2001 Hyundai Santa FE

Above average

Owners filed 209 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Hyundai Santa FE years to avoid. Which Hyundai Santa FE years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
104,785 milesMedian miles at failure

130 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Hyundai Santa FE problems

67 of the 209 complaints (32%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension31
100
Suspension › Rear27
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine9
000
Electrical System7
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
000
Structure › Body · body and frame6
000
Steering6
000
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator6
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs14V435000
Filed Jul 18, 2014271,773 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 “salt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.

Risk. If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the coil spring, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.

Suspension › Rear09V123000
Filed Apr 16, 200983,355 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 83,355 MY 2001-2003 SANTA FE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM STEEL. OWNERS MAY SEE OR FEEL SLIGHT TO MODERATE CHANGES IN VEHICLE OPERATION WHICH WILL INCREASE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED. THESE CHANGES INCLUDE A LOWERING OF VEHICLE HEIGHT THAT CAN LEAD TO TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. OWNERS MAY ALSO NOTICE A CREAKING SOUND.

Risk. IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS FOR INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE REPLACED. REAR TRAILING ARMS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE DRAINAGE HOLES ADDED AND WILL BE TREATED WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. INSPECTION, TREATMENT AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT NO COST TO OWNERS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V520000
Filed Dec 18, 2003249,309 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Risk. THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Electrical System › Starter Assembly03V030000
Filed Jan 2, 200325,643 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7 LITER V-6 ENGINES, IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS (CPS) WERE INSTALLED. THE CPS CASES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND DID NOT MEET DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS. INTERNAL GAPS WITHIN THE CASES ALLOWED EPOXY TO CONTACT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN CRACKING OF THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR.

Risk. A DAMAGED CPS CAPACITOR COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-829-9956.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Mar 26, 2023UT

I live in Roy city utah and i drive a santa fe 2001 and my trailing arm in the rear driver side snaped while i was going 45 mph. when i took it in to a shop to have it looked at they said that my trailing arm had snaped do to the rust corrision under the car. I know that there are recalls on the santa fe for the rear suspention trailing arms but only if you live in a salt belt state and utah is not one of those states and i think it should be because of the salt we use on our roads as well as i live 20 mins from the great salt lake . i have bearly had my car 5 months befor it broke i paid 2000.00$ for it. i guess i didnt fully understand the saltbelt state thing and i called young hayndai in ogden utah and they called a tow truck and had my car towed to the dealer ship they had it like 12 days or something befor they diganosed it. when they said that its not on recal because of the salt belt state thing they are trying to charg me 274.00$ just for them to tell me what i already knew was wrong with it and for the towtruck. because of my broken car i just had lost 2 highpaying jobs and i have no money to pay the dealership so they said that i cant have my car till i pay them then they said that they can only hold my car for 10 days . idont know what to do cause my santa fe was not only my only ride but its where i lived. so now im back to sleeping in the street and i dont know where or what the dealership has done with my car. please help me and order a recall on my santa fe be

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Jan 10, 2023140,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to Marco’s body shop where it was diagnosed that both struts, new tires, front passenger side wheel cylinder, wheel mount, tie rod, and wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the mechanic noticed that the driver’s side cross member had fractured and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer at a different location. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 17, 2022AZ

The suv stalls while driving. This has happened multiple time. While driving, driving slow, taking a u turn. The battery, alternator, starter, power steering pump, water pump, rack and pinion, timing belt, serpentine belt, idler pulley, harmonic balancer, front axles, shocks, struts, some sensors, spark plugs/wires, gaskets, and many other parts are replaced in the last year. Don't know what is wrong but it is scary when it stalls suddenly.

