175 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
Most common 2005 Hyundai Santa FE problems
69 of the 216 complaints (32%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
67
4
0
6
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
32
7
0
2
Suspension
13
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
13
2
0
1
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
11
0
0
2
Engine
9
0
0
0
Seat Belts
7
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
5
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
5
0
0
0
Electrical System
5
0
0
0
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.
Filed Nov 17, 2005134 vehiclesHyundai Caribbean-Puerto Rico
Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AS AN ADULT.
Risk. THE POSSIBILITY OF MISCLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN AS AN ADULT MAY ALLOW THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION CRASH OR THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A SIDE COLLISION CRASH; SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE'S OCS WILL PROPERLY CLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN WHEN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AND WILL DISABLE THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAGS. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S OCS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT TO PROVIDE AN INCREASED MARGIN FOR RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
Filed Oct 4, 200512,000 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AS AN ADULT.
Risk. THE POSSIBILITY OF MISCLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN AS AN ADULT MAY ALLOW THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION CRASH OR THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A SIDE COLLISION CRASH; SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE'S OCS WILL PROPERLY CLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN WHEN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AND WILL DISABLE THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAGS. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S OCS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT TO PROVIDE AN INCREASED MARGIN FOR RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 16, 2025CA
While merging onto the freeway, the accelerator pedal got stuck to the floor with the throttle wide open. The brakes and emergency brake were ineffective. Measures had to be taken to drive off of the road into ice plant, we we were able to turn off the engine. Further inspection revealed a missing grommet at the wall where the throttle cable passes through to connect to the gas pedal. Furthermore, the plastic around the throttle cable was cracked, which allows for the throttle cable and pedal to push through and get snagged. This could have ended horrifically. We are lucky to be alive.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Lock
Filed Sep 25, 202499,000 milesWI
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to open while using the tailgate handle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Engine
Filed Apr 18, 2023WI
Car all of a sudden stopped running like normal. Can't go above 20 mph without sounding like backfiring or dying
Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2023145,670 milesCA
The airbag light stays on constantly - mechanic says it's the switch in the passenger seat belt and they encounter this problem with this vehicle all the time. Prevents the airbag from deploying if not repaired.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 5, 2023UT
The Air Bag light stays on and from my research the air bag will not work in an accident.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 14, 2022IL
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 2022NY
Airbag light is constantly on from the time I start the car, until I turn it off, mechanic stated it was the passenger seatbelt buckle switch. I've seen many posts online about the same exact thing happening to them. It poses a safety threat, as the airbags are not going to go off.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 2022WA
Emergency brake light does not turn off even when not used, since I finalized the vehicle when I fill the gas tank up the car doesn’t want to start unless you rev the engine giving it some power, recently the vehicle has been not turning off after keys out of ignition unless pressing on the gas to kick start the engine turn off.
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Sep 19, 2021NY
A car in front of me lost control and I braked to avoid an accident but the car turned and had no stability, forcing me to maneuver it to avoid crashing by leaning on my neck.
Service Brakes1 injured
Filed Nov 12, 2020NV
I HAVE BEEN GETTING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS FROM MY CAR AROUND THE WELL OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE ARE 7 SERVICE BULLITANS ON THE CAR. I HAVE HAD TO GO TO URGENT CARE AND THE EMERGENCY ROOM OVER THIS AND THE DOCTOR WAS WORRIED THAT I MAY HAVE NERVE DAMAGE TO MY FOOT OVER THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL/ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HELP WITH THIS AND HYUNDAI WILL NOT RETURN MY CALLS. I HAVE WOUND UP IN THE HOSPITAL OVER THIS AND FEEL THAT THIS IS HIGHLY UNFAIR. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 13, 2020114,234 milesID
DRIVERS CHEST SEAT BELT IS LOOSE AND THE SENSOR IN THE SEAT BELT YOU SNAP AND LOCK IT IN PLACE MAKES THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT FOR THE DRIVER ONLY COME ON. I'VE HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND CHECKED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THE SEAT BELT IS DEFECTED, AND CURRENTLY, AS LONG AS THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT REMAINS ON, EVEN IF THEY TURNED IT OFF, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF IMPACTED HARD ENOUGH IN VEHICLE COLLISION. THE AIR BAG IS OKAY AND IN WORKING CONDITION, ITS THE SENSORS IN THE SEAT BELTS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT THAT ARE OUT OF DATE. THE "RED LIGHT" REMAINS ON FROM THE TIME I START THE VEHICLE AND ITS IN PARK, IDLING, MOVING, UP UNTIL WE ARE BACK IDLING, AND THE ENGINE IS OFF. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 1, 2020102,000 milesFL
WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THROTTLE STUCK NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FAULTY TPS SEEN MANY WITH SAME COMPLAINTS..
Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 2019225,000 milesTN
THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STAYS ON ALL THE TIME WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED ON. THIS INDICATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG SYSTEM AND NEEDS FURTHER EVALUATION. BECAUSE THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON, POSES A SIGNIFICANT RISK FOR OCCUPANT SAFETY DURING A CRASH EVENT.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 13, 2019VA
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON FOR A WHILE, THEN IT GOES OUT CHANGES SOMETIMES IN MOTION OR PARKED, NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2019FL
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON
Air Bags
Filed Jun 19, 2019187,880 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V450000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHEEHY HYUNDAI OF WALDORF (LOCATED AT 2910 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601, (301) 812-3318) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,880. *TR CONSUMER STATED ISSUE WAS REPORTED IN 2010/11. IT IS ALSO RELATED TO BUCKLE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY AGREED THAT THEY HAVE THE NAME OF THE CONSUMER BUT THEIR SYSTEM CAN'T RETRIEVE SERVICE DETAILS. THE LIGHT IS STILL ON FOR AIR BAG. *JB
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 11, 2019106,797 milesNJ
ME AND MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITH OUR 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE HELP. I WENT TO HYUNDAI DEALER AND SAID THAT NO INDICATOR OR ENGINE LIGHT ON.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 15, 2019159,000 milesIN
GAS TANK HAS CORROSION AND MECHANIC CONFIRMS THE TANK IS LEAKING GASOLINE DUE TO THE CORROSION!!!!
Air Bags
Filed Apr 13, 201945 milesNY
THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AN OFF, THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE, I FEEL INSECURE IN THIS VEHICLE, I DON'T THINK THE AIR BAGS WOULD WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. NEED ATTENTION IN THE MATTER
Air Bags
Filed Jan 1, 201958,000 milesNJ
THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A FEW WEEKS. I WENT ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THERE ARE ALSO DIFFERENT REASONS FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE?
Air Bags
Filed Nov 1, 2018130,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE ON, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT A CODE OF B1513: PASSENGER SEAT BELT DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2018150,000 milesWV
I TOOK MY CAR TO GET CHECKED AFTER A AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AT THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER THEIR DIAGNOSTIC THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $2500 TO FIX A SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND A SENSOR UNDER THE OCCUPANT SEAT. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR UNDER A YEAR AND DO NOT HAVE THE TYPE OF INCOME TO CORRECT THIS ASAP. THE LIGHT IS KEEPING ME FROM GETTING MY CAR INSPECTED WHICH IN THE LONG RUN CAN COST ME MY JOB. I CALLED THE PHONE NUMBER HERE PROVIDED HERE TO BE TOLD 61 CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THIS IS THE SECOND PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR,THE FIRST BEING A RECALL ON THE COIL SPRINGS. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS LIGHT CAME ON.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 201887,500 milesOH
WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE, IT FEELS LIKE THE ABS ON STEROIDS KICKS IN, ON DRY PAVEMENT, (THIS WAS AFTER I HAD NEW BRAKES INSTALLED) I ENDED UP HAVING TWO NEW SETS OF BRAKES INSTALLED. HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME ISSUE AFTER THEY PUT THE 'FACTORY BRAKES' INSTALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY LOOKED AT ME LIKE I AM CRAZY, SO THEY GREASED WHAT THEY COULD AND SAID IF IT KEPT DOING IT TO BRING IT BACK. THIS WAS OCT 2017. IT WAS GOOD FOR A WHILE AND THEN STARTED UP IN NOVEMBER AND AGAIN IN DECEMBER ABOUT ONCE A WEEK. I BOUGHT A NEW 2018 ELANTRA AND GAVE THE SANTA FE TO MY GRANDSONS. THEY CAME OVER AND SAID 'GRANDMA, WHAT'S UP WITH THE BRAKES' THEY FINALLY KNEW WHAT I MEANT. WHEN DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT, IN THE CITY, PUTTING ON BRAKES COMING TO A LIGHT THEN THE ABS KICKS IN. I PUT IN A COMPLAINT TO THE CONSUMERS AFFAIRS AT HYUNDAI. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND HAVE THEM CHECK IT. MY GRANDSONS TOOK IT OVER TO THE SAME PLACE AND AN OLDER MAN DROVE IT (KEEP IN MIND IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME) AND HE SAID HE COULD FEEL SOMETHING AND SAID IT WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WOULD COST $800 TO BLEED THE LINES AND PUT A NEW MASTER CYLINDER IN. WELL, THE BRAKES DON'T GIVE OUT AND THEY DO NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR ' THEY ACT LIKE ABS ON STEROIDS. SO IF I HAVE THEM REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR $800, PLUS WHATEVER, AND IT STILL DOES IT, THEN WHAT? I SEE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE ' WHAT IS UP HYUNDAI? SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO OTHERS TOO. :/ THIS STA
Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2018147 milesWI
GAS IS LEAKING OUT OF OF THE CAR THE GAS TANK IS BAD I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STOPPED
Air Bags
Filed May 23, 2018109,769 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'BRIEN HYUNDAI (2850 COLONIAL BLVD, FORT MYERS, FL 33966, (239) 277-1222) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE FOR THE AIR BAG AND IT WAS ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,769.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 22, 2018120,697 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT RIBS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FITZGERALD'S COUNTRYSIDE HYUNDAI (27419 US HIGHWAY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33761, (727) 797-6369) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,697.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 5, 2018107,000 milesRI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD FAIL AN INSPECTION DUE TO THE FRAME NEEDING TO BE RE-WELDED. THE DEALER (TARBOX HYUNDAI, 3665 QUAKER LN, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI 02852, (401) 826-1500) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 201887,000 milesFL
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2018189,000 milesOH
I HAD PURCHASED THIS AUTO IN MAY 2017. FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD GOTTEN THE AUTO FROM A AUTO AUCTION. WHEN I PURCHASED THE AUTO - I PURCHASED AS IS- NO WARRANTY- I TEST DROVE AUTO- HAD INSPECTED- NO MAJOR PROBLEMS AT THAT TIME. HAD AUTO FOR A WEEK- BROKE DOWN- PROBLEMS::::: VERY SLOW ACCELERATION, SHIFTING GEARS AND JERKING OF THE AUTO, VERY FAST IDLING WHEN STOPPING- I AM WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE :::::AFTER PURCHASING AUTO::::- CAN NOT DRIVE. I HAVE HAD 3 ESTIMATES- NO ONE REALLY KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE AUTO OR DIAGNOSE THE AUTO PROPERLY. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE SINCE I PURCHASED THE AUTO. IT JUST SITS, AND WHEN I THINK THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, THEN IT STOPS RUNNING. SOME SAY IT IS THE :::::CATALYTIC CONVERTERS - IT HAS 3 THAT NEEDS REPLACED.::::::: I REPORTED IN MY RESIDENCE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU - COMPLAINT RESOLUTION AND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE- BOTH SAID THEY NOT NOT RESOLVE :::: THE DEALERSHIP- DOES NOT WANT TO MEDIATE - OR TAKE BACK THE AUTO. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FILE A CLAIM- IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT- AND DID NOT KNOW IF IT WOULD BE WORTH MY TIME. ::::::::: I KNOW THE AUTO IS 2005 AND HAS 189,000 NOW- BUT I FEEL THAT I HAVE A AUTO NOW THAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD- IF I AM ABLE TO GET THE AUTO RUNNING - AND IT JERKS AROUND- AND STOPS IN TRAFFIC - IT COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT. IT IS UNSAFE TO HAVE THE AUTO ON ROAD AT ALL.. IT IS ALSO A ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM DUE TO THE UNSAFE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS- THEY GET HOT AND CAN CATCH ON FIRE.:::::::::: I CAN NOT F
Power Train
Filed Jan 31, 2018139,000 milesNM
VEHICLE HAD BEEN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE MOMENTS WHEN IT LURCHED ITSELF FORWARD QUITE VIOLENTLY, MORE SO AFTER TRANSMISSION HAD TIME TO WARM UP. HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED MOMENTS OF DECELERATION WITHOUT CAUSE. ITS AS IF THE VEHICLE CANNOT PROPERLY SHIFT GEARS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAPPENED OVER THE COURSE OF A COUPLE OF WEEKS. HAD VEHICLE LOOKED OVER BY MECHANIC BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. VEHICLE IS PARKED UNTIL ANOTHER MECHANIC CAN LOOK AT IT. IT IS BY NO MEANS SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL PROBLEM IS FIXED.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 24, 2018150,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 13, 2018130,000 milesSC
