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.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 23, 2012
I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED & ALIGNMENT ON A 2002 SANTE FE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS RUST/ROTTED OUT FRAME WAS WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS UP TO THE RIGHT TIRE AREA. I AM VERY UPSET WITH THIS SINCE I HAD A PRE-INSPECTION DONE & ALL CAME BACK OK. IT IS IN AN AREA WHERE IF THE TIRES ARE NOT OFF OF IT, IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE. I SUSPECT IT IS RUSTED DUE TO THE SALTY LOCATION OF ILLINOIS. *TR
Suspension, Jun 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT KEPT DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE WAS TILTED ON AN ANGLE AND PROTRUDED NOTICEABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT TWO OF THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
Suspension, Feb 21, 2012
REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARMS HAVE RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE REAR WHEELS ARE SEVERLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT.CANNOT CONTROL VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH OUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING GEARS AND ENGAGING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 163,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 3, 2012
FUEL FILLER NECK , COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. HAD CAR IN 7 MONTHS AGO FOR THE SALT RECALL ON THE TRAILING ARMS. *KB
Suspension, Jan 15, 2012
THE BACK RIGHT SUSPENSION BRACKET CONNECTED TO THE REAR SPRING CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT IT BROKE IN HALF. THIS SUSPENSION COMPONENT HOLDS THE WHEEL TO THE FRAME. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BECOMMING NON DRIVEAVBLE. THE WHEEL IS GROSSELY MISALIGNED AND THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN. IAM FORTUNATE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED OR SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY HAVE RESULTED.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 8, 2011
I HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY SON TO SCHOOL WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STARTED TO REV UP AND AFTER DROPPING HIM OFF IT CONTINUED TO DO SO UNTIL I GOT CLOSE TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE MORE AND I HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING IT I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES AND WAS PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME, AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND I WENT OVER A PARKING BUMPER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF! IT SCARED THE DAY LIGHTS OUT OF ME I COULD HAVE IF NOT KILLED SOMEONE, BUT SEVERELY HURT SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AND NOT TO MENTION POSSIBLY MY SON....I HAD MY BOSS CHECK IT AND THE CABLE THROTTLE CAME OUT HOW I DO NOT KNOW...I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE AND I LOOKED UP TO SEE IF OTHERS WHO OWNED THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY DID!! *TR
Steering, Nov 16, 2011
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 71,500 MILE, SEEMED IN GOOD CONDITION WHEN I PAID FOR IT, DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE PREVIOUS OWNER'S MAINTENANCE HISTORY. ABOUT 1000 MILES LATER THIS HISS/RATTLE SOUND CAME FROM THE ENGINE AS I WAS DRIVING IT, I ALSO NOTICED WHEN MAKING TURNS A RUBBING SOUND CAME FROM THE STEERING THAT GOT WORSE AS THE TURNING ANGLES GOT MORE ACUTE, AND I BEGAN TO NOTICE A SMALL LEAK OF REDDISH FLUID I THOUGHT MAY BE TRANSMISSION FLUID (TURNS OUT TO BE POWERING STEERING FLUID). TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE LINE WAS CORRODED/LEAKING. THEY CHARGED ME $250 TO FIX IT. THE FIX CORRECTED ALL THREE OBSERVATIONS... *TR
Suspension, Sep 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING THE REAR BUMPER REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE REAR TRAILING ARM DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V123000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
Visibility, Aug 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY BLOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE PART WAS INSTALLED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED TEMPORARILY. THE UNIT HAD BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,245. KMJ
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2011
OVER THE LAST 4-6 MONTHS NOTICED DRIVER AND PASSENGERS GETTING VERY TIRED AND DEVELOPING HEADACHES WHILE DRIVING OUR 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD DISCOVERED BY OWNER. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 30, 2011
THERE IS EXTENSIVE AND THROUGH THICKNESS CORROSION ON THE FRONT RIGHT SUBFRAME OF MY HYUNDAI 2002 SANTA FE, IT HAS RESULTED IN THE BOLTED JOINT OF THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATING FROM THE SUB FRAME. THIS WAS FORTUNATELY CAUGHT BY A REPAIR SHOP AND DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE SYMPTOMS WERE STEERING PULL, AND NOISE WHEN TURNING, AND EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT TIRES. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM TO THAT WHICH TRIGGERED THE 089 RECALL ON THE SONATA. PHOTOS HAVE BEEN TAKEN AND ARE AVAILABLE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AS OF YET. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR IS FINE, NO CORROSION AT ALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE GEAR THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A GARDEN AND A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Structure, May 19, 2011
HYUNDAI 2002 SANTA FE BEGAN DRIFTING DURING DRIVING AND DEVELOPED UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. BROUGHT TO GARAGE - DURING INSPECTION FOR CAUSE, MECHANIC FOUND RUSTED FRAME WHERE FRONT BOLT OF CONTROL ARM IS BOLTED TO FRAME (FRAME COMPLETELY GONE, BOLT WAS NOT ATTACHED TO ANYTHING). FRAME AND TIRES REPLACED AND ALIGNMENT ACCOMPLISHED TO FIX PROBLEM - OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. CAR WAS PART OF INITIAL RUST RECALL AND INSPECTED BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WITH ONLY ACTION BEING UNDERCOATING APPLIED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AND DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WOULD THEN ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2011
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED HYUNDAI SANTE FE (2002). I'M STILL ON MY FIRST TANK OF GAS AND TWICE NOW I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. BOTH TIMES I WAS PULLING UP TO A STOPLIGHT AND GOING VERY SLOW WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT BOTH TIMES BUT THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Feb 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT REPAIRED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FRONT FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 25, 2011
WHILE I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT MY VEHICLE STALLED WHICH THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY. I TURNED THE CAR ODD AND ON AGAIN AND PROCEEDED TO TURN AT THE LIGHT AND THE CAR STALLED AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS BUSY INTERSECTION, I TURNED IT OFF AGAIN AND BACK AND BEGAN TO DRIVE UP A SMALL INCLINE. I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT DID NOT FEEL AS IF WERE SPEEDING UP, ALL OF A SUDDEN I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT CONTINUED TO GO FASTER. MY DESTINATION WAS COMING UP, AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME. IN FEAR OF SPEEDING UP ANY FASTER AND HAVING A COLLISION WITH MY 5,1 1/2, AND 11 MONTH OLD IN THE BACK SEAT. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT AND PUT ON MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH CAUSED ME TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND LUCKILY RUN SIDEWAYS INTO A BANK OF SNOW. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. MY DRIVER SIDE WAS UP ON A PILE OF SNOW TILTED AND I HAD TO GET ALL OF MY BABIES OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. I DON'T EVER WANT TO PUT MY KIDS IN THAT CAR AGAIN AND THEY SAY THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS AT THE DEALERSHIP BUT I HAVE SEEN PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ON LINE. THIS WAS THE ONE OF THE WORSE FEELINGS I EVER HAD I REALLY JUST FEARED FOR MY CHILDREN AND WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ON LINE ABOUT THIS I THINK THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Suspension, Dec 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THREE LANES AND CAME TO A STOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE STATED THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE COUNTY IMPOUND LOT. THE TOW COMPANY DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE WHEELS BUT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 98,000.
Suspension, Sep 22, 2010
2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A RECALL ISSUE *TGW THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. SHE PLACED A CALL TO THREE DEALERSHIPS TO TRY AND GET THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL. ALL THREE DEALERSHIPS COULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHIN A WEEKS TIME FRAME. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL MAY OR JUNE DUE TO THE BACK-UP OF REPAIRS DUE TO THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT A LOANER VEHICLE FOR THE TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD BE IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD HYUNDAI WAS NOT PROVIDING LOANER VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER ALSO LEARNED THE RECALL HAD BEEN EFFECT SINCE JULY 2009 AND SHE WANTED TO KNOW WHY WAS SHE JUST BEING INFORMED. SHE WAS INFORMED THE NOTICES WERE SENT OUT IN WAVES. *JB
Suspension, Sep 11, 2010
I OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL NOTICE BASED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V123000 WHICH ADDRESSED A PROBLEM WITH CORROSION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS IN VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE CENTER ON 1/18/10 WHERE THEY SUPPOSEDLY INSPECTED IT AND PERFORMED THE NECESSARY "CORRECTIVE" PROCEDURES ON THE REAR SUSPENSION (ACCORDING TO THE DEALER INVOICE, THEY INSPECTED AND APPLIED WAX TO THE TRAILING ARMS). ON 9/6/10, ONE OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS ON THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED DUE TO EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION. GIVEN THAT ONLY 8 MONTHS HAS PASSED, IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE CONDITION OF THE TRAILING ARMS ON 1/18/10 WOULD HAVE WARRANTED A FULL REPLACEMENT INSTEAD OF A WAX APPLICATION. AS A RESULT OF THE TRAILING ARM COLLAPSE, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BECAME EXTREMELY UNSTABLE TO THE POINT OF NEARLY FALLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTOMOTIVE ESTABLISHMENT WHO DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CONFIRMED BY THE SAME DEALER WHO PERFORMED THE INITIAL "CORRECTIVE" PROCEDURE. THE DEALER DID RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE AND PROMPTLY REPLACE BOTH REAR TRAILING ARMS. IN THIS INSTANCE, FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO HANDLE THE VEHICLE SO THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR DAMAGES TO OTHER PEOPLE OR PROPERTY, BUT THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD HAD THERE BEEN A RESULTANT ACCIDENT. I WANTED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT TO WARN OTHER OWNERS OF OTHER RECALLED HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES THAT HYUNDAI'S PRESCRIBED "CORRECTIVE" PROCEDURE FOR THE RECALL IS NOT SUFFICIENT!!! I ALSO OWN A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE FOR WHICH THE SAME TYPE OF RECALL WAS ISSUED. I HAD THE SAME PROCEDURE PERFORMED ON THAT VEHICLE, AND I DON'T TRUST THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 26, 2010
ON AUGUST 25, 2010 I WAS DRIVING MY HYUNDAI 2002 SANTE FE WHEN WITHOUT WARNING IT ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT USING THE BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNING IT OFF. MY MECHANIC FOUND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BROKEN AND HELD THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. THE CABLE WAS STRETCHED TOO TIGHT. I HAD IT REMOVED. *TR
Suspension, Aug 22, 2010, crash
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE REAR TRAILING ARMS OF SOME OF THESE VEHICLES. A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING CAUSES THE TRAILING ARMS TO RUST AND OVER TIME WEAKEN. ACCORDING TO TWO HYUNDAI DEALERS THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 65 MPH THE REAR TRAILING ARM BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ENTER A SKID AND ALMOST COMPLETE A 360 DEGREE SPIN. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL STATES COULD HAPPEN IF THE TRAILING ARM ISSUE IS NOT ADDRESSED. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR TRAILING ARMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2010
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS EXPERIENCED TWO THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILURES WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS AND UP SHIFTS. FORTUNATELY BOTH TIMES OCCURRED ON IN TOWN STREETS AND I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. COULD BE SERIOUS IF IT OCCURRED WHILE TRYING TO MERGE INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DOWN A SLIGHT DECLINE, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES AND SHE HEARD A GRINDING SOUND. THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION AND AFTER REPEATED PRESSURE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME AND BEGAN TO RECUR MORE FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VARIOUS AUTHORIZED DEALERS AND INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.