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Known Faults Database

Hyundai Santa Fe problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 4 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

The Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (three owners reported failures in different parts of the four-wheel-drive driveline) and engine (one owner reported the timing chain jumping on a 2012 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

CM, 2006 to 2012
1 known fault, none rated high severity
DM, 2012 to 20183 high severity
3 known faults, the serious ones in the gearbox, engine

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2013 to 2018, 4WD models (the reports do not name the engine): three owners reported failures in different parts of the four-wheel-drive
  • 2010 to 2018, 2.2 CRDi (R-Type) diesel: one owner reported the timing chain jumping on a 2012 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 21 known fault · 25 owner reports · 7 good notes

Hyundai Santa Fe CM (2006 to 2012) problems

Fuel SystemMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2014 to 2015

Two owners of facelifted 2.2 CRDi R-Type diesels reported contamination inside the fuel tank, from two different causes. A 2010 car at 34,000 miles blocked its fuel filter, then had metal swarf in the filter that was thought to come from the in-tank sender pump breaking up; the owner said a neighbour's Santa Fe had the same problem. A 2011 car's fuel tank delaminated after it was filled with supermarket diesel containing 15.8% biodiesel, and the owner was billed £6,000 for a new tank and fuel system repairs.

Rough guide
£6000 (new tank and fuel system repairs, one owner's bill)

Typical symptoms

  • Repeatedly blocked fuel filter
  • Metal particles or flakes found in the fuel filter
  • Loss of power as the filter blocks

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 CRDi (R-Type) diesel
Typical mileage:
34000 miles
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What owners report on the CM

25 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · May 2019A 2012 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDI experienced its timing chain jumping at 75,000 miles, with a compression check planned for valve damage.
  • Electrics · July 2018Front and rear nearside door locks on a 2011 Santa Fe failed twice, costing £600 for the initial replacements.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2018A driveshaft failed on a 2011 manual Santa Fe, with a replacement estimated at £1,100 including labour.
  • Electrics · February 2018A 2010 Santa Fe R-Type diesel had intermittent starting issues when hot and remote locking problems, despite battery changes.
  • Cooling · February 2017A 2011 Santa Fe 2.2 R-Type had engine block and head failure at 94,000 miles, then an oil cooler failure at 125,000 miles.
  • Bodywork · December 2016A 2010 Santa Fe failed its MoT due to a rusted engine subframe, with a £1,700 replacement quote.
  • Engine · October 2016A 2010 Santa Fe R-Type 2.2 194PS experienced a loss of power, suspected to be from a carbon-blocked turbo oil feed.
  • Engine · May 2016The crankshaft damping pulley on a 2011 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDI R-Type engine failed immediately after purchase.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2016A 2011 Santa Fe 2.2 R-Type manual had a clutch master cylinder failure, discharging fluid and requiring a replacement part.
  • Engine · April 2016The timing belt on a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe engine failed at 88,000 miles, likely causing engine damage.
  • Engine · April 2016A 2009 Santa Fe 2.2 diesel had fumes in the engine compartment due to an EGR problem, fixed by a software upgrade.
  • Bodywork · January 2016An underslung spare wheel was stolen, and finding a second-hand replacement proved very difficult for the owner.
  • Fuel system · November 2015A 2011 Santa Fe's fuel tank de-laminated after filling with high-biodiesel content fuel, leading to a £6,000 repair bill.
  • Suspension and steering · April 2015Front suspension lower arm bushes on an April 2011 Santa Fe failed at 56,000 miles, costing £800 for non-warranty repair.
  • Engine · April 2015A 2006 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDI Auto experienced multiple issues, including two alternators and an engine failure at 94,000 miles.
  • Suspension and steering · March 2015A three-year-old Santa Fe occasionally experienced a severe jolt from its rear axle while driving.
  • Fuel system · July 2014A 2010 Santa Fe R-Type 2.2 diesel at 34,000 miles had fuel system problems, including metal swarf from the tank sender pump.
  • Bodywork · April 2014The windscreen of this model is prone to stone chips at the edges, which can lead to stress cracks across the glass.
  • Gearbox and clutch · December 2013The clutch master cylinder failed on a 47,000-mile 2010 Santa Fe 2.2 R-Type manual that regularly towed a trailer.
  • Brakes · October 2013A 2008 Santa Fe automatic had an ineffective parking brake, causing it to fail its initial MoT inspection at 12,000 miles.
  • Exhaust · September 2013The DPF on a 2007 2.2 CRDI Santa Fe failed despite mostly motorway driving, with no mileage specified.
  • Engine · September 2013Injector seal failure on an 80,000-mile September 2006 Santa Fe led to carbon build-up and engine failure, with a £10,000 repair quote.
  • Bodywork · July 2013Two spare wheels were stolen in four days from a Santa Fe, with no secure locking system available for the underslung cage.
  • Engine · June 2013A 2010 R-Type auto experienced power loss and limp home mode after idling in high temperatures, caused by a gummed-up EGR valve.
  • Fuel system · January 2013A high-pressure fuel pump on a 2.2 diesel Santa Fe from the 2006 to 2009 production period developed a leak.

