Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 49.3 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 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.
Hyundai Santa Fe
33.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
32% fewer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 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
Jeep Grand Cherokee
49.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Hyundai Santa Fe’s rate
- Complaints
- 15,472
- Sold
- 3,140,383
- Recall campaigns
- 65
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2008, 2011–2012 and 2014. Fewest: 2010, 2016, 2020 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 83,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 79,750 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 81,350 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Grand Cherokee has 49.3, counting the same model years for both.
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.
What is the most common problem on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is body control and other modules, typically around 70,000 miles.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Grand Cherokee years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Santa Fe: 2007–2008, 2013 and 2017; Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2008, 2011–2012 and 2014.
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.