2008 Hyundai Santa FE: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Hyundai Santa FE?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Track rod ends4× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  20.1% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  16.3% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sidelights1.9× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  13.7% All 2008 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13%, against 6.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Steering rack inner joints2.5× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  6.7% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  7.8% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2008 Hyundai Santa FE MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Hyundai Santa FE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  59% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

• Steering
  11% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Known faults on the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Air con needing re-gassing

  All engines

  Air conditioning is one of the biggest problems; it can need re-gassing in under two years, and the compressor drive belt can give trouble.

  At the viewing: Make sure the air con blows properly cold, and listen for belt squeal.

  Source: What Car?: Hyundai Santa Fe (2006-2012) reliability

• Electrical faults

  All engines

  Electrical faults crop up, including on the powered seats.

  At the viewing: Test every electric seat, window and switch.

  Source: What Car?: Hyundai Santa Fe (2006-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai Santa FE

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?