WHILE SOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE. APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT SLOW ACCELERATION. I THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. WITHIN 2 SECONDS THE ACCELERATION STARTED TO DECREASE AND RETURNED TO NORMAL. VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED TO BE INSPECTED ON 15 JAN 2018. A SIMILIAR PROBLEM OCCURRED IN JUNE OF 2014 WHILE I WAS BACKING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. AT THAT TIME, I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AN INSPECTION BY DEALER REVEALED SEVERAL CRACKED VACUUM HOSES AND A FAULTY PCV VALVE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 3, 2018100,000 milesCA
AIRBAG LIGHT ON DUE TO FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLE; MECHANIC RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE
Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2017155,000 milesFL
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED OF 40 AND LESS AND AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND THEN GOING OFF THEN IT STOPPED FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND HAS STARTED COMING IN AGAIN AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 10, 2017142,000 milesNY
LEAKY GAS TANK WAS REPLACED THIS SUMMER AND NOW I HAVE GAS FUMES AGAIN
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 7, 2017116,000 milesIL
MY VEHICLE STARTED HANDLING FUNNY. SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING AND SLIDING AND DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE CONTROL OVER VEHICLE. THIS WAS VERY CONCERNING SEEING I WAS DRIVING 55 MILES AN HOUR AT 5:00 AM ON A COUNTRY ROAD. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE IN PLACE IS TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY AND WAS FALLING APART. THERE WAS A RECALL ON DIFFERENT HYUNDAI VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT, MY SANTA FE WAS NOT INCLUDED. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT OWNERS OF THE SONOTA WERE HAVING AND THEY HAD A RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS PARKED RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 29, 2017100,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES FROM STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT'S CHILD, WHO WAS SEATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT, SUSTAINED BRUISING. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2017171,000 milesWI
I WAS DRIVING COMING UP TO A TURN, TOOK THE LEFT TURN, AND ACCELERATED LIKE A NORMALLY DO, THE CAR'S RPMS WENT UP TO ABOUT 5 THOUSAND RPMS. I HEARD A POP LIKE NOISE AND THE RPMS JUST STARTED DROPPING AND THERE WAS NO RESTRICTION ON THE GAS PEDAL (FELT LIKE I WAS PUSHING AIR). THE VEHICLE THEN JUST ROLLED ONCE IT WAS AT ABOUT 10 MPH RPMS WENT UNDER 1 THOUSAND AND THE VEHICLE DIED. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IT IT WAS JUST CRANK AND CRANK, DOESN'T EVEN SOUND LIKE IT WANTS TO TURN OVER. PLEASE HELP.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 17, 2017135,000 milesME
I WAS PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND MY REAR SUB FRAME SNAPPED, I CONTACTED THE DEALER WITH WHOM I STILL MAKING PAYMENTS WITH ONLY TO BE TOLD THE MECHANIC CAN LOOK AT IT ON WED 7/19 , THE HAVE MADE NO OFFER TO FIX THIS AT NO COST WHICH I BELIEVE IS WRONG DUE TO THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING I HAVE DONE. I WILL UPLOAD A COPY OF THE ESTIMATE AS SOON AS I GET IT. I BELIEVE THE DEALER I AM DEALING WITH IS ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY AND DOES NOT CAR ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VECHICLES SOLD.I DO KNOW AS I TALKED TO MY MECHANIC THAT THIS IS A BIG SAFETY RISK AND THAT HYUNDIA SHOULD RECALL VECHICLES IN THE "SALT BELT STATES".
Tires
Filed Jun 26, 201783,000 milesNY
TIRE BLEW OUT TREAD CAME RIGHT OFF OF TIRE AND DAMAGED CAR. HOWEVER THE TIRE NEVER WENT FLAT. CAR WAS DAMAGED A LOT. MY DAUGHTER WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO HER THE OTHER DAY. SHE WAS TRAVELING ON THE NJTP SOUTH BOUND.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 201794,000 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND A CODE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR WAS DETECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 17, 2017120,000 milesCT
HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2005. AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP A FEW MONTHS LATER TO DIAGNOSE. SAID IT WAS SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND WILL COST $559 TO REPAIR. CAR HAS 120,000 MILES. THERE APPEAR TO BE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL?
