Should I buy a 2012–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2012–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Automatic gearbox hesitation or harsh shifting

Delayed take-up when selecting Drive or Reverse, a jolt on upshifts, or revs rising without matching road speed.

How to check

From cold and again when warm, move between Reverse and Drive, then pull away gently and let it shift through the gears at light throttle.

Estimated Repair Cost

£900

2High Likelihood

DPF blockage and failed regenerations

Warning light, limp mode, rising fuel use, frequent fan running, or a car that feels strangled under load.

How to check

Warm the car fully, then accelerate steadily up a hill or dual carriageway slip road.

Estimated Repair Cost

£800

3High Likelihood

Panoramic roof drain blockage and cabin water ingress

Musty smell, damp carpets, wet headlining edges, condensation, or unexplained electrical oddities after heavy rain.

How to check

After rain or after a wash, drive the car, turn normally, and use the climate control while paying attention to smells and dampness inside.

Estimated Repair Cost

£350

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%40%0–20,000 miles: 8.2% (690 failed / 8,434 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 12.6% (5,374 failed / 42,503 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 16.9% (8,389 failed / 49,622 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 21.7% (8,613 failed / 39,622 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 26.5% (6,944 failed / 26,245 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 28.9% (4,164 failed / 14,399 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 30.3% (2,061 failed / 6,797 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 32.0% (925 failed / 2,890 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 34.3% (369 failed / 1,076 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 33.7% (122 failed / 362 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2012–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel Automatic

Hyundai Santa Fe buying questions

Is a 2012–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2012–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Hyundai Santa Fe (2012–2018)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Hyundai Santa Fe?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually