Models · Hyundai
Hyundai Santa Fe (2012–2018) buying guide
The third-generation Santa Fe, on sale from October 2012 to 2018 with five or seven seats and a single 2.2 CRDi diesel, facelifted in January 2016. The checks centre on the diesel's emissions and sensor faults, which come up most in owner surveys.
The versions
- 2.2 CRDi diesel: 194bhp, rising to 197bhp (197PS) with the January 2016 facelift
- Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic; the automatic cuts braked towing from 2.5 to 2 tonnes
- Front-wheel drive on early Style and SE models; four-wheel drive on Premium and Premium SE, and on all cars from 2016
- Five or seven seats, seven as standard on Premium SE
- Chain-driven engine, with auxiliary belts due every third service
What to check on a 2012 to 2018 Santa Fe
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
DPF and engine warning lights
What to look for: Check the dashboard warning lights go out after starting and stay out on the drive. Ask how the car has been used and whether the DPF has needed attention, and look for invoices for DPF or engine management work.
Why it matters: Faulty diesel particulate filters and engine management warnings are the most common faults owners report on this generation, and some owners have had repeat problems. A car with a clean run on the drive and paperwork for any past work is the one to look for.
Stalling and rough idle
What to look for: Let the engine idle for a few minutes and watch for hunting or rough running. On the drive, note any hesitation or cutting out, and listen for a whine from the engine bay.
Why it matters: A failed crankshaft position sensor can make the engine stall or fail to run, and a faulty EGR switching valve causes rough idling. A whining noise from the engine bay has also been reported.
Automatic shift quality and four-wheel drive
What to look for: On an automatic, note any harsh, slow or confused changes. On a four-wheel-drive car, press the lock button at low speed and check it engages; it works up to about 25mph.
Why it matters: Poor shift quality has been reported on the automatic. The four-wheel-drive system is normally front-wheel drive and sends up to half the drive rearward when it detects slip, and the lock mode fixes that split at low speed.
Also in the full guide
- Boot leaks, sunroof and wheels
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 2012 to 2018 Santa Fe
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Hyundai.