Power
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Sentiment is sharply divided by model year and engine type, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile. Long-term owner reports for models equipped with the Lambda V6 engines (primarily 2007-2012) are overwhelmingly positive, prais
Best version
2007-2012 models with the Lambda V6 engine (3.3L or 3.5L). These are consistently highlighted as the most reliable and trouble-free versions, described as "rock solid" with proper maintenance and capable of high mileage. For newer models, t
Known issues
• Catastrophic Engine Failure (Theta II and related GDI engines, ~2013-2019) — Sudden engine seizure, knocking, bearing failure, leading to complete replacement. Often preceded by excessive oil consumption. Warranty coverage is a frequent point of conflict. Frequency: very frequent., Excessive Oil Consumption (GDI engines, ~2013-2019) — Burning 1 quart or more of oil every 1,000-1,500 miles. Leads to engine damage if not constantly monitored and topped up. Frequency: very frequent.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 161 | 7 | power train |
| 2023 | 274 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 180 | 8 | power train |
| 2020 | 193 | 2 | engine |
| 2018 | 520 | 5 | engine |
| 2017 | 1,272 | 7 | engine |
| 2016 | 299 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 330 | 4 | engine |
| 2014 | 648 | 7 | engine |
| 2013 | 793 | 7 | engine |
| 2012 | 352 | 1 | engine |
| 2009 | 357 | 3 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2006 | 106 | 1 | air bags |
| 2001 | 212 | 4 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices60 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2024 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 24V246000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a trailer parking assist message. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · power train:automatic transmission:control module:softwarecampaign 24V529000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe vehicles. A software error in the transmission control unit may result in a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in PARK.
2024 · air bagscampaign 24V561000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe HEV vehicles. The main floor wiring harness may chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assembly and become damaged, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally or prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
2024 · electrical system:wiring:switches/knobs/buttonscampaign 24V843000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The overhead console rear sunshade switch knob may not be fully recessed, which can result in unintentional closing of the sunshade. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Saf
2024 · electrical system:starter assemblycampaign 25V659000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
2024 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V808000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal
2024 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 26V218000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
2023 · trailer hitchescampaign 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 21V524000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
2021 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 21V00M000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
2021 · air bags: air bag/restraint control modulecampaign 21V185000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles. The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the air bag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety St
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 21V308000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 2.5-litre Turbo engines. The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly.
2021 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 22V746000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
2021 · trailer hitchescampaign 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 24V879000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto
45 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Generation
Version
2.5 Smartstream (281 Hp) DCT
From 2023-2026
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