M MILEMARK Brands Repair costs Guides

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Wrangler

For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 42.9 for the Jeep Wrangler. 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

21% fewer than the Jeep Wrangler

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

  1. Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)

    Typically around 99,271 mi

  2. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 51,000 mi

  3. Oil consumption and leaks

    Typically around 98,503 mi

  4. Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting

    Typically around 16,087 mi

  5. Fuel pump and sending unit

    Typically around 80,000 mi · repair $630–$1,700

Estimate costs for a specific Hyundai Santa Fe →

Jeep Wrangler

42.9 complaints per 10,000 sold

1.3× the Hyundai Santa Fe’s rate

Complaints
11,938
Sold
2,785,194
Recall campaigns
54
Open NHTSA investigations
5

Most complaints: 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018. Fewest: 2015–2017 and 2022. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 55,000 mi

  2. Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column

    Typically around 6,600 mi · repair $270–$510

  3. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 65,437 mi

  4. Tank, lines and filler

    Typically around 45,000 mi

  5. Shocks and struts

    Typically around 17,000 mi · repair $280–$1,440

Estimate costs for a specific Jeep Wrangler →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Jeep Wrangler?

For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Wrangler has 42.9, 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 Wrangler?

The most-reported problem on the Jeep Wrangler is body control and other modules, typically around 55,000 miles.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Wrangler years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Santa Fe: 2007–2008, 2013 and 2017; Jeep Wrangler: 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018.

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.