Maintenance & repair cost

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance & Repair Cost

The Hyundai Santa Fe averages $515 a year in repair and maintenance costs, which is 10% below the typical midsize SUVs. Here is what that covers, how it ranks, and the problem areas most likely to drive the bill.

Data updated June 2026

Avg. annual cost
$515

Repairs + maintenance, per year

midsize SUVs average
$573

10% cheaper

Reliability rating
medium

RepairPal rating

Segment rank
#2 of 26

midsize SUVs

Cost of ownership

How much does a Hyundai Santa Fe cost to maintain?

Independent repair data puts the Hyundai Santa Fe at about $515 per year in combined repair and maintenance spending. The average midsize SUVs runs about $573, so the Hyundai Santa Fe is 10% cheaper than a typical rival to keep on the road.

RepairPal rates the Hyundai Santa Fe's overall reliability medium and ranks it #2 of 26 in the midsize SUVs class. A lower cost usually tracks with fewer and less severe repairs, but it is an average across every model year.

What drives the cost

The problems most likely to show up on a repair bill

Across the model years we track, these are the most frequently reported Hyundai Santa Fe problem areas — the categories most likely to turn into a real expense:

#1

Unknown Or Other

Complaints
269
Years affected
9
Worst year
2018
#2

Power Train

Complaints
275
Years affected
8
Worst year
2022
#3

Electrical System

Complaints
190
Years affected
8
Worst year
2023
#4

Engine

Complaints
349
Years affected
6
Worst year
2018
See the full Hyundai Santa Fe common-problems breakdown →

How to read this

Averages describe the model — the VIN describes the car

Annual-cost and reliability figures come from independent repair data aggregated across many vehicles. They are a strong way to compare one model against another, but a single Hyundai Santa Fe can cost far more if it was neglected, wrecked, or has an open recall. Use the estimate to shortlist, then confirm the specific car with its VIN.

Source trail

Where this Hyundai Santa Fe data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Hyundai Santa Fe research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Hyundai Santa Fe research FAQ

How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Santa Fe per year?

A Hyundai Santa Fe averages about $515 per year in repair and maintenance costs across parts and labor, versus roughly $573 for a typical midsize SUVs. Actual cost depends on the year, mileage, condition and where it is serviced.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe expensive to repair?

Compared with similar vehicles, the Hyundai Santa Fe is 10% cheaper to maintain than the midsize SUVs average, and its overall reliability is rated "medium".

Does a low maintenance cost mean a specific Hyundai Santa Fe is a safe buy?

No. A segment average describes the model, not one car. A cheap-to-maintain model can still hide a salvage title, odometer rollback, flood damage or unfinished recall work. Always run the VIN before you buy.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Hyundai Santa Fe you are considering.