GradeHyundai Santa Fe Reliability Grade
Poor reliability
Grade a specific Hyundai Santa Fe
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Hyundai Santa Fe earns a D overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 19th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The engine (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 5,033 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Hyundai Santa Fe reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2002, 2005 and 2006
Years to avoid: 2009 (stalling / loss of power), 2014 (stalling / loss of power), 2017 (engine failure / knocking) and 2022–2023 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Hyundai Santa Fe last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. other midsize SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | A | A | A |
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Buick Enclave | A- | B+ | A- |
| Toyota Highlander | A- | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-9 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Subaru Outback | B+ | B | B |
| Chevrolet Traverse | B | C+ | B- |
| GMC Acadia | B | C | B- |
| Dodge Journey | B- | B- | B- |
| Honda Pilot | C | C+ | C+ |
| Nissan Pathfinder | B- | C | C+ |
| Subaru Ascent | B | C- | C+ |
| Chevrolet Blazer | C+ | C- | C+ |
| Dodge Durango | B- | C+ | C+ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | C | C- | C |
| Volkswagen Atlas | C- | B | C |
| Ford Explorer | C+ | C | C- |
| Honda Passport | C | C | C- |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | D | C- | D |
| Kia Sorento | D | C- | D |
| Ford Edge | C | D | D |
| Hyundai Palisade | D | D | F |
| Kia Telluride | D | D | F |
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Rate your Santa FeHyundai Santa Fe reliability FAQ
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Poor reliability. The Hyundai Santa Fe earns a D overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 19th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The engine (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 5,033 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Hyundai Santa Fe last?
We estimate a well-maintained Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 190,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Hyundai Santa Fe model years are 2002, 2005 and 2006.
What Hyundai Santa Fe years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Hyundai Santa Fe years to be most careful with are 2009, 2014, 2017, 2022 and 2023. The 2017 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is engine failure / knocking. The 2009 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Hyundai Santa Fe transmission a C- (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Hyundai Santa Fe engine a D (poor reliability).