Hyundai Santa Fe (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,907 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,491
£208/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2200cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
86% of MOT tests on Hyundai Santa Fes from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 7,907 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,815 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
67,815
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe had 67,815 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2016 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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. Our records list a 2200cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,907 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 67,815 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
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.
What the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 944 MOT tests on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Suspension31%
Same age: 29%
- Lights and electrics27%
Same age: 30%
- Tyres25%
Same age: 26%
- Brakes22%
Same age: 20%
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Hyundai Santa Fe reliability, common problems and years to avoid
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe(2016) | 86% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,491 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2015) | 89% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077-£414 |
| Kia Sportage(2016) | 85% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077-£414 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque(2016) | 90% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £1,927-£564 |
| Ford Kuga(2016) | 88% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077-£414 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2016 Hyundai Santa Fes ended in a pass, from 7,907 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe?
86% of 7,907 MOT tests on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 328th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom half).
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% and the 2001 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is 67,815 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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