The midsize Santa Fe is one of Hyundai’s best-selling models, much thanks to the SUV’s reliable track record. However, late second-generation Santa Fes struggle with engine failure, and models from 2021 already have four recalls.
Key Points
- Hyundai Santa Fes from 2012 with the 2.4L engine may stall while in motion. Owners report replacing the four-cylinder motor before 100,000 miles for an average cost of over $5,000.
- Early third-gen. Santa Fes feature a new 2.0L turbocharged engine also known to seize and fail. Additionally, owners mention the transmission often hesitates when changing gears.
- Third-generation models have a number of worrying recalls, including one over a fracturing front axle, and another over a hood that may suddenly open while driving.
- Hyundai debuted the fourth-generation Santa Fe SUV for 2019. Initial problems were few and far between, but the model’s 2021 refresh already has four recalls on the books.
- Ultimately, most Santa Fe years are reliable, but those from 2010 to 2014 are more likely to have problems. For the best experience, stick with third-gen. units from 2015 to 2018.
Engine Problems Make Santa Fe SUVs from 2010 to 2012 a Risky Choice, with Many Owners Spending Over $5,000 to Replace the Motor
Korean automaker Hyundai debuted its first SUV in 2001, and 21 years later, the midsize Santa Fe is still one of the brand’s best-sellers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that models from 2010 to 2012 struggled with engine problems. Santa Fes with either the 2.4L inline-four or the 3.5L V6 reportedly stall at random, with owners sharing some scary experiences.
“I have a 2012 Santa Fe that stalls on the freeway at speeds of 60-80 mph,” shares one registered owner complaint. “This has happened at least every couple of weeks…”
Worse yet, units from 2012 with the 2.4L engine often fail. Santa Fe owners report spending an average of $5,100 to replace the motor, which tends to quit around 86,900 miles.
So far, three investigations have been opened into possible engine fire, with the most recent still being reviewed. Hyundai issued a recall for nearly 130,000 units over worn connecting rod bearings inside the 2.4L engine, which can cause it to fail and catch fire.
Hyundai Debuts Short Wheelbase Variant Dubbed the Santa Fe Sport, Features New 2.0L Engine with a Few Introductory Issues
The third-generation Santa Fe (2013 to 2018), came in short or long-wheelbase variants, dubbed the Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe, respectively. SWB models feature either the 2.4L inline-four engine or a new 2.0L turbocharged motor. LWB units get a 3.3L V6.
While mentions of engine failure exist for each motor, the 2.0L is the worst offender.
“I was traveling home from work… [when] my Santa Fe started to make these awful banging clanking noises…” shares one reviewer. “The service department said I had metal in my oil, and I will need a new engine…. the cost, $5,000 to $7,000 dollars.”
Engine failure is worse in Santa Fes from 2013 and 2014 but seems to calm down by 2018, the end of the second generation.
In 2017, transmission problems spiked, with owners claiming hesitation during shifts. One NHTSA complaint mentions, “Pressing the gas pedal results in a two- to three-second delay before the transmission will suddenly downshift… We’ve had nearly a dozen instances…of being nearly rear-ended because the vehicle won’t accelerate…”
Third-generation Santa Fe Recalled Over Fracturing Front Axle, a Hood that May Open Unexpectedly, and Seatbelts that Fail to Chime
As many as 20,300 Santa Fe Sports from 2013, specifically configured as front-wheel drive with the 2.4L engine, have front axles that may fracture.
Hyundai claims the problem is a manufacturing defect and will inspect and replace the front axle shaft if needed. Should the axle fracture while in motion, controlling the vehicle will be tough as it will pull to one side.
Up to 437,400 Santa Fes from 2013 to 2017 have secondary hood latches that may bind and not secure correctly. This can allow the hood to open while driving, obstructing the pilot’s view, and increasing the odds of an accident.
Specific to as many as 34,200 Santa Fe SUVs from 2016 and 2017, damaged wiring in the front seatbelt harnesses can silence the units audible warning. Without an alert, passengers are more likely of driving without seatbelts, increasing the odds of injury.
Interestingly, the 2017 Santa Fe received a whopping six recalls. Besides the recalls mentioned above, just one is particularly concerning, and pertains to the anti-lock braking system. Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sports from 2016 to 2018 may catch fire over an electrical short in the ABS system.
If you come across a unit that hasn’t yet had the ABS system inspected, Hyundai suggests parking outside and away from buildings until you can bring the SUV in for service due to the possible fire risk.
Hyundai Introduces Redesigned Santa Fe for 2019, but 2021 Facelift Adds Several New Problems
Fourth-gen. Santa Fe SUVs from 2019 and 2020 have few reported problems, but refreshed models from 2021 already have four recalls. Two affect just 12 units combined, whereas the other two are more widespread and concern over 42,000.
Models with the new 2.5L turbo engine struggle with fuel leaking due to a poor pipe connection, increasing the risk of a fire. The NHTSA reports 15,752 Santa Fe and Sonata units are potentially affected by this July 2021 recall.
As many as 26,413 Santa Fe and Sonata units from 2020 and 2021 have been recalled over inadequate windshield bonding. Should the vehicle be involved in an accident, the glass may separate from the vehicle. Owners also report water seeping through the windshield bonding.
Ultimately, the latest Santa Fe needs more time on the roads to determine just how dependable the model is.
Photos: Hyundai
