Hyundai Santa Fe: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Hyundai Santa Fe years to approach with the most caution are 2013, 2014, and 2017. The strongest years in our data are 2023. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Hyundai Santa Fe year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2023 Recommended 7 A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.; The 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic can shudder or hesitate at low speed; a software recall addresses an unintended-movement risk on 2021-2022 builds.; A turbo 2.5L engine recall (2022) and scattered engine/fuel complaints; the powertrain is the main weak spot of the refreshed generation. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.; The 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic can shudder or hesitate at low speed; a software recall addresses an unintended-movement risk on 2021-2022 builds.; A turbo 2.5L engine recall (2022) and scattered engine/fuel complaints; the powertrain is the main weak spot of the refreshed generation. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.; The 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic can shudder or hesitate at low speed; a software recall addresses an unintended-movement risk on 2021-2022 builds.; A turbo 2.5L engine recall (2022) and scattered engine/fuel complaints; the powertrain is the main weak spot of the refreshed generation. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 The 2.4L GDI gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign and extended engine warranty for rod-bearing wear.; Power-train and transmission complaints lead the late CM years (shift problems), with a 2010 2WD driveshaft recall. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 6 Airbag occupant-classification-sensor recalls can incorrectly enable or disable the front passenger airbag.; A 2001-2006 recall addresses front coil springs that can corrode and fracture; front suspension (struts, ball joints) also wears with age. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 5 First-year 8-speed automatic complaints and a transmission-control software recall (risk of unintended vehicle movement) on the redesigned model.; Early electrical recalls on the all-new generation, including starter B+ power-wiring and a rearview-camera display fault. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 2.4L and 2.0T (Theta II) engine complaints, stalling and hesitation tied to the 9C2 knock-sensor software campaign; rod-bearing failure is covered by an extended engine warranty.; A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 2.4L and 2.0T (Theta II) engine complaints, stalling and hesitation tied to the 9C2 knock-sensor software campaign; rod-bearing failure is covered by an extended engine warranty.; A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist, rod-bearing wear can cause knocking, stalling or seizure; covered by the 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty and KSDS knock-sensor software.; An ABS-module internal short can cause an engine-compartment fire even while parked, the recall advises parking outside until the multi-fuse is replaced. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist, rod-bearing wear can cause knocking, stalling or seizure; covered by the 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty and KSDS knock-sensor software.; An ABS-module internal short can cause an engine-compartment fire even while parked, the recall advises parking outside until the multi-fuse is replaced. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 The 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) rod-bearing failure is the defining gen3 defect: knocking, stalling and sudden engine failure, often near 100k; covered by a rod-bearing recall and 15yr/150k warranty extension. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 The 2.4L GDI gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign and extended engine warranty for rod-bearing wear.; Power-train and transmission complaints lead the late CM years (shift problems), with a 2010 2WD driveshaft recall. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 The 2.4L GDI gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign and extended engine warranty for rod-bearing wear.; Power-train and transmission complaints lead the late CM years (shift problems), with a 2010 2WD driveshaft recall. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 An airbag occupant-classification-sensor recall can mis-classify the front passenger and disable/enable the airbag incorrectly.; Heavy fuel-system complaints, an erratic fuel gauge / fuel-level sender that misreads tank level and trips the check-engine light. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 An airbag occupant-classification-sensor recall can mis-classify the front passenger and disable/enable the airbag incorrectly.; Heavy fuel-system complaints, an erratic fuel gauge / fuel-level sender that misreads tank level and trips the check-engine light. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 An airbag occupant-classification-sensor recall can mis-classify the front passenger and disable/enable the airbag incorrectly.; Heavy fuel-system complaints, an erratic fuel gauge / fuel-level sender that misreads tank level and trips the check-engine light. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Airbag occupant-classification-sensor recalls can incorrectly enable or disable the front passenger airbag.; A 2001-2006 recall addresses front coil springs that can corrode and fracture; front suspension (struts, ball joints) also wears with age. Full report ↗
2017 Avoid 4 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist, rod-bearing wear can cause knocking, stalling or seizure; covered by the 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty and KSDS knock-sensor software.; An ABS-module internal short can cause an engine-compartment fire even while parked, the recall advises parking outside until the multi-fuse is replaced. Full report ↗
2014 Avoid 4 The 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) rod-bearing failure is the defining gen3 defect: knocking, stalling and sudden engine failure, often near 100k; covered by a rod-bearing recall and 15yr/150k warranty extension. Full report ↗
2013 Avoid 4 The 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) rod-bearing failure is the defining gen3 defect: knocking, stalling and sudden engine failure, often near 100k; covered by a rod-bearing recall and 15yr/150k warranty extension.; Electric-power-steering can lose assist or bind, with a related steering recall; steering complaints peak in the 2013 launch year.; A front-wheel-drive axle/half-shaft recall affects early 2013 build vehicles. Full report ↗

Hyundai Santa Fe problems by year

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Bold all-new redesign, but a first-year car with several launch recalls (8-speed transmission software for unintended movement, airbag, rearview camera, starter wiring) and early power-train complaints.

