2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Hyundai Santa Fe Change Vehicle

Unlock Ratings
The new Santa Fe is a compelling midsized SUV. It slots above Hyundai’s Tucson and competes with the likes of the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, but it is priced close to some top-trim versions of compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, which can make it a bargain. We like its size, safety features, and handling, but buyers should skip the more expensive turbo engine because of its uneven acceleration.
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There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Hyundai Santa Fe

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS available, standard from 2005. Side air bags standard from 2003. Head protection air bags and ESC standard from 2007.
Road Test

The new Santa Fe is a compelling midsized SUV. It slots above Hyundai’s Tucson and competes with the likes of the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, but it is priced close to some top-trim versions of compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, which can make it a bargain. We like its size, safety features, and handling, but buyers should skip the more expensive turbo engine because of its uneven acceleration.

It’s available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an uplevel 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.4-liter is smooth and provides a predictable power delivery, while the optional turbo engine delivers plenty of power, but it comes in bursts, unexpectedly hesitating or launching the SUV forward. We measured 21 mpg overall with the turbo we tested, which doesn’t stand out in the class.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD , Front
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 8-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (235 hp)
  • 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Android Auto

"When using smart phone based GPS program, system lost link many times and I was forced to disconnect and reconnect the data cable to get the GPS working again.This might happen as often as every five minutes."

Anonymous, ON (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"After initial pairing, subsequent connections are unreliable."

Anonymous, NJ (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Apple CarPlay

"Disconnects shortly after connecting"

Anonymous, NJ (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"The camera still works but about one half inch on the bottom of the screen is a solid red bar"

Anonymous, FL (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen freezes up

"On startup screen display did not come on a couple of times"

Anonymous, NJ (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The BlueLink system has rebooted on 3 occasions, each of these occasions system rebooted approximately 2o times and returned to working correctly?"

Anonymous, CT (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Torque converter

"Experienced hard shifts from 1st to 2nd gears. Dealer replaced torque converter under warranty. Resolved the problem."

Anonymous, TX (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Shifting at low speed sometimes rough and Hyundai diagnosed it as a torque converter issue. Currently waiting for parts from Korea."

Anonymous, AB (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Erratic shifting, hesitation. Jerking from one gear to the next. Dealer kept it for three weeks and proved a loaner vehicle."

Anonymous, PA (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"I am still waiting for the transmission to be replaced."

Dennis S., AB (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Trans would shift into neutral, had to be replaced"

George G., PA (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Body control module

"windshield wipers operated continuously with the control switch off; head light issue. Problem was a bad electrical ground on the forward right fender well in the engine compartment."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"condensation inside DRL light assembly"

Anonymous, KY (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Interior lights

"Light illuminating window switch"

Anonymous, NE (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Keyless entry

"Yesterday I had a problem locking my door by pressing on the drivers handle. I even tried the fob but didn't work until several attempts were made. I will speak with the dealership about this to see if I need to bring the car in for service."

Patricia B., IL (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"Transmission is NOT smooth shifting. It jerks, jolts and jumps when shifting through lower gears. Downshifts are hesitant when need to accelerate to merge into traffic or change lanes. Nothing happens."

Anonymous, AB (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Rough shifting

"See previous comments. Rough shifts were related to defective torque converter."

Anonymous, TX (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Transmission in not smooth shifting in lower gears. Tends to stay in a lower gear too longer then jolts into the next gear. Also does not downshift well; will get alot of engine revving before any action from the transmission. Can be scary when trying to merge into traffic."

Anonymous, AB (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Problem is in the lower end (1st,2nd,3rd gears) Seems to be worst when first starting out. Shift is very rough causing a head shake when it finally shifts. Hyundai Canada is aware and have indicated that the transmission will be replaced. I have heard and read about other Santa Fe vehicles having the same problem. Most annoying on a new vehicle."

Dennis S., AB (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"One of the headlights was consistently full of water vapor. Dealer said that this was "normal." It took going up a couple of corporate layers to get the problem grudgingly resolved."

Anonymous, SC (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"Sun roof rattles"

Anonymous, LA (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Bracket on sun-roof broke and was rattling."

Donald N., IL (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Rear seat mounting frame bent/misaligned allowing flex and squeak. Seat frame replaced by dealer under warranty."

Anonymous, ON (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"Fan verses air flow on speed 2 setting"

Anonymous, (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Fan made a high pitched whistling noise when turned above level 3"

Anonymous, BC (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Electronic ignition

"Same as the computer problem I commented on before."

Anonymous, MI (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering pumps and hoses

"electric power steering motor died"

Anonymous, (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Tailgate not properly aligned in opening."

Anonymous, (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"It would stop the car, and then reset on restart. Took to dealer and after a few hours found that the battery voltage was low."

Gene C., MN (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The gas filler door came of in a car wash. Only the painted metal door fell off, the plastic backing was secure."

Anonymous, AL (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"My vehicle has the stop/start engine function at a stop light. During the colder months it seems that the stop/start function does not activate. The dealer has reset the module, Ive had a new battery still only works sometimes."

Anonymous, MI (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"Dealer identified the problem. During production, the left front axle was not secured to the frame at the differential & was moving in & out slightly whenever I made a turn causing a thumping sound."

Anonymous, PA (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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