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 16, 2017WI
THE ABS BREAKS KICK IN WHILE I'M DRIVING. MY CONCERN ISN'T AS MUCH IN THE DRYER WEATHER BUT WHEN IT IS SLICK OUTSIDE (SNOW ICE RAIN) THESE GEARS ARE GRINDING DOWN AND LOSING INTEGRITY EVERY TIME IT KICKS IN. (ALMOST EVERYTIME I BRAKE).
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 201790,171 milesOR
WHILE TRYING TO STOP FROM LESS THAN 40 MILES PER HOUR FOR A LIGHT TURNING RED THE ABS CAME ON AND RELEASED THE BRAKES MAKING ME ROLL THROUGH THE STOP LIGHT, NO TICKETS OR ACCIDENTS BUT DANG, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED BACK APPLYING VERY MUCH LESS BRAKING ON DRY PAVEMENT ON MODERATE BRAKING, I STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. VERY VERY SCARY AND POTENTIALLY FATAL.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 18, 2017120,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 05V450000 (AIR BAGS) AND 05V527000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 4, 2017115,589 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN FLASHING APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,589.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 24, 2016190,000 milesMI
PURCHASED A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND FOUND AFTERWARD THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM INSIDE THE PLASTIC SHELL SURROUNDING IT. DISCOVERED AT THAT TIME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN STATES THAT HAVE CORROSION (ROAD SALT) AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SPOT BECAUSE OF THE PLASTIC SHELL. FOUND THAT HYUNDAI HAD NOT DONE A RECALL BUT EXTENDED THE WARRANTY, BUT ONLY AN ADDITIONAL 5 YEARS OR 50, 000 MILES ON THE FUEL TANK. CONTACTED HYUNDAI BECAUSE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THEY (THE COMPANY) HAVE REPAIRED THESE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS EXCEEDED 150,000 MILES AT COMPANY COST BUT I WENT THROUGH THE STEPS WITH THEIR CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION AND WAS TURNED DOWN. VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF LEAKING FUEL RIGHT NEXT TO HOT EXHAUST PIPE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 2, 2016125,000 milesCA
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM USED DEALER IN MARCH 4,2016 DESPITE NOT WANTING TO BUT HAD LITTLE CHOICE AFTER DEALER SOLD THE CAR I PUT MONEY DOWN ON THAT DAY FOR CASH WHILE I WAD RETRIEVING THE LAST DOCUMENT SHE SENT NE HOME FOR WHEN,I RETURBEDVMY CAR WAS GONE AND THE CAR IN STUCK IN NOW IS THIS HYUNDAI WITH A VERY SHAKY FRONT END THAT RATTLES AND LITERALLY SKIPS OFF THE ROAD INTO THE SHOULDER IF IN NOT VERY CAREFUL ,MY MECHANIC DAYS ITS THE STRUT ON DRIVER SIDE ,ADDITIONALLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ONBAT ALL TIMES AND I JUST FAILED A SAFETY INSPECTION FOE THIS VEHICLE AND CAN NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE FIR LYFT OR NUMBER UNTIL ITS REPAIRED I ALREADY HAD TO FIX BRAKE LIGHTS TIRES BATTERY AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES ON THIS CAR IN ADDITION TO 1400 IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ESTIMATES TO,LEARN IT WAS MERELY A ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE COMPRESSOR AS IT APPEARS TO BE THE CASE FIR DOZENS OF OTHERS WITH NO COLD AIR ON THIS CAR MODEL SEE AXIL ADADDICREPAIR COMMENTS ON 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AC BLOWING HOT AIR. SO IM VERY UPSET HYUNDAI WILL NOT EVEN LOOK TO SEE WHY MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON DESPITE A KNOWN,ISSUE WITH AIR BAGS AND IT BEING RECALLED . MY VIN NUMBER DOESN'T SHOW A RECALL OPEN HOWEVER I FEEL AS LONG AS I AM DRIVING IT AND THE ISSUES REMAINS UNRESOLVED. I AM AT SERIOUS RISK IF THE AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE OR THE FACT IT REMAINS ON ALL THE TINE AND WHEN THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT THE PASSENGER BAG OFF LIGHT APPEARS.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 27, 201658,600 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING FROM A STOP AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO TWO TREES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,600.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2016NC
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. WE TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THAT IT IS A SENSOR THAT IS IN THE SEAT BELT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT IS LOCATED ON THE BUCKLE AND THAT THIS PART IS ABOUT $500. I'VE HEARD THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS CAR. I'M VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT AT THIS POINT THE AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Complaints 1-50 of 216, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.