Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) — Maintenance, Battery & Fault Co | TroubleAtlas

🌐 ▾
Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024)
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA5.5/10
TroubleAtlas Score
The TroubleAtlas app on a phoneTROUBLEATLAS APP · FREEFREE APPDownload our free appDownload our free appOur shopping centre in your pocket: dozens of suppliers that deliver in your country, compared, department by department.Dozens of suppliers compared, in your country. Get it free Get it free

HYUNDAI SANTA-FE (2001–2024): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule

Built 2001–2024 · all production years covered on this single page

2.5L I4 • Gasoline

Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024)

© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

5 Common problems View details →
29 OBD2 codes View details →
9 Recalls / TSB View details →
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliability
n/a
Safety & recalls
n/a
Repair cost
6.7
Parts & repairability
4.2
Maintenance & durability
n/a
Documentation & support
n/a
★ How we calculate this → Methodology
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA5.5/10
Independent · Verified · Never for sale

Every figure on this Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.

The Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) is powered by a 2.5L I4 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.

⚠️ COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT

Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.

Related codes: P0217

Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT

ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.

Related codes: P0522

Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT

Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.

Related codes: P0524

Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT

Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.

Related codes: P0606

Throttle actuatorFREQUENT

Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.

Related codes: P2100

🔧 COMMON REPAIRS
🔧
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.8h
€56 – €72
🔧
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
🛢
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.3h
€21 – €27
🔧
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
💰 AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS

Prices may vary by area and workshop.

🔧
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
🛑
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
⚡
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
📊
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
⏱️ OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)

Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.

Brakes8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
ABS Module2.0h€ 90–€ 150
ABS Pump2.5h€ 112–€ 187
ABS Tone Ring1.5h€ 67–€ 112
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front0.8h€ 36–€ 60
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Brake Bleed - All Four1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Brake Booster2.5h€ 112–€ 187
Brake Booster Check Valve0.3h€ 13–€ 22
Cooling8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Coolant Bypass Pipe1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Coolant Flush1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Coolant Reservoir0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Coolant Temperature Sensor0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Cooling Fan Assembly1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Cooling Fan Clutch1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Cooling Fan Motor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Cooling Fan Relay0.3h€ 13–€ 22
Electrical8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Airbag - Driver1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Airbag - Passenger1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Airbag - Side2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Airbag Module/Computer1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Alternator1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Alternator Belt0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Amplifier1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Antenna0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Engine8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Boost Pressure Sensor0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Camshaft Position Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Camshaft R&R8.0h€ 360–€ 600
Connecting Rod Bearings15.0h€ 675–€ 1125
Crankshaft Position Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Crankshaft R&R20.0h€ 900–€ 1500
Cylinder Head R&R6.0h€ 270–€ 450
Cylinder Head Resurface8.0h€ 360–€ 600
Exhaust8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Air Injection Check Valve0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Catalytic Converter - California1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Catalytic Converter - Universal2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Downpipe2.0h€ 90–€ 150
EGR Cooler3.0h€ 135–€ 225
EGR Tube1.5h€ 67–€ 112
EGR Valve1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Fuel system8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Charcoal Canister1.0h€ 45–€ 75
EVAP Purge Valve0.8h€ 36–€ 60
EVAP Vent Valve0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Fuel Cap0.1h€ 4–€ 7
Fuel Filler Neck1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Fuel Filter0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Fuel Filter - In-Tank2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Fuel Injector - Single1.0h€ 45–€ 75
HVAC8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
AC Accumulator1.5h€ 67–€ 112
AC Clutch Coil1.5h€ 67–€ 112
AC Compressor2.5h€ 112–€ 187
AC Compressor Clutch2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Compressor Oil Add0.5h€ 22–€ 37
AC Condenser2.5h€ 112–€ 187
AC Evaporator6.0h€ 270–€ 450
AC Expansion Valve (TXV)4.0h€ 180–€ 300
Steering8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Center Link/Drag Link1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electric Power Steering Module1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electric Power Steering Motor2.5h€ 112–€ 187
Idler Arm1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Pitman Arm1.2h€ 54–€ 90
Power Steering Fluid Flush0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Power Steering Gear Box3.5h€ 157–€ 262
Power Steering Hose - High Pressure1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Suspension8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Air Line1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Air Spring/Air Bag1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Compressor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Height Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Air Suspension Valve Block2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Ball Joint - Lower1.8h€ 81–€ 135
Ball Joint - Upper1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Ball Joints - Upper and Lower3.0h€ 135–€ 225
Transmission8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Kickdown Cable0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Neutral Safety Switch1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Overdrive Solenoid2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Shift Cable1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Shift Linkage1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Shift Solenoid - Single4.1h€ 184–€ 307
Shift Solenoids - All9.0h€ 405–€ 675
Torque Converter6.9h€ 310–€ 517
💵 WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY

Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.

🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid
DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Replace when moisture content exceeds 3% or every 2-3 years
📋 RECALLS & TSB (9)
NHTSA R/2003/062
Possible Fuel Leak
Date: 24-06-2003
Flexible fuel inlet and return pipes (5 of) may split resulting in a serious fuel leak.
NHTSA R/2003/109
Possible Fuel Leak And Engine Shutdown.
Date: 22-08-2003
The threaded portion of the water separator sensor sub assembly in the fuel filter may break if overtightened when fitting the sensor to the fuel filter housing following draining. This could result in a fuel leak and unscheduled shut down of the engine.
NHTSA R/2010/091
Suspension May Fail
Date: 20-09-2010
Trajet and Sante Fe - Corrosion may build up and weaken the rear suspension arms to an extent where they could fail and the directional control of the vehicle could be affected. Sante Fe models additionally have a similar concern with the front sub-frame.
NHTSA R/2017/250
Bonnet May Open Unexpectedly
Date: 16-10-2017
Water ingress into the bonnet release cable may cause corrosion and affect the operation of the cable which could lead to unintentional opening of the bonnet.
NHTSA R/2024/341
Date: 16-09-2024
Some Santa Fe (MX5) vehicles may experience the main floor wiring harness becoming damaged due to contact with the second-row bench seat folding hinge assembly.
NHTSA R/2012/018
Fuel May Leak
Date: 16-04-2012
It is possible for the engine cover to contact the two bulkhead panel to engine fuel hoses. If contact is made it is possible that the hose could chafe through and leak.
NHTSA R/2024/309
Date: 09-09-2024
On affected vehicles the HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) for the ABS could experience an electrical short circuit with a potential that the malfunction indicator light may become illuminated (MIL and /or ABS light) and a burning smell may emanate from the engine compartm…
NHTSA R/2020/223
The Anti-Lock Brake System Module Remains Energized When Vehicle Is Turned Off
Date: 04-09-2020
There could be an increased risk of a �key off� engine compartment fire.
NHTSA R/2022/128
The Abs Control Unit Within The Affected Vin Range Could Experience An Electrical Short
Date: 01-06-2022
The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short. Hyundai have put advice in the interim letter for the registered keeper is to park the vehicle in an outdoor location allowing space around it until the recall is complete.
🔴 DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE

57 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.

Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
!BRAKE
Brake System WarningBrakes
K
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
+−
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
!BRAKE
ABS WarningBrakes
!BRAKE
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
!BRAKE
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
!
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
S
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
N
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
!
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
TPMS Warning (Hyundai)Tyres
e-4WD Fault (Hyundai)Chassis
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
?
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
L
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
L
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
AC
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
A
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
Lane Keeping Assist Off (Hyundai)ADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
L
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
A
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
A
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
A
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
A
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
!
Door Open WarningBody
!
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
BlueLink Connected (Hyundai)Electrical
📢 REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)

7273 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Hyundai Santa-Fe across model years 2001–2024. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.

339 crash reports 208 fires 294 injuries 9 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 2017918
Model year 2007681
Model year 2013604
Model year 2008541
Model year 2014489
Model year 2009355
Model year 2012351
Model year 2003308
Most reported components (all years)
Engine2107
Power Train764
Electrical System730
Fuel/Propulsion System691
Service Brakes650
Unknown Or Other600
Sample reports
The driver's door is stuck, it cannot be opened. (MY 2015)
The transmission is the problem that caused the vehicle to downshift while driving and resulted is a sudden jerk and slowdown in speed. My safety was at risk as the car slowed down suddenly and almost caused the vehicle behind me to rea… (MY 2024)
While driving on the interstate the vehicle suddenly shuddered and immediately died, dash lights were still on but all power was cut off. Cars around me were swerving to avoid hitting me from behind as well as avoiding cars in the inside… (MY 2013)
On September 15, 2021 while driving the Santa Fe engine just stopped in the middle of an intersection , was able to coast to the side of the road. Vehicle has fuel, showed no issues prior. Tow truck driver attempted to jumpstart the vehi… (MY 2016)

Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2001–2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Hyundai Santa-fe have any safety recalls?

Yes — 9 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: Possible Fuel Leak And Engine Shutdown., Suspension May Fail, Possible Fuel Leak. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.

What does fault code P0003 mean on the Hyundai Santa-fe?

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0002 mean on the Hyundai Santa-fe?

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0001 mean on the Hyundai Santa-fe?

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

Are brakes problems common on the Hyundai Santa-fe?

Yes — 730 of 4000 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MP…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

Are engine problems common on the Hyundai Santa-fe?

Yes — 1365 of 4000 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “The suv stalls while driving. This has happened multiple time. While driving, driving slow, taking a u turn. The battery, alternator, starter, power steering pump, water pump, rack and pinion, timing …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

Are electrical problems common on the Hyundai Santa-fe?

Yes — 1438 of 4000 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “The suv stalls while driving. This has happened multiple time. While driving, driving slow, taking a u turn. The battery, alternator, starter, power steering pump, water pump, rack and pinion, timing …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

What tyres does the Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) use?

The original OEM tyre size for the Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["235/55R19", "235/65R17", "245/60R18", "245/45R19", "235/60R18"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.

Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024)?

Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.

How often should the Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) be serviced?

Routine maintenance for the Hyundai Santa-Fe (2001–2024) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.

Found what you were looking for? Explore other Hyundai models in our database, compare tyre offers in your size, or search a specific fault code in the TroubleAtlas OBD2 database.

Scroll to Top