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Buying guide

Hyundai Santa Fe DM (2012 to 2018): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Hyundai Santa Fe DM was built from 2012 to 2018 as an SUV, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis code: DM. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2012 to 2018
Chassis codes
DM
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Hyundai Santa Fe DM (2012 to 2018). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. 2.4 petrol engine bearings

    Some 2.4 petrol engines suffered internal damage from manufacturing problems, linked to clogged oilways seizing the connecting rod bearings, and some were replaced by the maker.

    Where to look
    The 2.4 petrol engine and its oil change records
    How to test
    Listen for knocking that rises with revs, check the oil level and ask whether the engine has been replaced. An inspection may not catch an engine about to fail.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement engine

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Electrical fire recall

    Electrical short circuits caused some Hyundai models to catch fire, and a recall covered about 8,700 2015 to 2017 Santa Fes in Australia.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm the recall work is done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Hyundai dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Driveshaft boots and driveshafts

    Damaged driveshaft boots are a concern, and failing driveshafts send vibration through the car.

    Where to look
    The driveshaft boots under the car
    How to test
    Look under the car for split boots and flung grease, and feel for vibration on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost boots or driveshafts

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Underbody damage and rust

    Underbody scrapes promote rust, and cars bounced over rocks may have damage.

    Where to look
    The underbody, sills and suspension
    How to test
    Look underneath with a torch for scrapes, dents and rust.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on what is damaged

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Panoramic sunroof glass

    A few owners have had the panoramic sunroof glass shatter, though it is not widespread.

    Where to look
    The panoramic sunroof glass
    How to test
    Look closely at the sunroof glass for chips or cracks and open and close the blind.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost new sunroof glass

    Sources: autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Alloy wheel corrosion

    Hyundai replaced some alloy wheels under warranty for corrosion and peeling lacquer.

    Where to look
    The alloy wheel faces and rims
    How to test
    Look for bubbling, peeling lacquer and corrosion on each wheel.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost wheel refurbishment

    Sources: autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.4 petrol or 2.2 diesel?
  • Has the engine ever been replaced?
  • Has the electrical fire recall been done?
  • Is it the 5 or 7 seat version?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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