What owners like about the CM

7 notes
  • The Santa Fe achieved a four-star NCAP crash test rating in 2003, indicating good safety performance for occupants.
  • Hyundai vehicles generally showed below-average warranty repair costs in the 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability Index.
  • Hyundai ranked third in the Reliability Index, combining low average repair costs of £315.78 with few failures per 100 policies.
  • The model achieved 15th place in the 2005 JD Power/What Car Survey, with an 82.7% satisfaction score from owners.
  • The 5-speed diesel automatic transmission in 2006-2009 models was preferred over the 5-speed manual due to gear spacing.
  • The 6-speed diesel manual from 2010 (R-Type) engine is better than the 6-speed auto and has a higher 2,500kg towing weight.
  • The Santa Fe offers a spacious interior, providing ample room for occupants and luggage.
Generation 2 of 23 known faults · 12 owner reports · 9 good notes

Hyundai Santa Fe DM (2012 to 2018) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 1 owner report, 2019

One owner reported the timing chain jumping on a 2012 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi (the chain-driven R-Type diesel) at 75,000 miles. Their garage planned a compression test to find out whether the valves had been damaged. It is a single report, but a chain that jumps can stop the engine running.

Typical symptoms

  • Rattle from the timing end of the engine
  • Engine management light, misfire or rough running
  • Engine stops or will not restart

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 CRDi (R-Type) diesel
Typical mileage:
75000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 1 owner report, 2017

One owner's 2011 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi R-Type had two separate engine failures. In 2015, at about 94,000 miles, a head gasket leak led the dealer to replace the cylinder head and block, which were slightly pitted and, the dealer said, cannot be skimmed on this model. In 2017, at 125,000 miles, the internal seal of the engine oil cooler (carried over from the first engine) failed, pumping oil into the coolant; the oil loss damaged the crankshaft, camshaft and bearings.

Typical symptoms

  • Coolant loss with no visible external leak
  • Oil in the coolant expansion tank or heater system
  • Engine running hot, oil pressure warning

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.2 CRDi (R-Type) diesel
Typical mileage:
94000-125000 miles
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Transmission/DrivetrainHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2018 to 2019

Three owners reported failures in different parts of the four-wheel-drive driveline. An April 2014 car's AWD decoupler failed at 45,000 miles and cost £1,150 to replace. Another owner's drivetrain judder, first put down to mismatched tyres, was traced to the rear differential, which was failing. A 2013 manual's gearbox and transfer case failed while towing a caravan and were replaced under the five-year warranty with ten days left.

Rough guide
£1150 (AWD decoupler including labour and VAT, one owner's bill)

Typical symptoms

  • Judder or vibration from the drivetrain, easily mistaken for a tyre fault
  • Whine, grumble or clunk from the rear axle or transfer case
  • 4WD warning light or the car staying in two-wheel drive

Affected vehicles

Engines:
4WD models (the reports do not name the engine)
Typical mileage:
45000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the DM

