Second Hand Hyundai Santa Fe Radiator

The Santa Fe has run across three main UK generations: the first-generation (SM) from 2001 to 2006, the second-generation (CM) from 2006 to 2012, and the third-generation (DM) from 2012 to 2018, with a facelift in 2015. Radiators are generally generation-specific, so a CM-generation unit won't simply swap into a DM-generation car. Always confirm the exact fit with your breaker against your registration, as mounting and ancillary connections can differ even within a generation.

These two cars fall either side of the third-generation (DM) facelift year of 2015, which means there may be changes to ancillary fittings or connections that affect whether the parts interchange directly. Engine code is the most reliable guide here — check your V5 or run a VIN check to confirm yours, then supply that to the breaker rather than relying on the year alone. A good breaker will be able to cross-reference the two and advise whether the pre- and post-facelift radiators are interchangeable for your specific engine.

Yes — engine code is the single most important factor for radiator fitment on the Santa Fe, sitting above year or anything else. The Santa Fe has been offered with a range of diesel and petrol engines across its history, and cooling system specifications differ between them, so a diesel-engined car's radiator won't necessarily suit a petrol variant of the same generation. Find your engine code on your V5 logbook or via a VIN check and give it to your breaker; it's the clearest detail they can use to source the right unit.

No — trim level does not affect radiator fitment on the Santa Fe; the cooling system follows the engine, not the badge. Whether your car is a base S, SE, Premium, or Premium SE, what determines the correct radiator is the engine code, gearbox type, and year within the generation. One thing worth noting is that higher trims may have additional features like parking sensors or front-end styling differences that could affect how a replacement panel sits, but the radiator core itself is a mechanical match to the engine, not the trim.

Automatic-gearbox Santa Fes sometimes incorporate transmission fluid cooling through the radiator, meaning the unit can differ from the manual version even when the engine code is the same. It's worth telling your breaker both your engine code and whether your car is automatic or manual so they can check whether the radiator has an integrated transmission cooler. This is something to confirm with the breaker against your registration rather than assume, as the arrangement can vary by model year and specification.

The SM (2001–2006) and CM (2006–2012) are distinct generations with different bodyshells and engine line-ups, so a direct swap is very unlikely. Radiator dimensions, hose positions, and mounting points changed significantly between these generations, making cross-generation fitment a long shot. Confirm directly with a breaker using your registration or engine code — they'll be able to tell you straight away whether they have a matching unit.