By Justin The Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid are primarily the 2001 model, due to reliability issues.
The 2018 model also suffered from quality control problems.
The Troublesome 2001 Model
The 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe isn't recommended due to its mechanical problems. This model has transmission and engine issues. Transmission failures are expensive to fix and can happen unexpectedly.
Engine problems can be severe, including oil leaks and complete failure, which are costly and could be unsafe. There are also electrical issues, such as faulty wiring affecting different systems like air conditioning and dashboard lights.
Avoiding the 2007 Santa Fe
Avoid the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe due to its electrical and fuel gauge issues. The electrical problems can make the car not start or cause the headlights to turn off while driving. The fuel gauge can show wrong levels, leading to running out of gas unexpectedly.
Reasons to avoid the 2007 Santa Fe include:
- Electrical System Failures: The car's electrical system may stop working, affecting starting, lights, and the dashboard. This is dangerous during driving.
- Fuel Gauge Malfunctions: The fuel gauge may not show the correct fuel amount, risking running out of gas.
- Costly Repairs: Fixing these problems is expensive and poses safety risks on the road.
2012: A Year of Complaints
In 2011, the Hyundai Santa Fe had many complaints about its engine and transmission. The engine problems were serious, often needing a complete replacement which was expensive. This caused frustration for many owners. It's advisable to be cautious if considering a used Santa Fe from this year.
The transmission also had issues, with reports of the car unexpectedly lurching and stalling. This suggests a widespread problem, making the 2011 model unreliable.
Additionally, there were electrical problems. These could make the car fail to start or cause warning lights to flash suddenly. These issues were more than just minor annoyances; they could compromise safety.
Steering Clear of 2015
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe often has steering problems, making it a less desirable choice for buyers. Here's why:
- Steering Issues: Some owners have reported that the steering can become very hard to move or even lock up. This is dangerous, especially at high speeds or in traffic.
- Recalls: There have been recalls and many service bulletins for the steering problems of the 2015 Santa Fe. This shows that the issues are common and serious enough to need fixes from the manufacturer.
- Repair Costs: Fixing steering problems can be expensive, especially if the warranty has expired. It can also be inconvenient to have the car in the shop for repairs.
The Problematic 2018 Release
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has problems with its engine and electrical systems, making it a bad choice for a used SUV. The engine issues include unexpected stalling and loss of power, which can be dangerous.
The electrical system has problems like malfunctioning infotainment systems and unpredictable dashboard lights. There may also be issues with the air conditioning and fuel system, leading to poor fuel economy and performance.
It's better to avoid this model due to these problems, and look for more reliable options.
Conclusion
If you want to buy a Hyundai Santa Fe, listen carefully: Avoid the 2001 model because it has a lot of problems.
It's also a good idea to stay away from the 2007 model; it's not a good choice.
The 2012 model? It has a lot of complaints too.
Thinking about getting a 2015? Better not.
And the 2018 model is also not a good option.
If you follow this advice, you'll avoid the years of the Santa Fe that could cause you a lot of trouble.