Last updated: 2026-03-04
Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability by Year
The Hyundai Santa-FE averages 69/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability Overview
The Hyundai Santa Fe, covering model years 2018 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 80/100, with specific years ranging from 74 to 84. Common issues reported by owners include engine and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier models, and electrical system concerns, with a complaint rate peaking in 2018 at 41.8 per 10,000 sold. The vehicle has an estimated annual repair cost of $515, which is below the midsize SUV average, indicating a moderate maintenance burden.
Current generation: 5th gen (2024–2023).
Best & Worst Hyundai Santa-FE Years
Best Hyundai Santa-FE Years to Buy
The best Hyundai Santa-FE year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2023 (70/100).
Hyundai Santa-FE Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Santa-FE year is 2018 with a score of 63/100, primarily due to engine (205) issues.
See full Hyundai Santa-FE years-to-avoid analysis →Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Santa-FE reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Hyundai Santa-FE
5 recalls · 5 complaints
The 2026 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa-FE. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (2), Unknown Or Other (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
2025 Hyundai Santa-FE
6 recalls · 109 complaints
The 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 109 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Unknown Or Other (16), Vehicle Speed Control (14).
2024 Hyundai Santa-FE
9 recalls · 109 complaints
The 2024 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 109 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (28), Unknown Or Other (24), Electrical System (11).
2023 Hyundai Santa-FE
4 recalls · 244 complaints
The 2023 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 244 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (50), Unknown Or Other (49), Electrical System (34).
2022 Hyundai Santa-FE
14 recalls · 223 complaints
The 2022 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 14 recalls and 223 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (63), Unknown Or Other (33), Engine (27).
2021 Hyundai Santa-FE
10 recalls · 165 complaints
The 2021 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 165 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (52), Unknown Or Other (28), Electrical System (25).
2020 Hyundai Santa-FE
2 recalls · 165 complaints
The 2020 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 165 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (38), Unknown Or Other (25), Electrical System (20).
2019 Hyundai Santa-FE
3 recalls · 201 complaints
The 2019 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 201 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 11 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (45), Unknown Or Other (39), Power Train (24).
2018 Hyundai Santa-FE
7 recalls · 489 complaints
The 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 489 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 14 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (205), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (59), Unknown Or Other (54).
Hyundai Santa-FE Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$515
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
10%
$58 below the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #2 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Hyundai Santa-FE Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Hyundai Models
Compare all Hyundai models by reliability
Compare Hyundai Santa-FE With Similar SUVs
The Hyundai Santa-FE competes with other midsize suvs such as Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Passport.
Honda Pilot reliability
9 years tracked · 2382 complaints
Toyota Highlander reliability
9 years tracked · 1892 complaints
Honda Passport reliability
8 years tracked · 548 complaints
Nissan Pathfinder reliability
8 years tracked · 457 complaints
Toyota Grand Highlander reliability
3 years tracked · 204 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hyundai Santa-FE reliable?
- The Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability with an average score of 69/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Santa-FE?
- The best year for the Hyundai Santa-FE is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. It has 6 recalls and 109 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE analysis →
- What are the Hyundai Santa-FE years to avoid?
- The Hyundai Santa-FE years to avoid include 2018 (63/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Santa-FE?
- The Hyundai Santa-FE has an estimated annual repair cost of $515, which is $58 below the midsize SUVs average of $573. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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. 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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