Used Hyundai Santa Fe Differential

The Santa Fe has run in distinct generations in the UK: the first generation (SM) ran from 2001 to 2006, the second generation (CM) from 2006 to 2012, and the third generation (DM/DM FL) from 2012 to 2018 with a facelift around 2015, followed by the fourth generation (TM) from 2018 onwards. Differentials are generally interchangeable within the same generation provided the engine code, fuel type, and gearbox type all match, but crossing a generation boundary is unlikely to work without modification. Always confirm fitment with the breaker against your exact registration.

Both a 2014 and a 2017 Santa Fe fall within the third generation (DM), which ran from 2012 to 2018 with a facelift introduced around 2015, so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility if the engine code and gearbox type match. However, ancillary or mounting changes may have been introduced around the 2015 facelift point, so you should confirm with the breaker against both registrations before purchasing.

The engine code matters more than the year, because Hyundai offered different diesel and petrol engines across the Santa Fe range and each drivetrain configuration can use a different differential ratio and housing. Your engine code is printed on your V5C or can be pulled from a VIN check, and giving it to the breaker is the single most useful thing you can do to get the right part. Year alone is not sufficient, especially across the mid-generation facelift years.

Trim level — whether your Santa Fe is SE, Premium, or Premium SE — does not affect differential fitment, as these are cosmetic and specification grades rather than mechanical variants. What matters is the engine code, whether the car is petrol or diesel, and whether it has a manual or automatic gearbox, along with whether it is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A part pulled from an SE and fitted to a Premium will work identically from a mechanical standpoint, though confirm exact specifications with the breaker.

A 2011 Santa Fe sits in the second generation (CM, 2006–2012), while a 2012 car may be either a late CM or an early third-generation DM depending on when it was registered and built, making this a potential generation boundary crossing. If both cars are confirmed CM models with matching engine codes and gearbox types, compatibility is more plausible, but if one is an early DM the differential is unlikely to be a straight swap. Check both registrations with the breaker to establish which generation each car belongs to before proceeding.

No — petrol and diesel Santa Fe models of the same year typically use different differentials to suit the different torque outputs of each engine, so you should only source a differential that matches your fuel type and engine code. The engine code is the most reliable way to ensure a like-for-like match, and your breaker will need it to confirm compatibility. Do not assume a same-year part will cross between fuel types.