Free used car buyer guide / TM facelift plus MX5 fifth generation / 2021-2025
Hyundai Santa Fe common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.5/10
3 walk-away risks, 1 serious fault, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 8-speed wet-dct oil-pump loss of drive. Score methodology.
The 2021-2025 Santa Fe is really two guides in one: the 2021-2023 TM facelift with 2.5T/DCT and the 2024-2025 boxy MX5 redesign with a new recall stack. The traps are 2021-2022 2.5T fuel-pipe leaks, 2021-2022 8-speed wet-DCT oil-pump loss-of-drive recall, 2022 turbo oil-feed pipe cracking, 2021-2023 tow-hitch harness fire risk, 2024 rollaway TCU software recall, 2024-2025 starter B+ terminal short risk, 2025 rod-bolt engine recall, and 2024-2026 seat-belt anchor recall exposure. The safest buy is a 2023 hybrid or 2022-2023 non-turbo 2.5 with complete campaign history; buy 2024-2025 only after every MX5 recall is closed by VIN. Owners should keep each recall invoice because several Santa Fe faults are invisible until they become fire, rollaway or loss-of-power events.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
8-speed wet-DCT oil-pump
Best years
2022-2023
Best buys
- 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid with no tow-hitch harness issue and clean hybrid scan.
- 2022-2023 2.5 non-turbo 8AT if recall sheet is short and service history is complete.
- 2024-2025 MX5 only after TCU, airbag, camera, starter and seat-belt VIN checks.
Inspect hard
- 2021-2022 2.5T Calligraphy/Limited: DCT recall 236 and fuel-pipe campaigns are decisive.
- 2022 turbo: check turbo oil-feed pipe recall 222 and any oil smell.
- Any Santa Fe with tow package: inspect harness/module and recall 244.
Avoid
- 2.5T DCT with loss-of-drive warnings, delayed engagement or no recall 236 proof.
- 2024 MX5 with open rollaway campaign or transmission replacement pending.
- 2025 with open connecting-rod-bolt recall, knock, oil leak or power-loss history.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Hyundai Santa Fe viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
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Engines and trims
Which Hyundai Santa Fe should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.5L Smartstream petrol with conventional 8-speed automatic
2021-2023 TM, market-dependent
SAFEST GASOLINE SPEC
This avoids the 2.5T wet-DCT recall and most turbo oil-line concerns. It is slower, but better for used buyers who want a family SUV without performance-driveline drama.
2.5L turbo petrol with 8-speed wet DCT
2021-2025, TM and MX5 depending market
HIGH REWARD, HIGH PAPERWORK
The 2.5T makes the Santa Fe feel expensive, but 2021-2022 cars sit inside the loss-of-drive DCT recall and 2021-2022 fuel/turbo pipe campaigns. On 2024 MX5, the transmission concern changes to rollaway software and possible DCT replacement.
1.6L turbo hybrid / plug-in hybrid with 6-speed automatic
2021-2025
BEST IF HYBRID SYSTEM IS CLEAN
The hybrid avoids the wet DCT and suits the Santa Fe's weight. Inspection moves to coolant levels, hybrid warnings, rear camera/seat-belt recalls and tow-hitch harness status.
2.5L MX5 2025 rod-bolt recall population
2025-2026 affected VINs
DO NOT BUY UNTIL VIN CLEARS
This is a build-quality campaign, not age-related wear. If the connecting rod bolts were improperly tightened, the engine can lose power and leak oil.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2021
TM facelift launches with 2.5, 2.5T DCT and hybrid. Recalls include fuel pipe 206/207, ODS 202, windshield bonding 216 and later DCT 236 and camera 271.
Buyer: On 2.5T, DCT and fuel-pipe records decide the deal. On hybrid, seat-belt and camera campaigns need the same attention.
Owner: Keep DCT and fuel-system invoices together; they explain the main 2021 buyer objections.
2022
PHEV joins in some markets. Turbo oil supply pipe recall 222, DCT 236, tow-hitch 244 and camera recall exposure affect certain cars.
Buyer: Inspect turbo oil smell, tow harness and transmission behaviour before negotiating trim options.
Owner: Do not tow or park indoors with open tow-hitch fire recall guidance.
2023
TM facelift matures. Tow-hitch recall 244 continues on fitted cars; hybrid is often the lowest-drama choice.
Buyer: This is the best TM year if the tow-hitch module is clean and hybrid scan shows no stored warnings.
Owner: Keep hybrid coolant and service history clear; 2023 values depend on being the sorted TM year.
2024
MX5 redesign arrives with boxy body and new recall stack: rear-camera software 258, rollaway TCU 263, floor harness/airbag 265, sunshade switch 270, plus later starter/camera/seat-belt campaigns.
Buyer: Do not buy a 2024 from photos. Run the VIN, verify TCU update, then use parking brake and transmission tests during viewing.
