Hyundai Santa fe sport problems
The Hyundai Santa Fe (Korean: 현대 싼타페) is an automobile produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 2000. It is a five-door crossover SUV that either has front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It is named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was introduced for the 2001 model year as Hyundai's first SUV. The Santa Fe was a milestone in the company's restructuring program of the late 1990s because the SUV was a hit with American buyers. Between 2006 and 2012, the Santa Fe was positioned between the smaller Tucson compact crossover and the larger Veracruz.
The third-generation Santa Fe introduced in 2012 was available in two versions, which are regular (short) and extended long-wheelbase version. The short model was sold as the Santa Fe Sport in North America (three-row seating was not available) and simply Santa Fe in global markets (three-row seating was standard or optional), while the extended long-wheelbase model is called the Santa Fe in the US, Santa Fe XL in Canada and called the Hyundai Maxcruz in South Korea. The fifth and current generation was released in 2023 and omits diesel engines in favor of petrol hybrid powertrains.
As of 2022, the Santa Fe is positioned between the smaller Tucson – which the Santa Fe shares platform with – and the larger Palisade in Hyundai's global crossover SUV line-up.
Social links
Hyundai Santa fe sport model years
Common Hyundai Santa fe sport problems
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a popular compact SUV known for its affordability and wide array of features. However, like any vehicle, it has had its fair share of problems across different model years. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners:
- Airbag Sensor Problems: Drivers of early models reported that their airbag sensor would illuminate irregularly, which would then require the driver to take their car in to be serviced. A recall was issued to update this issue and ensure the correct deployment of airbags, but it's still worth noting for those looking to purchase an older model.
- Faulty Speakers: In more recent models, as late as 2017, drivers reported that around 50,000 miles, models equipped with navigation systems would stop playing sound from all speakers. This issue was often a quick fix and only required a quick reset of the system.
- Fuel Gauge Failure: Some drivers reported that their fuel gauge was not giving an accurate reading of the gas in their tank, which would sometimes result in the driver being stranded without any gas. This specific issue seemed to only affect the 2007 and 2008 models, and could be fixed by replacing the gauge entirely.
- Transmission Problems: The 2017 Santa Fe Sport has been reported to have transmission problems, including hesitation and stutters while shifting gears. This issue can be particularly frustrating for drivers and may require costly repairs.
- Suspension Problems: Some owners have reported suspension problems, including rough rides and difficulty steering, particularly in the 2017 model.
It's important to note that not all models will experience these issues, and many Hyundai Santa Fe Sport owners have reported reliable and trouble-free driving experiences. However, being aware of these common problems can help potential buyers make informed decisions when purchasing a used Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It's also recommended to have any used vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchasing.
What is the most common problem with a Hyundai Santa Fe?
Some of the common issues reported by owners, according to RepairPal, include: Transmission Problems. Engine Issues. Suspension Problems.
Is Hyundai Santa Fe Sport a reliable car?
Common Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a fairly reliable vehicle, and most models don't have significant problems.
What year did Santa Fe have engine problems?
Engine failure is the most challenging and expensive issue, with 2012 and 2013 models having to replace the engine after only 80,000 miles. Faulty fuel level sensors affect 2007 and 2008 Santa Fe, with the 2008 model being the worst hit.
What is the most reliable year for Hyundai Santa Fe?
Most Reliable Hyundai Santa Fe Years—Third Generation (Sold: 2013-2018)
- 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Reliability Verdict: Thumbs Down. ...
- 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. Reliability Verdict: Thumbs Down. ...
- 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. Reliability Verdict: Thumbs Up. ...
- 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. ...
- 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. ...
