Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Santa-FE

1 Hyundai Santa-FE Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Hyundai Santa-FE average of 69/100

The Hyundai Santa-FE years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 63/100. The best Hyundai Santa-FE year to buy is 2025 75/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE scores significantly below the model average of 69/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 63/100 due to engine (205) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Hyundai Santa-FE Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Santa-FE average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201863/100Good7489Engine (205)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Hyundai Santa-FE

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).

7 recalls489 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (205), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (59), Unknown Or Other (54), Electrical System (30), Power Train (28), Engine And Engine Cooling (12)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Santa-FE Problems?

Top reported issues across all Hyundai Santa-FE model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

321 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

269 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

243 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

185 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

105 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

62 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Hyundai Santa-FE Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Hyundai Santa-FE

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).

Score: 69/100 (Good)3 recalls201 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Hyundai Santa-FE Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hyundai Santa-FE years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Hyundai Santa-FE years: 2018 (score: 63/100). These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Santa-FE average of 69/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 109 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Santa-FE have?
Across all years in our database, the Hyundai Santa-FE has a total of 60 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Hyundai Santa-FE worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Hyundai Santa-FE problems?
The most common Hyundai Santa-FE problems are engine (321 complaints), power train (269 complaints), unknown or other (243 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Hyundai Santa-FE reliable long-term?
The Hyundai Santa-FE has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Hyundai Santa-FE generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Hyundai Santa-FE generation is the Fourth generation (TM) with an average score of 69/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Santa-FE?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Hyundai Santa-FE is $515 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 109 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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. 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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