“I was in tn when I heard a slight "thunk" and then a continuous rattle under the vehicle. I assumed a broken exhaust bracket and left tn on 8/17/2014 to return to my home in saint louis mo. I traveled i55 in speeds in excess of 75 MPH and listened to the rattle for about 100 miles. And then the rattle stopped and I assumed that the broken bracket had finally come loose and is now located somewhere on i55.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 29, 2014 at 80,250 miles
“While backing out of my driveway, I heard a "clunk" sound in the front of my vehicle. Upon inspection, I found a "c" shaped piece of metal on the driveway. I immediately drove to my mechanic's shop, where he told me that the coil spring on my santa fe had broken on the passenger's side. The coil spring on the driver's side was also cracked. He had to replace both coil springs.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 15, 2013 at 97,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)
Complaints about the 2004 Santa FE peaked in 2014, with 37 filed that year. Owners had filed 33 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 14V435000 in July 2014; 23 more have come in since. In 2023 owners filed 3 so far.
3 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module04V131000
Filed Mar 16, 200417,401 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES, 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS), IF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 3 AND 12 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PAD FRICTION SURFACES ARE WET, A VIBRATION MAY OCCUR BETWEEN THE BRAKE DISCS AND PADS CAUSING ABS SENSOR ELECTRONIC SIGNAL NOISE TO DEVELOP. AT SPEEDS BELOW 5 MPH, THE ABS SENSOR SIGNAL NOISE MAY CAUSE THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO ACTIVATE THE ABS, EXTENDING THE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Risk. IF AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
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.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
Technical service bulletins
77 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Santa FE. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 15transmission 14equipment 7electrical system 7throttle and acceleration 5brakes 4suspension 4body and frame 3
This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on six separate occasions, the vehicle had independently accelerated without warning. On one occasion, the vehicle had accelerated through a red light with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. On a separate occasion, the vehicle accelerated through the contact's garage door upon entering the driveway. The air bags did not deploy and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed; the garage door was replaced after the crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000
EngineFire
Filed Oct 9, 2023OK
In transit, it began smoking and the engine light came on. After pulling to the side, flames erupted and it became fully engulfed, followed by a small explosion. The vehicle and it’s contents were a total loss.
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 1, 2023150,000 milesCA
The contact owned a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 25 MPH the braking system malfunctioned and when depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not reduce speed or stop causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, the rear driver-side passenger sustained a lacerated bottom lip and dental and oral injuries. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed and later deemed destroyed by the insurance company. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the same failure by the local mechanic. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Service BrakesFire
Filed Aug 25, 2021GA
Driving in the rain hit brakes they locked up
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 10, 2021OH
This was a recall for hundai santa fe vehicles from 2001-2006. For unknown reasons I was not aware of recall. It was for 15 years or 150 miles. It is a danger as my car leaks gas. I am at 135,000 miles. But my car is a 2004. I purchased the vehicle in the last 2 years. I believe the recall should extend till the repair is complete for the reasons as follows. 1. it can explode. 2. it is a polluter 3. Hyundai acknowledges it as faulty equipment. 4. Corporations must be resonsible or they are irresponsible. 5. Cars are expensive they must maintain as least minimum safety requirements.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 10, 2021260,000 milesAL
LAST NIGHT MY MOTHERS 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE CAUGHT FIRE THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR HOURS, THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE CAR IT WAS COMPLETELY OFF. IT MADE ABSOLUTELY NO SINCE UNTILL I DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEEN THE LAWSUIT FOR THIS SAME THING AND I WONDERED WHY THIS MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED. I ALSO SEEN MULTIPLE PEOPLE WONDERING THE SAME THING ABOUT THEIR 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. MY FATHER WAS THE ONLY ONE IAT THE HOUSE AND IN THE HOUSE HE COULD HAVE LOST HIS LIFE AND EVERYTHING THEY OWN THE ONLY WAY HE KNEW IT WAS ON FIRE WAS A NEIGHBOR SAW AND STARTED SCREAMING AND STARTED BACKING UP TO THE VEHICLE TO PULL IT AWAY FROM THE HOUSE A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE BUT WHAT IS SHE SUPPOSED TO DO FOR A VEHICLE? WHEN NO ONE EVEN STARTED THE FIRE.
Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2020125,000 milesAZ
I HAVE A 2004 HYUNDIA SANTA FE AND THE ENGINE STARTED WITH LOUD KNOCKING SOUNDS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD IT TOLL TO AVONDALE EARNHARDT HYUNDIA'S DEALERSHIP. THE DIAGOSTIC WAS "FOUND ENGINE KNOCK CAN BE HEARD AT BOTTOM END OF ENGINE. FAILURE IN ROD BEARINGS IS CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE IN BOTTOM END. ENGINE REQUIRED" REPLACEMENT. THE CAR HAS 125,000 MILES WHICH EXCEEDS THE 100,000 POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. HOWEVER, MY ENGINE FAILURE IS THE SAME AS THE CURRENT "ENGINE FAILURE RECALLS (THETA II ENGINES) CAUSED BY MANUFACTURING PROCESSES. EXCEPT THE 2004 HYUNDIA SANTA FE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL LIST. I SPOKE AND SUBMITTED TWICE A COMPLIANT TO HYUNDIA CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND WAS DENIED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR SINCE NOVEMBER 20, 2020. TODAY, CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT NOTIFIED ME BY PHONE OF THE SECOND REJECTION. I AM AN ELDERLY WOMAN AND RETIRED, SO FINANCES ARE LIMITED. I FEEL THAT THE ENGINE SHOULD BE REPLACED BECAUSE THAT THE "FAIR THING TO DO". THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED SO EARLY IN ITS LIFE-CYCLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR REVIEW AND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. PERHAPS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 10, 2020119,000 milesUT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE SUNROOF DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Suspension
Filed Jan 3, 202073,536 milesVA
IT HAD 124 RECALL NHTSA 14V43500 I CALL HYUNDAI OFF GOVERNMENT SITE TOLD THEM ABOUT 124 AND BROKEN SPRING THEY SET UP APPOINTMENT SO THEY ONLY PUT ON BRACKETS BUT NO SPRING WANTED $1004 FOR THE STRUT SPRING ON THEY TOLD ME ON CALL CENTER THEY REPLACE SPRING AS IT SAID ON NHTSA SITE THEY WOULD NOT DO IT CALL BACK TO HYUNDIA AS NUMBER ON GOVERNMENT SITE THEY MADE A CASE NUMBER 16604156 AMBER AT 714 594 1764 SHE SAID SPRING WAS NOT IN RECALL I SEND PICTURE OF IT BEFORE UP THERE TO DEALER SHE HAD NO CLUE WHAT WAS SO I DONT WHO RIGHT ON RECALL SHE SAID GOVERNMENT NHTSA SITE ARE NOT CORRECT BROWN LEESBURG HYUNDAI LEESBURG VA 20176
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 27, 2019133,673 milesWI
BOUGHT AN USED 2004 SANTA FE IN AUGUST FROM A DEALER. TWO WEEKS AGO I STARTED NOTICING A STRONG SMELL OF GAS AROUND MY VEHICLE AND LAST WEEK I BEGAN SEEING A SMALL DISCOLORED AREA ON THE CEMENT IN THE GARAGE. MOM CHECKED MY VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE MY FUEL TANK IS LEAKING. THE DISCOLORATION OF THE CEMENT UNDER MY VEHICLE IS IN FACT LEAKING GAS. TANK IS CORRODED AND I WILL NEED A NEW TANK INSTALLED.
