Hyundai Santa Fe CM
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
177–201 PS
2.2L CRDi (Smartstream) Diesel
Family hauler with room to spare
Decent162–192 PS
2.4L GDi (Theta II) Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Hyundai Santa Fe CM is available with 2 engine variants — from 150 to 201 hp.
The Hyundai 2.2L CRDi (Diesel, 150–155 PS) has the D4EB (2.2L CRDi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.7L V6 (Delta) (Benziner, 189 PS) has the G6EA (2.7L V6 (Delta)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Axles and driveshafts wear prematurely The Santa Fe CM shows weaknesses in axles and driveshafts that display signs of wear at higher mileages or after 10 years. Symptoms: Clicking when turning, rumbling at certain speeds from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Front ball joints and wheel bearings wear prematurely Front axle ball joints and wheel bearings fail early under the high vehicle weight. The tall SUV body places additional stress on the steering geometry. Main MOT criticism point. Symptoms: Clicking and knocking when steering; MOT faults on suspension; vehicle pulls to one side when braking from 90,000 km | Medium | |
| Boots and ball joints worn by vehicle weight The high vehicle weight places above-average stress on ball joints and driveshaft boots. Torn boots and worn ball joints frequently appear at inspection. Symptoms: Clicking from suspension when steering or pulling away, grease escaping at driveshafts, rumbling over kerbs from 100,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Santa Fe CM (2006–2012) — 21 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Gearbox, Other.
Santa Fe (D4EB, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt service interval, VGT turbocharger fails from soot deposits, High-pressure pump leaks diesel into engine oil. Power: 150–155 PS.
Santa Fe (D4HB, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: VGT turbocharger actuator failure, Piezo injector failure, CP4 high-pressure pump metal debris. Power: 197 PS.
Santa Fe (G6EA, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: V6 timing belt — complex and maintenance-intensive, Head gasket failure from overheating, Intake valve carbon buildup GDi V6. Power: 189 PS.
Santa Fe (G4KJ, 2009–2012) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Damage from Metal Swarf (Recall), Theta-II Recall: Connecting Rod Bearing Damage 2.4 GDi, Timing Chain Slack with Risk of Valve Contact. Power: 174–175 PS.
What to watch out for with the Hyundai Santa Fe? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Santa Fe CM have? +
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Which Hyundai Santa Fe CM engine is the most fun? +
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe CM worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee