2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  33.5% All 2003 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  17% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  14.5% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Number plates1.9× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  14.3% All 2003 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  41% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  37% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?