My GarageIs the Hyundai Santa Fe a good used car?
Verdict rates it 3.7/5 overall, with reliability at 3.6/5 and running costs at 4.0/5. Shop 2019+ TM (post-Theta-II reset) first and treat 2013–2018 (with Theta II 2.4L or 2.0T) as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · Hyundai Santa Fe · Midsize crossover
Used Hyundai Santa Fe Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Hyundai Reliability Guide, Best Used Hyundai Models and Hyundai Elantra Buying Guide.
The Santa Fe is a well-equipped family crossover. The 2011–2019 examples with the Theta II 2.4L or 2.0T need documented recall history; 2019+ with the knock-sensor updates from the factory are much safer bets.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 3.7/5 · Good
- Reliability
- 3.6/5 · Good
- Best years
- 2019+ TM (post-Theta-II reset)
- Years to research
- 2013–2018 (with Theta II 2.4L or 2.0T)
- Maintenance cost
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Parts availability
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Ownership cost
- 4.0/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Prefer 2019+. For 2013–2018 examples, only with complete Theta II recall/repair documentation.
Shopping a specific Santa Fe?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★3.7/5
Only buy a 2011–2019 Santa Fe with completed Theta II recall work and knock-sensor software; ideally with a documented engine replacement if applicable. The 2019+ TM chassis is a substantially better long-term ownership.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.6/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.0/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.0/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2019+ TM (post-Theta-II reset)
Knock-sensor software from factory; refined interior and safety features.
Side by side
Hyundai Santa Fe ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.7/5 | Good |
| Reliability | 3.6/5 | Good |
| Maintenance | 4.0/5 | Very good |
| Parts availability | 4.0/5 | Very good |
| Ownership cost | 4.0/5 | Very good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2013–2018 (with Theta II 2.4L or 2.0T)
Rod-bearing failure history; verify recall completion and engine-replacement records.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Theta II engine failure on 2013–2018 examples
- ✓Trailer wiring corrosion
- ✓Panoramic sunroof drainage clogs
- ✓Infotainment quirks on early 2019 examples (software updates)
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Santa Fe service costs are competitive with mainstream crossovers; parts are widely available.
Verify the transferable warranty balance — this is a major used-market advantage on Hyundai.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
Theta II years: verify recall completion, knock-sensor software, engine-replacement records.
Warranty
Confirm transferable powertrain-warranty balance.
Sunroof drains
Test drains with water; clogs cause interior leaks.
Suspension
Struts, sway-bar links at 100k+.
Rust
Rear subframe on Northeast examples.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Comfortable and well-equipped for the money.
- • Real-world 22–26 mpg highway.
- • Long factory warranty is a real ownership advantage.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Hyundai Santa Fe?
Prefer 2019+. For 2013–2018 examples, only with complete Theta II recall/repair documentation.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Verdict scores it 3.6/5 for reliability and 3.7/5 overall. Buy from 2019+ TM (post-Theta-II reset) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which Santa Fe years should I avoid?
2013–2018 (with Theta II 2.4L or 2.0T) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
2019+ TM (post-Theta-II reset). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a Hyundai Santa Fe last?
A well-maintained Santa Fe from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Santa Fe expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 4.0/5 and parts availability 4.0/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used Santa Fe?
Focus on: Engine, Warranty, Sunroof drains, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Santa Fe problems?
Theta II engine failure on 2013–2018 examples; Trailer wiring corrosion; Panoramic sunroof drainage clogs; Infotainment quirks on early 2019 examples (software updates)
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Santa Fe?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Santa Fe with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Santa Fe's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2019+ TM (post-Theta-II reset) first, treat 2013–2018 (with Theta II 2.4L or 2.0T) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
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