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
171 reports, newest first.
Structure, Mar 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 13, 2016
ON 6/17/14 MY CARS FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FELL OFF. I FOUND TWO RECALLS ON THE INTERNET FOR THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE CAR WAS TOWED/REPAIRED FOR 782.00. IN JULY 2014, HYUNDAI MADE AN INSPECTION OF THE WORK. I ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALL BUT WAS DECLINED AS NOT BEING WITHIN A CAMPAIGN. RECENTLY, THE REAR BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPER WERE REPLACED (FOR THE SECOND TIME). .AFTERWARD, A NOISE I HEARD BECAME LOUDER. ON 8/11/16 THE NOISE WAS DIAGNOSED. IT WAS FOUND THAT NEW SHOCKS WERE NEEDED, AND "REAR PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM IS STARTING TO ROT FROM RUST AND CAUSE NOISE." I WAS TOLD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BY HYUNDAI. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM NATIONAL AUTO SALES IN GLASSBORO, NJ. HYUNDAI APPARENTLY DID NOT KNOW I AM THE OWNER OF THE CAR, AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES FROM HYUNDAI. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ENGINE AND SENSOR PROBLEMS AND MANY OTHERS. I WANT TO AVOID ANOTHER ACCIDENT. HYUNDAI SHOULD REPAIR RECALL #NHTSA 09V123000 FREE OF CHARGE. THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS NOW CAMPAIGN 124 AS OF 10/16/14, FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF 782.00 TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED AND REPAIRED. PLEASE URGE HYUNDAI TO RECOGNIZE A CAMPAIGN FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION FOR MY VEHICLE SO THAT I CAN HAVE THIS ADDITIONAL SITUATION RECTIFIED TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT FROM TAKING PLACE AGAIN.I BELIEVE THAT ALMOST ALL OF THE REPAIRS TO THE HYUNDAI I OWN HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO PAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT WAS FOUND THAT CARS MANUFACTURED IN ALABAMA WERE ALL PART OF MANY RECALLS AND OBVIOUSLY OTHER PLANTS VEHICLES ARE TOO. THE EXPENSES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MY RESPONSIBILITY. THE REPAIRS COST ROUGHLY 5600.00 SINCE NOVEMBER 2011 WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR.FOR 5000.00. THE AIR CONDITIONER AS WELL NEVER WORKED. THAT REPAIR WOULD COST ANOTHER 400.00.
Suspension, Jul 29, 2016
REAR TRAILING ARM CRACKED WHILE DRIVING, LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES. TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSES. CONTACTED HYUNDAI WHO WANTS VEHICLE TAKEN TO THEIR DEALER, BUT WON'T SAY IF REPAIR IS GOING TO BE COVERED. PART WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL #09V123000, BUT REPAIR WASN'T SUFFICIENT ENOUGH.
Engine, Jul 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD SPUTTERING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Dec 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 04/06/16*LJ UPDATED 05/14/18*JB *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 7, 2015
MY 2002 2.7 SANTA FE REVED WAY UP SPONTANEOUSLY TONIGHT. I BANGED GAS PEDAL REPEATEDLY WITH FOOT BUT DID NOTHING. AS I APPROACHED STOPLIGHT BRAKES WOULD HARDLY STOP THE CAR; SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, RPMS WENT WAY UP AND I TURNED OFF CAR. CONTINUED MY 1 MILE TRIP HOME AND ENGINE WOULD BY ITSELF REV DOWN ONLY TO IMMEDIATELY REV WAY BACK UP. COULD SMELL MY BRAKES BURNING BY THE TIME I GOT HOME. WHAT EVER IS GOING ON HERE IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Suspension, Oct 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TRAILING ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2015
