Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: Used Buyer's Guide for DM, TM and MX5 Models

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a family SUV, and on 2013–2017 cars CarsGuide rated the diesel the pick of the engines. The checks that matter are the 2.4 petrol engine on 2012–2018 DM cars, where some engines were replaced, three ABS-related fire-risk recalls on older cars, and gearbox software and seatbelt recalls on 2020–2022 TM cars. Confirm every recall by VIN, then get it inspected.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe generation are you looking at?

DM (2012–2018). carsales says the third-generation DM launched here in September 2012, with a Series II update for 2016 and the next generation arriving in July 2018. Australian DMs were all seven-seaters with all-wheel drive, a 2.4-litre petrol or a turbo-diesel, and a manual or automatic gearbox. Maximum braked towing was 2,000kg (carsales, buying a used Santa Fe 2012–18).

TM (2018 on). The fourth generation was updated for 2021. CarExpert and CarsGuide both list a 3.5-litre V6 petrol with 200kW and 331Nm, an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 440Nm, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. Servicing is every 12 months or 15,000km with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (CarExpert, 2021 Santa Fe diesel; CarsGuide, 2021 Santa Fe). CarsGuide said then that a hybrid was coming.

MX5 (2024 on). CarExpert says Hyundai launched the new-generation Santa Fe as a hybrid only, dropping the V6 and the diesel. The hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre turbo with an electric motor for 172kW and 367Nm, with a six-speed automatic and 1,650kg braked towing. Servicing is every 12 months or 10,000km, the warranty is five years/unlimited kilometres, and the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km (CarExpert, 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid). A 2.5-litre turbo-petrol with 206kW, 422Nm, an eight-speed dual-clutch and 2,000kg braked towing joined in December 2024, and both powertrains come in front-drive or AWD (CarExpert, 2025 Santa Fe price and specs).

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

These are reported by Australian motoring writers, owners, the federal recall register and court documents. They aren't failure rates.

DM 2.4 petrol engine failures

carsales says some 2.4-litre petrol engines in the DM suffered internal damage from manufacturing problems and were replaced by the manufacturer, with failures linked to clogged oilways and seized connecting-rod bearings. It adds that legal action was pending and that a pre-purchase inspection may not reveal an engine that fails soon after (carsales). The register also lists a recall for debris that may have contaminated engines during assembly on the DM Santa Fe and i45 (REC-000621).

WhichCar reported class actions filed in the Federal Court against Hyundai and Kia over four-cylinder petrol engines, with the 2013–20 Santa Fe on the list of models. Hyundai said it stands by its vehicles (WhichCar, class action over engines). These are allegations, not findings. As at November 2026 we haven't seen a final judgment, so check the current status yourself.

Asked to choose between a 2013–2017 Santa Fe and Sorento, CarsGuide rated the diesel the pick of the engines available (CarsGuide, page 2).

Fire-risk recalls in the ABS module

Three separate register entries cover the Santa Fe's ABS module. Two describe a circuit board that can short when exposed to moisture: one names the DM and ix35 for 2014–2017, and the other shows no year range. The third describes brake fluid leaking into the ABS control module on 2007–2014 Hyundais, including the DM. Each warns of a fire risk that includes a parked car, and tells owners to park in the open until the dealer fix is done (REC-000636; REC-005532; REC-006041).

The ABS defect is also the subject of a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria, where the claims are allegations, not findings. The court's page lists the DM Santa Fe among the vehicles covered and says an amended defence was filed in May 2026. As at November 2026 it lists no trial date (Supreme Court of Victoria, Hyundai group proceeding).

Transmission faults

CarsGuide answered the owner of a 2014 Santa Fe with a transmission fault at about 60,000km, roughly a year out of warranty. Its advice was to check simple causes such as low fluid first, then ask Hyundai to contribute given the low kilometres and full service history (CarsGuide). On 2020–2022 TM cars, the register lists a recall for transmission programming that can stop the fail-safe driving mode responding as intended, ending in a loss of drive (REC-005607).

Diesel on short trips

Comparing a 2019 diesel and petrol, CarsGuide said the diesel suits towing and country driving, which also helps protect the particulate filter, and may cost more to service (CarsGuide, page 2).

What Hyundai Santa Fe recalls should I check?

We read each of these on the federal register. The list is as at November 2026 and may not be complete, so check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au and with a Hyundai dealer.

What this means for you: a DM can sit in several of these at once. Ask a Hyundai dealer to print the full recall history for the VIN, and don't pay until the ABS fire-risk work is confirmed as done.

What our inspectors check on a Hyundai Santa Fe

This is what we look at, and which package includes it. It's a list of checks, not a claim that the car has these faults.

