HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,090 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
6,090
Avg Mileage
103,389 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 12 years old, 74% of HYUNDAI SANTA FEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,090 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,389 miles.
How does the 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 103,389 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is a family car with a 1991cc diesel engine. 6,090 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 103,389 miles at 12 years old, HYUNDAI SANTA FE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Fuel Costs
The 1991cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI SANTA FEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
At 12 years old, the HYUNDAI SANTA FE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 6,090 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+13%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (+5%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2014) 86% pass rate (+12%) from 77,639 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (same) from 75,715 tests