2002 Hyundai Santa FE

Routine

Owners filed 165 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
105,000 milesMedian miles at failure

126 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension27
100
Suspension › Rear15
100
Vehicle Speed Control14
100
Service Brakes10
100
Engine and Engine Cooling8
001
Steering7
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
000
Engine6
010
Electrical System6
000
Structure › Body5
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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 8, 2023OK

The starter motor housing bottom ear bracket that holds the bolt to the transmission has broken off on 3 different starters in the same exact spot on all 3.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 15, 2021PA

While dragging the trash can back to the house, I was approaching fence in front of the house, at a slow speed, as I applied the brakes the car started to accelerate. Pressing down harder on the brakes ,it felt like stepping on a brick, with no braking taking place the car accelerated at a high rate. At this time the car crashed into the left side of the garage and continued into the cement porch taking out the fence, fill tube, and vent tube of the oil tank. At this time I push gear shift into N and turned off the engine. At this time there is damage done to house and car is now totaled with no injuries. Hate to think what would have happened if this happened at the major 4 lane intersection 1 mile from my home.

Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 2021190,000 milesFL

I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND FELT THE CAR FEEL AS IF IT WAS FLOATING. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE TIRE CAME OFF AND IT HAD. RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT IN THE REAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS AS IF IT IS THE CONTROL ARM BAR. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON GALL BLVD. ZEPHYRHILLS FL.

Suspension
Filed Feb 5, 2021160,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS CLIENT WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SHE EXPERIENCED WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS A FLAT TIRE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE CLIENT BEGAN TO PULL OVER, THE ENTIRE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S CLIENT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE LOWER REAR CONTROL WAS CORRODED AND HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, UPON SPEAKING WITH TWIN CITY HYUNDAI (3024 ALCOA HWY, ALCOA, TN 37701) THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.*DT*JB

Power Train
Filed Nov 10, 20201,900,000 milesCA

MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DISABLED MOM WITH ONE ONE THE WAY I CAN'T DRIVE FOR FEAR IM GOING TO LOSE THE WHEEL AND CRASH

Suspension
Filed Sep 25, 2020150,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF HIS REAR BRAKES, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR TRAILING ARMS LOCATED BY THE COIL SPRINGS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 8, 2020NY

THIS SANTA FE HAS A REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM THAT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAS ALSO DISINTEGRATED THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY, WHEEL HUB, EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AND SPRING. I CHECKED THE WEBSITE FOR A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, BUT THIS VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN THE NORTHEAST "SALT BELT" AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THIS OVERSIGHT BY NOT INCLUDING THIS VIN ON THE RECALL IT HAS CAUSED MASSIVE CORROSION ON ALL ATTACHED PARTS. THE RIGHT REAR SIDE HAS BEEN MORE AFFECTED THAN THE REAR LEFT SIDE. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD PROVIDE ME IN PROVIDING A REMEDY FOR THIS SITUATION

Suspension
Filed Jul 23, 2019GA

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON AT LEAST LEFT SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS BOLTED.. PREVIOUSLY REAR TRAILING ARM RUSTED THROUGH.

Steering
Filed May 23, 2019168,000 milesOH

WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED, THE TENSION ON THE WHEEL GOES AWAY. THE FRONT TIRES WEAR FASTER THEN UNSEAL.

Suspension
Filed May 6, 2019200,000 milesVA

BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTING OUT DUE TO SALT ROADWAYS

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2019114,000 milesWV

WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND MY 2.4L ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND IT WAS TOWED HOME THE TIMING BELT IS CHEWED UP. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF THESE ENGINES THE 2.4L

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 19, 201875,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. FOX ANN ARBOR HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 3975 JACKSON RD, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103, (734) 663-7770) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 12, 2018PA

RIGHT SIDE MAIN FRAME RUSTED THREW. CAN NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. CAR FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES THE CAR IS TOTALED AND NOT COVERED BY CAR INSURANCE !!!

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 12, 2018PA

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE ABS ACTIVATES ON DRY GROUND AND FEELS LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT STOP. CAR HAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN WITH A COMPUTER ATTACHED TO MAIN COMPUTER AND ALL WHEEL SENSORS ARE WORKING. AT THIS TIME NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I THINK ONE DAY THE BRAKES WILL FAIL.

Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2018160,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD AIR TO THE FOUR TIRES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Sep 4, 2018130,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WERE CORRODED ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) AND 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 6, 2018148,200 milesNJ

AT LOW SPEEDS THE BRAKES LOCK UP AND THE CAR GOES INTO A JERKING MOTION WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE GOING INTO A STORE PARKING LOT. THE CAR IS HARD TO STEER AND STOP AND THE BRAKES MUST BE DEPRESSED HARDER THAN NORMALLY REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR GETS WET BUT ALSO DURING DRY TIMES. THE ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 7, 2018104,000 milesKY

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO MY TRACKING NUMBER 11092056. I FOUND THAT YOU HAVE ASSIGNED A CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WHICH IS 09V-123000 HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 090. I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS SETTLEMENT SINCE I WORKED IN OHIO FOR 30 YEARS WHICH IS A SALTBELT STATE.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 5, 2018104,000 milesKY

TOOK MY CAR IN TO A GARAGE FOR PARTS AND LABOR TOTALING 874.00 BEFORE LEAVING I WAS TOLD THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS TERRIBLY RUSTED OUT AND TO GET RID OF THE CAR QUICKLY. I ASKED TO SEE AND TOOK A COUPLE OF PICTURES.AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL FOR THIS.THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT WOULD INCLUDE ME AS I WORKED IN OHIO.WHICH IS A SALTBLELT STATE. I WENT TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION WHICH THEY ARE SUBMITTING PICS TO HYUNDAI. THEY SAID I WOULD BE DENIED HOWEVER BECAUSE OF A SALVAGED TITLE WHICH I EXPLAINED HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL OR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.IT IS A MATTER OF SAFETY AND THEY NEED TO FIX IT. I ONLY HAVE 104,000.00 ON A CAR THAT IS RUSTING SO BADLY THE BOTTOM COULD FALL OUT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 17, 201812,000 milesWV

THE BELT THAT RUNS THE ALTERNATER HAS BROKEN TWICE AND CONTINUOUSLY IS SQUEALING IT WONT KEEP SPEED WHEN GOING UP HILL AND WONT LET BATTERY CHARGE CORRECTLY TO KEEP RUNNING WILL STOP WHEN IT IS BEING RAN

20 of 165 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202636400Routine
2025131500Routine
2024146710Routine
2023207130Above average
2022199510Routine
2021166720Routine
2020209290Above average
20191982120Routine
2018108240Routine
20179626230High concern
2016236320Above average
20152542130Above average
20144933300High concern
20136053410High concern
20123531170Above average
2011181381Fatalities reported
2010258361Fatalities reported
2009358353Fatalities reported
2008541670Above average
2007683982Fatalities reported
2006106130Routine
2005216302Fatalities reported
2004303370Above average
2003308450Above average
2002 — this page165420Routine
2001209440Above average

Compare every Santa FE year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.