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Hyundai Santa fe sport years
We have researched Hyundai problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Hyundai Santa fe sport cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Hyundai Santa fe sport model years:
- Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Hyundai Santa fe sport 2013
- Hyundai Santa fe sport 2014
- Hyundai Santa fe sport 2015
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hyundai Santa fe sport model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Hyundai Santa fe sport years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Hyundai Santa fe sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Hyundai Santa fe sport , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Hyundai Santa fe sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Santa fe sport model years
A total of 15 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Santa fe sport model years
There were a total of 39 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Santa fe sport model years
There were a total of 15 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 894 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hyundai Santa fe sport . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Hyundai Santa fe sport vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5NMZUDLB4HH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The engine is burning oil excessively despite on time maintenance. The engine was completely out of oil when I noticed because the oil light and other warning lights never came on.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5XYZT3LB5JG
- Components: ENGINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 MPH, the vehicle shook and vibrated abnormally. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, there were three small children inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil leak and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that several unknown repairs were needed to prior to requesting an engine replacement by the manufacturer. The contact was informed that the unknown repairs were at the vehicle owner’s expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: KM8SR4HF0JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while conducting a routine inspection on the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coolant was low in the coolant reservoir. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that engine needed to be replaced. The dealer suggested that the vehicle remain at the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 5XYZT3LBXJG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The front passenger curtain airbags has failed and created a warning light that dealer indicated caused code B174900 and requires replacement.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle's speed suddenly reduced to under 30 MPH. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 166,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5NMZUDLB3HH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Excessive oil consumption burned off by engine despite registered oil changes by the dealership. No warning laps prior to issue being noticed by owner which can put risk of driver and passengers in danger of engine failure.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 5XYZWDLA7HG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sports. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately respond, and the vehicle decelerated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 5XYZUDLBXDG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while decelerating. The contact stated that 6,000 miles before the failure, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that piston #3 was blown. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being expired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletins: 22-EM-001H-1 and 22-EM-002H-1. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: 5NMZT3LB5HH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine failure - Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Car started shaking violently and would hesitate or not move at all when trying to accelerate. I was left in a few dicey situations when it would hesitate while trying to accelerate. Hyandai will not confirm there is a problem with this particular engine problem, however I’ve read there are many other people with the same car, same problem- Excessive oil consumption which causes damage to the pistons, which can cause compression problems and eventually engine failure. I believe this is what happened to my car. Hyandai has done a diagnostic but failed to cover it under their extended engine warranty. Their claim is that they extended the engine warranty for rod bearing failure only which they could not find in my vehicle. My vehicle has had regular maintenance and only has 95k on it. Yes the engine light came on and I took it to my mechanic and then to All Star Hyandai, Pittsburg Ca
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 5XYZU3LB3GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: KM8SN4HF4JU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there were holes underneath the front driver’s and passenger’s side seats. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the seats were removed; however, the seats were not replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 5XYZT3LB0HG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while merging onto the freeway at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was depressing the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle was not accelerating as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump gasket and fuel line needed to be replaced. The dealer checked the oil and found that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact was informed over 2 quarts of engine oil needed to be added. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle had not been taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 5XYZTDLBXEG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While the contact's son was driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 5NMZUDLB8JH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Stopped at a red light and car caught on fire under the hood
Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 5XYW3LB4JG5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Latest 5 recalls Hyundai Santa fe sport
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 22 recalls for different components of the Hyundai Santa fe sport.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Hyundai Santa fe sport 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-22
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- Model: Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-27
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.
- Model: Hyundai Santa fe sport 2018
- Report Received Date: 2022-02-03
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
- Model: Hyundai Santa fe sport 2017
- Report Received Date: 2022-02-03
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
- Model: Hyundai Santa fe sport 2013
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-28
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Consequence: An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Latest negative Hyundai Santa fe sport car reviews
Latest positive Hyundai Santa fe sport car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2015
Hello Edmunds readers. I wanted to share an update about my 2013 Santa Fe Sport. I recently purchased a new 2023 Santa Fe with $2000 off and zero % interest, and I'm really happy with it! While my old Santa Fe had a great design inside and out, the new one is better in almost every way. The 2.5 turbo is far more powerful and a hoot to drive, and the super bright LED headlights are a huge improvement. If you're considering buying an old 2013 Santa Fe, it's still a good vehicle if you can get a good price. However, the headlights are quite dim and can be dangerous. I'll be posting a review of my new 2023 Santa Fe in another thread soon. As for my old Santa Fe, it's still running well after all these years, but the paint is chipping off again and some plastic parts are showing wear from the Dallas heat and sun. The ride is now quieter after replacing the struts and shocks, but the Michelin tires are not as quiet as I would like. Overall, it's a great vehicle, but if you're thinking of buying one, be sure to check the history of the engine replacement. Thank you for reading!They asked me to update this review of my Santa Fe Sport. It now has 90K miles. Everything below still holds true and I still love my Santa Fe. However, I did experience a big issue at about 80K miles when the engine quit and went into limp mode. Luckily, I was within a couple of miles of the dealership in a residential neighborhood and was able to drive it very slowly there. The dealership was very helpful and put me in a brand new 2019 Santa Fe rental for 10 weeks at no charge while they replaced my engine for free. Evidently, this engine failure is a known problem to Hyundai, but they were very accommodating and replaced it without any pushback. I fell in love with the 2019 while I had it, except it did not have the turbo and was a bit slow. When I got mine back, I realized how much that extra power added to the enjoyment factor. It won't push you back in your seat, but it's more than adequate and feels effortless when accelerating. I had my 2013 painted to cover the myriad rock chips it had picked up on the hood over the years, and voila!, I felt like I had a new vehicle! As of this writing, it has about 90K on it. The interior still looks like new and is as comfortable as ever. Interestingly, with the new engine, my mileage dropped significantly. Now I get about 18 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the highway, which is a bit lower than before. But other than the engine failing, I've had zero mechanical or any other problems. So now I've got a 2013 Santa Fe Sport with a new engine, new paint job that still looks sharp and drives well. At this point, I feel like I can easily squeeze two or three years out of it, and why not? Now I own it outright and it looks good and runs great. I see that the new Hyundai Santa Fe is coming out with a But I still love this car for all the amazing details it has. It has proven to be a fantastic buy and car companion over the years. If you're reading a review about a 2013 Santa Fe Sport, I would have to guess you are thinking about buying a used one. As an original owner, I can say that Hyundai treated me great. However, I would advise you to do a ton of due diligence before buying a used model from those years. If you find one with a replaced engine, I would jump on it. I love my Santa Fe Sport! Edmunds asked me to update my review, and I'm happy to say that I've now had my Turbo Sport for going on 4 years and 54 thousand miles. The only problem I've had is the plastic trim came undone around the bottom of the driver's seat, but Hyundai fixed it for free. Also, I have a few rock chips on the nose and a couple of door dings, but overall, it still looks great. The turning radius is a very tight 38.5 feet, and you really notice how easy it is to whip in and out of parking spots or make a U-turn. No other SUV comes close :) I'm a 63-year-old short, fat guy in Dallas, TX, and I can say that the Santa Fe Sport hits the sweet spot for me. I drove the CRV, RAV-4, and the CX-5, and I owned the GMC Terrain. As they say, when I sat in the Sport, I found it just right. I got the turbo with leather, and none of the others were as comfortable as the Sport, which I know is a very individual thing. Also, for me, the Sport has just the right amount of room without being too small. I especially like the design of the open cubby below the dash, which is perfect for tossing in my GPS and cell phone. The interior looks like new! Bottom line is that I still love my Sport and would buy another one.The Santa Fe is a spacious and comfortable car, with seats that can accommodate even those with an 'executive' body style. While the turbo is quick, it does have a mediocre gas mileage of around 20 mpg in mixed city driving. However, after 2 and a half years and over 40,000 miles, I still love my Santa Fe and have had zero mechanical problems. I now average about 22 mpg in mixed driving and have even gotten as much as 28 on steady speed highway driving at or below 70 mph. The car has a tight turning radius and plenty of power with the turbo, making for a very comfortable drive. Although the steering could feel a little tighter, it's still a great car with excellent storage capacity. I only had to replace the tires about 5k miles ago and have had no other issues. I would definitely buy another one :)
-
Vehicle year: 2018
I owned a 2014 Santa Dr Sport Turbo. On November 4th, 2017, we were broadsided, rolled 3 1/2 times, and travelled 125 feet. Thanks to the safety, quality, and care built into the Santa Dr, I am alive to write this review. On December 4th, 2017, I went and bought a 2018 Santa Dr Sport 2.0 Turbo Ultimate, which is the same identical vehicle down to the colors.
-
Vehicle year: 2016
We've had our '16 sf sport limited since new and it's been a really good car. With 40 thousand k it still drives like new. A tad stiff but most every vehicle in this class is. It's also very comfy and fast too. I make sure to change the oil every 5000 k and use STP fuel injector cleaner every couple of fill ups.
