HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,002 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,845
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2199cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1845/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 5 years old, 89% of HYUNDAI SANTA FEs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,002 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 29,234 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
29,234
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 29,234 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2021 sits between the two at 89%.
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 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is a family car with a 2199cc diesel engine. 1,002 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 29,234 miles at 5 years old, HYUNDAI SANTA FE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Fuel Costs
The 2199cc 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 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,845 (£154/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
At 5 years old, the HYUNDAI SANTA FE offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 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
Medium riskDiesel 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
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Medium riskLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2021 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(2021) | 89% | £1245 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £1845 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£363 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£213 |
| BMW 118(2020) | 93% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£363 |
| VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC(2019) | 94% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£363 |
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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