SuspensionCrash
Filed Nov 10, 2021MO

The rear trailing arm cracked in half causing my wife to run off the road11

Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2021ND

The contact's friend owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while a friend was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to veer off to the right without warning and the driver began losing control of the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact's friend was able to drive the vehicle to her home at slow speeds. Another friend was able to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the rear passenger’s side trailing arm had fractured due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V123000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure and he was informed that his vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Suspension
Filed Jan 10, 2021185,000 milesVA

MY WIFE WAS ACCELERATING TO 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE LEFT TO RIGHT RAPIDLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. SHE COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS ALMOST TOUCHING THE INSIDE OF THE REAR FENDER. SHE WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT ABOUT A MILE HOME TO DRIVEWAY. SHE CONTACTED HYUNDAI & THEY TOLD HER TO TOW IT TO CLOSEST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP & REAP SUSPENSION PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED UNDER RECALL. AFTER WE PAID TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM WAS CORRODED AND ALMOST BROKEN & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN CALLED MY WIFE THE NEXT DAY TO INFORM HER THAT HER SANTA FE REAR TRAILING ARMS HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED BY HYUNDAI. SHE IMMEDIATELY CALLED HYUNDAI TO SPEAK WITH PERSON THAT TOLD HER TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. HYUNDAI OPENED A CASE NUMBER FOR HER SANTA FE. HYUNDAI CALLED BACK COUPLE DAYS LATER SAYING THEY HAD RESEARCHED HER SANTA FE UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 090 AND THAT IT DID NOT QUALIFY BEING THAT IT HAD NOT REGISTERED WITHIN THE 20 SALT BELT STATES REQUIRED FOR RECALL. HYUNDAI CASE WORKER SAID THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THE SANTA FE UNDER RECALL.& HYUNDAI WAS CLOSING THE CASE. AFTER A VERY EXTENSIVE SEARCH ON THE SANTA FE FRAME CORROSION RECALL SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME CORROSION RECALL HAD BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE EVERY SANTA FE WITHIN THE 50 STATES, ALTHOUGH H

Engine
Filed May 25, 2020AL

GAS PUMP PROBLEM KEEPS CLICKING AND I'VE REPLACE MANY PARTY BUT STILL LIKE ITS FULL OF GAS BUT I BE ON EMPTY.CAR ALSO JERKS LIKE I'VE BEEN REAR ENDED WHILE DRIVING LIKE IT HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND I'VE REPLACE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES. GEARS ONLY WORK MANUAL IT'S LIKE THE CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN .ALSO MY TIRE FLEW OFF MY CAR ON THE BACK AND HAD TO TAKE TO DEALER SHIP AND THEY WAS SAYING IT'S SOME PROBLEM THEY CAN'T HELP .

Suspension
Filed May 18, 2020161,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE BACK TO HER RESIDENCE WHERE HER HUSBAND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND DISCOVERED CORROSION ON THE REAR CONTROL ARM. DUE TO THE CORROSION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HER FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000. *LN*JB

Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 202015,400 milesMD

THERE'S A REALL ON THIS VEHICLE THAT I JUST PURCHASED THE DESCRIPTION SAYS: FRONT COIL SPRING PROTECTOR INSTALLATION HOW CAN THIS ISSUE BE RESOLVED? THIS ISSUE SHOULD BEEN TAKING CARE OF AND REPORTED TO YOU GUYS BUT OBVIOUSLY IT HASN'T. SO I NEED TO KNOW IS IT STILL AVAILABLE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE OR DO I HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET TO GET THIS REPAIRED? OR CAN I STILL GO TO A HYANDAI DEALER FOR FREE REPAIRS? I'M NOT SURE OF THE NOTIFICATION DATE. SO IN THE BOX BELOW I'LL PUT THIS YEAR AND DATE

Suspension
Filed Dec 21, 2019150,000 milesVA

OUR MECHANIC HAS IDENTIFIED SIGNIFICANT CORROSION TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM, A SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL VULNERABILITY CONSISTENT WITH NHTSA SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 09V123000. THE NHTSA SAFETY RECALL OBSERVES THE DANGER OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM FRACTURING, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER, HYUNDAI, ABOUT THE SAFETY VULNERABILITY, RESULTING FROM THE LATENT MANUFACTURING WEAKNESS. AS DETAILED IN THE ATTACHED FILE. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS INDIFFERENT TO THE FAULTY VEHICLE PART AND SAFETY VULNERABILITY, AND NO RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. WE ARE ATTACHING PHOTOS OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION CONSISTENT WITH THE MANUFACTURING FAILURE IDENTIFIED IN THE NHTSA SAFETY RECALL.

