2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2021 Santa Fe report: transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 3 owner complaints, average mileage 10,500 miles.
NHTSA has 51 owner complaints for the 2021 Santa Fe in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11770668 (filed 10/12/2026): “On september 20, 2026, my 2021 hyundai santa fe calligraphy suffered sluggish acceleration while operating on a public roadway due to an internal dual-clutch transmission (dct) failure. the malfunction indicator light illuminated, and a diagnostic scan reveale…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11747209 (filed 06/29/2026): “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 …”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace transmission (3 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: transmission replacement (automatic or CVT, remanufactured unit)
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze: Transmission went out · 2015 Dodge Durango: Transmission failure · 2015 Nissan Murano: Transmission failure · 2016 Subaru Forester: Transmission failure · 2018 Nissan Sentra: CVT failure · 2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Check engine light came on transmission failure
Page last updated .