Suspension
Filed Oct 24, 201989,000 milesPA
I JUST GOT IT A FEW MONTHS AGO AND HAPPENED TO LOOK UP RECALLS,AND SEEN 3 I TOOK IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WERE JUST 2 BUT ONE WAS SUSPENSION AND THEY HAVEN'T CALLED ME ABOUT IT IN AROUND A MONTH NOWB
Air Bags
Filed Sep 17, 201945,000 milesCA
MY AIR SBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. IT WON'T TURN OFF.I DON'T IF IT IS A PROBLEM WITH MY AIR BAGS OR JUST THE LIGHT.IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR YEARS.THERE WAS NOT REASON FOR IT TO TURN ON. I'VE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT,SO I DON'T IF IT WILL WORK WHEN NEEDED. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD FOR IT. I THINK THIS A MALFUNCTION AND SHOULD CHECKED BY A DEALER AT NO COST.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 2019196,000 milesLA
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP ON THIS VEHICLE 15 YEARS OLD BRAKES ALSO NOT LIKE USE TO BE I AM OWN THIS SUV LAST 15 YEARS I NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT I AM WORRY NEED TO BE FIXED FOE MY SAFETY [XXX] OWNER, C [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 20, 2019141,560 milesDE
VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITHOUT TITLE OR DISCLOSURE DEALERSHIP TOOK MONEY REFUSE TO HEAR COMPLAINTS. CONTACT ME AS I AM HANDICAPPED AND HAVE NO TITTLE TRYING TO RETURN VEHICLE IT VEERED TOWARD DITCH AS THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND DANGEROUS PER DMV
Air Bags
Filed Apr 17, 2019140,000 milesMO
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON DURING THE MORNING DRIVE THEN SHUT OFF NEXT TIME THE CAR WAS STARTED. ON/OFF PERODICALLY FOR ABOUT A WEEK. NOW THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. A GLIMSPE ONLINE HINT SIMLAR OWNERS HAVEING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE SAYING IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WIRING.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 1, 2019FL
THE VEHICLE KEEPS WON'T START AFTER PUMPING GAS. IT TAKES AWHILE, AND STALLS. EVEN STALLED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH TERRIFIES ME. I DON'T WANT TO BE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY POSSIBLY RISKING AN ACCIDENT. I WENT TO PEPBOYS AND SPENT $1800 ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, AND ITS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. IT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE, AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN.
Suspension
Filed Mar 13, 2019157,713 milesMN
THIS WAS COVERED BY HYUNDIA RECALL CAMPAIGN 124. I FILLED UNDER CASE # 9878948. SPRING REPAIR 2/12/14, SOLD CAR 4/5/14, RECALL 2/4/15. THEY ONLY WOULD PAY FOR $318 OF THE $917 TOTAL REPAIR AND SAID IT HAS TO GO TO A HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE SENSERS, STRUT MOUNTS , SWAY BAR LINK ETC PER THE INVOICE. I CONTACTED THE PERSON I SOLD IT TO AND MADE A DEALER APPMT BUT THEY DIDN'T SHOW. HYUNDIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS 800-633-5151 TOLD ME TO FILE A DISPUTE WITH BBB AUTOLINE WHICH I DID UNDER CASE # HYU1713624. THEY NEVER RESPONDED. BBB AUTOLINE NOW SAYS THAT THEY DON'T HANDLE RECALLS DISPUTES BUT YOU DO. I JUST TALKED TO THEM AND THEY REFERRED ME TO YOU. WITHOUT EVER TALKING TO ME, WHILE I WAS TRYING TO GET THE CAR INTO A DEALER AND WAITING FOR THE BBB AUTOLINE RESPONSE HYUNDIA CLOSED OUT THE CASE. IRONICALLY HYUNDIA WOULD HAVE REPLACED BOTH SPRINGS WITH OEM, ALL OTHER DAMAGED PARTS AND ANY DAMAGED TIRES PER THEIR RECALL. IT WOULD HAVE COST THEM 2X AS MUCH AS THE $917. THEY WOULDN'T EVEN CALL MY MECHANIC WHO THE LOCAL HYUNDIA DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED AS REPUTABLE. IN OUR CASE, THE BROKEN SPRING BENT THE STRUT, DAMAGED THE SWAY BAR AND TORE THE ABS SENSOR WIRE. THE LANGUAGE IN THE RECALL INFORMATION ACTUALLY CALLS FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE INSTALLED NON-OEM STRUTS WITH OEM STRUTS SO THE NEW BRACKET WILL FIT PROPERLY. GIVEN THIS, I AM SURPRISED THAT YOU CHOSE NOT TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE ONE STRUT AND MOUNT ($62.1 6 +$135.88) & REPAIR ($37.20) AND THE SPRING REPAIR ($37.20
