Kia Telluride and Hyundai Santa Fe owners: What to know about aftermarket filter kits
For owners of 2020-2026 Kia Telluride 3.8L or 2019-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L/2.4L vehicles, this specific filter kit (971333M000 CA11943) represents a maintenance alternative to dealership parts. The dual-engine-and-cabin-air-filter bundle addresses two critical filtration needs with one purchase, potentially offering significant cost savings over OEM replacements while maintaining proper fitment for these specific vehicle platforms.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify your exact engine configuration matches the 3.8L for Telluride or 2.0L/2.4L for Santa Fe, as incorrect filter dimensions can cause air leaks or installation issues.
- Consider the maintenance interval alignment—cabin filters typically need replacement more frequently than engine air filters, so bundling may not always match your service schedule.
- Check for proper sealing gaskets and frame rigidity, as aftermarket filters for these Hyundai/Kia platforms must maintain exact OEM dimensions to prevent unfiltered air bypass.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality indicators include precise OEM part number cross-references (971333M000, CA11943), multi-layer filtration media with consistent pleat spacing, and reinforced rubber sealing edges that match the factory airbox contours. For these specific vehicles, the filter frame should be rigid enough to prevent collapse under high airflow conditions while maintaining flexibility for proper sealing.
Air Filters Market Context
Market Overview
The aftermarket air filter segment for late-model Hyundai and Kia SUVs has expanded significantly, with many manufacturers producing direct-fit replacements that claim OEM-equivalent performance. The Telluride and Santa Fe platforms represent high-volume vehicles where aftermarket support is particularly competitive, driving both quality improvements and price reductions compared to dealership parts.
Common Issues
Common problems include filters that are slightly undersized, causing air bypass around the edges, or overly restrictive media that can impact engine performance. Some aftermarket cabin filters for these vehicles lack the activated charcoal layer found in OEM equivalents, reducing odor filtration capability. Installation difficulties occasionally arise when filter frames aren't precisely molded to the vehicle's airbox contours.
Quality Indicators
Look for manufacturers that specify exact vehicle applications rather than generic 'universal fit' claims. High-quality filters will maintain the OEM's media surface area through proper pleat design and use synthetic media that balances airflow with filtration efficiency. For cabin filters, check whether activated carbon is included if your OEM filter had this feature.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
The Grade B authenticity rating with 15% estimated fake reviews indicates generally trustworthy feedback with some manipulation present. For this specific filter kit, the 4.40 adjusted rating (down from 4.78) suggests genuine satisfaction is strong but slightly inflated by questionable reviews focusing on generic praise rather than specific fitment details.
Trust Recommendation
Prioritize reviews that mention specific installation experiences with Telluride or Santa Fe models, particularly those discussing fit precision and any modifications needed. Be skeptical of reviews that don't mention the vehicle model or that praise the product in identical language to other listings—these are common indicators of inauthentic feedback in the automotive parts category.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Focus on reviews that include photos showing installed filters, mention exact model years, or compare directly to OEM parts. Look for patterns in negative reviews—if multiple Telluride owners report the same fitment issue, that carries more weight than isolated complaints. Verified purchase status is particularly valuable here, as it confirms the reviewer actually installed the product.
Expert Perspective
This filter kit demonstrates the value proposition of aftermarket maintenance parts for popular late-model SUVs, with strong genuine satisfaction (4.40 adjusted rating from 1,163 reviews) suggesting it delivers on core promises of fit and function. The high percentage of verified purchases (100%) adds credibility to performance claims. For Telluride and Santa Fe owners, this represents a viable alternative to dealership parts, potentially cutting maintenance costs by 50-70% while maintaining adequate filtration performance for normal driving conditions.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the cost savings against potential differences in filtration media quality—some aftermarket filters use less expensive materials that may require more frequent replacement. Consider whether you value the convenience of replacing both filters simultaneously or prefer to maintain OEM-recommended intervals separately. For vehicles still under warranty, confirm that using aftermarket filters won't affect coverage for related systems.
Comparing Alternatives
Compare this kit's specifications against OEM filters and competing aftermarket brands like FRAM or WIX, particularly regarding media composition and exact dimensional specifications for your specific vehicle.