Owner: Complete OTA/dealer updates and keep proof; MX5 launch-year resale will be recall-sensitive.
2025
MX5 continues. NHTSA lists connecting-rod-bolt recall 281, starter terminal recall 285, rear camera harness 288, curtain airbag 289 and seat-belt anchor recall 298 on affected populations.
Buyer: A nearly new 2025 with open engine or seat-belt anchor recall is a dealer-resolution car first.
Owner: Report knock, oil leak, camera failure or seat-belt anchor warnings immediately while recall leverage is fresh.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
8-speed wet-DCT oil-pump loss of drive
Affects
Certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe 2.5T under Hyundai 236 / NHTSA 22V746.
Symptoms
Transmission control warning, delayed Drive/Reverse, no acceleration, shudder, fail-safe message or tow-in.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 6,000-10,000+ unsupported transmission.
Codes / scan clues
TCU oil-pump and P07xx transmission codes; Hyundai scan required.
Root cause: Transmission oil-pump malfunction can defeat limited-mobility fail-safe and cause complete loss of drive power.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 22V746 / recall 236.
- Ask if transmission was inspected or replaced.
- Test cold and hot engagement.
- Reverse uphill gently.
- Reject any active warning.
Buyer note
This is the 2.5T Santa Fe's hard gate; a vague software receipt is not enough after symptoms.
Owner note
Save screenshots of warnings and stop driving if the car loses drive.
Fault 2
2.5T high-pressure fuel pipe leak
Affects
2021-2022 Santa Fe 2.5T under Hyundai 206/207 / NHTSA 21V308 and 21V524.
Symptoms
Fuel smell, visible seep near fuel rail, hard start, engine warning or recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-1,000 retail line repair.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure and lean codes if leak affects pressure.
Root cause: Fuel pipe between high-pressure pump and rail may be insufficiently tightened.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 21V308 and 21V524.
- Smell engine bay after hot idle.
- Inspect fuel pipe connection.
- Check recall invoice.
- Avoid any active fuel smell.
Buyer note
A turbo Santa Fe with fuel smell is not a negotiation point; it is a repair-first car.
Owner note
Stop driving and book recall inspection if fuel odor appears.
Fault 3
Tow-hitch harness water ingress
Affects
2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 HEV and 2022-2023 PHEV with Hyundai/Mobis tow harness under recall 244 / 23V181.
Symptoms
Trailer-light faults, blown fuse, battery drain, burning smell, corrosion at harness module or open recall.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 200-800 retail harness/module.
Codes / scan clues
Body/trailer lighting codes; often no powertrain code.
Root cause: Water can enter the tow-hitch module PCB and short it.
Quick check
- Confirm if hitch wiring is fitted.
- Run VIN for 23V181.
- Inspect module for water marks.
- Test trailer lights.
- Follow park-outside advice if open.
Buyer note
A hidden tow module can create fire exposure even if the ball mount is missing.
Owner note
Do not ignore trailer-light glitches after rain.
Fault 4
Turbocharger oil supply pipe cracking
Affects
Certain 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz under Hyundai 222 / NHTSA 22V197.
Symptoms
Oil smell, smoke, oil leak near turbo, low oil, engine warning or recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 500-1,500 retail pipe/turbo-related repair.
Codes / scan clues
Oil pressure, boost and catalyst-related codes if driven leaking.
Root cause: Turbocharger oil supply pipe may crack and leak oil in the engine compartment.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 22V197.
- Inspect turbo oil feed area.
- Smell after highway drive.
- Check oil level and undertray.
- Avoid smoky turbo cars.
Buyer note
A small oil leak near a hot turbo is not a harmless seep.
Owner note
Fix oil smell quickly; low oil can turn a recall pipe into turbo or engine damage.
Fault 5
2024 MX5 rollaway TCU software recall
Affects
Certain 2024 Santa Fe under Hyundai 263 / NHTSA 24V529.
Symptoms
Rollaway risk in Park, parking warnings, transmission campaign notice or DCT replacement inspection.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 6,000-10,000+ if DCT replacement unsupported.
Codes / scan clues
TCU software and park-control data; scan with Hyundai tool.
Root cause: TCU software error may let the vehicle roll away when Park is selected.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 24V529.
- Verify OTA/dealer update.
- Use parking brake during inspection.
- Check whether DCT replacement was required.
- Reject cars awaiting remedy.
Buyer note
A launch MX5 with open rollaway recall is not ready for private sale.
Owner note
Use the parking brake every time and complete the update immediately.
Fault 6
2025 connecting rod bolt engine recall
Affects
Certain 2025-2026 Santa Fe and Tucson under Hyundai 281 / NHTSA 25V549.
Symptoms
Knock, oil leak, loss of drive power, engine warning or recall notice before symptoms.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 5,000-10,000+ engine replacement retail.
Codes / scan clues
Knock, misfire and oil-pressure codes after damage.
