The engine years to know are 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport and 2019 Santa Fe with the 2.4 GDI or 2.0 turbo, which carry a lifetime short-block warranty once the knock sensor software is installed. Beyond engines, most 2013-2023 Santa Fes are in at least one park-outside fire recall, for the ABS module or the factory tow hitch harness.
The name Santa Fe has covered three different vehicles in the US, which confuses used shoppers. From 2013 to 2018 the two-row model was the Santa Fe Sport and the three-row model with the V6 was the Santa Fe. For 2019 the three-row became the Santa Fe XL for a final year before the Palisade, and the two-row took the plain Santa Fe name, which it still has.
RepairPal rates the Santa Fe 4.0 out of 5, 2nd of 26 midsize SUVs, with average repair and maintenance spending of about $515 a year, just 0.2 unscheduled shop visits a year and a 10 percent chance any repair is severe. Those are strong numbers for a family SUV, and they explain why so many Boca families keep one for a decade.
The exceptions are serious but specific. The Theta II four-cylinders in the Sport and the 2019-2020 two-row models can wear their connecting rod bearings, several ABS modules can short and catch fire, and on newer models the 2.5 turbo and factory tow hitch harness have their own fire-risk recalls.
Hyundai Santa Fe generations
Fifth generation
2024-presentBoxy full redesign. EPA rates the 2.5T at 22-24 mpg combined and the Hybrid at 34-36 mpg. Early recalls cover a 2024 transmission software rollaway risk, rearview camera faults and seat belt anchors on 2024-2026 models.
Fourth generation (two-row)
2019-2023For 2021 the Theta II engines gave way to the 2.5L family. The 2019 model is in the Theta II settlement. Most of this generation is in the tow hitch harness fire recall 23V-181, and 2021-2022 2.5 turbos had fuel pipe recalls.
Third generation: Santa Fe Sport and three-row Santa Fe
2013-2018 (2019 Santa Fe XL)The Sport is the engine-settlement vehicle; the V6 three-row is outside it except for a small 2017 crankshaft recall. Both body styles have ABS fire recalls.
Second generation
2010-2012The 2.4 MPI is covered by the Engine II extension, and 2012 models with it are in rod bearing recall 20V-746.
Known Hyundai Santa Fe problems by year
Theta II rod bearing failure in the Santa Fe Sport
Debris left from machining the crankshaft can restrict oil to the connecting rod bearings. Owners hear a knock that grows with load and then see oil pressure or check engine warnings. 2013-2014 Sports were recalled under 17V-226, and all these years carry lifetime short-block coverage for original and later owners under the Theta II settlement, as long as the knock sensor update is installed.
Guide: What is that knocking noise coming from my engine?2.4 MPI bearing wear on the 2010-2012 model
The port-injected Theta II in the older Santa Fe falls under Hyundai's Engine II extension of 15 years or 150,000 miles for rod bearing damage, and 2012 models are also in recall 20V-746, which inspects the engine, replaces it if bearings are damaged and installs the knock sensor software. The V6 versions are not included.
Guide: Check engine light on but the car drives fine: what does it mean?ABS module internal leak and fire
Brake fluid can seep into the ABS control unit and short the circuit board, which can start a fire with the ignition off. Every one of these recalls carries a park-outside advisory. The remedy is a new ABS fuse, with module replacement as needed on some campaigns.
Guide: ABS light on: is it safe to drive, and what causes it?Factory tow hitch harness short
Water collecting on the hitch harness module circuit board can short it. About 585,000 vehicles were recalled under 23V-181 whether the harness was factory or dealer installed. Owners were told to park outside until dealers add a fuse and wire extension kit.
2.5 turbo fuel and oil line leaks
The joint between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail could be under-tightened or leak, and on some 2022 models the turbocharger oil supply pipe could crack. A raw fuel smell or oily smoke from under the hood is a reason to stop and call for a tow.
Guide: Why does my car smell like something is burning?Turn-key theft vulnerability
Key-start versions lack an immobilizer and became theft targets. Hyundai's free software blocks starting after the car is locked with the fob and doubles the alarm length. Push-button-start models are not affected.
Notable recalls
- 17V-226 (2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport (and Sonata)): Machining errors can cause premature engine bearing wear and seizure. About 572,000 vehicles. Cars repaired under it were later checked for a misaligned fuel pipe under 18V-934.
- 20V-746 (2012 Santa Fe (with 2015-2016 Veloster and some Sonata Hybrids)): Connecting rod bearings may wear early and damage the engine, with stall or fire risk. Dealers inspect, replace the engine if needed and install the knock sensor software.
- 21V-303 (2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport): Brake fluid may leak inside the ABS module and short it. Park outside and away from structures; dealers replace the ABS multi-fuse and the module if needed.
- 22V-056 (2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL): The ABS module could malfunction and short, with an engine compartment fire risk. About 357,000 vehicles including some Tucsons. Park outside until fixed.
- 23V-181 (2019-2023 Santa Fe, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid with a tow hitch harness): Water can short the hitch harness module circuit board and cause a fire. Park outside until dealers fit a new fuse and wire extension kit.
