backing collision, especially in parking lots and residential areas. The vehicle was brought back to the dealership four days after the recall repair because the issue continued. The dealer stated they could not duplicate the issue at the time of inspection and are requesting a diagnostic fee to continue evaluation. However, I have video evidence clearly showing the malfunction occurring after the recall repair. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership that performed the recall repair. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The manufacturer has not personally inspected it beyond the dealership performing the recall repair. There were no warning lamps. The issue presents intermittently when shifting into reverse, at which time the display screen fails to show the rearview camera image. The issue first appeared prior to the recall repair and continued within four days after the recall component was replaced.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2025
Jan 2026

Horn stopped working due to the same issue other Hyundai horns stopped working.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2026
May 2025

Horn failure, confirmed by Hyundai dealership. No warning or indication of failure. Went to use horn in a safety situation when I needed it, and it was non-functional. A huge safety risk for myself and other drivers on the road. In doing research, this is a known manufacturer defect, with most owners having to replace low and high horns multiple times due to failure. The horn units apparently due to placement and design fill up with water, which leads to failure, again, without warning.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the horn had become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2024
Feb 2025 Crash Fire

12v connector for phone charger melted my phone cord. Reported to Centennial Hyundai Las Vegas and High Desert Hyundai Kingman Az. Both service departments said my vehicle cannot detect the problem because I purchased a substandard plug-in. I have worked as an operator of high voltage electrical systems. I understand in some circumstances that a system cannot detect a fault, however the company is still responsible for the fire it caused. This is unsafe and can cause serious consequences. It must be corrected.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2025
Sep 2024

I have a problem with the horns on this vehicle. The horns have been replaced by the dealer 5 times so far and they are out again. THE HORNS LAST ABOUT 1 TO 2 MOUNTHS. There is no warning that the horn stopped working, and if it's needed in an emergency to avoid an accident and doesn't work, myself and others could get hurt. This is ongoing problem that should to be addressed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
May 2023

Horn stopped working

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2023
Aug 2022

Car had a dead battery called road service they tested the battery said it had a bad cell they jumped it and I took it to the dealership they tested it by Hyundai protocol charged it for 60 minutes then load tested said it passed didn’t find anything wrong with it sent me on my way couple days later dead battery brought it back to dealer charged it tested it said nothing wrong sent me on my way. Have to jump car every couple of days

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has 8 Electrical System complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.