Root cause: Connecting rod bolts may have been improperly tightened during assembly.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 25V549.
- Ask if engine replacement was required.
- Listen cold for deep knock.
- Inspect lower engine for oil.
- Avoid symptomatic cars.
Buyer note
A new-looking 2025 with open rod-bolt recall belongs at Hyundai before you own it.
Owner note
Report knock or oil leaks immediately and keep recall communications.
Fault 7
Rearview camera failures and MX5 camera harness recalls
Affects
2021-2022 Santa Fe/HEV/PHEV under 24V879; 2024-2025 Santa Fe/HEV under Hyundai 288 / 25V808; 2024 software obstruction recall 258.
Symptoms
Black camera, delayed image, trailer-assist message blocking view, damaged camera harness or intermittent display.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-900 retail camera/harness.
Codes / scan clues
Body/camera communication codes.
Root cause: Early cars can have damaged camera PCB; MX5 cars can have software or installation/harness faults.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 24V879, 24V246 and 25V808.
- Select Reverse several times.
- Check image after tailgate movement.
- Scan body module.
- Confirm OTA update where applicable.
Buyer note
A camera fault on this generation can be recall-covered, but only if the VIN and repair trail line up.
Owner note
Record intermittent camera loss before service.
Fault 8
MX5 floor harness, curtain airbag and seat-belt anchor recalls
Affects
2024-2026 Santa Fe/MX5 populations under 24V561, 25V809 and 26V218.
Symptoms
Airbag warning, second-row harness damage, recall notice, seat-belt anchor inspection or side curtain airbag reinstallation.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 800-2,500 retail restraint/harness work.
Codes / scan clues
SRS and restraint-system codes.
Root cause: Launch MX5 restraint-system quality issues include floor harness chafe, curtain airbag installation and front seat-belt anchor concerns.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 24V561, 25V809 and 26V218.
- Check SRS light self-test.
- Inspect second-row seat/harness area if accessible.
- Ask for completed restraint recall invoices.
- Reject active airbag warnings.
Buyer note
A family SUV with open restraint recalls is not ready for child-seat duty.
Owner note
Do not postpone restraint campaigns; they are central to the MX5 launch-year risk story.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Hyundai recall printout for 206, 207, 216, 222, 236, 244, 258, 263, 265, 270, 271, 281, 285, 288, 289 and 298 where applicable.
- DCT inspection/replacement paperwork on 2.5T cars.
- Tow-hitch harness invoice if fitted.
- Hybrid/PHEV battery and coolant service records.
Walk around
- Smell for fuel or oil after hot idle.
- Inspect tow-hitch wiring module if present.
- Check camera image and tailgate harness area.
- Look for engine oil leaks on 2025 recall-risk cars.
In the car
- Check SRS, seat-belt and airbag lights.
- Verify rear camera and surround-view functions.
- Review OTA/dealer software update history.
- Scan transmission and hybrid modules.
Test drive
- 2.5T DCT: cold/hot Drive and Reverse engagement.
- MX5: park on gentle slope and verify parking brake workflow.
- Hybrid: smooth EV/engine transitions.
- Listen for turbo oil smell or engine knock.
Scan tool
- Read TCU and DCT data.
- Read SRS/restraint codes.
- Read body/camera module codes.
- Read hybrid system on HEV/PHEV.
Bottom line
Buy: A 2023 hybrid or non-turbo 2.5 with tow-hitch status clear is the calm Santa Fe choice. A 2024-2025 MX5 can be good, but only when the recall sheet is completely closed.
Avoid: A 2021-2022 2.5T with DCT warnings or a 2025 with unresolved rod-bolt recall carries too much downside for a normal family-SUV purchase.
Quick answers
Hyundai Santa Fe buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe 2021-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 8-speed wet-DCT oil-pump loss of drive; 2.5T high-pressure fuel pipe leak; Tow-hitch harness water ingress. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years are the best to buy?
2022-2023 stand out in this generation. A 2023 hybrid or non-turbo 2.5 with tow-hitch status clear is the calm Santa Fe choice. A 2024-2025 MX5 can be good, but only when the recall sheet is completely closed.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe should I avoid?
A 2021-2022 2.5T with DCT warnings or a 2025 with unresolved rod-bolt recall carries too much downside for a normal family-SUV purchase.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.5/10 (buy with checks). 3 walk-away risks, 1 serious fault, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 8-speed wet-dct oil-pump loss of drive.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Hyundai Santa Fe guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- hyundai-forums.com: 2021-santa-fe-transmission-control-system-error.691563
- motorauthority.com
- NHTSA 21V524 owner letter
- NHTSA 21V524 report
- CarComplaints Santa Fe Hybrid recall 244
- NHTSA recall lookup
- Hyundai Forums Santa Fe 2.5T discussions
- Cars.com Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
- NHTSA 25V549 report
- Autoevolution NHTSA PDF mirror