2006 Hyundai Santa FE: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Hyundai Santa FEs, from 867 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Hyundai Santa FEs than on all cars registered in 2006.
- Track rod ends2.8× usualHyundai Santa FE15.9% All 2006 cars5.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt 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× usualHyundai Santa FE16.5% All 2006 cars6.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usualHyundai Santa FE15.7% All 2006 cars7.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Number plate lights1.8× usualHyundai Santa FE15.5% All 2006 cars8.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Sidelights1.9× usualHyundai Santa FE13.5% All 2006 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 12.5%, against 6.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
By area
The share of 2006 Hyundai Santa FE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension58% 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.
- Lights and electrics45% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes42% 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.
- Tyres31% 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 leaks22% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints16% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,953 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 930 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 522 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 1,093 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 1,924 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 2,608 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 4,270 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 2,928 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 2,471 | Suspension 38% |
| 2013 | 1,322 | Suspension 47% |
| 2012 | 2,848 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 3,052 | Suspension 54% |
| 2010 | 2,813 | Suspension 59% |
| 2009 | 532 | Suspension 59% |
| 2008 | 570 | Suspension 59% |
| 2007 | 890 | Suspension 58% |
| 2005 | 531 | Suspension 59% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Hyundai Santa FEs registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score