HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 7,907 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2200cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2200cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 86% of HYUNDAI SANTA FEs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 7,907 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,815 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
67,815
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 67,815 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2016 sits between the two at 86%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is a family car with a 2200cc diesel engine. 7,907 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 67,815 miles at 10 years old, HYUNDAI SANTA FE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Fuel Costs
The 2200cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
At 10 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 7,907 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI SANTA FE(2016) | 86% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2045 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2015) | 89% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£468 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£413 |
| KIA SPORTAGE(2016) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£468 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE(2016) | 90% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1427-£618 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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