  • First-year 8-speed automatic complaints and a transmission-control software recall (risk of unintended vehicle movement) on the redesigned model.
  • Early electrical recalls on the all-new generation, including starter B+ power-wiring and a rearview-camera display fault.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Recommended

The strongest recent year: lowest complaint volume of the generation, an above-average J.D. Power score and few recalls. Comfortable, value-packed and backed by Hyundai's long warranty.

  • A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.
  • The 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic can shudder or hesitate at low speed; a software recall addresses an unintended-movement risk on 2021-2022 builds.
  • A turbo 2.5L engine recall (2022) and scattered engine/fuel complaints; the powertrain is the main weak spot of the refreshed generation.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Power-train complaints (8-speed wet dual-clutch low-speed hesitation, with a software recall) and a 2.5T engine recall, offset by a quiet, well-equipped, spacious cabin.

  • A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.
  • The 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic can shudder or hesitate at low speed; a software recall addresses an unintended-movement risk on 2021-2022 builds.
  • A turbo 2.5L engine recall (2022) and scattered engine/fuel complaints; the powertrain is the main weak spot of the refreshed generation.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Refresh brings the Smartstream 2.5L and an 8-speed wet dual-clutch; flagged for fuel-pump and transmission-software recalls, but overall complaint volume is moderate.

  • A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.
  • The 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic can shudder or hesitate at low speed; a software recall addresses an unintended-movement risk on 2021-2022 builds.
  • A turbo 2.5L engine recall (2022) and scattered engine/fuel complaints; the powertrain is the main weak spot of the refreshed generation.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Engine complaints (Theta-era 2.4/2.0T, 9C2 knock-sensor software campaign) lead, alongside a windshield recall and a trailer-hitch fire recall; crash-test scores are strong.

  • 2.4L and 2.0T (Theta II) engine complaints, stalling and hesitation tied to the 9C2 knock-sensor software campaign; rod-bearing failure is covered by an extended engine warranty.
  • A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

All-new fourth generation: 2.4/2.0T (Theta II) engine complaints and a 9C2 software campaign, plus a trailer-hitch fire recall; the related long-wheelbase XL carries the ABS-module fire recall.

  • 2.4L and 2.0T (Theta II) engine complaints, stalling and hesitation tied to the 9C2 knock-sensor software campaign; rod-bearing failure is covered by an extended engine warranty.
  • A trailer-hitch wiring-harness recall (when a hitch is installed) addresses corrosion/short that can cause an engine-compartment fire.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Engine complaints ease, but it still carries the Theta II GDI rod-bearing engine recall (15yr/150k warranty) and the ABS-module engine-fire recall advising owners to park outside until repaired.

  • 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist, rod-bearing wear can cause knocking, stalling or seizure; covered by the 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty and KSDS knock-sensor software.
  • An ABS-module internal short can cause an engine-compartment fire even while parked, the recall advises parking outside until the multi-fuse is replaced.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Avoid

The most-complained Santa Fe ever: overwhelming engine-failure reports (2.0T/2.4 GDI Theta II rod-bearing seizure/stall, often near 100k, 9C2 knock-sensor campaign) plus the ABS-module fire recall.

  • 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist, rod-bearing wear can cause knocking, stalling or seizure; covered by the 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty and KSDS knock-sensor software.
  • An ABS-module internal short can cause an engine-compartment fire even while parked, the recall advises parking outside until the multi-fuse is replaced.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Engine (Theta II GDI) complaints continue and it is covered by the ABS-module engine-fire recall (park outside until the fuse is replaced); the V6 trims are sturdier than the turbo-four.

  • 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist, rod-bearing wear can cause knocking, stalling or seizure; covered by the 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty and KSDS knock-sensor software.
  • An ABS-module internal short can cause an engine-compartment fire even while parked, the recall advises parking outside until the multi-fuse is replaced.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Owners rate this gen3 year as steadier, but 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) engine complaints persist; covered by the rod-bearing recall and 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension.

