2004 Hyundai Santa Fe

303 federal complaints (386 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 72 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 26 model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
303
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Suspension
71
Brakes
45
Air bags
43
Fuel system
40
Speed control
39
Engine & cooling
38
Power train
21
Electrical system
18
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

0 years old: 37 complaints01 years old: 21 complaints2 years old: 12 complaints3 years old: 13 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 16 complaints7 years old: 31 complaints8 years old: 17 complaints9 years old: 22 complaints10 years old: 37 complaints1011 years old: 18 complaints12 years old: 19 complaints13 years old: 6 complaints14 years old: 9 complaints15 years old: 6 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 301 of 303 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 32 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 29 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 20 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 39 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 32 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 28 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 14 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 18 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 12 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 6 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 234 of 303 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

71 complaint records
"PLEASE I NEED SOMEONES HELP ME CALL ME [XXX] I HAVE DC IN MY BAKE INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)...."- 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

45 complaint records2 fire reports13 crash reports
"WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP ACCORDINGLY. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED, IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE DUE TO THE VACUUM HOSE AND DIRT ON THE ABS SENSOR...."- 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

43 complaint records11 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE (LEFT SIDE) SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *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 →

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
14V435000SuspensionHyundai 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
04V131000Service Brakes, HydraulicON 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
03V520000EquipmentCERTAIN 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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014322
2014-08-01
Suspension57,794On 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...
2004104
2004-03-18
Brakes671On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, 4wd and ABS, if the brake pedal is depressed at speeds between 5 and 20 km/h when the brake pad friction surfaces are wet, a condition called creep vibration may occur between the brake...
2003326
2003-12-10
Label28,660On 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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DTN DCS
Apr 2026
Air BagsThe 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 BagsThe 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 LightingThis 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/WiperThis 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 CoolingThis bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
23-BD-007H
Apr 2023
StructureHyundai 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
VisibilityThis 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 CoolingFollow 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
TiresEffective 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 TrainHyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions.
21-EM-004H
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis 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
Service BrakesThis bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
21-EM-003H
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BR-002H
Nov 2020
Service BrakesThis bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
20-SS-004H
Nov 2020
TiresThis bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the “Tire Balance Data Sheet” must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data.
20-BD-014H
Jul 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis 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
WheelsThis 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
EquipmentThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
20-EE-003H
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemThis 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
EquipmentThe 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/MobilityThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
20-SS-001H
Feb 2020
SuspensionThis 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 SystemThis 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
Lane DepartureThe 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/MobilityThis 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
Power TrainThis 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
Power TrainThis 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
SuspensionSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
14-01-040
Oct 2014
SuspensionSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
12-AT-023
Oct 2012
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-09-AT-018
Oct 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingHYUNDAI: 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 TrainHYUNDAI: 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).
TSB-09-EE-001
Apr 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingHYUNDAI: RADIATOR FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR SERVICE PART. VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEATING ENGINE AND INOPERATIVE A/C. *PE
08-01-004
Mar 2008
Trailer HitchesTRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (CAMPAIGN 082). *NJ
0760004
Jun 2007
StructureTAILGATE GARNISH CONTACTS THE TAILGATE. PROCEDURES TO REPAIR IF CONTACT HAS OCCURED. *KB
0636006
Dec 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingEXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *KB
0640018
Dec 2006
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) LIST. *KB
0650003
Mar 2006
Service BrakesABS PUMP SELF-CHECK NOISE. *TT
0540008
Dec 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES LIST. *SC
158
Nov 2005
Power TrainREPROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. TECHNET TIMES. HYUNDAI. *TT
0536010
Oct 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingDIAGNOSING DTC P1159 ( VARIABLE INTAKE TARGET POSITION). *TT
0440001
Sep 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OIL LEAK BETWEEN TRANSAXLE AND TRANSFER CASE. *TT
01011901
Aug 2005
Unknown Or OtherNEW UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE TO REPROGRAM THE TCM (TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULE) SOFTWARE. *NM
0440018
Jul 2005
Power Train2004 SANTA FE 2.4/2.7L TCM REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMPROVED UPSHIFTS AND DRIVE AND REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. *NM *SC
0550004
Jun 2005
Service BrakesABS 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 ControlELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM (ETS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) UPDATE. *TT
0136019
Feb 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlP1151 (ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR -- ECM). *TT
0136020
Feb 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM (ETS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) UPDATE. *TT
0236005
Feb 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM (ETS) INITIALIZATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT UPDATE. *TT
0540001
Feb 2005
Power TrainTRANSFER CASE AIR BREATHER VENT HOSE. *TT
151
Feb 2005
Power TrainTCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMPROVED UPSHIFTS AND DRIVE AND REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. *TT
0436022
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1178 -ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM (ETS) MOTOR POWER-OPEN AND P1118 (ETS) MOTOR. *NM
0440014
Sep 2004
Service BrakesABS/TCS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE INFORMATION. *TT
0436017
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingECM REPROGRAMMING FOR INTERMITTENT HESITATION. *TT
08042004
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDRIVABILITY CONDITIONS. *TT
0497002
Aug 2004
EquipmentFD46XG PAG OIL SPECIFICATIONS FOR AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENT REPLACEMENT. *TT
0490011
Aug 2004
VisibilityWINDSHIELD WIPER ARM MOUNTING NUT TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *TT
0436013
Aug 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) REVISION. TO INCLUDE 2005 SANTA FE. *TT
0804
Aug 2004
EquipmentFD46XG POLY ALKYLEN GLYCOL (PAG) OIL SPECIFICATIONS FOR AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENT REPLACEMENT. *NM
0436012
Jul 2004
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR SMOOTHER FEELING INITIAL ACCELERATION. *TT

Showing 60 of 72 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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.
  5. 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 →