Hyundai Santa Fe: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 5,917 Hyundai Santa Fe cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2001 and 2026.
In a sample of 394 cars, 45.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (11.2% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 12 recalls for this model; 9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Hyundai Santa Fe
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.2% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.4% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 8.4% |
| Steering ball joint has too much play | 8.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 6.1% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 4.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 2.8% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 2.5% |
Share of 394 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 9.4% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 6.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.6% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 5,917 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 2001 to 2026 |
All Hyundai Santa Fe passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-18 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 85 |
| 2024-10-16 | electrical system | – | 8,184 |
| 2023-03-20 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 1 |
| 2023-03-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 9 |
| 2022-09-26 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2022-09-20 | electrical system | – | 68 |
| 2021-04-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 0 |
| 2020-07-01 | electrical system | serious | 8,592 |
| 2018-11-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
| 2017-08-07 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 742 |
| 2013-05-21 | lights | – | 7,847 |
| 2013-05-02 | suspension | serious | 10,637 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Hyundai Santa Fe fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 45.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (11.2%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (9.4%), tyre tread depth insufficient (8.4%).
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 12 recalls. 9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Hyundai models
i10 · Kona · i20 · Tucson · i30 · iX20 · iX35 · Getz · Atos-Prime · IONIQ5 · Ioniq · Inster · Matrix · Bayon · IONIQ6
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.