Suspension
Filed Dec 7, 2019VA

I HAVE BEEN HEARING A CLANKING SOUND SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED MID NOVEMBER 2019 . THE SOUND SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE BACK PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL AREA IT APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND FEELS LIKE THE BACK PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF ANYTIME THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION .AND LOOKS VERY RUSTED OUT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 21, 2019KS

WHEN GETTING GAS, THE PUMP ALWAYS 'CLICKS OFF' WHEN IM PUMPING GAS. DOES NOT MATTER HOW FULL. THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE A FULL TANK IS TO CONTINUE PUMPING UNTIL GAS COMES OUT THE TOP OF THE FILLER NECK. THIS USUALLY MEANS OVERRIDING AS MANY AS 50 PUMP 'CLICK OFFS'. I HAVE SEEN OTHER SANTA FE OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURING FLAW & NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THIS METHOD OF GETTING A FULL TANK IS NOT DESIRABLE AND WHAT'S THE POINT OF HAVING A 17 GALLON GAS TANK IF IT TAKES 45MINUTES TO FILL UP. THANK YOU.

Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2019200,000 milesMO

DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED OUT IT HAS 2 RECALLS ON IT BUT NOT THE CONTROL ARM WHY IF THE TRAILING ARMS ARE RUSTED IT SHOULD BE ADDED TO???????? STARTED MAKING NOISE NO WARNING WHILE DRIVEING 55 MPH HAPPENED ON 8/23/2019

Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 13, 2018175,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE LEFT TO RIGHT RAPIDLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ALMOST TOUCHING THE INSIDE OF THE REAR FENDER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A NEARBY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS EIGHTY MILES AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 22, 2018WA

REAR DRIVER SIDE TRAILING ARM BADLY RUSTED.

Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2018KS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER (HYUNDAI EAST, 11200 E CENTRAL AVE, WICHITA, KS 67206, (316) 977-7800). IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXHIBIT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 10, 2017136,000 milesMN

I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE CAR. THE SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED SO MUCH THAT I CAN'T DRIVE IT. HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO FIRESTONE. THEY SAID NOT TO DRIVE IT AND YOU SHOULD HAVE IT TOWED TO OUR HOUSE. THEY SAID THE TIRE WOULD FALL OFF OR WORSE. THEY WOULDN'T TOUCH IT. SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THAT TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME IN THE FRONT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, IT WOULD COST $2000. WHEN I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI, THEY SAID IT COULD COST UP TO $5000. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT. I THEN TOWED IT HOME AND IT IS SITTING IN MY GARAGE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I BOUGHT.

Suspension
Filed Nov 24, 2017108,500 milesTN

REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING RUSTED OUT CAUSING TIRE TO LEAN INTO CAR. ONLY BACKING OUT OF DRIVE WAY AT 2 MPH. WHY WAS ONLY RECALL SENT TO SO CALLED "SALT STATES"? I LIVE IN TENNESSEE AND SALT IS USED ON ROADS IN WINTER.

Suspension
Filed Nov 24, 2017108,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL LEANED INWARD INTO THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING OF THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. FRIENDSHIP HONDA IN JOHNSON CITY, TENESSEE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. *TT JOHNSON CITY HYUNDAI REPAIRED FOR FREE. TRADED IT IN 12/29/17. UPDATED 8/14/18*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 2017126,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 7, 2017150,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN RE-FUELING, THE FUEL LEAKED OUT OF THE FUEL TANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 1, 2017130,000 milesCT

SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE ROT TO POINT OF SEPARATION, LOSS OF STEERING AND VEHICLE CONTROL. MY NEWLY LICENSED GRAND-DAUGHTER TOOK IT FOR A SHORT ABOUT TOWN DRIVE, NOT GETTING MORE THAN A QUARTER MILE BEFORE THE WHEEL SNAPPED OUT OF HER HANDS AND THE VEHICLE HEADED FOR THE CENTER LINE. SHE MANAGED TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, MOVEMENT FORWARD WAS SLOPPY. AWEFUL NOISES COMING FROM BELOW. FLUIDS LEAKING. I KNEW THERE WAS RUST UNDERNEATH BUT NOT SUCH GREATLY WEAKENED PARTS. IMG_6087.JPG

