It can be a good idea to save with a used Hyundai Santa Fe model. However, it’s essential to pick the right Hyundai Santa Fe year to avoid problems and downtime. Check out which model years have the most issues. 

The worst used Hyundai Santa Fe model years 

Getting a used Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent idea if you don’t want to pay full price. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe begins at about $27,000. This price is before the dealership fees, and destination fees have been added. 

But this SUV is a pretty reliable option, so you can save thousands with a used model. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Santa Fe has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five, which is above average. 

The predicted reliability rating is based on issues that previous owners have reported. So, this score indicates that things have been pretty smooth sailing. Also, it looks like most problems have been reported on 2013, 2014, and 2017 model years. 

What are the potential 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems? 

Do your research before buying a Hyundai Santa Fe from 2013. According to CarComplaints, it has a few things that could go wrong. There are over 136 engine problem complaints. 

One driver was in traffic when their SUV stalled. They needed their engine replaced at about 85,749 miles. Another driver had their engine replaced at 40,000 miles. Another driver paid $5,000 to have the engine replaced around 95,000 miles, and this was the price before the cost of labor was added. 

There are also complaints about the steering. One driver noticed a clicking sound every time they turned the wheel that got louder with more usage. Other drivers lost control of the steering around curves. Another driver noticed that it was challenging to maintain staying in the center of their lane. 

Avoid the 2014 Santa Fe 

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is another used option that could cause headaches. This Santa Fe model also has tons of engine complaints. One driver noticed that their engine, oil, and battery light all came on. Then their SUV stalled and wouldn’t restart. Then on their way home after replacing the battery, their SUV died in a parking lot. 

Along with the SUV stalling in traffic, other drivers found metal shavings in their oil pan, noticed loud knocking noises, had their acceleration hesitate, fuel injector failures, and more. Some drivers lost all acceleration power too. 

Another common issue with this model includes electric problems. One driver lost power steering, braking power, and more while in traffic. Another driver experienced their headlights flickering on and off in traffic, and another driver had power liftgate problems. 

Watch out for the 2017 Santa Fe 

The last model to avoid is from 2017. It has more engine complaints. One driver discovered that their Santa Fe was burning through oil very quickly. Another driver randomly lost the ability to accelerate. 

Some drivers noticed that their acceleration was delayed when they tried to move forward or turn at traffic lights. Sometimes the SUV would suddenly lurch forward too. Other people were stuck when their Santa Fe stalled in traffic. 

Other common 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe issues involve the brakes. The adaptive cruise control system wouldn’t brake until it almost hit obstacles in front of the vehicle. Another driver struggled with the ABS system. The light would randomly appear and turn off, but no problems with the brakes were found. 

But not every 2017, 2014, or 2013 Santa Fe model should raise red flags. Do your homework and review the vehicle’s history before making your decision. A model that was well taken care of could be great.