  • The 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) rod-bearing failure is the defining gen3 defect: knocking, stalling and sudden engine failure, often near 100k; covered by a rod-bearing recall and 15yr/150k warranty extension.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Avoid

Carries the gen3 Theta II GDI engine-failure problem (rod-bearing seizure, stalling, fire risk) at high complaint volume; V6 versions hold up far better than the turbo-four.

  • The 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) rod-bearing failure is the defining gen3 defect: knocking, stalling and sudden engine failure, often near 100k; covered by a rod-bearing recall and 15yr/150k warranty extension.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Avoid

Worst-rated early gen3: peak engine complaints (2.0T/2.4 GDI Theta II rod-bearing seizure/fire, 15yr/150k warranty) plus an electric-power-steering loss-of-assist recall and a FWD axle recall.

  • The 2.0T/2.4 GDI (Theta II) rod-bearing failure is the defining gen3 defect: knocking, stalling and sudden engine failure, often near 100k; covered by a rod-bearing recall and 15yr/150k warranty extension.
  • Electric-power-steering can lose assist or bind, with a related steering recall; steering complaints peak in the 2013 launch year.
  • A front-wheel-drive axle/half-shaft recall affects early 2013 build vehicles.

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Engine complaints climb on the 2.4L GDI (Theta II rod-bearing risk, KSDS knock-sensor software and extended warranty); the V6 versions are sturdier.

  • The 2.4L GDI gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign and extended engine warranty for rod-bearing wear.
  • Power-train and transmission complaints lead the late CM years (shift problems), with a 2010 2WD driveshaft recall.

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

The lowest-complaint year of the CM generation; a durable pre-GDI V6, with the 2.4L covered by the Theta II KSDS engine campaign.

  • The 2.4L GDI gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign and extended engine warranty for rod-bearing wear.
  • Power-train and transmission complaints lead the late CM years (shift problems), with a 2010 2WD driveshaft recall.

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Power-train/transmission complaints lead the year (plus a 2WD driveshaft recall); the 2.4L gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign.

  • The 2.4L GDI gained the Theta II knock-sensor (KSDS) software campaign and extended engine warranty for rod-bearing wear.
  • Power-train and transmission complaints lead the late CM years (shift problems), with a 2010 2WD driveshaft recall.

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Fuel-system and vehicle-speed-control complaints plus an airbag occupant-sensor recall; otherwise a sturdy, roomy pre-GDI V6 cruiser.

  • An airbag occupant-classification-sensor recall can mis-classify the front passenger and disable/enable the airbag incorrectly.
  • Heavy fuel-system complaints, an erratic fuel gauge / fuel-level sender that misreads tank level and trips the check-engine light.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Dominated by fuel-system complaints (erratic fuel gauge / level sensor) and airbag occupant-sensor issues; the V6 drivetrain itself holds up well.

  • An airbag occupant-classification-sensor recall can mis-classify the front passenger and disable/enable the airbag incorrectly.
  • Heavy fuel-system complaints, an erratic fuel gauge / fuel-level sender that misreads tank level and trips the check-engine light.

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Roomy CM redesign but the most-complained year of the generation: heavy fuel-system and airbag occupant-sensor recalls, plus front-suspension wear.

  • An airbag occupant-classification-sensor recall can mis-classify the front passenger and disable/enable the airbag incorrectly.
  • Heavy fuel-system complaints, an erratic fuel gauge / fuel-level sender that misreads tank level and trips the check-engine light.

2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

The cleanest first-generation year, fewest complaints and recalls of the SM run, with a durable 2.7L V6; still shares the airbag occupant-sensor and coil-spring-corrosion recalls.

  • Airbag occupant-classification-sensor recalls can incorrectly enable or disable the front passenger airbag.
  • A 2001-2006 recall addresses front coil springs that can corrode and fracture; front suspension (struts, ball joints) also wears with age.

2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Caution

Durable 2.7L V6 first-generation SUV, but flagged for airbag occupant-sensor recalls, a 2001-06 corroding-coil-spring recall and front-suspension (strut/ball-joint) wear; basic and aging.

  • Airbag occupant-classification-sensor recalls can incorrectly enable or disable the front passenger airbag.
  • A 2001-2006 recall addresses front coil springs that can corrode and fracture; front suspension (struts, ball joints) also wears with age.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Hyundai models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.