NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
WHEN I PUT GAS IN MY CAR IT WILL NOT START AFTERWARD. FIRST IT STARTED ONLY WHEN MY CAR WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN I LEFT MY CAR RUNNING IT WAS OK. NOW IT TURNS OFF WHEN MY CAR IS RUNNING ALSO. THE MECHANIC SAID, IT MAY BE A BAD FUEL PUMP, COST $350 TO REPLACE, BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE THIS WILL FIX THE ISSUE. I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL?? I GOOGLE IT AND THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. ALSO WITH THE CAR ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY. I SEE NOW THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. EVERYONE SAID I IMAGINED IT. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE VEHICLE TRIES TO SLOW DOWN OR ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS
I SMELLED GAS RECENTLY WHEN OPENING AND GETTING INTO MY 2004 SANTA FE. I TOOK IT TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP. THEY INSPECTED IT AND FOUND RUST HOLES IN THE GAS TANK WHICH GAS WAS LEAKING OUT OF! I CAN'T IMAGINE THE HOW TERRIBLE AN EVENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED IF THE LEAKING GAS HAD EXPLODED WHEN I STARTED THE CAR OR BEEN CLOSE TO AN OPEN FLAME WITH THE CAR WHEN IT WAS LEAKING. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER HAD A FUEL TANK RUST OUT. I THINK THE NHTSA NEEDS TO TAKE A VERY CLOSE LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND POSSIBLY ISSUE A RECALL ON THE GAS TANKS OF SANTA FES AND OTHER VEHICLES THEY MANUFACTURE THAT USE THE SAME GAS TANK.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PURGE VALVE FAILED AND THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
IN SEPTEMBER 2015 I BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ENGAGE WITH NO NOTICE. IT CAN BE PERFECTLY DRY OUTSIDE AND SUDDENLY THEY CONNECT AND START GRINDING. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED, WITH NO WARNING, BUT ALMOST ALWAYS WHEN I'M SLOWING DOWN TO LESS THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI, BUT THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THIS MODEL, THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON OTHER HYUNDAI MODELS. IF THE ANTI LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES SUDDENLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS (WHICH IT DOES) THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
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.
THE AIR CONDITIONER CUTS OFF ON LEVEL 4 WHILE DRIVING IF I CUT IT DOWN TO LEVEL 3 IT COMES BACK ON BUT WILL EVENTUALLY CUTS OFF COMPLETELY.. IS THERE A RECALL ON AC PARTS, BLOWER, CODES ETC?? THIS HAPPENS TOOO MUCH..ITS REALLY FRUSTRATING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE KNOCKED THE CONTACT DOWN AND ROLLED OVER HER KNEES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300. ..UPDATED 09/03/15 *BF UPDATED 11/02/2017*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP REMAINED ILLUMINATED NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS WAITING FOR THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER REQUESTS REMAINING REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT IT WAS NOT CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP FLASHED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
THIS VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROX. 1/2 MILE FROM HOME WHEN POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. IT WAS PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. IMMEDIATELY FLAMES SHOT UP THE WINDSHIELD. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AS WELL 3/4 OF THE EXTERIOR. *TR
AS I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT AND MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW, IT DIDN'T SHIFT ALL THE WAY INTO FIRST GEAR. WHILE STOPPED AT THE LIGHT, IT REMAINED AT A HIGH RPM WHILE THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED, MY CAR "KICKED" DOWN INTO FIRST AND IMMEDIATELY BACK IN TO SECOND. A FEW DAYS LATER WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, MY CAR DIED. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, IT STARTED BACK UP. AFTER BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER (IT HAD DIED ON MY THREE TIMES AT THIS POINT) TO HAVE IT SERVICED, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE ABLE TO "FEEL" THE SHIFTING ISSUES WHEN STOPPING BUT THEY COULDN'T TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. SINCE I'VE HAD MY VEHICLE BACK FROM THE SHOP, IT HAS BEEN HAVING HIGH IDLE SURGES WHERE THE RESTING IDLE RPM IS AT 2000, IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL IT ACTS AS IF SOMETHING IS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE GOING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 800 AND 2000 RPM. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE, IT ALSO FEELS LIKE MY VEHICLE WANTS TO GET UP AND GO (AGAIN LIKE SOMETHING IS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL). I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT PLACES AND BOTH PLACES CAN'T PINPOINT WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. IT'S STARTING TO BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN. WHAT IF WHATEVER IS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE OVERRIDES THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND I END UP HURTING SOMEONE? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PURGE VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 124/THE DEALER ORDERED THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON 12/16/2014 AND HAS NEVER RECEIVED IT. HYUNDAI CAN NOT TELL THEM WHERE THE PART IS AND HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL IN LOCATING ANOTHER PART. A TIRE BURST DUE TO THE RECALLED PART SO THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING UNDRIVEABLE AT THE MAGUIRE DEALERSHIP IN ITHACA NY FOR OVER A MONTH. AS A CONSUMER WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANY ANSWERS FROM HYUNDAI. THIS IS A RECALLED PART AND THEY ARE NOT MAKING ANY EFFORT TO FIX THE VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END AS THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V350000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN JUST TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. THE BRAKE MUST IMMEDIATELY BE ENGAGED TO SLOW THE CAR. ONCE THE CAR IS MOVING THE ACCELERATOR WORKS. WHILE CRUISING THE ENGINE RPM SURGES FORCING THE BRAKES TO BE ENGAGED.THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN TRAFFIC. THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS AND SHE JUST LIVED WITH IT. IT IS UNSETTLING TO HAVE A VEHICLE SURGE WHENEVER IT WANTS. *TR
TOOK MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE SPRING ISSUE. AFTER RETURNING HOME AND LOOKING AT THE WORK ORDER THAT LISTED THEIR ACTIVITY AS INSTALLING A ?FRONT SPRING PROTECTOR INSTALLATION,? I CALLED THEIR NATIONAL CONSUMER HELP NUMBER AND ASKED ABOUT THE PARAMETERS USED IN EVALUATING THE REPAIR DECISION. HER ANSWER WAS: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND DO EITHER A SPRING REPLACEMENT IF SEVER DAMAGE IS FOUND OR INSTALL A FRONT SPRING PROTECTION KIT AND SPRAY APPLICATION (OF SOMETHING) IF MODERATE DAMAGE IS FOUND. I QUESTIONED THE PARAMETERS FOR LEADING TO A DECISION, THE FIRST PERSON I TALKED TO SAID IT WAS THE DEALERS RESPONSIBILITY. I RESPONDED BY ASKING FOR A SUPERVISOR, AFTER TRANSFER SHE REPEATED THE PREVIOUS ANSWER. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY STRUCTURAL EVALUATIONS OF RUSTY STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS. ONE CANNOT JUST EYEBALL A SITUATION LIKE THIS, THERE ARE PARAMETERS FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. I FOUND THE SUPERVISORS ANSWER, THAT SHE COULD NOT DIRECT ME TO A CORPORATE ENGINEERING OFFICE FOR SPECIFIC DESIGN PARAMETERS AND THAT THE DEALERS WOULD BE MAKING THE DECISIONS WAS QUESTIONABLE AT BEST IN TERMS OF THEIR ANSWER, WITH NO DEFINED EVALUATIVE CRITERIA AND THEIR RELIABILITY ON THE DEALERS TO MAKE A SAFETY CHOICE OVER A ECONOMIC ONE. THE RECALL WAS FROM HYUNDAI NOT THE DEALER I PURCHASED FROM. THERE WERE TWO OTHER INSTANCES RELATING TO RUST ON THIS CAR, THE CAR NEEDED TO HAVE ITS FUEL TANK REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO BECAUSE IT WAS RUSTING AND LEAKING GASOLINE, I HAVE THE EXTENDED BUMPER TO BUMPER 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. LITTLE DID THAT HELP, THEY CLAIMED IT WAS NOT COVERED (WHAT DOES BUMPER TO BUMPER MEAN) AND DENIED COVERAGE. A SEPARATE ISSUE OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR DIED ABOUT 100 YARDS FROM MY SERVICE GARAGE, PUSHED IT IN, THEY FOUND A CORRODED WIRE (WHAT EVER) AND REPLACED IT. WHEN I CALLED FOR REIMBURSEMENT, THEY DENIED IT. *TR
THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS TUES. OCT. 21 BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. IT STALLED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY ROAD. I PUT IT IN PARK AND TRIED TO START IT AGAIN. IT DID START BUT DID NOT FEEL LIKE IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. HOWEVER, IT DID. THE SECOND TIME WAS YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD AT 40 MILES AN HOUR AND IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING. I WAS SO THANKFUL IT WAS LATER IN THE EVENING AND TRAFFIC WAS VERY MINIMAL. I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT DID START BUT AGAIN DID NOT FEEL LIKE IT WOULD CONTINUE. IT FELT LIKE IT WOULD STALL AGAIN BUT DID NOT, 2 MORE TIMES BEFORE I GOT HOME. I CALLED THIS MORNING TO GET IT RIGHT IN AND NEVER HEARD BACK. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC ON MOST OF THESE ROADS. I DO NOT FEEL LIKE I WAS TAKEN SERIOUSLY EVEN THOUGH I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPT. BUT HAVE MANAGED TO MISPLACE IT. I DO NOT REMEMBER WHAT THE RECALL WAS FOR. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED A PANEL LIGHT DID COME ON. IT WAS THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT AN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE DEATH WITH THIS HAPPENING TO THE CAR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. IN OCTOBER OF 2014, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND A PROTECTOR PLATE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FRONT COIL SPRING. IN APRIL OF 2016, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
RECEIVED LETTER FROM HYUNDAI THAT THE COMPANY WAS "PREPARING A REMEDY" FOR POSSIBLE RUSTING SPRINGS ON MY SANTA FE. I WAITED ABOUT A MONTH FOR SECOND LETTER AS TO WHERE AND WHEN TO GET SPRINGS INSPECTED. CALLED HYUNDAI 1-855-671-3059 GOT RUN AROUND NO ASSISTANCE. I CAN GET CAR INSPECTED MYSELF AND PAY FOR SPRINGS MYSELF. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS OVER A YEAR AGO. I WAS DRIVING DOWN I5 GOING 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DIED. I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I MANAGED TO COAST TO THE NEXT EXIT. IT STARTED AFTER SITTING A FEW MINUTES. AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. I'VE RECEIVED CODES FOR CAMSHAFT SENSOR, MISFIRES, LOW CATALYST. I'VE CHANGED THE CAM AND CRANK SENSORS, COILS, SPARK PLUGS, TIMING BELT AND ASSEMBLY, FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND FUEL PUMP OVER THE PAST YEAR. STILL HAVING THE ISSUE. CAR DRIVES FANTASTIC FOR ABOUT 10 MILES AND STALLS OUT. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 5 MIN. IT CAN BE DRIVEN FOR ANOTHER FEW MILES BEFORE STALLING OUT AGAIN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN IT STALLS NOW. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE IN TOWN OR ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL STALL OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE GENTLEMAN SAID THAT THE FUEL TANK HAS A RUST HOLE IN IT AND IS LEAKING FUEL. THIS IS CAUSED BY A PLASTIC COVER THAT RETAINS SALT AND MOISTURE AND CAUSES THE TANK TO RUST. *TR
RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR FRONT COIL SPRING ISSUE IN MAIL, MY FRONT COIL SPRIG IS CURRENTLY BROKEN. CALLED DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND TOLD THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX IT OR A REMEDY FOR ME TO HAVE A DRIVABLE CAR UNTIL IT CAN BE FIXED. NO TIME FRAME CAN BE GIVEN WHEN THEY CAN FIX THE ISSUE. *TR
FOR A LONG TIME I KEPT HEARING THIS CLUNKING TYPE NOISE BUT WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. THEN ON SUN. SEPT. 21, 2014 I NOTICED SOME EXTRA PLAY IN THE WHEEL. WHEN I MADE A TURN I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL TWICE AS MUCH AS NORMAL AND THEN IT LOCKED AND I HAD TO REALLY PULL HARD TO GET IT BACK STRAIGHT. WE VERY CAREFULLY DROVE IT TO THE AUTO SHOP ONLY A MILE AWAY. THEY SAID MY POWER STEERING LINE WAS RIPPED OPEN. THEY SAID THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES TO THE POWER STEERING GEAR RACK SHEARED OFF OF THE SUBFRAME. I HAVE PICTURES. ALSO SINCE THERE IS A RECALL ON THE COIL SPRINGS FOR CARS SOLD IN THE SALT BELT I THOUGHT THIS ALSO COULD BE A CORROSION ISSUE BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. THE BOLT DIDN'T COME LOOSE, THE ACTUAL SUBFRAME TORE APART AND THE STEERING RACK WAS JUST HANGING THERE BY ONE BOLT AND OVER TIME IT RIPPED THE RUBBER TO SHREDS. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSE FATALITIES. WE HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW SUBFRAME AND STEERING RACK TO GET THE CAR DRIVABLE. IT SEEMS TO ME IT WAS FAULTY MANUFACTURING OR A RUST CORROSION ISSUE. THE SUBFRAME IS A HUGE THICK IRON FRAME WHERE YOU WOULD THINK NOTHING COULD BREAK IT, BUT IN THIS INSTANCE IT ACTUALLY RIPPED. I WOULD LIKE SOME COMPENSATION FOR THE REPAIRS. I WANTED THIS COMPLAINT OUT THERE BECAUSE IT COULD BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE FOR OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, CHEST, AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED TO CALL THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE SPO NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,389.
THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG SENT OF GASOLINE WHEN PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A GAS LEAK AND THE GAS TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE GAS TANK WAS REPLACED, THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE TANK HAD RUSTED AND THAT WAS THE REASON FOR THE LEAK. HE SHOWED ME THE GAS TANK AND THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON IT. THERE WAS A PLASTIC PART UNDER THE TANK THAT RETAINED WATER AND ROAD SALT AND CAUSED THE TANK TO PREMATURELY RUST. THERE IS NO REASON FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS GARAGED AND WASHED REGULARLY TO HAVE A RUSTED OUT GAS TANK. CLEARLY, THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWED THE PLASTIC PART UNDER THE TANK TO COLLECT WATER AND RUST. *TR
A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE WAS NOTICEABLE UPON ENTERING MY GARAGE. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED GAS LEAKING FROM MY '04 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE SERVICE STATION DETERMINED THAT A FUEL TANK AND CENTER HEAT SHIELDING REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY AS BOTH WERE DEFECTIVE, LEAKING FUEL, AND POSED A VERY HIGH RISK OF DANGER. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS STUCK PAYING A VERY HEFTY BILL TO THE REPAIR CENTER RATHER THAN WORRYING ABOUT BLOWING UP MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS, OR MY HOUSE. I SEE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF HYUNDAI.
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. I TOOK MY CAR TO FIRESTONE AND WAS STUNNED TO LEARN THAT MY RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING WAS MISSING AND MY RIGHT FRONT STRUT WAS BROKEN. AN INSPECTION OF THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING ALSO INDICATED SIGNIFICANT CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY. HYUNDAI HAS RECALLED 419,000 VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE IN DC AND 20 OTHER STATES SPECIFICALLY STATING EXCESSIVE CORROSION AS A RESULT OF ROAD SALT--THIS LIST EXCLUDED THE STATE OF MO WHICH HAPPENS TO ALSO USE ROAD SALT. MY HYUNDAI HAS BEEN IN MO FOR 12 YEARS. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND EXPAND ITS RECALL TO ALL STATES THAT USE SALT AND PERHAPS TO COASTAL STATES THAT HAVE OCEAN SALT. *TR
2004 HYUNDAI SANTAFE BROKEN COIL SPRING RUBBING AGAINST THE FRONT TIRE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG THAT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN. I WENT OUT TO INVESTIGATE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE NEXT MORNING I ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE FOR WORK WHEN I NOTICED A STRANGE NOISE. I COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE SOUND SO I TURNED AROUND AN PARKED THE VEHICLE BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT WAS THEN I NOTICED A CURVED SHAPE PIECE ON THE GROUND WHICH LOOKED LIKE A HOTDOG WHERE MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED. I PICKED THE HOTDOG SHAPED PIECE OF STEEL APPROXIMATELY 3/4" DIAMETER. IT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN BROKEN ON ONE END. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND IT TO BE A PIECE OF THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT. THE COIL SPRING WAS NOW RUBBING AGAINST THE FRONT TIRE. LUCK FOR ME THIS DID NO HAPPEN WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM MY VEHICLE - IT CONSUMES BOTH THE INTERIOR AND THE AROUND THE ENTIRE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. LOOKING AT ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL?? HYUNDAI - ARE YOU DOING ANYTHING TO HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS????? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRINGS DEVELOPED CRACKS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
AFTER PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR WHEN I REACHED MY DESIRED SPEED. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I APPLIED THE BRAKE, AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV FOR 1 OR 2 SECONDS. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT ON THIS OCCASION, BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING, AND I HAD MY CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
MY OIL CHANGING PLACE THOUGHT I HAD A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK. THE REAL PROBLEM WAS THE FRONT RIGHT AXLE BOOT WAS LEAKING BADLY (COVERED BY THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY), BUT THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT AND LEFT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS HAD COLLAPSED AND THE SENSORS WERE FROZEN IN PLACE. AFTER THEY FIXED THESE, THE MECHANIC TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, AND DURING THE TEST DRIVE, THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SNAPPED. I AM TOLD THAT I MUST NOW REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT COILS AND HAVE THE CAR RE-ALIGNED. THE COILS SHOULD BE ON RECALL, AS OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING. *TR