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 10, 2019118,000 milesCT
ABS TCS TRACKING SYSTEM TURNS OUT WHILE DRIVING
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 28, 2018100,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN ALIGNMENT, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE RUSTED, FRACTURED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CAUTIOUSLY APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AND, AT TIMES, DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND 04V131000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED THREE TSBS FOR THE BRAKES AND THREE TSBS FOR THE SUSPENSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT*JB
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 20, 2018100,000 milesNY
WELL MY VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE ABS ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER 04 SANTA FES AS WELL AS THE CORROSION FROM ROAD SALT TO THE COIL SPRINGS. THEY ARE CORRODED AND HAVE COMPLETELY SNAPPED. MY CAR IS WITHIN THE YEARS AND MODEL FOR THOSE RECALLS BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL,BUT I MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THOSE EXACT ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 5, 2018180,050 milesOH
VEHICLE FUEL TANK IS ROTTED AND LEAKING FUEL. CALL HYUNDAI AND THEY SAY ITS COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 15 YEARS OR 150000 MILES. I AM OVER ON MILEAGE. THEY SAY NOT COVERED. WHAT DOES MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH CORROSION?
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 31, 2018171,000 milesNE
MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED
Steering
Filed May 24, 2018170,000 milesTX
MY STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY WHILE ON THE FREEWAY(IN MOTION). I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM NOT EVEN A WEEK LATER IT STARTED TO MESS UP AGAIN. PLEASE HELP.
Engine
Filed May 12, 2018216,721 milesIN
2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.7 LITER ENGINE, HIGH IDLES AT 3,000 RPM ON START UP AND NEVER GOES DOWN EVEN WHEN ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT EVEN ACTING RIGHT SINCE THIS PROBLEM STARTED, THIS IS A HAZARD AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR SHOWS NO ENGINE CODES, OR TRANSMISSION CODES, IT HAS HAD LOWER INTAKE, UPPER INTAKE GASKETS CHANGED, IAC MOTOR CHANGED, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CHANGED, TEMPERATURE SENSOR CHANGED, CLEANED THROTTLE BODY BORE WHERE THROTTLE PLATE CLOSES, CHANGED VACUUM HOSES, MADE SURE THROTTLE CABLE AND CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WERE BINDING OR HOLDING THROTTLE OPEN, AND NONE OFF THESE THINGS HAVE HELPED. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM, MANY ACCIDENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND HAVE READ A FORUM THAT SAID HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE A FAIL SAFE MODE BUILT INTO THERE COMPUTERS LIKE MOST CARS DO SO THIS KIND OF SITUATION DOES NOT OCCUR. VEHICLE STILL NOT FIXED, AND HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THERE ARE ANY FATALITIES FROM NEGLECT OF A KNOWN PROBLEM.
Suspension
Filed Apr 12, 2018198,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING AND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (COLUMBIA HYUNDAI, 10981 MONTGOMERY RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 489-2000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRING AND FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 15 YEARS OLD AND EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE TO BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000.
Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2018CO
2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE SURGING ISSUE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR 2 TO 4 TIMES PER MONTH. THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *JS
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 29, 2018226,923 milesTX
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET IN PLANO, TEXAS. A TRUCK PULLED OUT TO GET INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND WAS CAUGHT OFF AND FORCED TO PULL INTO MY LANE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AFTER TRYING TO STOP, WHICH ISN'T A PROBLEM BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS NORMAL. WHAT OCCURRED WAS THAT AS I STRUCK THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND MY SEAT BELT HAD FAILED TO LOCK. WHICH CAUSED ME TO COLLIDE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SPEED I STRUCK THE TRUCK, WHICH WAS GOING ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN WE COLLIDED, WAS ABOUT 45 MPH.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2018NY
AIR BAG LIGHT ON NOISE WHEN I START CAR
Suspension
Filed Dec 29, 2017MO
I GOT A LETTER BY MAIL SAING MY CAR HAS A RECALL FOR * COIL SPRING FRACTURE* AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO CHECK IT OR REPAIR IN CASE IT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. I WONDER IF THIS WILL HAVE A COST FOR ME OR I NEED TO WAIT TILLL THIS IS FRACTURED? THANKS IN ADVANCED FOR YOUR HELP
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 15, 201720,000 milesPA
I WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT BACK IN DECEMBER 7, 2005 WITH MY 2004 HYUNDIA SANTE FE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND SCRAPPED THUS I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN NUMBER HANDY. I DO STILL HAVE THE PAPERWORK FROM THE HOSPITAL AND THE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON MY USUAL ROUTE ON EASTON AVENUE. I'M TOLD (REPORTS FROM WITNESSESS) A YOUNG GIRL CAME OUT OF A SIDE STREET AND HIT ME IN THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHICH IN TURN SPUN MY CAR INTO 2 OTHER VEHICHLES ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELLING DOWN. AS STATED EARLIER I HAVE LITTLE RECALL SINCE THE IMPACT KNOCKED ME UNCONSCIOUS. I SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE (SCAR STILL THERE) AND TORN LEFT SHOULDER- WHICH STILL BOTHER ME DAILY. I WAS HIT BLINDSIDE AND SPIN INTO 2 OTHER VEHICLES- KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. I STILL SUFFER NIGHTMARES RESULTING FROM THIS ACCIDENT AND AM CURRENTLY SEEING A COUNSELOR SPECILIZING IN TRAUMA AND PTSD.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 4, 2017179,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATED AND MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED AND NEARLY STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SEARCHED ONLINE FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V131000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HIS VIN AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT CALL HIS LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (SCHIMMER FORD LINCOLN HYUNDAI OF PERU, 911 SHOOTING PARK RD, PERU, IL, 61354, 815-224-4500) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO OPEN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER WAS GOING TO REIMBURSE THEIR SERVICES, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 179,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 1, 201791,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE ISLAND HYUNDAI DEALER TO BE REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.
Power Train
Filed Mar 2, 2017160,000 milesVA
WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR.THEN YOU PUT IT IN DRIVE .THE CAR JERKS A BIT BEFORE SMOOTHING OUT.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 1, 201771,417 milesRI
BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TO SHOP FOR FRONT END NOISE. FOUND NEEDED FRONT BRAKES, PADS, ROTOR, CALIPER. REPAIRED THE ITEMS.THE SHOP ALSO NOTICED AND STATED "HAS A FUEL LEAK AT THE TANK (SHOULD BE A RECALL"). I DON'T FIND ANY RECALL HERE. ANY SUGGESTIONS? I'M NOT MAKING A COMPLAINT, JUST NEED TO KNOW IF THIS IS A RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 28, 2017NY
CATALYST CONVERTER CALIFORNIA
Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2016NY
IT DON'T WORK RITE WHEN I LET THE CAR WARM UP AND THEN PUT MY FEET ON THE BRAKES IT SOUND LIKE IT DON'T WANTED TO GIVE GAS I SMELL GAS BUT I DON'T SEE ANY ON THE GROUND THE END TAKE IS ALL MESS UP THE AIR BAGS DO NOT GO OFF IT STAY ON AND I KEEP EVERYTHING UP TO THE CAR JUST DON'T ACT RITE
Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 2016137,092 milesNJ
AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ON CONSTANTLY, AND DON'T GO OFF. I WAS RIDING AND LIGHT POP ON AND STAY ON.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 2016188,000 milesVA
WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE (LEFT SIDE) SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Nov 28, 2016141,000 milesNJ
TODAY, 11/2816, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG "DEPLOYED" FOR NO REASON. DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. NO IMPACT OR COLLISION. SEAT RIPPED OPEN. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 14, 2016138,900 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OR BEING DRIVEN, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,900.
