Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 299 of 308 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 234 of 308 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Suspension
58 complaint records
"I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDENT IT STARTED MAKING A NOISE SO I PULLED OVER AND TH3N I FOUND OUT THE FRAME WAS DAMAGED..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Brakes
43 complaint records7 crash reports
"THE BRAKES DO NOT BRAKE PROPERLY AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE IS EXTENDED BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN IN EARLY MORNING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Air bags
42 complaint records1 fire report14 crash reports
"AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. SCAN IT NEEDS A NEW CLOCKSPRING(AIR BAG). DEALER WON"T PAY FOR IT. 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS 88,000KM. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA08023 opened Oct 2008 | closed Apr 2009 | Suspension | REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE - led to recall 09V123000 IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27,... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V435000 | Suspension | 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... | Normally free |
| 09V123000 | Suspension | 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,... | Normally free |
| 04V131000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES, 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS), IF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 3 AND 12 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PAD FRICTION... | Normally free |
| 03V520000 | Equipment | 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." | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014322 2014-08-01 | Suspension | 57,794 | On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs may be susceptible to corrosion. Over time, corrosion could cause the springs to fail, potentially damaging front tires and causing rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could... |
| 2009122 2009-04-23 | Suspension | 15,604 | On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), road salt may cause internal corrosion of the rear trailing arms, which could... |
| 2003326 2003-12-10 | Label | 28,660 | On certain vehicles, the wheel rims and the tire pressure labels do not comply with CMVSS 120. The rims do not contain the required markings and the tire pressure labels do not contain the rim size. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTN DCS Apr 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. | |
| DTN DL Apr 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). | |
| 25-BD-012H TSB Nov 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. | |
| 24-BD-001H Feb 2024 | Visibility | This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side... | |
| 23-EM-005H Oct 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-BD-007H Apr 2023 | Structure | Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. | |
| 23-BD-002H Jan 2023 | Visibility | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. | |
| 22-EM-010H Jul 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement. | |
| 22-GI-006H Jul 2022 | Tires | Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. | |
| 21-AT-006H May 2021 | Power Train | Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. | |
| 21-EM-004H Mar 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps. | |
| 21-BR-002H Mar 2021 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures. | |
| 21-EM-003H Mar 2021 | Equipment | This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below. | |
| 20-BR-002H Nov 2020 | Service Brakes | This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area. | |
| 20-SS-004H Nov 2020 | Tires | This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the âTire Balance Data Sheetâ must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. | |
| 20-BD-014H Jul 2020 | Exterior Lighting | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. | |
| 20-SS-002H(1) May 2020 | Tires | This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance. | |
| 20-BD-007H-1 May 2020 | Equipment | This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products. | |
| 20-EE-003H Apr 2020 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: ⢠A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. ⢠A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days. | |
| 20-AT-016H Apr 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions: | |
| 20-BD-007H Mar 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products. | |
| 20-SS-001H Feb 2020 | Suspension | This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years. | |
| 20-BE-001H Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. | |
| 19-BE-011H-1 Nov 2019 | Back Over Prevention | The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. | |
| 19-GI-006H Oct 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number. | |
| DOR-T5K8Y-01 Dec 2017 | Equipment | This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. | |
| DOR-Y5Q6Z-01 Dec 2017 | Equipment | This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. | |
| 14-01-040B Oct 2014 | Suspension | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| 14-01-040 Oct 2014 | Suspension | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| 12-AT-023 Oct 2012 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| TSB-09-AT-018 Oct 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HYUNDAI: ATA SOLENOID DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0740, P0741, P0742, P0743, P0746, P0748, P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0770. INCORRECT OPERATION OF THE TRANSAXLE SOLENOIDS MAY RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED; TRANSAXLE HELD IN 3RD GEAR FAIL SAFE. | |
| TSB-09-AT-013 Jul 2009 | Power Train | HYUNDAI: AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE RANGE SWITCH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0705 (RANGE SWITCH SIGNAL PROBLEMS), P0707 (RANGE SWITCH OPEN CIRCUIT), AND P0708 (RANGE SWITCH SHORT CIRCUIT OR MULTIPLE INPUTS). | |
| 08-01-004 Mar 2008 | Trailer Hitches | TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (CAMPAIGN 082). *NJ | |
| 0760004 Jun 2007 | Structure | TAILGATE GARNISH CONTACTS THE TAILGATE. PROCEDURES TO REPAIR IF CONTACT HAS OCCURED. *KB | |
| 0636006 Dec 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *KB | |
| 0640018 Dec 2006 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) LIST. *KB | |
| 0650003 Mar 2006 | Service Brakes | ABS PUMP SELF-CHECK NOISE. *TT | |
| 0640004 Mar 2006 | Power Train | OIL LEAK AT REDUCTION BRAKE PISTON COVER. *TT | |
| 0540008 Dec 2005 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES LIST. *SC | |
| 158 Nov 2005 | Power Train | REPROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. TECHNET TIMES. HYUNDAI. *TT | |
| 0536010 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DIAGNOSING DTC P1159 ( VARIABLE INTAKE TARGET POSITION). *TT | |
| 0440001 Sep 2005 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OIL LEAK BETWEEN TRANSAXLE AND TRANSFER CASE. *TT | |
| 01011901 Aug 2005 | Electrical System | AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES LIST. *NM | |
| 0550004 Jun 2005 | Service Brakes | ABS PUMP SELF CHECK NOISE. ALSO INCLUDED: 2003-2005 MODEL XG AND 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 AND 2005 MODEL SANTA FE. *SC | |
| 154 Jun 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM (ETS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) UPDATE. *TT | |
| 0136019 Feb 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | P1151 (ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR -- ECM). *TT | |
| 0136020 Feb 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM (ETS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) UPDATE. *TT | |
| 0236005 Feb 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM (ETS) INITIALIZATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 0540001 Feb 2005 | Power Train | TRANSFER CASE AIR BREATHER VENT HOSE. *TT | |
| 0436022 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1178 -ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM (ETS) MOTOR POWER-OPEN AND P1118 (ETS) MOTOR. *NM | |
| 0436021 Dec 2004 | Power Train | PCM REPROGRAMMING FOR SMOOTHER FEELING INITIAL ACCELERATION. *NM | |
| 0436014 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | CHANGE OF ALTERNATOR (GENERATOR) ASSEMBLY. *TT | |
| 0436017 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ECM REPROGRAMMING FOR INTERMITTENT HESITATION. *TT | |
| 0440013 Sep 2004 | Power Train | INCREASED CLUTCH DURABILITY. *TT | |
| 08042004 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DRIVABILITY CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 0497002 Aug 2004 | Equipment | FD46XG PAG OIL SPECIFICATIONS FOR AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENT REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 0490011 Aug 2004 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM MOUNTING NUT TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *TT | |
| 0804 Aug 2004 | Fuel System | THERE ARE TWO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FUEL TANK SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SM - 03 SANTA FE, DEPENDING UPON PRODUCTION DATE. *NM | |
| 0436008 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0133/P0153. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 0450008 Jun 2004 | Suspension | ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS SHOP MANUAL CORRECTION. *TT |
Showing 60 of 83 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Hyundai Santa Fe →