Hyundai Santa Fe Used Engines

Santa Fe engines fall into two camps: the four-cylinder Theta family and the V6 Delta and Lambda families. The first-generation car used the 2.4 Sirius and the 2.7 Delta V6; the second generation brought the 2.4 Theta II and the 3.3 Lambda; and from 2013 the line splits into the five-seat Sport with four-cylinder engines and the longer seven-seat car with the 3.3 Lambda. Hyundai recalled a large number of Theta II engines in the US, and that matters more than anything else when you are choosing a replacement.

Hyundai Santa Fe Used Engines — engine options by generation

How to pick the right one

Model year, engine and body - and on a 2013 to 2018 car, tell us whether it is a Santa Fe Sport or the longer Santa Fe, because they take different engines in the same year. The 2.4 Theta II and the 2.0 turbo Theta are not interchangeable; the turbo carries a different block treatment, a different head and its own cooling. On the V6 side the 2.7 Delta, the 3.3 Lambda and the direct-injection 3.3 Lambda II are three separate engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against the build data, and we also tell you what we can see of the recall position on the unit you are looking at.

What usually fails on these engines

The Theta II is the engine to be careful about. Hyundai recalled a large number of 2.4 and 2.0 turbo Theta II engines in the US for connecting-rod bearing failure caused by machining debris left in the crankcase, extended the powertrain warranty on affected vehicles and settled a class action. The symptom is a knock that arrives suddenly and then a seized engine. Before you replace yours, check your own VIN against Hyundai recall 17V-224 and its successors - the engine may be covered. If you are buying a replacement, a post-recall or recall-replaced unit is the one you want, and we will tell you what we know about any unit we list. On the 3.3 Lambda the usual item is the timing chain tensioner and the variable valve timing solenoid. Every engine is compression and leak-down tested.

What ships with every unit

• Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
• VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Related reading: Hyundai/Kia Theta II 2.4L engine guide, all engine guides.

Hyundai Santa Fe used engines - frequently asked questions

Which engines did the Hyundai Santa Fe use?

Across 2001 to today the Hyundai Santa Fe was built with 2.4L Sirius G4JS, 2.7L Delta V6 G6BA, 2.7L Delta V6 G6EA, 2.4L Theta II G4KE, 3.3L Lambda G6DB, 2.4L Theta II GDI G4KJ, 2.0L Theta II turbo G4KH, 3.3L Lambda II G6DH and 2.4L Theta II / 2.0T. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.

How do I know which engine is in my Hyundai Santa Fe?

The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.

Will an engine from a different year fit my Hyundai Santa Fe?

Model year, engine and body - and on a 2013 to 2018 car, tell us whether it is a Santa Fe Sport or the longer Santa Fe, because they take different engines in the same year. The 2.4 Theta II and the 2.0 turbo Theta are not interchangeable; the turbo carries a different block treatment, a different head and its own cooling.

What usually fails on these engines?

The Theta II is the engine to be careful about. Hyundai recalled a large number of 2.4 and 2.0 turbo Theta II engines in the US for connecting-rod bearing failure caused by machining debris left in the crankcase, extended the powertrain warranty on affected vehicles and settled a class action.

What comes with a used Hyundai Santa Fe engine?

Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.