Last updated: 2026-08-24

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and the Hyundai Santa-FE? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Hyundai Santa-FE currently leads with an average score of 70/100 compared to 53/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Hyundai Santa-FE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Hyundai Santa Fe is in its fifth generation, which began in 2024. This generation is relatively new, and newer platforms can sometimes experience first-year issues as they undergo real-world testing and refinement. The fourth-generation Santa Fe, which ran from 2019 to 2023 with a facelift in 2021, was more mature and typically more reliable due to its established platform. The Chevrolet Blazer EV, introduced in 2024, is still in its first generation. Being early in its generation cycle, potential buyers might encounter initial teething issues typical of new models. As a first-generation model, it lacks the long-term reliability data that supports more mature platforms.

Verdict

The Hyundai Santa-FE is more reliable than the Chevrolet Blazer-EV, scoring 70/100 vs 53/100.

The Hyundai Santa-FE surpasses the Chevrolet Blazer-EV in reliability, boasting a higher average reliability score of 70/100 compared to the Blazer-EV's 53/100. While the Santa-FE has experienced more recalls over its longer production period, its complaint rate per 10,000 sold is significantly lower at 8 compared to the Blazer-EV's 26.6. Furthermore, the Santa-FE's estimated annual repair cost of $515 adds an advantage given the lack of available repair cost data for the Blazer-EV. Common issues for both vehicles include electrical systems and service brakes, but the Santa-FE's overall lower complaint rate and established reliability score make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

  1. 1Chevrolet Blazer-EV has 52 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Hyundai Santa-FE has 18.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Hyundai Santa-FE scores 17 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Chevrolet Blazer-EV
2Hyundai Santa-FE
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet Blazer-EVHyundai Santa-FE
Reliability Score53/10070/100
Years Tracked29
Total Recalls860
Complaints per 10k Sold26.68
Year Wins02

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Hyundai Santa-FE?

The Hyundai Santa-FE shows a higher concentration of complaints, particularly in the engine and power train categories, with significant numbers also linked to crashes, such as 9 crash-linked power train complaints. In contrast, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV, with fewer total complaints, predominantly faces issues in the electrical system and service brakes, with only a single crash-linked complaint in the electrical system. Notably, the Santa-FE experiences a broader range of issues across various components, including a higher incidence of crash-linked problems in service brakes and vehicle speed control, whereas the Blazer-EV's complaints are less severe and more focused on non-critical areas like visibility and wipers. This suggests that while the Blazer-EV has fewer overall problems, the Santa-FE may require more attention to engine and safety-related systems.

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet Blazer-EVHyundai Santa-FE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6.5Average0.9Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES4.8Average0.5Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3.7Average0.3Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.7Low1.1Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER2.5Low0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.8Very Low1.3Low
PARKING BRAKE1.7LowNone
ENGINENone1.5Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.8Very LowNone
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.6Very Low0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION0.6Very LowNone
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNone0.3Very Low
STEERINGNone0.2Very Low
AIR BAGSNone0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNone0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTSNoneNone
VISIBILITYNoneNone
TIRESNoneNone

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Blazer-EV or Hyundai Santa-FE?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Hyundai Santa-FE incurs an annual repair cost of $515, with an average of 0.2 repair visits per year and a 10% risk of major repairs. Over five years, this amounts to $2,575 in maintenance expenses. Unfortunately, specific cost data for the Chevrolet Blazer-EV is unavailable. However, electric vehicles generally have fewer moving parts, potentially leading to lower maintenance and repair costs. Considering the repair frequency and major repair risk, the Hyundai Santa-FE presents a clear picture of its repair profile, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers. Without concrete data, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV remains an uncertain option for those prioritizing predictable maintenance expenses.

How Does Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet Blazer-EVHyundai Santa-FEEdge
202557/1003R / 18C75/1006R / 109CHyundai Santa-FE
202449/1005R / 76C73/1009R / 109CHyundai Santa-FE

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer-EV scored 57/100 and the 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE scored 75/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs the Hyundai Santa-FE?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Hyundai Santa-FE is your best choice. With a reliability score of 70/100, it outperforms the Chevrolet Blazer-EV's score of 53/100. The Santa-FE has an estimated annual repair cost of $515 and a low repair frequency of 0.2 times per year, making it a cost-effective option for those who want peace of mind. Despite having more recalls, it has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (8 compared to the Blazer-EV's 26.6), suggesting better overall satisfaction among owners. On the other hand, if you're drawn to electric vehicles and willing to navigate potential issues with newer technology, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV might appeal to you. However, be prepared for a potentially higher number of owner complaints and unresolved repair cost and frequency data. The Blazer-EV's focus on advanced features like forward collision avoidance may attract tech enthusiasts, but it comes with trade-offs in reliability.

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Hyundai Santa-FE: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Blazer-EV more reliable than the Hyundai Santa-FE?
Based on our data, the Hyundai Santa-FE is more reliable with an average score of 70/100 compared to 53/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV or the Hyundai Santa-FE?
The Hyundai Santa-FE has more recalls (60) compared to the Chevrolet Blazer-EV (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV or the Hyundai Santa-FE?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Santa-FE has a lower complaint rate at 8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 26.6 for the Chevrolet Blazer-EV. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Decided between Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Hyundai Santa-FE? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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