Ford Escape vs Hyundai Santa Fe
For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 58.3 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
58.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.7× the Hyundai Santa Fe’s rate
- Complaints
- 23,552
- Sold
- 4,041,648
- Recall campaigns
- 67
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2013. Fewest: 2007, 2012 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Hyundai Santa Fe
33.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
42% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 5,909
- Sold
- 1,754,921
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2008, 2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2006, 2018–2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 99,271 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 51,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 98,503 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,087 mi
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 80,000 mi · repair $630–$1,700
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 58.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Santa Fe is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 99,271 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2013; Hyundai Santa Fe: 2007–2008, 2013 and 2017.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.