2018 Hyundai Santa FE 2.2L Diesel · BU18 BOJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a recent shift toward reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 73,685 miles passed, it revealed play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and significant wear on both rear tyres. This follows a pattern of neglect seen in early 2025 when the vehicle failed due to thin front brake pads before being corrected for a re-test just one mile later. At 73,685 miles over eight years, the Hyundai Santa Fe averages approximately 9,200 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a family SUV of this age. The record shows a period of stability between 2021 and 2024, where no defects were recorded across three tests. However, the mileage increased by over 22,000 miles between February 2024 and February 2026, coinciding with the appearance of mechanical and wear-related issues, suggesting the vehicle has entered a phase of higher usage that demands more frequent attention to consumable components. A buyer must inspect the rear wheel alignment, as the recurring advisories for tyres wearing low on the outer edges in 2025 and 2026 indicate a persistent geometry issue or worn suspension bushes. The play in the anti-roll bar linkage noted in the 2026 test should be addressed immediately to prevent unpredictable handling or further uneven tyre wear. Given the previous failure for thin brake pads, a thorough check of the remaining friction material and the condition of the discs is necessary to ensure the components replaced in 2025 are not also nearing the end of their functional life.