Hyundai Santa Fe 2014 Problems

I definitely agree that 60,000km is pathetically short for the lifespan of a modern transmission. And if, indeed, the transmission has failed or is showing dramatic wear in that distance, I’d be asking Hyundai to help out with the cost of repairs. Even though the vehicle is out of warranty (by only about a year it would seem) the low kilometres and full factory service history might give Hyundai cause to come to the party on a pro rata basis.

Meantime, don’t hit the panic button yet. The fault could be a much simpler one than you might be imagining and could be something quick and easy to fix. The problem could be as simple as low transmission-fluid level. If the quoted cost to examine the transmission is putting you off, try an independent transmission specialist who should be more than familiar with this unit.

Rattles of all sorts are commonly reported in the Santa Fe. For the dealer to dismiss it as common is laziness. Call Hyundai's customer service on 1800 186 306 and report it to them.

There is also a petrol-engined Santa Fe. The crossover point for getting the money back on diesel power is about 30,000km a year.

You will struggle for space in a CX-5 as it's smaller than the CX-7. I would go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, which gets The Tick with seven seats, quality, a five-year warranty and lifetime capped-price service costs.

Don’t judge the Carnival by the badge, as it definitely gets The Tick. The The Multivan is also far more practical than any SUV, as you will find when you try to load all the stuff that comes with four youngsters. If you absolutely must play the SUV game, go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, also a Tick winner.

Hyundai told us they haven't had any reports of the rear suspension sagging on the Santa Fe, and suggest what you saw could have been the result of overloading, or perhaps that the load on the tow ball was too high.