2015 Hyundai Santa FE: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Hyundai Santa FE?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Transmission oil leaks4.8× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  2.4% All 2015 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2015 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.

• Side repeaters3.4× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  2.4% All 2015 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Steering rack inner joints2.6× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  2.1% All 2015 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2015 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 joints2.3× usual
  Hyundai Santa FE

  2.5% All 2015 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2015 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 2015 Hyundai Santa FE MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Hyundai Santa FE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Brakes
  25% 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
  15% 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 electrics
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 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 transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?