What is the 2010-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall?

The 2.0T and 2.4L Theta II engines in the Santa Fe are subject to a massive recall for connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure. Manufacturing debris left in the engine during production restricts oil flow to the bearings, causing them to wear and fail. This can result i… Repairs typically run $0-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire?

Brake fluid can leak internally into the ABS/HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) module and cause an electrical short on the circuit board. Because the module is constantly powered, the short can ignite an engine-compartment fire even while the vehicle is parked and turned o… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure?

Manufacturing debris left in the crankshaft oil passages, combined with marginal oil supply to the connecting rod bearings, causes premature rod bearing wear on the Theta II 2.0T and 2.4L GDI engines shared with the Sonata/Optima. As the bearings wear, owners hear a metallic knoc… Repairs typically run $0-$7,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire?

On Santa Fe models equipped with a factory or dealer-accessory tow hitch wiring harness, water can accumulate on the harness module's printed circuit board (PCB) and cause an electrical short. Because the harness is constantly powered, the short can start a fire even when the veh… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting?

The fifth-generation (MX5) Santa Fe's 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission has a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software logic error that can inadvertently disengage the clutches, damaging the transmission case and/or allowing the vehicle to roll away while in Park. Owners also… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine?

The 2.4L GDI engine in Santa Fe models can consume excessive oil, sometimes 1 quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. This is related to carbon buildup on piston rings and intake valves inherent to GDI engines. Low oil can lead to engine damage if not monitored. Hyundai has an oil consump… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Premature Alternator Failure?

Alternators in Santa Fe models fail prematurely, often between 60,000-100,000 miles. The voltage regulator or rectifier diodes fail, causing undercharging, battery drain, and eventually no-start conditions. Some owners report multiple alternator replacements within the vehicle's… Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Transfer Case / PTU Fluid Leak and Whine?

The power transfer unit (PTU) on AWD Santa Fe models develops seal leaks, leading to fluid loss and eventual bearing damage. A whining noise from the front of the drivetrain is the first sign. If fluid runs low, the PTU gears can be damaged, requiring expensive replacement. The o… Repairs typically run $300-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog?

The panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended wa… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

Santa Fe (and Santa Fe Sport) panoramic sunroofs have repeatedly shattered spontaneously, with no impact, often described by owners as sounding like a gunshot. Tempered glass tensioned over the large panoramic opening, combined with edge stress and ceramic-frit weakening, fails s… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe CVVT Actuator / Oil Control Valve Failure?

The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) actuator and its associated oil control valve (OCV) on the Santa Fe's Theta II engine can fail, causing rough idle, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights. The OCV gets clogged with sludge from extended oil change intervals, and the… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk?

The intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai issued TSB 19-ST… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Clear Coat / White Paint Delamination and Peeling?

Santa Fe paint, especially white/pearl-white and Hyundai's 'Scratch Recovery' self-healing clear coat, is prone to delamination — the clear coat and color coat lose adhesion to the layer beneath and begin peeling, flaking, or bubbling off in sheets, accelerated by UV exposure. It… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: low.

Hyundai · Known Issues

2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 14 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2007-2025 model years · 2,530+ owner reports · Updated June 2026

Share:@au7o.io

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,530+ owner reports, the 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 14 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Subframe Corrosion ($200-$3,000 repair), Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall ($0-$6,000 repair), ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire ($0-$0 repair), Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure ($0-$7,500 repair), Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire ($0-$0 repair) and 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting ($0-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine with 920 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $7,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,530+ owner reports, the 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Subframe Corrosion, Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall, ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

The 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 14 known issues documented across 2,530+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Rear Subframe Corrosion and Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall and ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire and Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure and Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire and 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Santa Fe issues range from $0 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Subframe Corrosion, typically costs $200-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Hyundai Santa Fe is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe with 14 documented issues documented across 2,530+ owner reports.

What is the 2007-2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Rear Subframe Corrosion?

The rear subframe on second-generation Santa Fe models (especially in salt-belt states) is prone to severe corrosion that can compromise structural integrity. The steel subframe traps moisture and road salt, accelerating rust from the inside out. In extreme cases, the subframe ca… Repairs typically run $200-$3,000. Severity: high.

All 14 Known Issues

Other Hyundai Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

What year Hyundai Santa Fe is the most reliable?

What is the 2007-2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Rear Subframe Corrosion?

2010-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall#

2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure#

2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine#

2007-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: CVVT Actuator / Oil Control Valve Failure#

2007-2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: Rear Subframe Corrosion#

2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk#

2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire#

2007-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: Premature Alternator Failure#

2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire#

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting#

2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog#

2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering#

2013-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe: Transfer Case / PTU Fluid Leak and Whine#

2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: Clear Coat / White Paint Delamination and Peeling#