Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Reliable?
2001–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Hyundai Santa Fe? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
hyundai and kia abs module fires
Component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
⚠ Historically, 3% of AQ investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Hyundai Santa Fe Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 46 | 2 | — | 54 | Fair |
| 2025 | 2 | 203 | 9 | — | 44 | Fair |
| 2024 | 3 | 134 | 7 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2023 | 1 | 235 | 13 | — | 41 | Poor |
| 2022 | 4 | 217 | 3 | — | 43 | Poor |
| 2021 | 6 | 148 | 2 | — | 49 | Fair |
| 2020 | 2 | 151 | 7 | — | 49 | Fair |
| 2019 | 2 | 162 | 5 | — | 48 | Fair |
| 2018 | 3 | 263 | 6 | — | 39 | Poor |
| 2017 | 6 | 919 | 18 | — | 29 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Santa Fe Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Santa Fe scores 25 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Hyundai Santa Fe Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 2478 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?+
The Hyundai Santa Fe scores 44/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 30 recall campaigns and 2478 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Santa Fe is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Santa Fe achieved the highest reliability score of 54/100 with 1 recall and 46 complaints.
How many miles does a Santa Fe last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Hyundai Santa Fe owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Santa Fe will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Hyundai Santa Fe Research
Check a Specific Hyundai Santa Fe VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →