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Hyundai · Mid-Size SUV · 2012–2018

Hyundai Santa Fe DM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

260–271 PS

3.8L V6 (Lambda II) Benzin

Family hauler, no pretense

Decent
Problem Engine

162–192 PS

2.4L GDi (Theta II) Benzin

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Hyundai Santa Fe DM is available with 2 engine variants — from 136 to 271 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L CRDi · Diesel· 150–185 PS Engine Change
2012 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2012 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.4L GDi (Theta II) · Benziner· 174–192 PS Engine Change
2012 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2012 2015
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Hyundai 2.0L CRDi (Diesel, 150–185 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4HA (2012–2018, Be Careful) und D4HA (2012–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L CRDi!

The Hyundai 2.4L GDi (Theta II) (Benziner, 174–192 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G4KJ (2012–2018, Stay Away!) und G4KJ (2012–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.4L GDi (Theta II)!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖All-wheel drive fails (4WD becomes 2WD)

A shaft seal in the transfer case wears and can lead to failure of the all-wheel drive. The seal was reinforced on the DM — still watch for symptoms.

Symptoms: 4WD no longer engages, 4WD warning indicator on, vehicle pulls under AWD conditions
from 120,000 km
Ad shaft seal transfer case Santa Fe DM
 Medium
✖Recall: ABS module — short circuit and fire risk

Dirt and moisture can penetrate the ABS module and cause a short circuit with fire risk. There is simultaneously a recall regarding the hood opening unintentionally and steering wheel structural failure.

Symptoms: ABS warning light permanently on; burning smell; in extreme cases fire under the hood
Ad ABS module Santa Fe DMABS control unit Hyundai 58910
 Low
✖Transfer case shaft: unfavorable material pairing

An unfavorable material pairing between the transfer case shaft and main gearbox is a known problem on the Santa Fe DM. If defective, the transfer case must be replaced completely.

Symptoms: Noise from AWD transfer case; AWD deactivates by itself; jerk when engaging or disengaging AWD
from 120,000 km
Ad transfer case Santa Fe DMtransfer case Hyundai 47300
 High
✖Recall: hood release cable

Over 11,000 Santa Fe DM vehicles were recalled due to a defective hood release cable. The hood can open while driving, causing dangerous obstruction of visibility.

Symptoms: Hood opens while driving, cable breaks when operated
Ad hood release cable Hyundai Santa Fe DMhood cable Santa Fe 2012 2013
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
2,438 complaints · 2012–2018
Engine
1455 ⚠ 10
Powertrain
271 ⚠ 3
Brakes
215 ⚠ 16
Other
213 ⚠ 4
Electrical
197 ⚠ 6

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (1455 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (271 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (215 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Santa Fe DM (2012–2018) — 16 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)). Typical issues affect Other, Suspension, Gearbox.

Santa Fe (D4HA, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Fuel in engine oil (diesel dilution), EGR valve fouling, DPF clogging. Power: 150 PS.

Santa Fe (D4HA, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Fuel in engine oil (diesel dilution), EGR valve fouling, DPF clogging. Power: 184–185 PS.

Santa Fe (G4KJ, 2012–2018) — 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: 185–192 PS.

Santa Fe (G4KJ, 2012–2015) — 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.

Santa Fe (G6DJ, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Intake valve carbon buildup Lambda II T-GDi V6, GDI direct injection causes heavy intake valve carbon buildup, CVVT phaser leaks oil — camshaft sensor contaminated. Power: 271 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 DM have? +
The Hyundai Santa Fe DM has 16 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe DM? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: D4HA (2.0L CRDi), G6DJ (3.8L V6 (Lambda II)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G6DJ (3.8L V6 (Lambda II)). Problem engine: G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)) — stay away!
Which Hyundai Santa Fe DM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Santa Fe DM — rated: "Decent". {description} The Santa Fe DM is spacious and comfortable. The 2.2 diesel gives it decent pull, but it is a family car through and through.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe DM worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Hyundai Santa Fe DM — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Santa Fe DM? +
The Hyundai Santa Fe DM is available with engine variants from 136 to 271 hp. Petrol: G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)), G6DJ (3.8L V6 (Lambda II)). Diesel: D4HA (2.0L CRDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee