2021 Hyundai Santa FE power train problems

50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Hyundai Santa FE — 31% of all complaints for this model year.

Power Train complaints

31%

share of all complaints

18,500 mi

median reported incident mileage

0 / 0

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle lost motive power. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact…”
filed Jun 29, 2026
“My check engine light came on, and my car was also feeling "sluggish" and slow to accelerate. I scheduled a service appointment at my local dealer 4 days later. At the appointment, the technician stated everything checked out okay and the check engine light was likely an "anomaly" or "outlier" but…”
filed Jun 24, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch…
26-AT-005H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 5, 2026
Some Santa Cruz (NXT), Santa Fe (TMA, MX5A), and Sonata (DN8A) models may require replacement of the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT) when the vehicle sets one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP)…
26-AT-001H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 3, 2026
Some Santa Fe (TMA) and Tucson (NX4A) vehicles equipped with a 2.5L GDI engine and 8 speed automatic transmission may have DTC U028700 (Lost Communication With Trans Fluid Pump Module) set by the transmission Electric…
26-AT-002H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2026