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Hyundai · Mid-Size SUV · 2015–2018 Custom Search

Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL(DM)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate

The Santa Fe DM facelift from 2015 brought a revised front, LED DRLs, and updated infotainment. Mechanically largely unchanged — pre-facelift weaknesses still apply.

The G6DJ 3.8 V6 with 199 kW is the available engine — a strong naturally aspirated unit with automatic. The engine is robust, but the AWD system remains the concern: the multi-plate coupling in the transfer case wears with frequent off-road use, driveshaft splines corrode in salt regions. AWD drivetrain repairs run $2,200–5,500.

The facelift improved brakes — less disc warping than pre-FL. Front axle ball joints remain a wear item from 50,000 miles. The ABS fire recall from early DM was addressed.

Test-drive checklist: Test AWD — slow turns checking for binding. Driveshaft vibrations at 50–75 mph. Hard braking — pulsing means warped discs.

2026 market: $17,500–26,500. Few V6 examples available.

Insider pick: Example with documented AWD service history — transfer case fluid must be changed every 37,000 miles.

Most Fun Engine

271 PS

Santa Fe · Benzin

Family hauler, no pretense

Decent

Generations

Engine Overview

The Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL is available with one engine variant at 136 hp.

3.8L V6 (Lambda II) · Petrol· 271 PS
2015 2018

Large V6 from the Lambda II family — 3.8L with GDI direct injection, 232–266 kW in Genesis and Kia Stinger. Intake valve carbon buildup from GDI is the dominant theme — valves soot up massively without port washing. CVVT phaser leaks oil onto camshaft sensor. Timing chain rattles with neglected oil changes. Oil consumption from seized piston rings. Walnut-blasting of intake valves every 60,000–80,000 km recommended.

  • !! Intake valve carbon buildup Lambda II T-GDi V6 from 60,000 km

    Direct injection (GDI) without intake valve washing — carbon buildup from 60,000 km, walnut blasting recommended. More involved on 6 cylinders than on four-cylinders.

    Symptoms: Rough idle, power dip, misfires, increased fuel consumption.
    800–2,000 $
    Ad G6DJ carbon cleaningLambda II 3.3 T-GDi Genesis valve cleaning
  • !! CVVT phaser leaks oil — camshaft sensor contaminated from 120,000 km

    The CVVT phasers on the G6DJ can leak oil internally due to aging O-rings. The camshaft sensor gets contaminated and sends false signals. Oil consumption also rises gradually.

    Symptoms: Check engine light (VVT fault code), rough idle on cold start, elevated oil consumption, tapping noise on cold start.
    200–1,000 $
    Ad G6DJ CVVT phaserLambda II VVT actuatorGenesis 3.8 OCV valve243552G000
  • !! Timing chain rattle after cold start with extended oil change intervals from 150,000 km

    The timing chains on the G6DJ rattle on cold start when oil change intervals are exceeded or the wrong oil is used. Extended intervals significantly accelerate chain wear.

    Symptoms: Chain rattle for the first 10–30 seconds after cold start, VVT fault codes, power loss under partial load.
    600–2,500 $
    Ad G6DJ timing chainLambda II 3.8 timing chain kitGenesis 3.8 timing chain tensioner

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Ball joints and CV boots wear prematurely

Ball joints and driveshaft CV boots wear prematurely under the weight of the DM. The MOT regularly finds these faults on older examples and a new sticker is often refused.

Symptoms: Clicking when steering and setting off; MOT faults on axle suspension; imprecise steering feel
from 80,000 km
Ad ball joint Santa Fe DMCV boot driveshaft Hyundai 49594
 Medium
!Torn driveshaft CV boots

CV joint boots tear prematurely on the Santa Fe DM due to the high vehicle weight and AWD operation. Replacement is urgently needed, as dirt and water ingress destroys the joint.

Symptoms: Grease spray in wheel arch, clicking when turning, visible torn boot
from 80,000 km
Ad driveshaft boot Santa Fe DMCV boot Hyundai Santa Fe 2013
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
2,930 complaints · 2012–2018
  1. 01 Engine
    1,730 ⚠ 13
  2. 02 Powertrain
    308 ⚠ 7
  3. 03 Brakes
    272 ⚠ 21
  4. 04 Other
    253 ⚠ 5
  5. 05 Electrical
    246 ⚠ 10

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (1730 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (308 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (272 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL (2015–2018) — 21 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, 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) — Be Careful: Rod Bearing Failure from Manufacturing Debris (Recall), Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Defect, Theta II Class Action — $1.3B Settlement. Power: 185–192 PS.

Santa Fe (G6DJ, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Intake valve carbon buildup Lambda II T-GDi V6, CVVT phaser leaks oil — camshaft sensor contaminated, Timing chain rattle after cold start with extended oil change intervals. 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-FL have? +
The Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL has 21 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: D4HA (2.0L CRDi), G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)), 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)).
Which Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL — 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-FL worth buying used? +
The Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL? +
The Hyundai Santa Fe DM-FL 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