-
Vehicle year: 2015
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that after the engine replacement due to piston slap, I haven't had any issues with the oil. I've never had to add any oil either. The only problem I've had is that it's not very stable on windy days, but I'm sure that's just because it's not a German chassis! I'm planning on getting a wheel alignment soon, which should help. On the bright side, the vehicle is very roomy and I love the cargo space. I'm even considering going upscale for my next SUV! By the way, I just got the alignment completed and it was definitely needed. It's much better on the road now. I'm also excited to check out the new 2019 model. Take care!
-
Vehicle year: 2015
This vehicle is amazing! It has so many features that make it stand out from your average SUV. The driving experience is extremely comfortable and enjoyable. The sound system is top-notch and the warning lights and sounds for blind spot detection have saved me more than once! The lumbar support is adjustable and provides great relief for my back. The heated and cooled seats are a game-changer, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror is a great feature. And let's not forget about the excellent gas mileage! I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable ride. I've owned it for 2.5 years now and it still tops my list. It has never failed me and the cargo space is more than it looks. I absolutely love this car! ❤️


Wilhelm Johnson 2025-09-01
Vehicle year: 2017
I wanted to share my experience with the car's acceleration when merging into traffic or making turns. As someone with over 42 years of experience as an ASE master tech, I believe this is a safety concern that should not be ignored. Unfortunately, the dealership was not able to assist me with this issue. I have decided to file a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I strongly advise against buying or leasing this car.
Gordon Bogisich 2025-08-05
Vehicle year: 2017
I purchased the Santa Fe Sport due to its attractive exterior and value-based pricing. I paid $28.5k plus tax for a 2.0t turbo, which is a fantastic price. I will provide some pros and cons to help buyers make an informed decision. Pros: The car has a great appearance and offers excellent value. The 2.0t engine provides adequate power and is very smooth while cruising. The black interior is quite nice, and the dark blue exterior is also a great color. I am a big fan of the Apple Carplay. The exterior and interior design are aesthetically pleasing, although not as functional (more on this later). The car has been reliable so far, but I have less than 6k miles on it. Cons: The paint has a lot of orange peel, which is not up to Toyota or Honda standards. The sound system is terrible and needs, at a minimum, a subwoofer since the OEM system has no bass. However, this can be easily fixed. The headlights, steering, and ride quality are average. It is difficult for me to find a comfortable position for my left elbow on the door rest while driving. The biggest con is the significant stumbling and hesitation at low speeds when sudden acceleration is needed, such as changing lanes or turning left in the presence of oncoming traffic when quick response is needed. The car will stumble for 2-3 seconds while the control software tries to decide what to do, followed by a sudden lurch of overwhelming power. VERDICT: Overall, the Santa Fe Sport is a pleasant car with excellent value if you can live with the engine hesitation.
Brayan Hackett 2025-07-22
Vehicle year: 2018
This vehicle is extremely uncomfortable, especially for someone who is 6'1
Zachariah Toy 2025-07-09
Vehicle year: 2014
If you're considering buying a Hyundai based on their warranty, it's important to be aware of some potential issues. While we have purchased 5 new Hyundais in the last 9 years, we have unfortunately had some trouble with a two-year-old SUV with 48k miles. Despite our disappointment, we understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. We have had some difficulty getting information about our warranty claim, but we are confident that Hyundai will work with us to resolve the issue. We appreciate their commitment to customer care and look forward to continuing our relationship with them.
Modesto Dickinson 2025-07-09
Vehicle year: 2017
Updated 8/2017. Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that I sold my Santa Fe. Unfortunately, I had many problems with it that the dealer couldn't fix. The biggest issue was that when accelerating from a roll, the car would hesitate for 3-5 seconds and the traction control light would come on. It was pretty scary pulling out into traffic! I tried to work with the Hyundai corporate folks, but unfortunately, they were no help. On the bright side, I now have a Nissan Murano and have had no problems with it. I actually sold my 2012 Subaru Forester to get it, and I have to say, the ride is much more comfortable than the Forester. The leather seats are very nice too. The mileage isn't quite what I expected, but the turbo 4 cyl is a necessity when accelerating onto a highway. I did notice some significant tire noise from the rear wheels that I didn't hear on a 50mph test drive, and unfortunately, the center driver console doesn't slide out (forward) to rest your arm while driving. The instruments are good, but there are way too many settings for an old guy like me to figure out. Thanks for listening!