Suspension
Filed Jun 20, 2016172,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S LOWER FRAME CONTROL ARM WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE A FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE FRAME WERE RUSTED. THE A FRAME WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REMOVED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A PREVIOUS RECALL THAT WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE RECALL NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

Suspension
Filed Jun 1, 201617,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL TILTED LEAVING THE VEHICLE IMPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEAR BY FIRESTONE WHERE THE FAILURE WAS ASSESSED BY THE TECHNICIAN. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FRACTURED REAR AXEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WAS MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 2016116,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V030000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Mar 14, 2016170 milesTX

V EHICLE CAUGH T ON FIRE IN MOTION CLAIM NUMBER 870190.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 11, 2016184,215 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION AND SUBFRAME THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS MOUNTED TO WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,215.

Suspension
Filed Oct 8, 2015155,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP, THE VEHICLE'S WEIGHT SHIFTED, AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAVED INTO THE WHEEL WELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TRAILING ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 20, 201540,000 milesNJ

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS TWICE. THE FIRST TIME WAS SEVEN YEARS AGO AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES AND RECENTLY IN JUNE 2016 AT 84,000 MILES. SINCE IT IS A UNIQUE SUSPENSION WITHOUT ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENTS, THE DESIGN COULD BE CAUSING UNUSUAL STRESS ON THE BALL JOINTS.

Steering
Filed May 19, 2015OH

WHILE DRIVING HOME WITH FAMILY IN VEHICLE THE CONTROL ARMS BROKE, BALL JOINTS BROKE AND THE SWAY BAR BROKE.

Suspension
Filed Apr 16, 2015173,000 milesMD

REAR TRAILING ON ON BOTH SIDES HAVE CORRODED THROUGH. DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL CASE HAS DISINTEGRATED, PASSENGER SIDE IS SEVERELY CORRODED. - MARCH 18, 2010: VEHICLE HAD SERVICE PREFORMED ON TO ADDRESS "RECALL #090 REAR TRAILING ARMS AND FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION TREATMENT", RUST PREVENTATIVE V AND PLUG KIT SERVICE PERFORMED BY DEALER. - MAY 16, 2012: VEHICLE HAD SUBFAME REPLACED DUE TO RUST HOLE AT RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONNECTION, REPLACEMENT OF RACK & PINION AND TRANSFER CASE FOR $2777. - DEC 12, 2014: VEHICLE HAD SERVICE PERFORMED TO ADDRESS "TSB# 14-01-141-1 - FRONT COIL SPRING PROTECTOR. THERE IS A FAULT WITH HOW THE RECALLS AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH THIS VEHICLE. IF THE RECALL AND PRESCRIBED SERVICE WERE PROPERLY DONE, HAVING TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUB-FRAME JUST OVER 2 YEARS OF HAVING SERVICE TO PREVENT SUB-FRAME CORROSION PERFORMED WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REQUIRED. THE SUB-FRAME WAS SO DAMAGED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOR WOULD 4 MONTHS AFTER HAVING RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED AND VEHICLE INSPECTED BY DEALER, THE REAR CONTROL CASE AND ARMS HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED MAKING THE CAR NOT ONLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE BUT NOT EVEN DRIVABLE NOW BECAUSE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL IS POSITIONED AT AN ANGLE WITH STRUCTURAL SUPPORT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 8, 2015AL

THE EXTERIOR PAINTING ON MY VEHICLE IS OF POOR QUALITY. ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO, THE PAINT STARTED OXIDIZING IN MULTIPLE AREAS SUCH AS THE HOOD & ROOF- INITIALLY IN SMALL AREAS, BUT HAS NOW SPREAD TO COVER MOST OF THESE AREAS. I WAXED THE CAR AT LEAST 2X PER YEAR. THE PAINT JUST DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN OF A HIGH QUALITY. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 31, 2014163,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ON A SECOND OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 29, 201498,592 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,592.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 17, 201470,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT TIRES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 8, 2014125,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR END WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR-TRAILING ARM AND STRUTS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIR WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 2014157,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT, THE REAR TIRES TURNED RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WENT SIDEWAYS BLOCKING TWO LANES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TRAIL ARM WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 19, 201455,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. DJR

