2002 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 171 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 9 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 6 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: electrical system
12 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING VARIOUS HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX TIMES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE MENTIONED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V030000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 25, 2014
WHEN EVER THE UNDER ENGINE GETS WET THE CAR TURNS OFF AND THE BRAKE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHTS COME ON. WHEN IT STOPS I CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL AND IT LOCKS UP. I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE IN THE RAIN AND THE CAR STARTED JOLTING THAT THE CAR WAS OFF THEN ON THEN OFF THEN ON AGAIN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR IN THE TORRENTIAL RAIN GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR. WHENEVER IT RAINS OR IF I GO THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE AUTO DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM, I WAS TOLD THAT NORMALLY THERE IS AN ENGINE UNDERCOVER BUT THERE IS NOT ONE ON MY CAR NOR WAS THERE EVER ONE PUT ON BY THE MANUFACTURER. HAVING NO ENGINE UNDERCOVER CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL OUT WHENEVER WATER IS SPLASHED UP ONTO THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSES THE BELT TO AJAR AND THAT STOPS ELECTRICAL FROM FLOWING TO THE CAR AND THEREFORE IT STALLS OUT AT VERY DANGEROUS TIMES; LIKE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. NO ENGINE UNDERCOVER IS AVAILABLE AND THEREFORE THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE FIXED. WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR?? *TR
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2013
THE 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 WILL EITHER NOT START, STALL WHEN MOVING OR RUN EXTREMELY ROUGH. THE PROBLEM IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN IT IS RAINING OR HUMID OUT. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE SANTA FE AND HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS. THE ISSUES COMES AND GO BUT HAVE BEEN MORE CONSTANT OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS. IN THE PAST, I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND HAD A TUNE UP PERFORMED BY THE LESTER GLENN HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I BOUGHT THE SANTA FE IN SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE TOLD THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. ON OUR LAST VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO OLD SPARK PLUG WIRES. THE TUNE UP DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE AT ALL. AS I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND BECAME AWARE OF HYUNDAI RECALL 049 WHICH REPLACES THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I SPOKE TO HYUNDAI AND THEY EXPLAINED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO ITS PRODUCTION DATE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEMS I AM EXPERIENCING IS EXACTLY IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEM SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO EXPAND THE PERIMETERS OF THE RECALL TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2010
ENGINE STALLED SUDDENLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DURING LOW SPEED, AT IDLING OR AT A CONSTANT SPEED AS A RESULT WITH FULL LOSS OF POWER, BRAKING, AND STEERING. CAR DID START BACK UP FINE, BUT WOULD EVENTUALLY EXHIBIT SAME BEHAVIOR AGAIN ALONG WITH ERRATIC RPM SURGES. MY LOCAL MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO A BAD CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR CPS. HE ADVISED I CONTACT THE DEALER SINCE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART AND SAME ISSUE REGARDING 2.7 V6 ENGINE RECALL #03V030000 I CONTACTED THE DEALER TO DISCUSS AND PROVIDED MY VIN NUMBER, HOWEVER THEY INDICATED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE CPS SENSOR AS PER RECALL, AND CONFIRMED THE DAMAGED CPS SENSOR WAS THE ORIGINAL PART, AND THE ISSUE WAS ULTIMATELY RESOLVED. THIS OPEN RECALL 03V030000 AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 25,000 VEHICLES, I BELIEVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS MUCH LARGER AND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS EXIST WHERE CONSUMERS ARE BEING TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THERE VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF RECALL 03V030000, YET EXHIBITING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE DEFECTIVE CPS AND ULTIMATELY PAYING FOR THIS PART THEMSELVES. THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE