The Hyundai Motor Group Santa Fe, with the all-wheel drive (AWD), is a sleek and versatile SUV that’s great for driving in light snow and sandy conditions.
However, its AWD system is prone to certain issues, like strange sounds and leaks.
But don’t worry!
We’ll explore some common Hyundai Santa Fe AWD system problems that drivers face and what you can do to resolve them.
This Article Contains:
- 4 Worrying Hyundai Santa Fe AWD System Problems (+Fixes)
- How Much Does it Cost to Fix Hyundai Santa Fe AWD Issues?
- Most and Least Reliable Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years
Let’s go.
4 Worrying Hyundai Santa Fe AWD System Problems (+Fixes)
Here are some common all-wheel drive (AWD) issues faced by Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport drivers:
1. AWD Warning Light Turns On
The most obvious sign of a drivetrain problem is a lit AWD warning light on your dashboard (the symbol with four tires). The light could be triggered by:
- Low fluid level: Driving with low transfer case, transmission, and other fluids can overheat AWD components and wear them down faster due to a lack of lubrication. This can trigger the AWD warning and Check Engine Light.
To prevent that, check your transfer case, differential, and transmission fluid levels every month or whenever you get an oil change. Refill them if running low, or replace them if they’re old. You should also regularly check for other low fluids based on manufacturer-recommended intervals.
- Malfunctioning sensor: The AWD system relies on inputs from sensors like wheel speed and ABS sensors. So, if these sensors malfunction, it could trigger the service AWD light. It’s best to have a mechanic check it out and replace them if needed.
- Mechanical issues: If components like the viscous coupling, drive shaft, or transfer case fail, you may hear odd sounds or struggle with AWD engagement. When that happens, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) activates the AWD light. You should have a mechanic repair or replace these parts with new Hyundai inventory as soon as possible.
- Electrical issues: Problems with connectors or harnesses can impact your all-wheel drive vehicle’s performance, triggering the AWD light. You’ll need to check the warning light code to find out what’s wrong and fix it.
- Malfunctioning ECU: A faulty ECU can lead to critical issues, like your car not starting, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine misfires. This could happen due to overheating, water damage, electrical overloads, and more. When it does, you’ll likely see a lit AWD light and Check Engine Light. It’s best to have a specialist repair or reprogram the ECU in such cases.
2. AWD Doesn’t Engage (Rear-Wheel Tires Won’t Spin)
AWD issues could leave your Santa Fe stuck in snow or sand, with just the front tires spinning.
This can happen due to:
- Faulty viscous coupler: The viscous coupler helps provide even power distribution to your front and rear axle. When the rear axle experiences excessive tire spin, the coupler locks that rear differential (which lets the wheels spin at different speeds) to control the tire speed. If the viscous coupler is bad, the drive shaft will turn, but the rear axle won’t spin since it won’t receive power. You’ll probably need to replace the viscous coupler with a new Hyundai inventory.
- Faulty transfer case or gearbox: The transfer case or gearbox receives power from the transmission and sends it to the rear-wheel tires when AWD is engaged. The rear wheels and the drive shaft won’t turn if it’s faulty. You might need a mechanic to repair the transfer case.
- Broken torque converter clutch solenoid: Some Santa Fe models use a multi-disc clutch system with no viscous coupling. If the torque converter clutch solenoid (which controls the flow of transmission fluid) is broken, it may indirectly affect your transmission to prevent the rear wheels from spinning. You’ll need a mechanic to replace the clutch solenoid with a new inventory.
3. Leaking Transfer Case
Transfer case failure can occur for several reasons. However, a common problem is low fluids caused by a leaking case.
This may happen because of:
- Worn output shaft seals
- Damaged transfer case housing
- Loose bolts
- Bad bearings
- Contaminated fluids
- Overfilled fluids
Now, extensive leaks can overheat and wear out your transfer case, causing irreparable damage to its internal parts. So, you’ll need to replace the seals or parts as needed (if not the whole transfer case). After that, don’t forget to top up the transfer case fluid.
Pro tip: Whether you drive an old or new Hyundai car, ask your mechanic to inspect the transfer case seals for leaks or wear when replacing transmission fluid.
4. Strange Sounds Around Turns
If something’s wrong with your AWD system, you may hear strange noises while driving, especially when taking turns.
Here’s what you may hear:
- A whooshing noise if there’s an issue with the transmission or gears.
- A knocking or banging noise due to low oil levels, a failing transfer case, or a bad viscous coupler. It could be a differential issue if the noise comes when driving straight.
You’ll need to refill the fluids or replace the part in question.
Next, let’s see what it could cost to resolve these AWD problems.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Hyundai Santa Fe AWD Issues?
The cost to repair an AWD issue can depend on the new inventory needed and your location.
Here are estimates for various replacements with labor costs:
- Transfer case fluid: $105
- Oil change: $125 to $145
- Transmission fluid change: $150 to $170
- Transfer case output shaft seal: $350
- Wheel speed sensor: $200 to $350
- Torque converter clutch solenoid: $85 to $400
- Viscous coupler: $600 to $1,200
- Transfer case: $1,000 to $3,450
- Transmission: $1,660 to $3,500
Now, if you’re looking to buy a new Hyundai, you may wonder which models have the least problems.
Let’s find out.
Most and Least Reliable Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years
Here are details on Hyundai models with great ratings and some with prominent issues:
A. Most Reliable Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years
These Hyundai vehicle models have earned high praise:
- 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe:
- 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- 4.5/5 consumer rating for reliability on KBB.com
- 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe:
- 5-star rating from NHTSA
- 4.5/5 consumer rating for reliability on KBB.com
- 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe:
- 5-star rating from NHTSA
- 4.3/5 consumer rating for reliability on KBB.com
B. Least Reliable Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years
These Hyundai models have seen a high number of complaints and recalls:
- 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe:
- 9 Recalls and 669 complaints per the NHTSA
- Per enginepetrol.com, this Hyundai vehicle model commonly faced fuel gauge and fuel level sensor issues
- 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe:
- 3 Recalls and 530 complaints per the NHTSA
- Per enginepetrol.com, this model commonly experienced engine failure and steering problems.
- 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe:
- 6 Recalls and 613 complaints per the NHTSA
- Per enginepetrol.com, this Hyundai model commonly saw engine problems and acceleration issues while turning.
Resolve Your Hyundai Santa Fe AWD Issues
Understanding Hyundai Santa Fe AWD issues is the first step towards resolving them. Fortunately, this guide can help you determine what’s going wrong and what you must do next.
But remember: Some auto problems require technical knowledge, and making the wrong change could risk your safety.
That’s why you should leave repairs to the professionals at AutoNation Mobile Service!
We offer upfront pricing and a 12,000-mile or 12-month repair warranty. Plus, you won’t have to drive to a shop or get a tow.
Contact us to have our experts resolve any Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, or any Hyundai Motor Group vehicle issues right from your driveway.