The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and fuel system problems. At $5,941 to $7,182, it’s cheap, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands repairing it.
Is the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2009 is a bad year for the Santa Fe. Owner reviews complain about suspension issues, engine problems, and gas mileage getting worse as it ages.
- Interior quality is above average, there are some luxurious materials used throughout the cabin, and the infotainment technology is easy to use.
- Reliability ratings are below average. There are a lot of engine problems on the 2007 through 2013 models, with improvements in 2014–2016.
- Performance is poor from the base V6 engine, but the larger optional V6 offers average power for its size.
- The Santa Fe is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in crash tests, and only dropping to 4 stars in the rollover risk rating.
- Fuel economy is average for an SUV, getting around 20 MPG, which should get owners about 395 miles of range out of the 19.8 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Consumer Reports says the Santa Fe offers disappointing engines, and has lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Santa Fe a 4.4/5, praising the high safety scores, but doesn’t like the very firm suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Santa Fe 4.6/5 and enjoy the nice interior, but owners don’t like the high ownership costs when things break.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
The most common problems on the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe include the engine dying while driving, paint peeling, and the fuel gauge not working. Overall, the problems are more severe than other SUVs from 2009, but repair costs are more affordable than average.
The engine dying while driving is the most widespread complaint from owners at around 90,000 miles. There are several sources to the problem and it can be as simple as a failed alternator which costs $450 to replace, all the way up to total engine failure costing $4,000.
Paint peeling is another issue mentioned by owners at around 75,000 miles. When paint is not properly cared for and exposed to excessive sunlight, it will start to peel. The only way to fix the problem is to repaint the affected areas at a cost of $1,000 per panel.
Broken fuel gauges also show up on a lot of Santa Fe models at around 70,000 miles. The fuel sending unit is a weak spot in a lot of Hyundai vehicles and fails as it ages. Replacing the fuel sending unit costs about $1,200 depending on local labor rates.
There are 3 recalls, which is fewer than other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for the wire harness, which can result in a fire. Other recalls cover the stop lamp switch and air bag system, which are not a concern when they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals, according to data from Repair Pal at $477 per year.
Since most 2009 Sonata models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the thermostat for $550, sunroof motor costing $800, and the EGR valve which costs $700.
Yes, it has been reliable. The only problem is that the blower comes on the heater or air conditioner when not turned on.
It's very reliable I haven't had any major problems and I have had it for ten years now. The only thing I have had to replace were tires and a battery and windshield wipers.
Yes. No it does not have problems. It had lasted for my family for over 11 years and is still going strong.
This car is reliable, but requires normal maintenance as any car does. Oil build-up is possible if the owner is not religious about oil changes every 3,000 miles, but there are no other glaring problems.
It is pretty reliable. The only issues I've been really having with it was bearings, but I think that is a Hyundai problem in general. Also the gas mileage is terrible
So far, I have not had any problems with my Santa-Fe and I have been driving it for just over two years. I would qualify it as very reliable and safe. It always gets me where I need to go without any trouble.
It has been very reliable. It recently needed brakes for the first time in ten years. It is starting to need new shocks.
I have found it to be very reliable, consistently. The main problem I have had is that the passenger seat sun visor came off completely and this is not covered by my warranty.
How Much Is the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,941 to $7,182, which makes the Santa Fe thousands of dollars cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $21,695 to $30,545. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are three models of the Santa Fe offered for the 2009 model year. The second generation of the Santa Fe was introduced in 2007, and replaced with the third generation in 2013.
GLS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Windows & Locks
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Input
SE is a step up adding features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Steering-Wheel Mounted Stereo Controls
Limited is the luxury model and adds:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Infinity Stereo System With 6-CD Changer
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- The base engine is a fairly weak 2.7L V6 which makes 185 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.3L V6 which produces 242 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is still below average, taking 8.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?
How Big Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV similar in size to rivals like the Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin, with plenty of room for passengers in the first and second rows, but the third row is best suited to small children.
Cargo space is a bit lower than some other midsize SUVs, with enough room for 2 suitcases behind the third row, 5-6 suitcases behind the second row, and up to 12 with all rows folded flat.
How Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is worse than most other midsize SUVs from 2009 due to serious mechanical problems, making it one buyers should avoid.
The Toyota Highlander is a competitor which costs about $4,000 more. Power and performance are better in the Toyota Highlander, but the interior is nicer in the Hyundai Santa Fe. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it will last longer and has fewer problems.
The Honda Pilot is another rival, which is about $2,000 more expensive. Passenger space is better in the Honda Pilot, but the Hyundai Santa Fe is a bit smoother on the road. We recommend the Honda Pilot since it has more power and lower long term ownership costs.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes, it has been low maintenance. It is easy to drive and has good cargo capacity. It is comfortable.
Yes it is very reliable good on gas mileage and I haven't had any motor problems the only thing I have had to replace was the battery and tires.
Yes it drives well and lasts a long time. I like how smooth it drives and the upgraded package with the heated seats and leather seats. I like how sleek it looks as well.
Overall, the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe se is a reliable family vehicle. Although it is on the larger size for an SUV, it is very light and drives like a small car.
Yes. It’s good in snow, it hardly requires repairs and it’s not a slow car either. It has heated seats and a sunroof which are also pretty decent perks
Yes I love my vehicle. It is reliable, safe, and easy to drive. It has enough room for a normal amount passengers and great storage space in the trunk area. I especially love the extra storage under the floor in the trunk. It’s great for moving and traveling. The car is comfortable and easy to clean as well.
Yes, I have not had any major problems or repairs. Only routine maintenance. This is good, especially for a vehicle that old.
Absolutely. It has features of a luxury car at a price that was affordable. It rides smoothly and is very comfortable.