Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2018-2024 reliability
Category: Large SUV
Large, practical and excellent value, a used Santa Fe is a great alternative to the usual premium front-runners.
What should I look for in a used Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
This is a large car, so check all corners carefully for any scuffs and dents picked up in tight supermarket car parks. Check that all the seats slide and fold as they should and that all the electrical equipment works.
What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4?
Emergency call system updates
A problem has been found with the emergency call system that contacts the emergency services in the event of an airbag deployment. The car's identification information hasn't been properly registered with the software, but an update applied by a Hyundai dealer will sort this issue. It involves Santa Fe examples made between 1 September and 14 December 2020, so check if your car is affected by speaking with your local dealer.
Click here for more information. Contact your local Volvo dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 reliable?
The latest Santa Fe wasn't included in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, but Hyundai, as a car brand, ranked a very respectable fifth out of 32 manufacturers.
With its overall reliability score of 94.3%, Hyundai ranked higher than Ford, Skoda and VW but below Lexus and Toyota. Based on this alone, the Hyundai Santa Fe should be more reliable than the rival Skoda Kodiaq, but less reliable than the Toyota Highlander.
From new, there is a five-year transferable warranty, so many examples will still have some cover left.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
Used Hyundai Santa Fe: owners' reliability data
The consensus among owners is that the Hyundai Santa Fe is strong in its reliability, with very few reports of significant mechanical issues. Specifically, plug-in hybrid models have been praised for the trouble-free operation of their electric and petrol power sources, leading to minimal visits to the dealership for repairs.
On the occasion that dealer services were required, feedback has been predominantly positive, with dealers being described as responsive and helpful. Repair times were generally quick, and many issues were resolved under warranty. However, a minority of responses did mention longer wait times for parts and appointments, which was a point of frustration for some.
