2001 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 209 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 4 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsJul 18, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 16, 2009
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.
IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsDec 18, 2003
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."
THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
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.
Campaign 03V520000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, starter assemblyJan 2, 2003
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.
A DAMAGED CPS CAPACITOR COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING.
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.
Campaign 03V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Sep 1, 2014
HI, I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OVER A ISSUE THAT I'M STARTING TO HAVE AND THE OUT COMES HAS NOT BEEN GOOD AND I FEAR FOR MY FAMILY DRIVING IN THIS VEHICLE. I'M HEARING A SCRATCHY RUBBING SOUND IN THE REAR SO I JACKED IT UP TO FIND MY TRAIL ARMS ARE RUSTED SO BAD THEIRS HUGE HOLES IN THE TRAIL ARMS AND ROTOR COVER ARE RUSTED ALMOST OFF. I SURE DON'T WANT TO RECEIVE A CALL MY FAMILY HAS BEEN HURT IN A ACCIDENT SO IS WHY I'M CONTACTING YOU OVER THIS MATTER. I WOULD APPRECIATE TO BE CONTACTED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO BEFORE IT'S TO LATE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Aug 10, 2014
MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER CAR AND IT STARTED SWAYING ON THE ROAD. SHE HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE CONTROLLING THE CAR AND FINALLY WAS ABLE TO PULL IN SOMEONES DRIVE. UPON INSPECTING THE CAR WE NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BACK RIGHT TIRE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TRAILING ARM HAD SPLIT AND HAD RUSTED OUT. I HAD NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS WRONG WITH HER CAR BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER HER CAR DID NOT HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS. WE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX THE CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW HYUNDAI CAN ONLY LIMITED THIS TYPE OF RECALL TO CERTAIN STATES, WHEN KENTUCKY DOES USE A LOT OF ROAD SALT THAT SEEMS TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF WE COULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN GOING FASTER OR ON THE INTERSTATE.WE DO HAVE PICTURES IF YOU NEED THOSE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Suspension, Jan 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS BENT DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 255,000.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 12, 2013
BECAME 2ND OWNER IN JUNE 2005. IN MARCH 2010, HYUNDAI RECALLED VEHICLE FOR SUSPENSION COMPONENT RUSTING/CORROSION, SPECIFICALLY REAR TRAILING ARMS & FRONT SUB-FRAME. [ HYUNDAI HAS HAD NUMEROUS (8-9 ??) SIMILAR SUSPENSION RECALLS OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS FOR ELANTRA, SONATA, TIBURON, AZERA AND OTHER MODELS.] IN MARCH 2010, RESPONDING TO RECALL, VEHICLE TAKEN TO AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI DEALER, WHERE DEALER ELECTED TO REPAIR, RATHER THAN REPLACE AFFECTED FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. THE PRESCRIBED RECALL REPAIR CONSISTED OF DRILLING (DRAIN) HOLES IN ALL FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, REMOVING EXCESS RUST FROM INSIDE COMPONENTS, THEN SPRAYING WITH ANTI-CORROSIVE WAX. AUGUST 7, 2013, RIGHT REAR TRAILING ARM FAILED DUE TO CONTINUED EXCESSIVE CORROSION, CAUSING STEERING LOSS AND NEAR WHEEL COLLAPSE. HYUNDAI DEALER REVEALED CAUSE OF SUSPENSION FAILURE. HYUNDAI CORROSION SPECIALIST CONCLUDED THAT HYUNDAI WOULD REPLACE BOTH REAR TRAILING ARMS ONLY (NOT FRONT SUB-FRAME COMPONENTS, WHICH ARE ALSO EXCESSIVELY RUSTED/CORRODED), BUT THAT BECAUSE OF VEHICLE'S 10+ YEAR AGE, OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL "INCIDENTAL AND RELATED SUSPENSION PARTS AND LABOR" EXPENSES INCURRED WHILE THE REAR TRAILING ARM REPLACEMENTS WERE BEING MADE. I AM APPEALING THIS HYUNDAI DECISION TO NHTSA BECAUSE THE REPAIR THAT HYUNDAI ELECTED TO PERFORM (VS A FULL COMPONENTS REPLACEMENT) IN MARCH 2010, WHEN VEHICLE WAS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD, HAS PROVEN TO BE TOTALLY INEFFECTIVE, AND THAT OWNER HAS NOT CONTRIBUTED, IN ANY WAY, TO THIS SUSPENSION DEFECT. GIVEN HYUNDAI'S CORROSION VULNERABILITIES, THEIR INABILITY TO EFFECT A REPAIR IN 2010, AND THE OWNER'S NON-CONTRIBUTORY ROLE HERE, HYUNDAI SHOULD NOW REPLACE ALL FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, AS THEY SHOULD HAVE IN 2010, AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. *TR
Suspension, Sep 9, 2013
LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH WHEEL DETACHED FROM ROTOR WHEEL HANG OFF. WHEEL NOT STRAIGHT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS ABNORMALLY LEANING INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. UPDATED 1/129/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRAILING ARMS WERE ALSO RUSTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPDATED 2/6/2013 *JS
Suspension, Sep 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE TIRES BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS BENT INTO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,390.
Suspension, Sep 24, 2012
MY TEENAGE SON WAS DRIVING HIS VEHICLE, WHEN IT SUDDENLY FELT LIKE HE WAS DRIVING ON BLACK ICE. THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY WERE ALL OVER THE ROAD, AND HE HEARD SOME TYPE OF LOUD NOISES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. LUCKILY HE KNEW BETTER AND PULLED OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WHEEL ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE LOOKED COMPLETELY TURNED IN AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC. LATER THAT NIGHT I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SAW THAT THEY HAD A RECALL FOR THE 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE BECAUSE OF THE TRAILING ARMS RUSTING OUT. I CALLED THE CORPORATION FOR HYUNDAI REFERENCE MY SITUATION AND ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL. THEY SAID THAT SINCE I DID NOT LIVE IN A SALT BELT STATE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I THEN CALLED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI AND ASKED THEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AND SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO, BUT THEY WOULD NOT MAKE ANY PROMISES. OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP HAS A HORRIBLE REPUTATION, AND I KNEW IF I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEM, NOT ONLY WOULD THEY TELL ME THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL, THEY WOULD CHARGE ME AND ARM AND LEG TO FIX IT. I CHOSE TO STAY WITH MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO I TRUST. THAT MECHANIC TOLD ME THE ARM WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. . HE HAD PULLED UP THE RECALL AS WELL, AND AGREED WITH ME THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD FIX THIS FREE OF CHARGE, SINCE OBVIOUSLY IT WAS A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. HE ALSO SAID THAT THE SALT BELT STATE RULE FOR THE RECALL MADE NO SENSE SINCE OTHER THINGS CAN CAUSE RUST. AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS FIXED I TOOK THE TRAILING ARM TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND SHOWED THEM. I TOLD THEM I EXPECTED THEM TO PAY AT LEAST FOR THE ARM WHICH COST ME 189.00 PLUS TAX, SINCE THIS WAS THEIR DEFECT. I HAD ALSO BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THEM ON APRIL 30. THEY SAID NO AND SHOWED ME THE DOOR. MY SON COULD HAVE CRASHED AND DIED. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE ASHAMED.
Suspension, Jul 14, 2012
I WAS ENTERING MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WHEN MY CAR MADE A NOISE. IT FELT LIKE WE HAD A FLAT TIRE AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I PARKED THE CAR AND THEN SAW THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM WAS FRACTURED. I LOOKED IN THE INTERNET AND SAW CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V123000. THIS CAMPAIGN MENTIONS ALL CARS MANUFACTURED FROM 2001-2003. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2001 AND WAS SOLD IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI AND THEY SAY MY VIN DOES NOT FALL ONTO THIS CAMPAIGN YET IT HAS ALL THE SYMPTOMS AND CHARACTERISTICS TO BE INCLUDED. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Suspension, Nov 21, 2011
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I NOTED A CRUNCHING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING APPROX ONE MILE I INSPECTED THE REAR SUSPENSION. I FOUND THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER TRAILING ARM HAD RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT IT HAD COLLAPSED. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN KEPT IN A GARAGE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA SINCE NEW. UP THROUGH DEC 2008 IT WAS USED FOR ONE WINTER TRIP TO EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. SINCE I WAS AWARE OF ISSUES WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THIS VEHICLE I HAD INSPECTED THE LOWER TRAILING ARMS APPROX FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. AT THAT TIME I FOUND ONLY A HALF DOLLAR SIZED CIRCLE OF SCALE/RUST AND SOME SCALE/RUST ON THE WELDED SEAM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TRAILING ARM. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF AN IMPENDING FAILURE. I SURMISE THE COMPONENT RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THUS A VISUAL INSPECTION WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE TO GIVE A WARNING OF POSSIBLE FAILURE. OWNERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT VISUAL INSPECTION, AT LEAST TO AN UNTRAINED EYE, MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE TO INDICATE IMPENDING FAILURE. THE LAST DEALER MAINTENANCE PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT WAS A REAR BRAKE JOB IN OCTOBER 2010 AT 111,000 MILES. PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT ARE AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Jan 5, 2011
I HAVE A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THAT HAD A RECALL UNDER CAMPAIGN # 09V123000 . THE RECALL STARTED IN AUGUST 2009, HOWEVER, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. IN DECEMBER, 2010 I NOTICED EXTREME PULLING IN MY VEHICLE WHEN I ALMOST DROVE INTO A DITCH. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED DRIVING MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS THEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL. I HAD MY CAR BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS, BUT DURING REPAIRS, WHERE MY TRAILING ARMS WERE NOT ONLY CORRODED BUT ALSO BENT, IT WAS NOTED THAT MY TIRES WHICH WERE ALL AT HALF LIFE (WHICH LEAVES ABOUT 40K MILES ON THEM) WERE ABNORMALLY WORN ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES. WITH THE TYPE OF ABNORMAL WEAR, THIS IS MOST OFTEN BECAUSE OF MISALIGNMENT, WHICH IS NOTED AS SOMETHING THAT WILL HAPPEN IF REPAIRS ARE NOT MADE TO THE VEHICLE PER THE RECALL. I ASKED HYUNDAI TO REPLACE THE TIRES AS THIS WAS THEIR NEGLIGENCE IN NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL, THEY DENIED IT. I SPOKE TO THE HEAD OF THE DEALERSHIP, WHO SET UP A MEETING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM HYUNDAI, WHO MADE IT VERY CLEAR THEY HYUNDAI, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, WARRANTIES TIRES. THIS "UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES" DOES NOT FIT, SINCE THEIR RECALL AND REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS CAUSED THE ISSUE AND I HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES LONG BEFORE WOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY BECAUSE THEY DID NOT INFORM ME OF THE RECALL. THEY ALSO HAD PUT A NOTE OF THE RECALL ON A PREVIOUS WORK ORDER IN 2009, BUT HAD NOT MADE NOTE OF THIS TO ME WHEN I CHECKED OUT WITH THEM, NOR DID THEY TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIRS THAT DAY WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS ALREADY IN THE SHOP. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH ON A GRAVEL ROAD DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAME OFF. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. HE CALLED THE DEALER WHERE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS PRE-OWNED AND PURCHASED IN APRIL 2010. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER PUT THE WRONG LUG NUTS ON THE TIRE. AFTER THE LUG NUTS WERE REPLACED A WEEK LATER THE BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FAILED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WERE COVERED WITH RUST AND BROKE IN HALF. MOST OF THE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE BODY SHOP IS REPAIRING TIRE FAILURE AND THE REAR FENDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 01/06/11. *LJ UPDATED 02/28/11
Suspension, Jul 9, 2010