Suspension
Filed Nov 1, 2016VT
2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR COIL SPRINGS RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 23, 2016173,000 milesMN
MY SANTA FE STAY OVER NITE, INSIDE MY GARAGE AND I NOTICE VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EVERY TIME I OPEN MY GARAGE AND AFTER I LOOK UNDER, I SPOT A DROP OF GASOLINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BETWEEN A PLASTIC COVER AND THE FUEL TANK, WHILE IS PARK OVER NITE, WHILE I AM DRIVING I AM AFRAID THAT SOMETHING HAPPEN, LIKE PEOPLE THROWING CIGARETTE BUT AND CUT MY CAR ON FLAME. AFTER I READ OTHER PEOPLE RECENT COMPLAINTS I DECIDE TO STOP USING MY SANTA FE, I THINK THIS IS A DEFECT FROM HYUNDAI TO CREATE A FUEL TANK THAT HOLDS WATER AND SALT BETWEEN THE TANK AND THE COVER. *TR
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 15, 2016113,000 milesNV
WAS ON HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT POSTED SPEED OF 70MPH WHEN WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND BY A DUI DRIVER. THIS MADE MY CAR GO INTO A SPIN AND ROLLOVER 4 TIMES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAR IS TOTAL LOSS. I RECEIVED DISLOCATION OF MY COLLARBONE THAT NEEDED EMERGENCY SURGERY, CONCUSSION, FRACTURED NOSE, LACERATIONS TO HEAD AND FACE, KNEE AND HIP INJURY.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 4, 2016140,000 milesPA
WHEN CAR PARKED SMELL OF GASOLINE, LOOKED UNDER CAR ON DRIVE SIDE OF TANK HAS TINY DROP OFF FUEL COME FROM PLASTIC COVER OF TANK AND A DROP ON GROUND LOOKS IT WAS SPREAD BY CONTINUOUS SLOW WEEPING WHEN PARKED, DRAW FOR A WHILE CAME BACK PARKED WENT BACK AND CHECK UNDER SAME SPOT TINY DROP ON GROUND COMING FROM PLASTIC COVER DRAIN HOLE, DID NOT SEEM LOOSE MUCH GAS, PARK OVER WEEKEND FOUND DRIP SMELL AND THE DRY SPOT SEEMED ABOUT ONE FOOT IN DIAMETER AND STRONG ODOR WHEN GO NEAR BACK OF CAR, NOTICED THIS AT PARKED VEHICLE, OVER NIGHT PARKED THE SPOT IS ABOUT 6 INCHES DRIED WET ABOUT 1 INCH EVERY DAY LAST FEW WEEKS. FUEL SMELL NOTICED ALL THE TIME MAY BE 6 SIX MONTHS NOW DID NOT KNOW WHERE OR WHOSE CAR IT WAS COMING, WHEN LOOKED UNDER ON DRIVER SIDE BEFORE REAR WHEEL ABOUT 1 FOOT INWARD SAW A WET SPOT ABOUT 1 INCH, DRAW BACK CHECKED IT WAS GAS SPOT AROUND DRIED IMPRESSION WAS ABOUT FOOT THIS WAS IN MORNING AFTER OVER NIGHT PARKING, I OPEN ACCESS UNDER THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF SEAT CAN NOT FIND ANY LEAK FROM FUEL PUMP OR TUBES I AM GOING TO CHECK ON OTHER ACCESS HOLE BUT THAT IS ON PASSENGER SIDE, LEAK IS UNDER DRIVER SIDE OF THE TANK PLASTIC COVER DRAIN HOLE.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 26, 2016IA
COMPLAINT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA HAS ADMITTED DESIGN/PRODUCT DEFECTS WITH SIX YEARS (2001-06) OF THEIR SANTA FE FUEL TANKS VIA AN EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTIFICATION ISSUED 2016/Q1. THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS HYUNDAI'S PRODUCT LIABILITY AND WARRANTY, WITH UNDERSTANDING PRECEDENT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH OTHER HYUNDAI PRODUCT DEFECTS AND RECALL/WARRANTY RESOLUTIONS VIA THE FRONT SPRING COIL CORROSION RECALL IN 'SALT BELT STATES'. DESIRED RESOLUTION HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA TO PROVIDE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE PER SCOPE DESCRIBED WITHIN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTIFICATION. I WOULD SIMPLY LIKE TO HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE COMPLETED AT MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 2016KY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE ABS AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V131000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 8, 2016133,294 milesAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED FROM THE SEAT WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, ARM, HIP, RIB, AND HEAD THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,294.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 26, 201690,412 milesMA