1. 1.OBD-II scan for stored and pending fault codes, including engine, transmission and ABS codes. (Every package)
2. 2.Engine bay: oil level and condition, leaks, start-up behaviour and idle quality. (Every package)
3. 3.Brakes, steering and tyres. (Every package)
4. 4.Full mechanical inspection: engine, cooling, gearbox, driveshafts and boots, suspension, mounts, exhaust and steering. (Comprehensive and Elite)
5. 5.Underbody photos, with the undertray removed where fitted, safe and permitted, covering scrapes, dents, rust and leaks. (Comprehensive and Elite)
6. 6.Interior and electronics: warning lamps, instrument cluster, air conditioning, and seatbelts and seat mechanisms in all three rows. (Every package. Comprehensive and Elite add a full electrical test)
7. 7.Exterior paint and body repair indicators. (Comprehensive.) Elite adds a paint thickness gauge on every panel. Essential has no paint check.
8. 8.PPSR check. (Comprehensive and Elite. Essential doesn't include one)
9. 9.Senior inspector, a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, history deep-dive, valuation and on-site negotiation. (Elite only)

Road tests are 3–5 km on Essential, 6–10 km on Comprehensive and 10–12 km on Elite. See our sample report and our Hyundai pre-purchase inspection page.

How should you test-drive a used Santa Fe?

• Ask the seller to leave the engine cold. On a 2.4 petrol, listen for knocking as it starts and as it warms.
• Pull away gently several times in a dual-clutch diesel or 2.5 turbo, feeling for judder or hesitation.
• Full-lock turns each way at walking pace, listening for clicks.
• Sit in every seat and buckle every belt.

What paperwork and PPSR checks do you need?

• A PPSR check for finance owing, write-off and stolen status. It's in Comprehensive and Elite. See PPSR check NSW.
• Full service history with invoices. On a petrol DM, look for oil changes on time and any engine replacement.
• The dealer's recall history for the VIN, checked against the table above.
• Warranty. Confirm the start date and what's left with Hyundai by VIN, including the hybrid battery cover.

How do you negotiate on a used Santa Fe?

• A petrol DM with a thin service history is your strongest lever, or your reason to walk away.
• Unconfirmed ABS recall work should be done before you pay.
• Any gearbox judder, slip or warning lamp needs a diagnosis and a quote first.

Our Elite inspector can negotiate on the spot using the findings.

Is a used Hyundai Santa Fe a good buy? Our verdict

Yes, especially a diesel with a full history and every recall confirmed.

• DM 2.4 petrol: the risk case. Only with complete oil-change records, or proof of a replacement engine.
• DM diesel: carsales rates the diesel Highlander highly as family transport, and says strong resale values keep prices up. Confirm the ABS fire-risk recalls.
• TM diesel AWD: 440Nm, and CarsGuide says the 2022–23 diesel AWD is rated to tow 2,500kg and has more grunt with a caravan behind. Confirm the seatbelt and transmission recalls on 2020–2022 builds.
• MX5 hybrid and 2.5 turbo: the newest cars, with their own recalls.

Hyundai Santa Fe FAQs

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

For 2012–2018 DM cars, carsales reports 2.4 petrol engine failures, with some engines replaced. The register lists three ABS-related fire-risk recalls on older Santa Fes. CarsGuide has fielded a transmission fault on a 2014 car. TM cars from 2020–2022 have seatbelt and transmission software recalls. These are reported issues, not failure rates.

Is the Santa Fe 2.4 petrol engine reliable?

It's the engine to be careful with. carsales says some DM 2.4 engines suffered internal damage and were replaced by the manufacturer, and the register lists a recall for debris in engines during assembly. Buy only with full oil-change records.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe models have a fire-risk recall?

The register lists REC-000636 (9,417 Santa Fes), REC-005532 (DM and ix35, 2014–2017) and REC-006041 (2007–2014 Hyundais including the DM), all involving the ABS module, plus REC-001662 for a fuel pipe on 198 petrol 3.5 cars from 2021. This is as at November 2026. Check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

How much can a Hyundai Santa Fe tow?

It depends on the model. carsales lists 2,000kg braked for the DM. CarsGuide says 2022–23 cars were all rated to tow at least 1,650kg, with the diesel AWD at 2,500kg. CarExpert lists 1,650kg for the MX5 hybrid and 2,000kg for the 2.5 turbo. Check the compliance plate on the exact car.

Do you test the battery on a Santa Fe Hybrid?

No. Hybrid battery tests are available for Toyota and Lexus models only, so our EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on doesn't cover the Santa Fe Hybrid. Comprehensive and Elite still include the OBD-II scan, full mechanical inspection and road test. CarExpert lists eight years/160,000km of battery warranty on the MX5 hybrid, so ask Hyundai what's left.

Which inspection should I book for a Santa Fe?

Comprehensive ($329) is our minimum. It includes full mechanical inspection, underbody photos, exterior paint and body repair indicators and PPSR. Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) suits a Highlander, a late TM or an MX5. Essential ($199) has the 150+ Point Checklist and a 3–5 km road test, but no PPSR and no paint check.

Aussie Auto Care Pty Ltd · ABN 19 701 853 090 · 02 8320 1246 · Mobile pre-purchase inspections.

Sources

carsales, Buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe (2012–18)

CarExpert, 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel road test

CarsGuide, 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe road test

CarExpert, 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid road test

CarExpert, 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe price and specs

CarsGuide, Hyundai Santa Fe problems (owner Q&A)

CarsGuide, Hyundai Santa Fe problems (owner Q&A, page 2)

WhichCar, Class action launched against Hyundai and Kia over engines

Supreme Court of Victoria, Hyundai group proceeding (ABS class action)

REC-000620

REC-000621

REC-000636

REC-005532

REC-006041

REC-000627

REC-005584

REC-005607

REC-001662

REC-006072

REC-006657

REC-006589