2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
216
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
53 complaints
The airbag light stays on constantly - mechanic says it's the switch in the passenger seat belt and they encounter this problem with this vehicle all the time. Prevents the airbag from deploying if not repaired.
Mar 13, 2023
The Air Bag light stays on and from my research the air bag will not work in an accident.
Jan 05, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Dec 14, 2022
Airbag light is constantly on from the time I start the car, until I turn it off, mechanic stated it was the passenger seatbelt buckle switch. I've seen many posts online about the same exact thing happening to them. It poses a safety threat, as the airbags are not going to go off.
Jun 29, 2022
THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STAYS ON ALL THE TIME WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED ON. THIS INDICATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG SYSTEM AND NEEDS FURTHER EVALUATION. BECAUSE THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON, POSES A SIGNIFICANT RISK FOR OCCUPANT SAFETY DURING A CRASH EVENT.
Oct 22, 2019
+ 48 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
32 complaints
While merging onto the freeway, the accelerator pedal got stuck to the floor with the throttle wide open. The brakes and emergency brake were ineffective. Measures had to be taken to drive off of the road into ice plant, we we were able to turn off the engine. Further inspection revealed a missing grommet at the wall where the throttle cable passes through to connect to the gas pedal. Furthermore, the plastic around the throttle cable was cracked, which allows for the throttle cable and pedal to push through and get snagged. This could have ended horrifically. We are lucky to be alive.
Apr 16, 2025
ME AND MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITH OUR 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE HELP. I WENT TO HYUNDAI DEALER AND SAID THAT NO INDICATOR OR ENGINE LIGHT ON.
Jun 11, 2019
WHILE SOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE. APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT SLOW ACCELERATION. I THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. WITHIN 2 SECONDS THE ACCELERATION STARTED TO DECREASE AND RETURNED TO NORMAL. VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED TO BE INSPECTED ON 15 JAN 2018. A SIMILIAR PROBLEM OCCURRED IN JUNE OF 2014 WHILE I WAS BACKING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. AT THAT TIME, I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AN INSPECTION BY DEALER REVEALED SEVERAL CRACKED VACUUM HOSES AND A FAULTY PCV VALVE.
Jan 13, 2018
ON MAY 16, 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 HYUNDAI ON A CITY STREET AND IT STARTED TO SURGE AND I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW IT DOWN BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP. LUCKILY I WAS CLOSE TO HOME AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT IN THE DRIVEWAY BUT THE UNFORTUNATE PART IS IT DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT MY HOUSE. IT WAS A VERY TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. I DON'T THINK I'M GOING TO FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT AGAIN.
May 17, 2016
AFTER A RAIN WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND START DRIVING IT IS FINE UNTIL I REACH 20MPH. THEN IT ACTS LIKE IT IS NOT RECEIVING ANY POWER. IT WILL NOT SPEED UP NO MATTER HOW I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR. I NOTICE THAT IF I PUT IT IN MANUAL AND GO FROM 1ST TO 2ND IT WILL STRAIGHTEN OUT AND DRIVE FINE. BUT, IF I PUT IT BACK INTO AUTOMATIC DRIVE AT A STOP SIGN IT WILL DO THE SAME THING STALLING OUT AT 20 MPH. IF I DRIVE IT FAR ENOUGH WITH OUT STOPPING IT WILL EVENTUALLY STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THIS. WE HAVE DONE A TUNE UP ON IT AND IT DID NOT HELP. *TR
Aug 22, 2014
+ 27 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
16 complaints
THIS RECALL NOTICE APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, [XXX] DEAR HYUNDAI SANTA FE OWNER, WE PREVIOUSLY SENT YOU A LETTER ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON YOUR 2001-2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. TO DATE, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED ON YOUR VEHICLE. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SAFETY RECALL, TO VALIDATE THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED AND TO SCHEDULE AN ON-LINE APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER. WE URGE YOU TO HAVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE HYUNDAI RECALL HOTLINE AT 855-671-3059. YOU CAN ALSO FIND INFORMATION ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AT WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV. I WENT ON LINE AND SCHEDULED THIS RECALL MAINT. WHEN I CALLED TWO DAYS LATER TO THE SHOP TO VERIFY APPT. THEY INFORMED ME THEY DON'T DO THIS TYPE OF MAINTENANCE ON SATURDAY. I ASKED HIM WHO WAS GOING TO CALL ME AND LET ME KNOW THAT, BEFORE I DROVE 100MILES ROUND TRIP TO THE SHOP FROM MY TOWN. HE SAID HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY WAY TO CALL ME & NOT ENOUGH LABOR TO DO THIS TYPE OF JOB ON SATURDAY. I SAID WELL I CAN'T TAKE OFF WORK, SO HOW WILL I GET IT FIXED. HE SAID I DON'T KNOW MAM, "IT IS WHAT IT IS" . THIS MAN OVER YOUR SERVICE DEPT ON COVINGTON PIKE IS VERY RUDE AND COULD CARE LESS IF I GOT MY HYUNDAI FIXED OR NOT... WITH THAT KIND OF SERVICE AND LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE CUSTOMER, I DOUBT I WOULD BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI!!!!!!!! SO I HAVE ONE OF YOUR CARS THAT HAS A RECALL DUE TO YOUR NEGLIGENCE THAT I CAN'T GET FIXED BECAUSE YOUR PEOPLE WILL NOT DO IT ON SATURDAY AND I HAVE TO WORK ON WEEKDAYS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 18, 2016
TOOK MY 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IN TO THE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE/TUNE UP AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST ENTIRELY RUSTED OUT IN TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AREA NEAR THE ENGINE AND THE DRIVER SIDE AREA BELOW THE FRONT DOOR. THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD AND I DO LIVE IN A SALT BELT STATE, BUT I SEE THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE FOR SIMILAR FRAME RUST ISSUES, SO I NOW RECOMMEND THAT THE RECALL INVESTIGATION BE EXTENDED TO THE 2005 MODELS AS WELL. I WONDER IF I AM ONLY NARROWLY AVOIDING LOSS OF LIFE FOR MYSELF AND MY 4YEAR OLD DAUGHTER BECAUSE OF THIS RUST ISSUE? I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED, HAD WAITED JUST ONE MORE MONTH BEFORE HAVING THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE CAR REVIEWED BY A PROFESSIONAL? I SHUDDER TO THINK OF IT!! AT ANY RATE, THIS WILL BE MY LAST HYUNDAI PURCHASE SINCE THEY CLEARLY HAVE NOT MET MY OWN PERSONAL STANDARDS FOR SAFETY. I HOPE YOU WILL AGREE WITH MY OWN OPINION ON THE LACK OF SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE (IN SALT BELT STATES) BY BEGINNING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE LATER MODEL SANTA FE FRAME RUST ISSUES, AS WELL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Jul 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE SINCE THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED AND FAILURE.
Oct 15, 2014
THE CAR IS REGISTERED TO ME AND MY DAUGHTER USES IT. SHE WENT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS SITUATION WITH CORROSION IN THE FRONT COIL SPRING AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS IT COULD CAUSE A TIRE TO BLOW OUT. A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED AN "INTERIM NOTICE" OF AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL FROM HYUNDAI. APPARENTLY THERE IS NO REMEDY AT THIS TIME. I CALLED TWO DEALERS AND THEY HAVE NO PARTS OR INSTRUCTIONS TO REMEDY THE SITUATION AT THIS TIME. WHEN WILL THERE BE A REMEDY? HOPEFULLY IT HAPPENS BEFORE A FATALITY OCCURS! *TR
Sep 29, 2014
STARTED TO BACK MY VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. STOPPED, GOT OUT AND INSPECTED TO FIND THAT THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED AND PUNCTURED MY TIRE. VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. I HAVE READ DOZENS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THING HAPPENING ON OTHER 2005 HYUNDAIS. HYUNDAI REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM/DEFECT. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AS I'M SURE SERIOUS INJURY/DAMAGE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Jan 06, 2014
+ 11 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
12 complaints
DRIVERS CHEST SEAT BELT IS LOOSE AND THE SENSOR IN THE SEAT BELT YOU SNAP AND LOCK IT IN PLACE MAKES THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT FOR THE DRIVER ONLY COME ON. I'VE HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND CHECKED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THE SEAT BELT IS DEFECTED, AND CURRENTLY, AS LONG AS THE "AIR BAG" LIGHT REMAINS ON, EVEN IF THEY TURNED IT OFF, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF IMPACTED HARD ENOUGH IN VEHICLE COLLISION. THE AIR BAG IS OKAY AND IN WORKING CONDITION, ITS THE SENSORS IN THE SEAT BELTS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT THAT ARE OUT OF DATE. THE "RED LIGHT" REMAINS ON FROM THE TIME I START THE VEHICLE AND ITS IN PARK, IDLING, MOVING, UP UNTIL WE ARE BACK IDLING, AND THE ENGINE IS OFF. *TR
Jun 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE ON, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT A CODE OF B1513: PASSENGER SEAT BELT DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Nov 01, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT RIBS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FITZGERALD'S COUNTRYSIDE HYUNDAI (27419 US HIGHWAY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33761, (727) 797-6369) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,697.