- 21V-524 (2021-2022 Santa Fe with the 2.5L turbo): Fuel may leak at the connection between the high-pressure pump and fuel rail, a fire risk. An earlier campaign, 21V-308, covered under-tightened pipes on 2021 models.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised Hyundai dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since this list is not complete.
Maintenance that matters
| Every 3,750-5,000 miles or 6 months | Oil and filter on the severe schedule. On any Theta II engine, keep receipts with date, mileage and oil spec; Hyundai can ask for them before approving an engine claim. |
| Every 7,500 miles | Rotate tires and inspect brakes. Glance under the hood for brake fluid residue around the ABS unit on recalled years. |
| Every 15,000 miles | Cabin air filter, sooner if the A/C smells damp. Inspect the tow hitch wiring for corrosion if you have one. |
| 30,000 miles | Engine air filter and brake fluid check. On the 2.5 turbo with the dual-clutch, ask about any transmission software updates. |
| 45,000-100,000 miles | Spark plugs (turbos earlier), coolant per the manual, and transmission fluid if you tow or drive in heavy traffic. |
Confirm against your owner's manual or maintenance minder for your exact year and engine.
Typical Hyundai Santa Fe repair costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic oil change | $70-$120 | V6 and 2.5T at the higher end. |
| Engine, ABS and tow hitch recalls, knock sensor software | free | |
| A/C compressor replacement | $1,300-$1,750 | RepairPal national estimate $1,281-$1,617 before tax. |
| Front pads and rotors | $380-$600 per axle | |
| Replacement engine outside coverage | $5,000-$9,000 | V6 and turbo engines cost more than the 2.4. |
| ABS module out of recall | $900-$1,700 | |
| Spark plugs | $180-$320 four-cylinder, $350-$550 V6 |
Typical South Florida ranges for parts and labor, for budgeting only. Your quote depends on the vehicle and the shop.
Buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Best used picks: a 2021-2023 Santa Fe with the non-turbo 2.5 or the Hybrid, with the tow hitch recall done. These avoid the Theta II engines entirely and have a cleaner record than the turbos.
- A 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport or 2019 Santa Fe can be fine value because the lifetime engine coverage follows the car. Get the dealer printout showing the knock sensor update, every engine recall and the ABS recalls are closed before you pay.
- The three-row 2013-2018 Santa Fe and 2019 XL with the 3.3 V6 are outside the engine settlements. Check the ABS recall and, on 2017 models, the small crankshaft recall 17V-578.
- On a 2021-2022 2.5 turbo, confirm both fuel pipe recalls and the 2022 turbo oil pipe recall. Smell under the hood after a test drive for fuel or hot oil.
The Florida factor
Four or five separate park-outside recalls cover Santa Fe years that Boca families still drive daily. That matters most in hurricane season, when a car would normally go in the garage. If yours is a 2013-2023, look up the VIN in May and book the dealer then, rather than in the week a storm is forecast.
Many Santa Fes here wear a factory hitch for a bike rack or small boat trailer heading to the Boca Raton Inlet or Lake Ida ramps. Salt water and summer rain are exactly what shorts the hitch harness module, which is why recall 23V-181 exists. Rinse the hitch area after a launch and get the fuse kit installed.
The 2.4 GDI and 2.0 turbo have spent years idling in car lines and on Military Trail with the A/C running. That piles up engine hours without miles, so change oil by the calendar, every 6 months at most, and keep the receipts that a lifetime warranty claim may need.
Repair shops near Boca Raton
- Boca Auto Fix4301 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
- Element, Pickup trucks and trailer repair3120D Northwest 16th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064
- Europen Auto Service CentreParkland, FL
- Ferrari of Boca Raton6403 W Rogers Cir, Boca Raton, FL, 33487
- FirestonePompano Beach, FL
- Firestone1259 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Hyundai Santa Fe FAQ
Is the Santa Fe Sport the same as the Santa Fe?
For 2013-2018 the Santa Fe Sport was the two-row model and the Santa Fe was the larger three-row V6. In 2019 the two-row took the Santa Fe name and the three-row became the Santa Fe XL for its last year.
Which Santa Fe years have the bad engine?
Rod bearing problems are documented on the 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport and 2019 Santa Fe with the 2.4 GDI or 2.0T, and on the 2010-2012 Santa Fe with the 2.4 MPI. The V6 models and the 2021-and-newer 2.5 engines are outside those programs.
My Santa Fe is under an ABS park-outside recall. Is it safe to drive?
NHTSA's advisories allow driving but say to park outside and away from buildings until the repair is done, because the fire can start with the car off. The repair is free and usually quick.
Does the lifetime engine warranty cover a used Santa Fe Sport?
Yes, the Theta II settlement's lifetime short-block coverage applies to original and subsequent owners of eligible vehicles, provided the knock sensor software has been installed.
Guides for Hyundai Santa Fe owners
More for Hyundai owners: Hyundai owner's guide
- National Oil and Lube News: Hyundai and Kia Theta II settlement covered vehicles
- NHTSA recall 23V-181: Santa Fe tow hitch harness fire risk
- NHTSA recall 22V-056: Santa Fe ABS module short
- RepairPal: Hyundai Santa Fe reliability
- Hyundai anti-theft software eligible models
General information, not a diagnosis. A car problem can have causes a guide cannot see, so have anything safety-related inspected in person. Read our editorial policy.