Hyundai Santa Fe

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 21 model years from 64,535 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

77%

Total Tests

64,535

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe was MOT tested 64,535 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 21 model years (2001 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 77%. That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 1,279 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. With a 33 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Hyundai Santa Fes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2001) averages 99,758 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 29,234 miles.

Compared to the Hyundai brand average of 83%, the Santa Fe is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Hyundai models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2199cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,281

Per month£190/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Fe?

vs average of all models-5% (82% avg)

vs Hyundai brand average-6% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread33 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Hyundai Santa Fe by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	1,002	29,234 mi
2020	94%	1,279	35,189 mi
2019	89%	2,285	43,694 mi
2018	90%	3,459	52,064 mi
2017	88%	4,595	61,527 mi
2016	86%	7,907	67,815 mi
2015	85%	5,704	76,900 mi
2014	79%	4,992	88,159 mi
2013	76%	2,963	95,138 mi
2012	74%	6,090	103,389 mi
2011	72%	6,616	113,847 mi
2010	72%	6,348	118,050 mi
2009	73%	1,368	112,515 mi
2008	72%	1,527	121,485 mi
2007	72%	2,446	126,098 mi
2006	69%	2,452	115,781 mi
2005	69%	1,436	122,489 mi
2004	70%	1,054	119,124 mi
2003	68%	620	117,994 mi
2002	69%	254	114,308 mi
2001	61%	138	99,758 mi

Questions about the Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Across its 21 model years in our data (2001 to 2021), the Hyundai Santa Fe averages a 77% MOT pass rate, from 64,535 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Hyundai Santa Fe has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%, a 33 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.