Hyundai Santa Fe reliability
The Hyundai Santa Fe fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 46.1% of 17,145 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
21 DVSA recalls for the Hyundai Santa Fe
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
The vehicle may have incorrectly secured front seat belt anchor points
Affected vehicles may have incorrectly secured front seat belt anchor points. This may result in a lack of protection in the event of a vehicle collision.
Fix: A modification will be applied to the seat belt anchor area to rectify the concern
Recalled models: SANTA FE MX5 · 6,943 vehicles
Some vehicles may have an instrument cluster operational concern whilst driving the vehicle
Some vehicles may face a concern where the instrument cluster panel may reboot during vehicle operation potentially resulting in a blank instrument cluster display screen.
Fix: To correct this an ‘Over the Air ‘ software update to the vehicles will be deployed remotely.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 1,143 vehicles
The main floor wiring harness could become damaged due to contact with the second-row bench seat folding hinge assembly. This may result in a malfunction of the supplemental restraint system.
Some Santa Fe (MX5) vehicles may experience the main floor wiring harness becoming damaged due to contact with the second-row bench seat folding hinge assembly.
Fix: The affected vehicles will be inspected and the main wiring harness will be secured and routed as specified within the Technical Service Bulletin. In the event the main wiring harness is damaged the main floor wire harness will be replaced
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 173 vehicles
A potential safety defect has been identified which could occur within the ABS control unit. The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short circuit.
On affected vehicles the HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) for the ABS could experience an electrical short circuit with a potential that the malfunction indicator light may become illuminated (MIL and /or ABS light) and a burning smell may emanate from the engine compartment and the HECU components.
Fix: The affected vehicles will have a low-capacity fuse installed within the engine compartment junction box
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 5,306 vehicles
The vehicle fuel tank may be manufactured incorrectly which may result in a fuel leak
The vehicle fuel tank may be manufactured incorrectly which may result in a fuel leak.
Fix: Inspect the vehicle fuel tank and replace it if required.
Recalled models: SANTA FE TM · 20 vehicles
: Some vehicles may experience an abnormal front seat belt pretensioner deployment during a vehicle impact.
Some vehicles may experience an abnormal front seat belt pretensioner deployment during a vehicle impact.
Fix: Install front seat belt pretensioner protection caps to both front seat belts.
Recalled models: SANTA FE TM PE · 1,894 vehicles
Certain vehicles may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive.
Certain vehicles may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive.
Fix: Conduct a software update to the DCT transmission control unit (TCU).
Recalled models: SANTA FE TM · 376 vehicles
The abs control unit within the affected vin range could experience an electrical short
The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short. Hyundai have put advice in the interim letter for the registered keeper is to park the vehicle in an outdoor location allowing space around it until the recall is complete.
Fix: Replace the under-bonnet fuse box multi-fuse which controls the ABS control unit to a lower fuse amperage rating.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 80,559 vehicles
The instrument panel cluster liquid-crystal display panel in the subject vehicles may have been manufactured with incorrect specification resistors
The instrument panel cluster liquid-crystal display panel in the subject vehicles may have been manufactured with incorrect specification resistors.
Fix: Replace the instrument cluster assembly.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 36 vehicles
IN THE EVENT OF eCALL TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENT
The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Fix: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 1,879 vehicles
The anti-lock brake system module remains energized when vehicle is turned off
There could be an increased risk of a �key off� engine compartment fire.
Fix: Install a relay in the main vehicle fuse box to stop the live positive feed to the ABS module with �key off�.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 9,654 vehicles
Curtain air bag may not inflate correctly if deployed
The cushion within the curtain airbag maybe damaged when it is deployed.
Fix: On affected vehicles a rubber pad has to be attached to the curtain airbag mounting bolt.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 239 vehicles
Steering wheel may detach
On affected vehicles when the steering wheel is turned form lock to lock it will be possible for the outer rim of the steering wheel to break away from the boss. If this occurs the vehicle cannot be steered by the driver.
Fix: The steering wheel airbag must be removed to determine the lot number of the steering wheel. If found to be faulty the steering wheel will be replaced.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 304 vehicles
Fuel may leak
On vehicles fitted with the high power R diesel engine fuel may leak from the fuel feed pipe connection at the high pressure pump. Drivers would feel a lack of power from the engine and possibly smell diesel.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the feed pipe with a new version.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 132 vehicles
Bonnet may open unexpectedly
Water ingress into the bonnet release cable may cause corrosion and affect the operation of the cable which could lead to unintentional opening of the bonnet.
Fix: On affected vehicles the upper bonnet catch cable will be replaced with a new modified cable with better seals at the end of the cable.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 12,380 vehicles
Brake lights may malfunction
The vehicles brake lights may intermittently malfunction due to carbonisation of the contacts within the brake light switch. This can also affect other systems on the vehicle including: ESC cruise control gear selection (autoboxes) engine check lamp.
Fix: Recall the vehicle that are likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 87,795 vehicles
Fuel may leak
It is possible for the engine cover to contact the two bulkhead panel to engine fuel hoses. If contact is made it is possible that the hose could chafe through and leak.
Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to inspect the fuel hoses and where necessary fit a securing clip. If the hose is damaged a new hose and clip will be fitted.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 9,989 vehicles
Suspension may fail
Trajet and Sante Fe - Corrosion may build up and weaken the rear suspension arms to an extent where they could fail and the directional control of the vehicle could be affected. Sante Fe models additionally have a similar concern with the front sub-frame.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to test the thickness of the metal of the suspension arms. If the corrosion is not too advanced the arms/sub-frame will be wax oiled. If the corrosion is advanced the suspension arms will have to be changed.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 16,927 vehicles
Possible fuel leak
On Diesel engined vehicles it is possible for the water separator sensor to leak which in turn causes a diesel fuel leak.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check water separtaor for damage and replace where necessary.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 711 vehicles
Possible fuel leak and engine shutdown.
The threaded portion of the water separator sensor sub assembly in the fuel filter may break if overtightened when fitting the sensor to the fuel filter housing following draining. This could result in a fuel leak and unscheduled shut down of the engine.
Fix: Examine the water separator sensor for damage and replace where necessary. In addition issue technical information to the dealers giving details of the torque specification for this component.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 419 vehicles
Possible fuel leak
Flexible fuel inlet and return pipes (5 of) may split resulting in a serious fuel leak.
Fix: Renew all potentially affected fuel pipes.
Recalled models: SANTA FE · 352 vehicles
Checking a Hyundai Santa Fe before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.