Hyundai Santa Fe TM
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
177–201 PS
2.2L CRDi (Smartstream) Diesel
Premium SUV, built for comfort
Decent162–192 PS
2.4L GDi (Theta II) Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Hyundai Santa Fe TM is available with 4 engine variants — from 105 to 201 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Hyundai 2.0L CRDi (Diesel, 150–185 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4HA (2018–2020, Be Careful) und D4HA (2018–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L CRDi!
The Hyundai 2.2L CRDi (Smartstream) (Diesel, 197–201 PS) has the D4HB (2.2L CRDi (Smartstream)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.4L GDi (Theta II) (Benziner, 185–188 PS) has the G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.5L SmartStream (Benziner, 179 PS) has the G4KN (2.5L SmartStream) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: ABS module short circuit — fire risk Dirt and moisture can penetrate the ABS module and cause a short circuit leading to fire risk. 91,900 vehicles affected worldwide, of which 2,778 in Germany. Symptoms: ABS warning light on; burning smell; in extreme cases fire in the vehicle area | Low | |
| Recall: steering wheel separation while driving Steering wheel can separate from the steering column while driving, leading to complete loss of vehicle control. Recall NHTSA 18V118000 affects 41,070 vehicles. Symptoms: Steering wheel feels loose; unusual noises from steering column | Low | |
| Recall: fuel tank fire risk Recall on the Santa Fe TM due to inadequate fuel tank reinforcement that poses a fire risk in certain crash scenarios. Affected vehicles received reinforcement plates. Symptoms: No visible symptom; fire risk only on impact | Low | |
| Camshaft bearings wear on 2.0 CRDi Worn camshaft bearings on the 2.0 CRDi have been documented from as little as 33,000 km. A material defect in the cylinder head causes severe running noises and engine damage without any obvious prior warning. Symptoms: Rough engine running, progressively loud engine noises, workshop identifies camshaft bearing wear in cylinder head from 50,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 37 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Santa Fe TM (2018–2023) — 27 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)), G4KN (2.5L SmartStream). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics.
Santa Fe (D4HA, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Fuel in engine oil (diesel dilution), EGR valve fouling, DPF clogging. Power: 150 PS.
Santa Fe (D4HA, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Fuel in engine oil (diesel dilution), EGR valve fouling, DPF clogging. Power: 184–185 PS.
Santa Fe (D4HB, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: VGT turbocharger actuator failure, Piezo injector failure, CP4 high-pressure pump metal debris. Power: 197–201 PS.
Santa Fe (D4HB, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: VGT turbocharger actuator failure, Piezo injector failure, CP4 high-pressure pump metal debris. Power: 200–201 PS.
Santa Fe (D4HB, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: VGT turbocharger actuator failure, Piezo injector failure, CP4 high-pressure pump metal debris. Power: 193–200 PS.
Santa Fe (G4KJ, 2018–2020) — 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: 185–188 PS.
Santa Fe (G4KN, 2018–2023) — Stay Away!: Excessive Oil Consumption from Piston Rings, Turbocharger Oil Starvation from Extended Service Intervals, Oversized Piston Ring Gap Causes Oil Consumption. Power: 179 PS.
Santa Fe (G4KN, 2020–2023) — Stay Away!: Excessive Oil Consumption from Piston Rings, Turbocharger Oil Starvation from Extended Service Intervals, Oversized Piston Ring Gap Causes Oil Consumption. Power: 191 PS.
Santa Fe (G4FT, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Fuel contamination of engine oil, Timing chain stretch — Tucson/Kona Hybrid, Valve carbon buildup under sport use. Power: 179 PS.
Santa Fe (G4FT, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Fuel contamination of engine oil, Timing chain stretch — Tucson/Kona Hybrid, Valve carbon buildup under sport use. Power: 230 PS.
Santa Fe (G4FT, 2021–2023) — Be Careful: Fuel contamination of engine oil, Timing chain stretch — Tucson/Kona Hybrid, Valve carbon buildup under sport use. Power: 179 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 TM have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee