I’m considering buying a Hyundai Santa Fe and would love to hear some honest feedback from current owners. Here’s what I’m looking for in a car:
Roomy, preferably with 7 seats
Available in Europe
Super reliable for family road trips
The Santa Fe seems to tick all the boxes, but I’ve come across some worrying reviews online:
I’ve read that the engine might not last very long and there are some reports of Santa Fe’s catching fire, which has me concerned. I also saw issues mentioned about the transmission, especially the automatic gearbox.
On top of that, I’m a bit nervous about Hyundai’s customer support. If problems come up, I’d like to know that they’re helpful and reliable.
So, if you own a Santa Fe, could you share your experiences? Are these issues real, or do they just happen in a few cases? How has your Santa Fe held up? Is Hyundai’s service good if problems arise?
Any feedback would be really helpful as I try to make a decision. Thanks in advance!
Customer service can vary a lot depending on the dealership and location. I’d suggest going down to the service center and chatting with a few people who’ve had repairs done.
I haven’t heard of fires with the ‘24/25 Santa Fe models.
There was a software glitch with the transmission on some 2024 gas engines that caused problems, but it’s been sorted out now.
Since this model is new, it’s hard to say about long-term reliability, but a lot of people seem happy so far. Hyundai has had its share of issues, but honestly, Honda and Toyota have had their own reliability hiccups recently too. Hyundai’s reliability seems to be improving overall.
I had a transmission leak at only 800 miles. Thankfully, it got fixed faster than most; I only waited about 25 days, which seems quick compared to others.
If you’re around Southern Arizona, avoid Jim Click Hyundai dealerships if you can. They’re fine with selling cars, but getting warranty service done is a different story. It’s like they don’t care about Hyundai customers once the sale is over.
I got a ‘24 Calligraphy AWD back in June, and it’s already clocked around 8,800 miles. My first service was done around 5,800 miles when the car signaled for an oil change. I’ve taken it on several road trips and use it every day for work as a home healthcare nurse, so it’s driven a lot! So far, I haven’t had any issues and hope it stays that way.
I can’t comment on the newer models, but my 2008 has been really solid. It’s rusty since I’m in the rust belt, but it keeps going strong. Recently, the dealership found the subframe rusted out and unsafe to drive. Hyundai replaced it along with a control arm, and even covered a rental car for five months while waiting on parts. All free of charge.
I’ve got a 2023 hybrid Santa Fe, which has the same powertrain as the current model. No issues at 24,000 miles. I feel the 1.6L hybrid engine is more reliable than the 2.5L, and the transmission is an older torque converter, which seems to hold up better than the DCT in the 2.5L. I’d go with the hybrid if you want fewer worries and better fuel economy.
I drive the Santa Fe Calligraphy, and I love it. It’s got about 15,000 miles on it now with zero problems. It’s comfortable, packed with features, and drives great.
Just a guy on the internet here, but I’ve had my ‘24 Santa Fe since May, and I’ve already put about 14,000 kilometers on it without any issues. I also own a ‘24 Tucson, which has been great too. Just my two cents.
The new Santa Fe model is too fresh to judge for reliability, but the previous version was pretty solid and uses the same powertrain as the current one. We have a 2022 Tucson hybrid that’s been trouble-free for 50,000 miles. I’m even thinking about trading my 2013 Santa Fe for a 2025 hybrid.
Most of the transmission issues were with the DCT on non-hybrid models. That’s why I prefer the hybrid for the torque converter transmission. My 2013 model did have major engine issues and a recall for fires, but after replacing the engine, it’s been good. Despite that, I still like Hyundai because the quality overall is high compared to Honda and Toyota.
Bottom line: I’d recommend the Santa Fe, but I’d go hybrid if that’s an option for you.
I loved my 2020 Santa Fe, but the turbo blew out on my 2.0-liter engine, which was a $7,000 fix. Warranty covered it, but it wasn’t an easy claim, and it helped that my dealer pushed hard with Hyundai’s HQ. They only cover the original owner, so keep up on oil changes and recalls if you want any chance at warranty support.
I’ve had my 2024 Santa Fe since spring, and it’s up to 13,000 miles now after a long road trip. I’ve been getting oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles and use good-quality fuel. The dealership also gave me a 20-year, 200,000-mile powertrain warranty.
I also have older models (a 2005 and a 2003) with a lot of miles on them. Those are still running well and are the reason I went with the ‘24. The 2005 has 220,000 miles and no major engine issues. The 2003 has 160,000 miles. I got both used around 100,000 miles, and they’ve held up great.
Blake said: @Terry
3,000 miles? Isn’t that a bit soon for oil changes?
For turbo engines, it’s a good idea to change oil more often since the oil helps cool the turbo. These engines get hot, especially after intense driving. When you turn off the engine, the oil in the turbo’s cooling lines absorbs the leftover heat, which can degrade it. If it gets bad, oil can sludge up and block passages, which could damage the turbo or even starve the engine of oil.
It’s better to spend on oil changes than engine parts. For non-turbo engines, you might go 5-7k, but with a turbo, every 3k is just extra protection.
I’m only at 1,000 miles on my ‘24 Limited Hybrid, but no problems yet. This is actually my sixth Hyundai. The only issue I had was with my 2015 Sonata, which broke down at 90k miles. A dealer near my work (not where I bought it) replaced the engine under warranty and even gave me an Elantra to drive while it was fixed. No costs at all.
Love my 2024 XRT model. Only issue so far was a CV boot that wasn’t sealed tightly from the factory, causing some grease to leak. They’re replacing it for me, and it’s been driving fine otherwise. No vibrations, and the transmission’s smooth at over 5,000 miles.
I also have a 2019 Santa Fe, coming up on 50,000 miles with no major issues. It’s a bit underpowered without the turbo, but still reliable. The 2024’s interior feels much nicer, though.