SUV · Gas
Hyundai Santa Fe 2013–2018 (DM)

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- Take the quiz
- Price
- $25,000–$40,000
- MPG
- 24
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong cargo & utility
- Strength: Strong value retention
- Watch-out: Poor reliability
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
A top-safety, roomy family hauler undercut by serious Theta II engine reliability concerns that dominate its complaint record.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 5 of its 14 recalls were serious. About 5% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -8 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 44% of cars we track.
35.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 83% of other SUVs we track.
5-seat two-row layout with generous 35.4 cu ft cargo (71.5 folded) is roomy for the class, though the longer 3-row Santa Fe variant offered more seating.
185 hp in a midsize SUV is modest and unremarkable; comfort-tuned suspension and FWD/AWD offer no sporting pretensions. Adequate but uninspiring driving character.
Typical for its era; Hyundai offered available touchscreen nav, heated seats, and infotainment on higher trims, but this pre-2019 platform predates modern driver-assist features now common.
Hyundai tuned this generation for a smooth, quiet ride with supportive seats; well-regarded for comfortable cruising, slightly above segment norm.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 2,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls19 recalls
19 recalls · 5 common complaint areas across 2015–2018
- Engine — 633 complaints (2017)
- Recall — Suspension: front: springs: coil springs (2018)
- Powertrain — 197 complaints (2017)
2018
- RecallSuspension: front: springs: coil springs17V577000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
- RecallAirbags: side/window17V801000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
- RecallSteering: steering wheel/handle bar18V118000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module22V056000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module22V810000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Complaint clusterEngine193 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
See attached letter for complaint
- Complaint clusterBrakes59 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving going around 50 and put on my brakes after that the abs light Epb light and cruise control lights all came on and my car wouldnt stop unless I preessed very hard on brakes. and other lights on my dashboard came on then the next day I was driving to work and almost wrecked and my car wo
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other47 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am the original owner almost at the end of my powertain warranty. At 93 - 94,000 I started to notice whe accelerating, like a distinct shift into different gears at anywhere between 5-7miles and in incrediments up to 40-45 mph. I have brought to the dealer and this week, will be the four time,
- Complaint clusterElectrical27 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In September 2024, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an unexpected engine lock-up while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle lost power, began smoking, and posed a potential fire risk. Fire department responded to prevent the engine from catching fire and had to spray the engine
- Complaint clusterPowertrain26 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
On April 13, 2026, I arrived home and parked the vehicle, engaging the traditional shifter into the "Park" position and turning off the engine. After exiting and standing on the ground to retrieve a purse from the cabin, the vehicle spontaneously and rapidly began reversing. As the vehicle gained
2017
- RecallSeat belts: front: warning light/devices16V145000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure
- RecallElectrical: wiring; trailer hitches16V842000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring ha
- RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems17V142000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an und
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH17V358000
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.
- RecallSeat belts: front: anchorage17V365000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.
- RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine17V578000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module22V056000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Complaint clusterEngine633 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
-The primary mechanical failure is a burned exhaust valve in Cylinder 2, which has resulted in 0 PSI compression and a persistent engine misfire. This severe top-end valve degradation occurred as a direct consequential result of a chronic, underlying defect in the engine's internal oil-delivery and
- Complaint clusterPowertrain197 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership for service, and while there Campaign 9C2 (ECU Software Update for Theta II Emissions Improvement) was performed. Immediately following this software update, the vehicle developed drivability degradation, specifically engine stutter/hesitation and roug
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other98 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving down highway, 95 South in VA, when sunroof blew out. No traffic in front at the time, nothing hit the car. Driving around 65 mph. Temp outside was ~85-87, AC in car at 74. Just blew up and out after a large "Bang". There was no impact to the vehicle prior and no other marks or scratc
- Complaint clusterBrakes91 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
ABS doesn't work, traction control doesn't work, while it was raining the sensor lights came on and I began to hydroplane almost causing a wreck while driving on the highway. The sensors go off and on the emergency brake won't engage while this sensor is on also. Acceleration stall pulling out in
- Complaint clusterElectrical65 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Airbag light on. La Quinta Hyundai verified light on scanned codes found active b134800 Driver airbag resistance circuit short to ground 1st stage. Testing found clock spring issue internal fault. Since this clock spring is related to driver airbag, & horn, it would seem that this would be a safety
2016
- RecallSeat belts: front: warning light/devices16V145000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH17V358000
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.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module22V056000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Complaint clusterEngine161 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
WHAT FAILED: The engine — the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 (engine family GHYXV03.31XE per the federal emissions label) — failed catastrophically: a connecting rod penetrated the engine block. The failed engine IS available for inspection on request. It has been preserved unrepaired since the failure, the
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other30 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The motor began to making a knocking noise and started smoking like a fire was starting. We immediately turned off the vehicle preventing from a full fledge fire. We had children in the car as well which posed a safety concern for them. We had no prior warning lights or issues. It has yet to be insp
- Complaint clusterPowertrain23 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
1. Component/System Failure & Availability: The failed component is the engine's internal Camshaft Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) phaser backing bolt within the 3.3L V6 engine assembly. An internal factory bolt unthreaded, backed out, and physically pierced directly through the upper valve cover. The
- Complaint clusterBrakes17 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the brake pedal was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted
- Complaint clusterElectrical16 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Abs system is randomly locking up calipers causing a dangerous speed wobble. Dealership can't re create so won't diagnose. Have had to replace all brake calipers and components were near new but ruined because of abs applying brakes when unnecessary. Vehicle is very unsafe to drive, pulled hard to l
2015
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH17V358000
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.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module20V520000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V303000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V651000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B
- Complaint clusterEngine158 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Driving on highway no warning lights appeared the car made a loud pop noise and heavy smoke appeared from under the hood. Immediately pulled over and noticed all of the oil poured out and was nasty looking. The car was up to date on oil change. My car was towed home and bone dry no oil and no coolan
- Complaint clusterBrakes41 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was notified and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact s
- Complaint clusterPowertrain29 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at ni
- Complaint clusterElectrical23 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine has basically come apart. There is a timing chain issue, the engine is not recalled and it is getting where the car cannot drive. There is a constant smell of burning electrical wires. There’s also issues with the heating and air that is related to electrical.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other22 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver's door is stuck, it cannot be opened.
Cost to own$20,700 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$25,000–$40,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,800/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
21
Highway MPG
27
Combined MPG
24
Horsepower
185 hp
Doors
4
Length
184.6 in
Width
74.0 in
Height
66.5 in
Wheelbase
106.3 in
Curb weight
3,616 lb
Cargo volume
35.4 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
71.5 cu ft
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
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