TAKATA RECALL. JUST PRIOR TO A HYUNDAI RECALL IN 5/3/16 FOR A DEFECTIVE GAS TANK, MY "AIR BAG" LIGHT WENT OFF. LET ME BACK TRACK . IN 5/16, MY CAR BEGAN LEAKING GAS UNDERNEATH. SO BADLY, THAT ONE DAY WHILE PASSING THE FIRE/POLICE STATION IN NORFOLK, MA THE FIRE CHIEF AND HIS CREW BEGAN PURSUING ME. STOPPING ME IN MY DRIVEWAY, I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE LEAK AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO SURRENDER MY CAR, IT WAS A "SAFETY HAZARD TO (ALL)." I PRESENTED A AAA MEMBERSHIP CARD. THE CHIEF HIMSELF CALLED AND ARRANGED A TOW TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. AFTER 2 DAYS, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HYUNDAI CORPORATION STATING THAT MY "GAS TANK WAS FAULTY" AND WAS SUBJECT TO A "RECALL". IMAGINE THE TIMING ON THAT? THE NATIONAL OFFICE OF HYUNDAI SOUNDED JUST GREAT ON THE PHONE. BUT WHEN MY MECHANIC SAID HE WOULD NOT TOUCH THE CAR FOR FEAR OF COMPLICATING THE WARRANTY, NO ONE INCLUDING HYUNDAI WOULD SEND ANYONE TO TOW THE CAR. AT MY PERSONAL PERIL, I DROVE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. AS I APPROACHED THE RECEPTION AREA, ALL REMAINING GAS GUSHED OUT OF MY CAR. I WAS GIVEN A BEAUTIFUL CURRENT HYUNDAI TO DRIVE AS A LOANER CAR; I NEEDED THAT CAR FOR 2 MONTHS. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP CALLED TO TELL ME MY CAR WAS "READY", THEIR ADVISOR ISSUED 2 PAGES OF PROBLEMS ALLEGEDLY EXISTING AND TRIED TO SELL ME A NEW CAR. I HAVE SINCE HAD SOMEONE ELSE LOOK AT MY CAR; NONE OF THOSE PROBLEMS EXIST. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALER, I ALSO ASKED THEIR ADVISOR "WHY HYUNDAI HADN'T FIXED THE AIR BAG LIGHT?" OVER THE 2 MTHS THE
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 12, 2016170,248 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WINDOW SHATTERED INTO PIECES WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GLASS REPAIR CENTER WHERE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,248. UPDATED 09/06/16*LJ *TR
Suspension
Filed Jun 7, 2016NC
I RESPONDED TO HYUNDAI'S RECALL EMAIL AND WHEN I TRIED TO SIGN UP TO HAVE MY VEHICLE'S ISSUES RESOLVED AND SCHEDULE ELECTRONICALLY I COULD NOT DO SO UNLESS I AGREED TO ALSO SCHEDULE A RECOMMENDED SERVICE SUCH AS AN OIL CHANGE. THE SITE I WAS SENT TO IS HTTPS://AUTOSERVICE.HYUNDAIUSA.COM/CAMPAIGN124/MICROSITETEMPLATE/MICROSITETEMPLATEVINVALIDATE/1424
Complaints 1-50 of 303, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Santa FE years to avoid. Owners filed 303 complaints, against about 227 for a typical Santa FE year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (18%).
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE?
The suspension: 56 of the 303 complaints (18%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (9%) and leaks oil or fluid (5%). The typical report comes at 90,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE have?
3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 18, 2014. The largest, 14V435000, covered 271,773 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2004 Hyundai Santa FE problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 73,000 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 90,000 miles.
Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE?
The manufacturer filed 77 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (15), the transmission (14) and the electrical system (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
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.