Suspension
Filed Sep 1, 2014NY

HI, I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OVER A ISSUE THAT I'M STARTING TO HAVE AND THE OUT COMES HAS NOT BEEN GOOD AND I FEAR FOR MY FAMILY DRIVING IN THIS VEHICLE. I'M HEARING A SCRATCHY RUBBING SOUND IN THE REAR SO I JACKED IT UP TO FIND MY TRAIL ARMS ARE RUSTED SO BAD THEIRS HUGE HOLES IN THE TRAIL ARMS AND ROTOR COVER ARE RUSTED ALMOST OFF. I SURE DON'T WANT TO RECEIVE A CALL MY FAMILY HAS BEEN HURT IN A ACCIDENT SO IS WHY I'M CONTACTING YOU OVER THIS MATTER. I WOULD APPRECIATE TO BE CONTACTED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO BEFORE IT'S TO LATE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

EngineFire
Filed Aug 28, 2014NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUTTER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. AN ONLOOKER ASSISTED WITH EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE WITH WATER. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE TIME THE FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. NEITHER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATOR NOR THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Suspension
Filed Aug 10, 2014180,000 milesKY

MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER CAR AND IT STARTED SWAYING ON THE ROAD. SHE HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE CONTROLLING THE CAR AND FINALLY WAS ABLE TO PULL IN SOMEONES DRIVE. UPON INSPECTING THE CAR WE NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BACK RIGHT TIRE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TRAILING ARM HAD SPLIT AND HAD RUSTED OUT. I HAD NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS WRONG WITH HER CAR BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER HER CAR DID NOT HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS. WE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX THE CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW HYUNDAI CAN ONLY LIMITED THIS TYPE OF RECALL TO CERTAIN STATES, WHEN KENTUCKY DOES USE A LOT OF ROAD SALT THAT SEEMS TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF WE COULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN GOING FASTER OR ON THE INTERSTATE.WE DO HAVE PICTURES IF YOU NEED THOSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Suspension
Filed Jan 27, 2014255,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS BENT DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 255,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 12, 2013166,200 milesPA

BECAME 2ND OWNER IN JUNE 2005. IN MARCH 2010, HYUNDAI RECALLED VEHICLE FOR SUSPENSION COMPONENT RUSTING/CORROSION, SPECIFICALLY REAR TRAILING ARMS & FRONT SUB-FRAME. [ HYUNDAI HAS HAD NUMEROUS (8-9 ??) SIMILAR SUSPENSION RECALLS OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS FOR ELANTRA, SONATA, TIBURON, AZERA AND OTHER MODELS.] IN MARCH 2010, RESPONDING TO RECALL, VEHICLE TAKEN TO AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI DEALER, WHERE DEALER ELECTED TO REPAIR, RATHER THAN REPLACE AFFECTED FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. THE PRESCRIBED RECALL REPAIR CONSISTED OF DRILLING (DRAIN) HOLES IN ALL FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, REMOVING EXCESS RUST FROM INSIDE COMPONENTS, THEN SPRAYING WITH ANTI-CORROSIVE WAX. AUGUST 7, 2013, RIGHT REAR TRAILING ARM FAILED DUE TO CONTINUED EXCESSIVE CORROSION, CAUSING STEERING LOSS AND NEAR WHEEL COLLAPSE. HYUNDAI DEALER REVEALED CAUSE OF SUSPENSION FAILURE. HYUNDAI CORROSION SPECIALIST CONCLUDED THAT HYUNDAI WOULD REPLACE BOTH REAR TRAILING ARMS ONLY (NOT FRONT SUB-FRAME COMPONENTS, WHICH ARE ALSO EXCESSIVELY RUSTED/CORRODED), BUT THAT BECAUSE OF VEHICLE'S 10+ YEAR AGE, OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL "INCIDENTAL AND RELATED SUSPENSION PARTS AND LABOR" EXPENSES INCURRED WHILE THE REAR TRAILING ARM REPLACEMENTS WERE BEING MADE. I AM APPEALING THIS HYUNDAI DECISION TO NHTSA BECAUSE THE REPAIR THAT HYUNDAI ELECTED TO PERFORM (VS A FULL COMPONENTS REPLACEMENT) IN MARCH 2010, WHEN VEHICLE WAS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD, HAS PROVEN TO BE TOTALLY INEFFECTIVE, AND THAT OWNER HAS NOT CONTRIBUTED, I

Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2013145,000 milesIL

LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH WHEEL DETACHED FROM ROTOR WHEEL HANG OFF. WHEEL NOT STRAIGHT. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 23, 2013143,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MPH WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE MECHANIC RE-CRIMPED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Oct 5, 2012149,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS ABNORMALLY LEANING INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. UPDATED 1/129/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRAILING ARMS WERE ALSO RUSTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPDATED 2/6/2013 *JS

Suspension
Filed Sep 27, 2012118,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE TIRES BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS BENT INTO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,390.

Suspension
Filed Sep 24, 2012120,000 milesSD

MY TEENAGE SON WAS DRIVING HIS VEHICLE, WHEN IT SUDDENLY FELT LIKE HE WAS DRIVING ON BLACK ICE. THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY WERE ALL OVER THE ROAD, AND HE HEARD SOME TYPE OF LOUD NOISES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. LUCKILY HE KNEW BETTER AND PULLED OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WHEEL ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE LOOKED COMPLETELY TURNED IN AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC. LATER THAT NIGHT I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SAW THAT THEY HAD A RECALL FOR THE 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE BECAUSE OF THE TRAILING ARMS RUSTING OUT. I CALLED THE CORPORATION FOR HYUNDAI REFERENCE MY SITUATION AND ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL. THEY SAID THAT SINCE I DID NOT LIVE IN A SALT BELT STATE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I THEN CALLED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI AND ASKED THEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AND SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO, BUT THEY WOULD NOT MAKE ANY PROMISES. OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP HAS A HORRIBLE REPUTATION, AND I KNEW IF I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEM, NOT ONLY WOULD THEY TELL ME THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL, THEY WOULD CHARGE ME AND ARM AND LEG TO FIX IT. I CHOSE TO STAY WITH MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO I TRUST. THAT MECHANIC TOLD ME THE ARM WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. . HE HAD PULLED UP THE RECALL AS WELL, AND AGREED WITH ME THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD FIX THIS FREE OF CHARGE, SINCE OBVIOUSLY IT WAS A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. HE ALSO SAID THAT THE SALT BELT STATE RULE FOR THE RECALL MADE NO SENSE SINCE OT

Suspension › Rear
Filed Jul 14, 2012137,741 milesVA

I WAS ENTERING MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WHEN MY CAR MADE A NOISE. IT FELT LIKE WE HAD A FLAT TIRE AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I PARKED THE CAR AND THEN SAW THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM WAS FRACTURED. I LOOKED IN THE INTERNET AND SAW CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V123000. THIS CAMPAIGN MENTIONS ALL CARS MANUFACTURED FROM 2001-2003. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2001 AND WAS SOLD IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI AND THEY SAY MY VIN DOES NOT FALL ONTO THIS CAMPAIGN YET IT HAS ALL THE SYMPTOMS AND CHARACTERISTICS TO BE INCLUDED. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2012113,000 milesCA

WHEN APPROACHING A STOP (<5MPH) AND BRAKING, THE CAR ENGAGES IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE WILL TACH TO OVER 3000 RPM AND IF YOU ARE NOT HARD ON THE BRAKES, THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE. AT LEAST ONE TIME THE CAR HAD TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 209, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202637400Routine
2025137500Routine
2024156710Routine
2023214140Above average
2022202510Above average
2021168720Routine
2020218290Above average
20192032130Above average
2018110250Routine
20179726230High concern
2016236320Above average
20152552130Above average
20144933300High concern
20136053410High concern
20123551170Above average
2011181381Fatalities reported
2010260361Fatalities reported
2009359353Fatalities reported
2008541670Above average
2007684982Fatalities reported
2006106130Routine
2005216302Fatalities reported
2004303370Above average
2003308450Above average
2002165420Routine
2001 — this page209440Above average

Compare every Santa FE year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 18, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.