Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid
The Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
10,255
Total complaints
49
Recall campaigns
2001–2026
Years covered
10
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Santa Fe years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | High complaints + open investigation | 1,231 | |
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 981 | |
| 2013 | High complaints + open investigation | 806 | |
| 2008 | High complaint rate | 718 | |
| 2014 | High complaints + open investigation | 679 | |
| 2009 | High complaint rate | 506 | |
| 2012 | High complaint rate | 474 | |
| 2015 | Open safety investigation | 331 | |
| 2016 | Open safety investigation | 288 | |
| 2018 | Open safety investigation | 143 |
Every Santa Fe year
Common questions
What are the worst Hyundai Santa Fe years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Santa Fe years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Santa Fe have?
Across all model years, the Santa Fe has 49 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 10,255 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.