Recall 21V308 affected 2 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles for a loose fuel pipe connection. All vehicles were inspected and tightened free at Hyundai dealers.
Hyundai is recalling 2 of its 2021 Santa Fe SUVs with 2.5-liter turbo engines under recall 21V308 because the fuel pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail was not tightened properly. A leaking fuel pipe raises the risk of a fire, and Hyundai dealers will inspect and repair the connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The high-pressure fuel pipe on the 2021 Santa Fe with the 2.5-litre Turbo engine carries fuel from the high-pressure pump to the fuel rail, which then feeds the injectors. That connection sits under significant pressure every time the engine runs, so the fitting where the pipe meets the rail has to be torqued to a specific spec to stay sealed.
On the two affected Santa Fe vehicles, the tightening tool was used at an angle during assembly, which reduced the actual torque applied to the fitting. The connection between the pipe and the fuel rail was not tightened properly, so pressurized fuel can seep from the joint. Leaking fuel near a hot engine is a fire risk.
The warning signs are a fuel odor, smoke, a burning or melting smell, and illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp or battery light. Any of those together with this vehicle and engine combination point to the loose fitting and warrant an immediate dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A loose fuel pipe connection can leak fuel and start an engine-bay fire. Watch for a fuel odor, smoke, a burning or melting smell, or the check engine and battery warning lights coming on. If you notice any of these signs, park the vehicle and call the dealer to schedule the inspection right away. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the fuel-pipe inspection that prevents the leak and fire risk.
- Ask the dealer to tighten the high-pressure fuel pipe connection between the pump and the fuel rail, free of charge.
- Reference recall number 21V308 (Hyundai recall 206) when you call the dealer or Hyundai customer service.
- Watch for a fuel smell around the engine bay before the repair, and have the vehicle inspected promptly if you notice one.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspected the fuel pipe connection between the high pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail, then tightened it to the correct specification. Parts and labor were free under the recall. Hyundai reports the affected vehicles have already been repaired, which is why no owner notification letters were sent. If you previously paid out of pocket for a related fuel pipe repair, Hyundai's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your receipts to the service desk, or contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 to confirm eligibility before your visit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 3, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V308?
Recall 21V308 covers 2 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles with 2.5-liter Turbo engines where the fuel pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail was not tightened properly. A loose connection can leak fuel and increase the risk of a fire. Hyundai dealers inspected and tightened the connection at no cost.
What should I do if my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Santa Fe is included in recall 21V308. Both affected vehicles have already been repaired, so no owner notification letters were sent. If you have questions about your VIN or the repair history, contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference Hyundai recall number 206.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix the defect at no cost. Hyundai dealers inspected and tightened the fuel pipe connection free of charge at franchised Hyundai service departments. Parts and labor were covered, and the affected Santa Fe vehicles have already been repaired under recall 21V308.
What is the safety risk from the loose fuel pipe?
An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe can leak fuel near the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail, which increases the risk of a fire. The defect is mechanical, not electronic, so a leak can develop without a dashboard warning. Hyundai resolved the risk by inspecting and tightening the fuel pipe connection on the affected vehicles.
What if I bought my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe used?
The free recall repair applies regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Santa Fe is one of the 2 vehicles covered by recall 21V308. If it is, contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 to confirm the fuel pipe inspection was completed and reference Hyundai recall number 206.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V308000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V308 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V308000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →