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Hyundai Santa Fe reliability

C · Average

MOT pass rates and common problems from 300,790 MOT tests of cars first registered 2002–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
66.2%pass first time
−1.4 ptsvs typical car
Beats 43%of cars
300,790MOT tests

Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe passes its MOT first time on 66.2% of tests, 1.4 points lower than a typical car of the same age and mileage (67.6%). That puts it ahead of 43% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2015 Santa Fe does best (beats 75% of cars) and the 2012 worst (beats 15%).

Of its engines, the 2.0 Diesel does best (beats 53%) and the 2.2 Diesel worst (beats 40%).

Better than average on emissions & leaks.

Watch these weak spots

Body & structure1.5×as often as a typical car
Steering1.7×as often as a typical car
Suspension ball joints2.4×as often as a typical car
Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192087%84%74%67%59%53%52%52%52%
Hyundai Santa FeTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2002
Beats 60%
2003
Beats 56%
2004
Beats 52%
2005
Beats 51%
2006
Beats 38%
2007
Beats 42%
2008
Beats 42%
2009
Beats 41%
2010
Beats 29%
2011
Beats 19%
2012
Beats 15%
2013
Beats 37%
2014
Beats 58%
2015
Beats 75%
2016
Beats 70%
2017
Beats 66%
2018
Beats 65%
2019
Beats 61%
2020
Beats 64%
2021
Beats 82%
2022
Beats 73%
2023
Beats 95%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel2006–2021257,98067.5%Beats 40%C
2.0 Diesel2002–200625,94252.6%Beats 53%C
2.7 Petrol2003–20066,61553.7%Beats 50%C
1.6 Hybrid2021–20236,35190.1%Beats 88%A
2.4 Petrol2003–20063,90249.1%Beats 34%D

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 1.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 11.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 9.6% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights−1.4 ptsTyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+1.1 ptsBrakes: 9.6% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−1.6 ptsSuspension: 11.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−0.4 ptsExhaust: 1.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+1.8 ptsSuspension: 11.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 9.6% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 1.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights−1.4 ptsTyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+1.1 ptsBrakes: 9.6% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−1.6 ptsSuspension: 11.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−0.4 ptsExhaust: 1.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+1.8 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Brakes: 9.6% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
15.1% vs 13.7%
Suspension
11.1% vs 10.7%
Brakes
9.6% vs 8.0%
Tyres
6.2% vs 7.3%
Body & structure
5.6% vs 3.9%
Visibility
4.7% vs 5.2%
Steering
3.9% vs 2.2%
Emissions & leaks
1.7% vs 3.5%
Seat belts & airbags
1.0% vs 1.2%
Wheels
0.3% vs 0.4%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Suspension ball joints 2.4× typical
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Sidelights 1.6× typical
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Track rod ends 1.8× typical
    Feel for play or knocking in the steering and check for wear on the inner edges of the front tyres.
  • Brake pads 1.5× typical
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

40%60%80%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k93%88%82%71%61%55%51%49%
Hyundai Santa FeTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Sidelights5.4%3.4%1.6×
Suspension ball joints4.3%1.8%2.4×
Drive shaft (CV) joints4.0%1.6%2.6×
Brake pads3.5%2.3%1.5×
Tyre damage & cracking3.3%3.8%0.9×
Brake lights3.0%2.6%1.2×
Track rod ends2.9%1.6%1.8×
Headlight aim2.8%3.7%0.8×
Tyre tread depth2.7%3.1%0.9×
Windscreen wipers2.6%2.3%1.1×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn66.0
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning43.5
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc41.0
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm33.0
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements28.3
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning27.5
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements27.0
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen26.0
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine90.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Hybrid1,39590.8%Beats 95%A
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine89.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Hybrid3,44189.0%Beats 73%B
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe2 engines89.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Hybrid1,51592.2%Beats 99%A
2.2 Diesel1,08084.9%Beats 32%D
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine86.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel2,02386.8%Beats 64%B
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine85.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel5,41585.1%Beats 61%B
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine84.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel11,42884.4%Beats 65%B
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine82.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel18,15182.9%Beats 66%B
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine82.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel33,46082.0%Beats 70%B
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine80.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel26,24580.9%Beats 75%B
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine74.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel22,10974.2%Beats 58%C
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine66.7% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel12,18466.7%Beats 37%D
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine57.7% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel27,59457.7%Beats 15%E
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine55.3% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel30,21155.3%Beats 19%E
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine54.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel28,85054.8%Beats 29%D
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine55.7% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel6,78955.7%Beats 41%C
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine53.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel8,69453.5%Beats 42%C
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine52.7% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel14,23052.7%Beats 42%C
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe4 engines50.7% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel9,51749.3%Beats 35%D
2.0 Diesel4,67053.2%Beats 49%C
2.7 Petrol1,64952.0%Beats 36%D
2.4 Petrol1,58650.3%Beats 31%D
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe2 engines52.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel9,26952.5%Beats 51%C
2.7 Petrol1,32453.5%Beats 49%C
2004 Hyundai Santa Fe3 engines51.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel6,89052.5%Beats 56%C
2.7 Petrol1,86752.9%Beats 51%C
2.4 Petrol1,27147.0%Beats 32%D
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe3 engines52.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel3,66252.2%Beats 57%C
2.7 Petrol1,77556.2%Beats 61%B
2.4 Petrol1,04550.0%Beats 43%C
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe1 engine53.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel1,45153.2%Beats 60%C

FAQ

What is the Hyundai Santa Fe MOT pass rate?

66.2% of MOT tests on the Hyundai Santa Fe were passed first time, based on 300,790 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2002–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 67.6% of the time.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

On MOT results it rates C (average): it passes first time less often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 43% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2015 Santa Fe does best for its age and mileage: it beats 75% of cars on UK roads. The 2012 does worst: it beats 15%.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.0 Diesel does best: it beats 53% of cars on UK roads. The 2.2 Diesel does worst: it beats 40%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The most common failure items are sidelights, suspension ball joints, drive shaft (CV) joints. Compared with similar cars, suspension ball joints comes up 2.4× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.