12 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Gearbox and clutch · August 2019Juddering from the drivetrain of a Hyundai Santa Fe was diagnosed as a failing rear differential.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2019The AWD decoupler on an April 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe failed at 45,000 miles, costing £1,150 for replacement.
  • Bodywork · May 2019A five-month-old Santa Fe required a new DPF, catalytic converter, and pipework, then had a stuck boot lid and faulty auto wipers.
  • Interior · March 2019The heater/air conditioning matrix of a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe failed five times, with each replacement covered under warranty.
  • Exhaust · February 2019A December 2018 Santa Fe experienced DPF warning light issues at 1,100 miles, despite varied driving conditions.
  • Gearbox and clutch · July 2018The manual transmission and transfer case of a 2013 Santa Fe failed while towing, replaced under warranty with 10 days remaining.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2018A 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced clutch failure at 14,000 miles, with a £1,300 replacement quote due to driver error blame.
  • Brakes · January 2018The electromechanical parking brake on a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe intermittently stuck on, sometimes with the warning light active.
  • Brakes · January 2018A 2015 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi needed new brake discs and pads on all wheels at 15,000 miles, costing £360.
  • Exhaust · June 2015A 2014 Santa Fe 2.2 diesel automatic had DPF regeneration problems when driving at 55mph in 'ECO' mode on motorways.
  • Suspension and steering · March 2015The nearside front coil spring on a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe fractured, requiring repair.
  • Suspension and steering · March 2015A three-year-old Hyundai Santa Fe occasionally experienced a severe jolt from its rear axle.

What owners like about the DM

9 notes
  • November 2019The powered tailgate is a useful feature, but requires unlocking the car before approaching with a bike rack.
  • The refinement of this Santa Fe model is impressive, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
  • The Santa Fe is capable off-road, demonstrating its versatility beyond paved surfaces.
  • This model achieved a Five Star Euro NCAP rating, with high scores for adult and child protection.
  • The 2.2 CRDi engine is refined and offers reasonably economical performance for the vehicle.
  • The interior is versatile, featuring seven seats that are useable for adult passengers.
  • The Santa Fe provides a commanding driving position, offering good visibility for the driver.
  • The vehicle offers a relaxing drive, contributing to a comfortable experience on various journeys.
  • This Santa Fe model achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with strong adult and child protection scores.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

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Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 14 DVSA recalls for the Santa Fe, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ September 2026Cars built March 2023 to February 2026

The vehicle may have incorrectly secured front seat belt anchor points

Affected vehicles may have incorrectly secured front seat belt anchor points. This may result in a lack of protection in the event of a vehicle collision.

Put right by: A modification will be applied to the seat belt anchor area to rectify the concern

DVSA R/2026/3226,943 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2026Cars built July 2025 to October 2025

Some vehicles may have an instrument cluster operational concern whilst driving the vehicle

Some vehicles may face a concern where the instrument cluster panel may reboot during vehicle operation potentially resulting in a blank instrument cluster display screen.

Put right by: To correct this an 'Over the Air ' software update to the vehicles will be deployed remotely.

DVSA R/2026/1461,143 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2024Cars built March 2024 to July 2024

The main floor wiring harness could become damaged due to contact with the second-row bench seat folding hinge assembly. This may result in a malfunction of the supplemental restraint system.

Some Santa Fe (MX5) vehicles may experience the main floor wiring harness becoming damaged due to contact with the second-row bench seat folding hinge assembly.

Put right by: The affected vehicles will be inspected and the main wiring harness will be secured and routed as specified within the Technical Service Bulletin. In the event the main wiring harness is damaged the main floor wire harness will be replaced

DVSA R/2024/341730 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2024Cars built November 2011 to October 2014

A potential safety defect has been identified which could occur within the ABS control unit. The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short circuit.

On affected vehicles the HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) for the ABS could experience an electrical short circuit with a potential that the malfunction indicator light may become illuminated (MIL and /or ABS light) and a burning smell may emanate from the engine compartment and the HECU components.

Put right by: The affected vehicles will have a low-capacity fuse installed within the engine compartment junction box

DVSA R/2024/3095,306 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2022Cars built June 2015 to January 2018

The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short

The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short. Hyundai have put advice in the interim letter for the registered keeper is to park the vehicle in an outdoor location allowing space around it until the recall is complete.

Put right by: Replace the under-bonnet fuse box multi-fuse which controls the ABS control unit to a lower fuse amperage rating.

DVSA R/2022/12880,559 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2022Cars built October 2021 to December 2021

The instrument panel cluster liquid-crystal display panel in the subject vehicles may have been manufactured with incorrect specification resistors

The instrument panel cluster liquid-crystal display panel in the subject vehicles may have been manufactured with incorrect specification resistors.

Put right by: Replace the instrument cluster assembly.

DVSA R/2022/15136 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2021Cars built September 2020 to December 2020

IN THE EVENT OF eCALL TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENT

The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.

Put right by: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.

DVSA R/2021/0141,879 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2020Cars built March 2005 to September 2009

The anti-lock brake system module remains energized when vehicle is turned off

There could be an increased risk of a key off engine compartment fire.

Put right by: Install a relay in the main vehicle fuse box to stop the live positive feed to the ABS module with key off.

DVSA R/2020/2239,654 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2018Cars built September 2017 to August 2018

Curtain air bag may not inflate correctly if deployed

The cushion within the curtain airbag maybe damaged when it is deployed.

Put right by: On affected vehicles a rubber pad has to be attached to the curtain airbag mounting bolt.

DVSA R/2018/299239 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2018Cars built June 2017 to January 2018

Steering wheel may detach

On affected vehicles when the steering wheel is turned form lock to lock it will be possible for the outer rim of the steering wheel to break away from the boss. If this occurs the vehicle cannot be steered by the driver.

Put right by: The steering wheel airbag must be removed to determine the lot number of the steering wheel. If found to be faulty the steering wheel will be replaced.

DVSA R/2018/104304 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2018Cars built September 2011 to November 2011

Fuel may leak

On vehicles fitted with the high power R diesel engine fuel may leak from the fuel feed pipe connection at the high pressure pump. Drivers would feel a lack of power from the engine and possibly smell diesel.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the feed pipe with a new version.

DVSA R/2018/007132 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2017Cars built January 2012 to July 2016

Bonnet may open unexpectedly

Water ingress into the bonnet release cable may cause corrosion and affect the operation of the cable which could lead to unintentional opening of the bonnet.

Put right by: On affected vehicles the upper bonnet catch cable will be replaced with a new modified cable with better seals at the end of the cable.

DVSA R/2017/25012,380 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2013Cars built April 2001 to July 2011

Brake lights may malfunction

The vehicles brake lights may intermittently malfunction due to carbonisation of the contacts within the brake light switch. This can also affect other systems on the vehicle including: ESC cruise control gear selection (autoboxes) engine check lamp.

Put right by: Recall the vehicle that are likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.

DVSA R/2013/05687,795 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2012Cars built September 2009 to December 2011

Fuel may leak

It is possible for the engine cover to contact the two bulkhead panel to engine fuel hoses. If contact is made it is possible that the hose could chafe through and leak.

Put right by: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to inspect the fuel hoses and where necessary fit a securing clip. If the hose is damaged a new hose and clip will be fitted.

DVSA R/2012/0189,989 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Hyundai Santa Fe timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Santa Fe, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
1.7 CRDI, D4FD
No fixed replacement interval

The 1.7 CRDi (D4FD) uses a timing chain that is generally reliable if serviced correctly. Neglecting oil changes can cause the tensioner to fail, leading to chain stretch and rattling noises.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Hyundai Santa Fe buying questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Three stand out. Gearbox: three owners reported failures in different parts of the four-wheel-drive driveline (typically 45000 miles). Engine: one owner reported the timing chain jumping on a 2012 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi (typically 75000 miles). Engine: one owner's 2011 Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi R-Type had two separate engine failures (typically 94000 to 125000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should I avoid?

No Hyundai Santa Fe year is a write-off, but the DM (2012 to 2018) carries the most serious faults: gearbox and engine. The CM (2006 to 2012) has none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Hyundai Santa Fe?

Ask the seller about the gearbox and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for judder or vibration from the drivetrain, easily mistaken for a tyre fault, rattle from the timing end of the engine and coolant loss with no visible external leak. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 4 known faults before you travel. Check a Hyundai Santa Fe advert →

Are there any recalls on the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The DVSA lists 14 safety recalls for the Hyundai Santa Fe issued between 2012 and 2026. The most recent, from September 2026, is "The vehicle may have incorrectly secured front seat belt anchor points". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Hyundai Santa Fe?

Owners report 33.6 mpg on average across the Hyundai Santa Fe engines with data, about 86% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 608 owner submissions. Hyundai Santa Fe Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Hyundai Santa Fe right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Hyundai Santa Fe fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Hyundai Santa Fe owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Hyundai Santa Fe goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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