THE ABS SYSTEM LIGHT HAS TURNED ON. IT HAPPENED BEFORE THE ABOVE DATE, STOPPED COMING ON, AND NOW HAS RETURNED. I PUT BRAKE FLUID IN THE LITTLE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE HOOD. THE LIGHT GOES OUT TEMPORARILY. PEP BOYS TOLD ME THE PROBLEM IS ABS RELATED. ALSO, A VERY COSTLY JOB. THE CAR ALSO HAS A PROBLEM ACCEPTING GAS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE GAS MAY BE POURING INTO THE TANK TOO FAST AT THE STATION AND SPLASHING ON THE SIDE OF THE TANK MAKING THE PUMP THINK IT IS FULL. PEP BOYS TOLD ME THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH EVAPORATION AND THAT IT IS A VERY COSTLY JOB OF ROUGHLY 1000.00. AMERICA SHOULD BE A MORE ETHICAL AND MORAL COUNTRY. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE "RIPPED OFF"" AFTER CHOOSING TO PURCHASE A USED VEHICLES. FOREIGN CARS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THIS COUNTRY WHEN THEY HAVE DEFECTS. ALL USED VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE TO CONFORM TO STATE INSPECTIONS AND GARAGE INSPECTIONS BEFORE OFFERING IT TO THE CONSUMER. CONSUMERS SHOULD GET A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH FROM THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE CAR. MONEY IS SO PRECIOUS AND RARE. WHY ARE WE EXPECTED TO SPEND IT ON A "LEMON?" I WENT TO A USED CAR DEALERSHIP AND THE CAR HAD A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS THAT WERE NOT REVEALED. I PAID FAR TOO MUCH FOR A USED CAR WITH PROBLEMS. I HAVE MADE A LOT OF REPAIRS. I RE-PURCHASED THE CAR IN REPAIR COSTS. CARS ARE NOT LIKE CLOTHING WHEREBY YOU TRY IT ON AND IF IT DOESN'T FIT YOU DON'T BUY IT. A CAR SHOULD UNDERGO INTENSE INSPECTION BY THE STATE BEFORE A DEALERSHIP CAN PUT IT ON THEIR LOT. THE INSPECTION SHOULD CREATE MORE VALIDITY ABOUT THE AMOUNT CHARGED FOR A USED CAR. IT WOULD BE A GOOD WAY TO SPEND TAXPAYER DOLLARS, GIVEN THE CURRENT COST OF TAXES.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE AUTO ACCELERATED WITHOUT ENGAGING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Mar 23, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, MY WIFE HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AT 10 O'CLOCK IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROLLER ARM HAD BROKE - A RECALL CAMPAIGN WHICH WAS REPAIRED IN 2010 (OR SO WE THOUGHT). DUE TO THIS THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND WE ARE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT, ALTHOUGH THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROLLER ARM WILL BE COVERED, THE DAMAGE TO THE STRUTS AND TIRES ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SUM $973.31. OUR PERSONAL MECHANIC STATES THAT THE FRONT TIRES (UNDER 4 YEARS OLD AND HAVING LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM) AND THE STRUTS (UNDER 5 YEARS OLD) WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED IF NOT FOR THE ISSUE WITH THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROLLER ARM. AT OUR RECALL APPOINTMENT ON DECEMBER 22, 2014 (FOR A SEPARATE ISSUE), THE DEALERSHIP SAW NO ISSUE DURING THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. OUR 2002 SANTA FE HAS 91,000 MILES, AND IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE THAT APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 300 MILES, AS MY WIFE'S WORK IS LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM HOME. HYUNDAI MOTORS AMERICA STATES THAT THEY ARE SEPARATE ISSUES AND THEREFORE NOT PART OF THE REPAIRS THEY WILL COVER. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Mar 17, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING OFF AN EXIT, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A METAL GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ARM AND THE RIGHT ROTATOR CUFF WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 25, 2015
I WAS AT A GAS STATION DURING A WINTER STORM IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I STARTED MY ENGINE TO PROCEED AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE I COMMENCED TO TURN MY WIPERS ON AS IT WAS A VERY SNOWY DAY AND VISIBILITY WAS VERY DIFFICULT. MY WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK AT THE IDLE. I TRIED THEM DURING THE DIFFICULT DRIVE HOME AND THEY STILL DID NOT FUNCTION. THE NEXT DAY AFTER I STARTED THE CAR, I TRIED TO USE THEM AGAIN. I CAN HEAR THE MOTOR UNDER THE HOOD BUT THE WIPERS DO NOT MOVE.