ON JUNE 30, 2010 AT APPROX 9:50 AM CDT, I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF MY 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE AS IF ON A SHEET OF ICE. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE ACTUALLY OPTIMAL WITH NO WATER, ICE OR OTHER ADVERSE ROAD CONDITIONS. I WAS ABLE TO WRESTLE MY VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO AN EXIT WHILE GENTLY APPLYING MY BRAKES TO GRADUALLY REDUCE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS CANTED ON THE ROADWAY (REAR END SIGNIFICANTLY DISPLACED TO RIGHT) AS I DROVE IT TO A NEARBY REPAIR SHOP. I WAS BASICALLY DRAGGING THE REAR END BEHIND ME. A FRIEND CONFIRMED THIS APPEARANCE AND THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR TIRE WAS ALSO DEVIATED TOWARD THE RIGHT AND THAT BOTH TIRES WERE ANGLED INWARD AS HE FOLLOWED ME TO THE REPAIR SHOP. AT THIS TIME, I WAS UNAWARE OF A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA ACTION # EA08023, RECALL CAMPAIGN # 09V123000) THAT APPLIED TO MY VEHICLE. THE REAR TRAILING ARMS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION AND FAILURE. UNFORTUNATELY, ONLY OWNERS WHO HAD PURCHASED THAT VEHICLE IN A SALT-BELT STATE, OR WERE REGISTERED IN A SALT-BELT STATE AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL (APRIL 2009) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE DANGER. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED IN OREGON AND I HAVE RESIDED IN OKLAHOMA FOR THE 4 YEARS. I DID SPEND 4 YEARS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN 2 SALT-BELT STATES, HOWEVER, EXPOSED TO THE CONDITIONS THAT ACCELERATED THE CORROSION OF THE FLAWED PARTS. AFTER I DISCOVERED THIS RECALL ON MY OWN ON 7/8/2010, I GOT THE VEHICLE TOWED TO EDMOND HYUNDAI IN EDMOND, OK AND BEGAN TRYING TO GET THIS RECALL WORK DONE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AGREED THAT BOTH REAR TRAILING ARMS HAD FAILED AND HAD SIGNIFICANT CORROSION. HYUNDAI AGREED TO REPLACE THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, BUT HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR TOWING AND OTHER VEHICLE DAMAGES THAT RESULTED FROM THIS COMPONENT FAILURE. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO PROVIDE A VEHICLE WHILE MINE IS IN THE SHOP OR PAY FOR A COMPARABLE RENTAL VEHICLE. I HAVE ESCALATED THIS TO HYUNDAI'S NATIONAL OFFICE. *TR
Suspension, May 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE; BOTH TRAILING ARMS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO INFORMED HER THAT RECALL 09V123000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) WAS IN EFFECT. THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED AND THE REAR AXLE REPLACED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. SINCE THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE SHAKES, SHIMMIES AND RATTLES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER AS IT PULLED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
Suspension, Feb 13, 2010
REGULAR INTERSTATE DRIVING, I THEN SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL, AND CROSSED THREE LANES, DARTING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS TRAFFIC AND GOT IT UNDER CONTROL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE IS WHERE I DISCOVERED THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS HANGING OFF. *TR
Suspension, Feb 4, 2010
THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING. *JB
Suspension, Jan 21, 2010
AT ABOUT 11:00AM ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010, I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE OUTBOUND ON ROOSEVELT BRIDGE IN WASHINGTON, DC. SPEED WAS ABOUT 30-40 MPH WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, I LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WHICH BEGAN TO FISHTAIL FIRST LEFT THEN RIGHT. MIRACULOUSLY HIT NOTHING AND WAS ABLE TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL AND BRING VEHICLE TO A STOP AFTER ABOUT 3/10 OF A MILE. I LATER LEARNED THAT THIS EVENT WAS CAUSED BY A TOTAL FRACTURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAD FRACTURED AS THE RESULT OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE PART. VEHICLE WAS CARRYING NO LOAD BUT ME AS DRIVER AND DID NOT HIT A POTHOLE OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION. COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY SERIOUS AT A HIGHER SPEED WITH TRAFFIC ON EITHER SIDE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE 50 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, MUCH OF IT IN SNOW AND ICE IN NEW ENGLAND, AND NEVER EXPERIENCED TOTALLY SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF CONTROL LIKE THIS. I UNDERSTAND THAT NHTSA HAS STUDIED THIS SITUATION AND THAT HYUNDAI HAS A RECALL IN "SALT BELT" STATES ONLY (INCLUDES DC AND MARYLAND BUT REMARKABLY NOT NORTHERN VIRGINIA WHICH IS THE AREA OF VIRGINIA IN WHICH I LIVE). SEEMS RIDICULOUS THAT DC AND MD ARE INCLUDED, BUT NOT NORTHERN VIRGINIA DESPITE THE FACT THAT SO MANY NORTHERN VIRGINIANS DRIVE IN DC AND MARYLAND EVERY DAY. I HAVE RETAINED THE FRACTURED PART WHICH I HAD REPLACED. HYUNDAI IS NOW TELLING ME THAT PASSENGER SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS NO RUST. THIS SEEMS STRANGE AND IS HARD TO BELIEVE GIVEN WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PART THAT IS ABOUT 6 FEET AWAY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR AND GIVEN THAT BOTH ARE ORIGINAL PARTS. *TR
Suspension, Jan 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND BEGAN LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE CONTACTS MECHANIC DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS REPAIR FACILITY WHERE HE FOUND THAT RECALL 09V123000, SUSPENSION REAR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT WAIT SEVERAL WEEKS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OR TRAVEL TO A DEALER WHICH IS 30 MILES AWAY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
Suspension, Dec 11, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. DURING STATE INSPECTION HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT MOTOR CONTROL ARM WAS LOOSE . A TECHNICIAN FROM A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY REPLACED THE COMPONENT AT AN EXPENSE OF $190.00. AFTER THE REPAIR HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR TRAILING ARM. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126000.
Suspension, Dec 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL SEVERELY TOWARDS THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THE DRIVER REDUCED THE SPEED RATE AND CONTINUED IN OPERATION WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THERE WAS FRONT SUB-FRAME PERFORATION WHICH WAS A RESULT OF SEVERE INTERNAL CORROSION. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,000. UPDATED 01/20/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. A RUSTED HOLE IN THE SUB-FRAME OCCURRED WHERE THE UPPER A-ARM WAS SECURED. FAILURE OF RETAINING BOLT WOULD RESULT IN SUSPENSION COLLAPSE AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SAME MAKE, BUT DIFFERENT MODEL. UPDATED 01/22/10.*JB
Suspension, Dec 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE. THE WHEELS ARE TILTED INWARD WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE DEALER THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Suspension, Nov 12, 2009
AS I WAS BACKING UP THE 2001 SANTA FE SUV AT MY PARENTS DRIVE WAY, I HEARD A LOUD THUMP. I THOUGHT I WENT OVER A BIKE OR SOMETHING ELSE, AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO LOOK. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS CAVED INWARD, AND A METAL PART WAS BROKEN AND HANGING DOWN. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE IN THIS CONDITION, AND A TOW TRUCK HAD TO COME TO OUR HOME AND LOAD THE CAR ONTO A FLATBED. AFTER DISCOVERING THERE WERE NUMEROUS CASES OF 2001 SANTA FE CONTROL ARMS RUSTING OUT, I DECIDED TO FILE AN NHTSA COMPLAINT. I AM VERY GRATEFUL THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED. IT IS MY OPINION THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR DESIGN OF THE CONTROL ARM. FURTHERMORE, IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT CONTROL ARM IS SHOWING THE SAME SIGNS OF RUST THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE OF THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM. IT WILL SOON NEED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WILL BE EXPENSIVE. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE PART OF A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Child seat, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Oct 7, 2009
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM CAR MART LESS THAN A YEAR AGO.FIRST MY STEERING WAS VERY SHAKY. IT GOT RAPIDLY WORSE. I WENT THROUGH 3 SETS OF NEW TIRES IN ONE YEAR PLUS 2 ALIGNMENTS. I RECENTLY HAD TROUBLE AGAIN AND MY CAR IS IN THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN FAYETTEVILLE. FIRST THE BEARINGS WERE RUSTED IN. BOTH BALL JOINTS WERE NEARLY OUT. THE CONTROL ARM IS GOING OUT. THE STEERING LINKAGE AND THE CRADLE ABOVE THE DRIVELINE IS RUSTED AND FALLING APART LITERALLY. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM THE CADILLAC CONVERTER IS RUSTED APART FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS RUSTED CLOSED AND HAD TO BE BROKE OFF TO GET MY SPARE OUT. ALSO THE REAR SEAT BELT JUST STOPPED WORKING . TALK ABOUT A BAD DAY. *TR
Suspension, Jul 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE WHEEL TO BEND. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT NUMBER 3632527. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 108,000.
Suspension, Mar 17, 2009
2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LOWER CONTROL ARE COMPLETED ROTTED OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. CALLED HYUNDAI THEY SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND SAVE THE CONTROL ARM WHICH I DID. THE COST OF REPAIRS WERE $500+. NOW THE RIGHT HAND SIDE IS ROTTED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED IN A FEW MONTHS. MY MECHANIC SAID THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. *TR