Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid and best years
Newer Hyundai Santa Fe years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2017 has the most complaints per year, at 62 (966 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 9 (from 236 complaints), 2018 at 10 (from 109 complaints), and 2015 at 10 (from 254 complaints). The Hyundai Santa Fe 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, 473 of 966 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2016
2018
2015
2025–26
Hyundai Santa Fe reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Hyundai Santa Fe. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 27.6 |
| 2025 → Too early | 67 | 133 | 5 | Tires | 27.8 |
| 2024 → | 50 | 150 | 7 | Powertrain | 27.8 |
| 2023 → | 53 | 210 | 1 | Powertrain | 28.3 |
| 2022 → | 37 | 199 | 5 | Powertrain | 28.3 |
| 2021 → | 32 | 166 | 7 | Powertrain | 27.5 |
| 2020 → | 18 | 213 | 2 | Engine | 23.5 |
| 2019 → | 23 | 200 | 2 | Engine | 21.4 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 10 | 109 | 2 | Engine | 21.5 |
| 2017 → Most | 62 | 966 | 6 | Engine | 21.5 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 9 | 236 | 3 | Engine | 20.9 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 10 | 254 | 2 | Engine | 20.9 |
| 2014 → | 24 | 493 | 3 | Engine | 20.9 |
| 2013 → | 51 | 605 | 3 | Engine | 21.8 |
| 2012 → | 34 | 353 | 1 | Engine | 22 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 5W-30 (2.4L and 3.3L V6 per manual) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/60R18 to 235/55R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 17V358000. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L and turbo 2.5L where equipped) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/65R17 to 255/45R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 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. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 9 (from 236 complaints), 2018 at 10 (from 109 complaints), and 2015 at 10 (from 254 complaints).
Which Hyundai Santa Fe year has the most owner complaints?
2017 has the most complaints per year, at 62 (966 complaints). On the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, 473 of 966 complaints name Engine.
How do Hyundai Santa Fe owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Hyundai Santa Fe years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years are too early to compare?
The Hyundai Santa Fe 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Santa Fe take?
5W-20 or 5W-30 (2.4L and 3.3L V6 per manual)
What does NHTSA recall 17V-358 cover on the Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA campaign 17V358000.
What generation is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
3rd generation (DM) (2012-2018).