WHENEVER I GET GAS AND WHICH I DREAD , ONCE I FILL UP THE TANK OR JUST PUT A FEW GALLONS AND I TURN THE IGNITION IT GRINDS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO START . EVENTUALLY IT WILL TURN OVER OR I WILL HEAR A POP. I AM AFRAID AT SOME POINT WITH THAT POP THAT IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I FILL THE VEHICLE WITH GAS. COULD SOMEONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT THE RESOLUTION IS. *JS
NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM CAR. COULD SEE GAS LEAKING FROM UNDER CAR. THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SAYS THE GAS TANK HAS CORRODED, AND MUST BE REPLACED. CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA AND WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY ON THE GAS TANK HAD EXPIRED, AND THAT I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY ASSISTANCE (TOUGH LUCK). *TR
WHILE LOOKING FOR A PARKING PLACE, THE AIR BAG IN THE BACK OF THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED, INJURING MY BACK AND MY LEFT KNEE. MY CHIROPRACTOR GOT MY BACK SOMEWHAT REPAIRED, BUT MY KNEE ENDED UP HAVING A MENISCUS TEAR THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. HYUNDAI IS WILLING TO REPLACE WHAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID OUT FOR MEDICAL CARE AND TO FIX MY CAR. I WILL BE HAVING MEDICAL ISSUES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE THANKS TO THIS AIR BAG INCIDENT. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI SHOULD PAY FOR ALL FUTURE MEDICAL ISSUES RESULTING FROM THIS INCIDENT BUT .... THEY INVESTIGATED AND ARE SAYING THAT THE "COMPUTER SHOWS AN IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE DEPLOYMENT" SO THEY ARE WILLING TO REPLACE THE SEAT AND REIMBURSE ONLY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY SAY FUTURE MEDICAL ISSUES ARE MY RESPONSIBILITY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE THIS WAY. THEIR PRODUCT CAUSED IT, THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, HE HEARD A POPPING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S COIL SPRING HAD FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 06/17/14 MA UPDATED 8/17/17*CN
DEAR NHTSA - MY SANTA FE HAD A MALFUNCTION AT 65 MPH THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN AND RUN IN ONLY THIRD GEAR. THIS IS A HUGE DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER AND COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE CODES ARE P0121 AND P0733 WHICH HAVE TO DO WITH A THROTTLE/ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR AND A THIRD GEAR RATIO MISMATCH. I BELIEVE THE WAY THIS WORKS IS THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM MODULE WHICH ACTIVATES AN ETS MOTOR ON THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH OPENS/CLOSES THE THROTTLE BUTTERFLY DAMPER BASED ON A COMPUTED ERROR SIGNAL. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ON HYUNDAI FORUMS IT WAS VERY APPARENT THAT THIS MALFUNCTION IS VERY COMMON AND VERY DANGEROUS. I SEARCHED THE CURRENT RECALLS AND THIS IS NOT ONE OF THE TWO RECALLS I COULD FIND FOR THIS VEHICLE. BUT IN 50% OF THE CASES I READ ABOUT IT APPEARED THAT EITHER THE ACCELERATOR SENSOR OR THROTTLE SENSOR IS A COMMON FAILURE. I REALLY THINK THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THERE ARE ALSO SOME OTHER ITEMS THAT CAN CAUSE THESE SENSORS TO SEE THIS MISMATCH AND GIVE THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION THE FAULT CODE WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO EITHER GO INTO "LIMP" MODE OR SINGLE GEAR MODE. ALTHOUGH BOTH ARE AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS IT BASICALLY LIMITS THE CAR TO A MAXIMUM RPM AND CAUSES IT TO EITHER RUN IN ONE GEAR OR NOT SHIFT ABOVE A GEAR, FOR EXAMPLE 3RD GEAR INTO OVERDRIVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAULT THAT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN RUNNING AT OR NEAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED NATURE OF THE EVENT AND THE SPEED CHANGE AND NOISE IT CAN CAUSE THUS SURPRISING THE DRIVER WHICH MAY CAUSE THEM TO STOP OR PULL OVER UNEXPECTEDLY. OTHER MALFUNCTIONS THAT CAN CAUSE THIS ARE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, FUEL INJECTOR O-RING FAULTY AND LEAKY INTAKE MANIFOLDS AMONG OTHERS. THIS SERIOUS ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND REDESIGNED OR REPAIRED ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR
PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND WENT UP ONTO A 6 INCH SIDEWALK BARRIER. DRIVERS FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE BUT CAR ACCELERATED ANYWAY . DRIVER PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL TO KEEP FROM GOING FORWARD AND STOP. VERY VERY SCARY AND THANKFUL NO ONE WAS WALKING IN FRONT OF US. *TR