FIRST FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON THE DATE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WERE FAILURES WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE FILLER IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED TO OCCUR WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR. AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STALLED, SHUT OFF AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT SINCE HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 03V030000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY), HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $350.00 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Electrical system, May 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE'S CRANKSHAFT SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT 60,000, 62,000, AND 80,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT COMPLETELY OFF AFTER 100 YARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS BAD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 03V030000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY). THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,211 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2007
THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WHEN HEAT IS RUNNING LIGHTS DIM. WHEN I ROLL UP WINDOWS, THE LIGHTS DIM. WHEN USING WINDSHIELD WIPERS THE HEAT GETS COLDER. LITTLE THINGS THAT WEREN'T SO BAD AT FIRST. HEAT WOULD FAIL TO TURN ON OCCASIONALLY AND NOW WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. THIS IS CAUSING MY WINDOWS TO FROST WHILE DRIVING MAKING VISIBILITY VERY HARD. IF IT WEREN'T FOR ALL THE OTHER LITTLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I WOULD JUST THINK THE HEATING SYSTEM WENT BAD. BUT IT HAS BEEN A PATTERN IN EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL ON THIS CAR. A FEW TIMES I WOULD GO TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. IF I TURNED EVERYTHING OFF THEN IT WOULD START. THOUGHT MAYBE WAS BAD BATTERY UNTIL I GOT A NEW ONE AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. I HAD THE NEW BATTERY TESTED AND IT WAS OK. I BELIEVE IT IS ANOTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 30, 2006
PURCHASED "NEW" IT TOOK OVER SIX HOURS TO DELIVER THE VEHICLE ON SITE. 1.)THE "SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED RETURNED TO JIM ELLIS; "NO CORRECTION" TO DATE. 2.)SEVERAL OTHER DEFECTS EXISTED: BATTERY FAILED LEAVING ME STRANDED AT LEAST TWICE, BRAKES WARE QUICKLY AND REPEATEDLY REQUIRE REPAIRS, HEATED SEATS ON AT "ALL" TIMES, THE TEMPERATURE REMAINS ON "CELSIUS" RATHER THAN ON THAN "FEREINHEIGHT" TEMPERATURES, CLOCK WON'T SET TO CURRENT MONTH,DATE, YEAR. 3.)THE 10 YEAR;100 MILE WARRANTY IS DISREGARDED/MINIMIZED; FROM 24,000 MILES. 4.) WHILE IN FOR DEFECT REVIEW; THE CAR HAS BEEN RETURNED TO ME FROM 2 DEALERSHIPS WITH "DINGS" UP AND DOWN THE SIDE; DENTS ON CORNERS(PHYSICAL DAMAGE). IN ADDITION REPAIRS WEREN'T MADE AND MANAGERS LOOKED THE "OTHER WAY" AND FAILED TO RETURN CALLS OR RESPOND TO LETTERS. ALSO THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BECAME A NEW ISSUE AND DEFECT INITIATED THE EVENING THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED HOME. WAS TOLD TO ANTICIPATE ENGINE TROUBLE TO BE INITIATED IN THE NEAR FUTURE DESPITE THE OIL CHANGE DATE BEING WITHIN LIMITS. WAS TOLD THAT EXCESSIVE OIL EXISTED AND BLAMED ME. THEN DEMANDED I PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS "BEFORE" THEY'D RELEASE CAR TO ME.(NEEDED FOR WORK). MGRS WERE DEFENSIVE AND SHUT DOWN REGARDING INFORMATION. 5.)THE "RECALLS" AREN'T RECOGNIZED OR CORRECTED ON 1ST,2ND, OR 3RD REQUEST-I'M TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY DON'T HAVE THE COMPUTER TO DO IT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 16, 2006
WE HAD PURCHASE A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE ON 07/05/05 MOTOR WAY AUTO GROUP. THE CAR STARTED TO RIDE ROUGH. SO WE TOOK IT TO OUR REPAIR GUY, AT THIS TIME WE THOUGH IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. BEFORE HE COULD CHECK ANYTHING I TOOK MY CAR HOME AND IT JUST STOPPED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AT THIS TIME HE CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT ASSEMBLY-WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT. A LOT OF COSTLY REPAIRS. HE TOLD US THAT IT IS RARE THAT ALL THOSE SENSORS WENT BAD AT ONE TIME. SO I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT SYSTEM AND I GOT THIS REPORT. HOW DO I GO BY GETTING MY CAR FIX RIGHT.*JB
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2005
WHILE DRIVING CAR WITH AC ON THE BATTER DIES BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH CAR THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES NOW NO ONE WILL ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR