Hyundai Santa Fe has been a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts since it first hit the market. With its sleek design, ample features, and notable performance, it’s no wonder why many families choose this vehicle. However, like all cars, some years are better than others. If you’re considering purchasing a Santa Fe, you’ll want to know which Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid to make the best buying decision.
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The Hyundai Santa Fe has seen various redesigns and updates throughout its existence. While many of these changes have led to improvements, some model years have also been plagued with problems. In this article, we’ll explore the Hyundai Santa Fe’s brief history, reliability, common Faults that come with it as well as the year models that might be best to avoid. This information will be useful if you’re in the market for a reliable and enduring vehicle.
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Summary of the Hyundai Santa Fe History
The Hyundai Santa Fe 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. The Hyundai Santa is an important model for Hyundai. Not only is it one of Hyundai’s best sellers, it was the company’s first entry into the SUV market – a big milestone. The Santa Fe was released in 2000 for the 2001 model year and almost immediately it was a success with American consumers. The midsize SUV was so popular that Hyundai at times had trouble keeping up with the demand. Its popularity contributed to Hyundai’s success in the United States.
There are currently four generations of the Santa Fe. As Hyundai offered three SUV models, early on it fell truly in the middle – between the smaller Hyundai Tucson and bigger Veracruz, which would later be discontinued in 2018. Today, Hyundai offers six SUV models, making it now the automaker’s second-largest SUV. It slides in between the Hyundai Tucson and the Palisade.
Is Hyundai Santa Fe a Reliable Car?
Hyundai Santa Fe’s reputation for reliability is generally good, particularly in more recent models, and MotorBiscuit reports they have a reliability score of 4⁄5. The brand has worked to address previous issues, making continuous improvements in quality and design.
Most problems that have been reported are considered manageable if proper maintenance is performed. Consumer rating agencies often rate Santa Fe as above average in reliability, making it a popular choice for a dependable SUV.
Common Faults with the Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe, like any vehicle, has had its share of problems across different model years. Some of the common issues reported by owners, according to RepairPal, include:
- Transmission Problems
- Engine Issues
- Suspension Problems
- Electrical Problems
Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years To Avoid
Hyundai’s commitment to quality has made the Santa Fe a popular choice, but not all model years have lived up to the expectations. Below are the Hyundai Santa Fe year models to avoid:
- 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
These years were marked by various recalls and consumer complaints that could affect your overall satisfaction with the vehicle.
Among the Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid, both HotCars and Car Complaints state that the 2012 and 2013 models stand out as the worst. This year was particularly problematic due to severe engine issues, including oil leaks, high oil consumption, and even complete engine failure in some cases. These problems often led to expensive repairs, and in some instances, complete engine replacement was necessary.
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe was also subject to several recalls, including those related to the brake system and airbags. The high number of complaints and the nature of these serious problems have marked the 2012 model year as one to steer clear of, especially if reliability and long-term satisfaction are priorities in your vehicle purchase.
The 2017 model, on the other hand, faced challenges with its transmission and suspension system. Owners reported difficulties with shifting and a rough ride that affected the driving experience. While these issues might not be as severe as those in earlier years, they are still concerning enough to make these models less attractive to potential buyers.
Even though the Hyundai Santa Fe is generally considered a reliable vehicle, while receives high ratings when it comes to safety, low maintenance, strong warranty and owner performance which adds to its reliability. It is advisable to do a proper check on the reviews and ratings of the model year you’re considering buying, as with any car, reliability varies based on the model year and maintenance history.
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