Suspension, Feb 19, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE CONTROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 2, 2015
THIS HAPPENED WHEN MY DEALER TRIED TO FILL UP THE GAS TANK BEFORE HANDING ME THE KEYS AND THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WAS FULL OF GAS AND THE GAS GAUGE WAS BROKEN. I RAN OUT OF GAS THE SAME NIGHT AND FOUND OUT THAT THE GAS WAS INDEED EMPTY AND THE GAUGE WORKED FINE AFTER PUTTING GAS IN FROM A GAS CONTAINER. WHEN TRYING TO FILL UP WITH GAS FROM THAT POINT ON, EVEN WHEN THE GAS TANK IS EMPTY, THE GAS GETS EJECTED BACKED OUT AFTER ONLY A FEW SECONDS OF FILLING AND I GET GAS ON MYSELF DUE TO A FAILURE SOMEWHERE IN THE ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM. I HAVE TO FILL THE GAS VERY SLOWLY, ABOUT 1 GALLON OF GAS WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES TO PUT IN. THIS CAN LEAD TO INADVERTENTLY INHALING VAPOR DUE TO BEING AT THE PUMP FOR SO LONG AND THAT GAS IS ON MY CLOTHES AND IT ALSO CAN BE CONSIDERED A FIRE RISK SINCE YOU ARE COVERED WITH GAS. THE MECHANICS THAT MY DEALER PROVIDED DECIDED TO BYPASS THE VENT IN THE HOSE WHERE THE GAS COMES IN FROM THE FILLING NOZZLE TO THE GAS TANK. THIS HELPED PUT MORE GAS IN AT ONE TIME, BUT IT WAS STILL SPITTING GAS BACK OUT, AND THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE IN ABOUT A WEEK WHEN IT WENT BACK INTO THE ORIGINAL STATE WHERE GAS WILL SPIT BACK OUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF FILLING. AFTER RESEARCHING, IT CAN BE THAT THE CHARCOAL PELLETS MAY HAVE COME LOOSE DUE TO PREVIOUS OWNERS OVERFILLING OR THAT THE MESH COTTON THAT KEEPS THE PELLETS IN MIGHT HAVE DETERIORATE OVER TIME DUE TO THE GAS EATING AWAY AT THE MATERIAL AND THEREFORE RELEASING THE PELLETS. ALSO, PEOPLE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT USING A STEEL MESH WORKS BETTER AND LASTS LONGER. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 19, 2015
IN REFERENCE TO ANOTHER COMPLAINT, 10670197: THE ABS TONE RINGS, THE TOOTHED WHEELS ON THE END OF THE AXLE, RUST AND CRACK. THIS IS WHAT CAUSES THE INTERMITTENT PUMP ACTIVATION AND UNSAFE BRAKING CONDITION. I TOO HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS SITUATION HAS CAUSED RECALLS ON NEWER VEHICLES BUT NOT THE 2002. THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ABS WAS INTRODUCED LATE IN 2002 AND MAY BE 2003 EQUIPMENT. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 5, 2015
SHORTLY AFTER HAVING A COMPLETE BRAKE OVERHAUL (ROTORS, CALIPERS, PADS, SHOES, ETC) STARTED EXPERIENCING THE ABS/TRAC CONTROL LIGHTS RANDOMLY COMING ON AND OFF. HAD TO MECHANIC AND FOUND NO FAULT ISSUES. LIGHTS CONTINUED TO RANDOMLY COME ON AND OFF, AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND BRAKING. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, STARTED HEARING THE ABS MOTOR RUN WITH AND WITHOUT THE LIGHTS COMING ON. TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPED THE ABS MOTOR/PUMP FROM RUNNING AND WOULD ELIMINATE WHAT APPEARED TO BE ELIMINATED THE PUMP RESETTING ITSELF. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AGO, THE ISSUE AFFECTED BRAKING DISTANCES, IN HAT YOU MAY BE STOPPING AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND THE ABS MOTOR WOULD ACTIVATE, EVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, NOT ONLY WITH OTHER VEHICLES BUT WHEN PULLING THE CAR INTO MY, OR A SHOPS' GARAGE. HAVING BEEN RESEARCHING I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF 2002 SANTA FE'S HAVING THE SAME ISSUES, AND HAVE FOUND THAT HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETINS THAT ARE ABS ASSOCIATED, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO ACTION TO RECALL OR FIX THE ISSUES. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL, AS THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE ON LATER YEAR VEHICLES, SO IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE SANTA FE MODEL ABS BRAKING SYSTEMS. *TR
Wheels, Jan 2, 2015
EVERY TIME IT RAINS I HEAR A ROARING IN THE BACK RIGHT TIRE AREA. TOOK BACK TO DEALER 5 TIMES THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY THING WRONG. WHILE FILLING UP WITH GAS THE ENGINE DIES, AND IS VERY HARD TO START. *TR
Engine, Dec 31, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT INTERMITTENTLY AS THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,807.
Steering, Structure, Dec 14, 2014
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A NORMAL OIL CHANGE, AND WHEN TECHNICIAN WAS UNDER THE CAR, HE TOOK SOME PICTURES OF THE FRAME IN THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER BY THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. HE WAS SHOWING ME THE FRAME WAS RUSTING VERY, VERY BADLY. HE WARNED US THAT IF WE HIT A SMALL POT HOLE/BUMP OR THE CURB AT EVEN 5 MPH THE FRAME COULD BUST AND WE COULD CRASH. THE STEERING WOULD SHAKE AND MADE CHUGGING FEELING WHEN TRYING TO TURN, WAS LOOKED AT AND POWER STEERING LOOKED TO BE FINE AND FLUID WAS FULL. AFTER JULY 7TH IT MADE IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AND NOT SAFE FOR OUR FAMILY. *TR
Suspension, Dec 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 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 MANUFACTURE EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Structure, Engine, Nov 28, 2014
TIRE BLOW OUT SERVICE TECH FOUND ROTTED OUT ENGINE CRADLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION), THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNDERBODY, THE FRONT STRUT FRAME AND THE COILS SPRINGS RUSTED WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND PENDING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Service brakes, Oct 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 27 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO DIFFERENT PRIVATE MECHANICS. BOTH MECHANICS OFFERED DIFFERENT OPINIONS OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FRONT BRAKES OR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRINGS COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) BECAUSE THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE THE SECOND RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 11/12/14 *BF
Steering, Sep 29, 2014
POWER STEERING BECAME HARDER (WITH A SHIMMY FEEL IN STEERING WHEEL), AND NOTICED A LOUD WHINING SOUND WHEN STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED. STOPPED CAR, AND CHECKED P/S FLUID LEVEL, AND IT WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL (CHECKED ON A REGULAR BASIS). THIS MORNING (9/29/14), NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL ON DRIVEWAY BELOW CAR. AGAIN CHECKED P/S FLUID LEVEL, AND IT WAS WELL BELOW THE MIN. MARK. WENT TO STORE AND BOUGHT P/S OIL, AND FILLED UP THE RESERVOIR. RETURNED HOME AND SAW P/S FLUID DRIPPING ONTO THE DRIVEWAY, REFILLED THE RESERVOIR, AND WENT TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THE DEALER INSPECTION REVEALED RUSTED METAL LINES LEADING TO AND FROM THE P/S COOLER (BELOW RADIATOR), AND QUOTED $540 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE METAL LINES AND COOLER (& 2 DAYS LEAD TIME TO GET PARTS). THERE IS NO RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS CORROSION ISSUE. LATER WENT TO THE LOCAL AAA REPAIR CENTER, AND THEY CONFIRMED THE HYUNDAI DEALER'S FINDINGS. BOTH INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR IF THEY HAD BEEN DRIVEN IN THE NORTHERN STATES (THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN NORTHERN OHIO, & GARAGED THERE FOR 8 YEARS). THIS IS A SAFE DRIVING ISSUE IF THE P/S PUMP FAILS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT P/S OIL FOR COOLING & LUBRICATION DUE TO FLUID LOSS FROM CORRODED METAL LINES. *TR