May 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND A CODE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR WAS DETECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Apr 26, 2017
HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2005. AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP A FEW MONTHS LATER TO DIAGNOSE. SAID IT WAS SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND WILL COST $559 TO REPAIR. CAR HAS 120,000 MILES. THERE APPEAR TO BE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL?
Mar 17, 2017
+ 7 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10 complaints
GAS TANK HAS CORROSION AND MECHANIC CONFIRMS THE TANK IS LEAKING GASOLINE DUE TO THE CORROSION!!!!
May 15, 2019
LEAKY GAS TANK WAS REPLACED THIS SUMMER AND NOW I HAVE GAS FUMES AGAIN
Nov 10, 2017
PURCHASED A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND FOUND AFTERWARD THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM INSIDE THE PLASTIC SHELL SURROUNDING IT. DISCOVERED AT THAT TIME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN STATES THAT HAVE CORROSION (ROAD SALT) AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SPOT BECAUSE OF THE PLASTIC SHELL. FOUND THAT HYUNDAI HAD NOT DONE A RECALL BUT EXTENDED THE WARRANTY, BUT ONLY AN ADDITIONAL 5 YEARS OR 50, 000 MILES ON THE FUEL TANK. CONTACTED HYUNDAI BECAUSE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THEY (THE COMPANY) HAVE REPAIRED THESE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS EXCEEDED 150,000 MILES AT COMPANY COST BUT I WENT THROUGH THE STEPS WITH THEIR CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION AND WAS TURNED DOWN. VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF LEAKING FUEL RIGHT NEXT TO HOT EXHAUST PIPE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.
Oct 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EVAC CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUMES CAUSED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND NEARLY PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING. *JS
Jun 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED IN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND LEAKING. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Jun 23, 2016
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaints
THE ABS BREAKS KICK IN WHILE I'M DRIVING. MY CONCERN ISN'T AS MUCH IN THE DRYER WEATHER BUT WHEN IT IS SLICK OUTSIDE (SNOW ICE RAIN) THESE GEARS ARE GRINDING DOWN AND LOSING INTEGRITY EVERY TIME IT KICKS IN. (ALMOST EVERYTIME I BRAKE).
Mar 16, 2017
WHILE TRYING TO STOP FROM LESS THAN 40 MILES PER HOUR FOR A LIGHT TURNING RED THE ABS CAME ON AND RELEASED THE BRAKES MAKING ME ROLL THROUGH THE STOP LIGHT, NO TICKETS OR ACCIDENTS BUT DANG, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED BACK APPLYING VERY MUCH LESS BRAKING ON DRY PAVEMENT ON MODERATE BRAKING, I STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. VERY VERY SCARY AND POTENTIALLY FATAL.
Feb 11, 2017
THIS STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEEDS, IT FEELS LIKE THE ABS SYSTEM IS ENGAGING BUT THE BRAKING IS WEAK. I HAVE TO DISENGAGE AND THEN REENGAGE THE BRAKES, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THEM TO WORK. RESEARCH ON THE WEB INDICATES THIS EXACT PROBLEM FOR THE 2004 MODEL YEAR IS UNDER A RECALL. IT NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE 2005 MODEL YEAR.
May 18, 2016
WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AT LOW SPEED, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CLICKS IN, EXTENDING THE STOPPING DISTANCE. MY SON DROVE THE CAR AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AS HE COULDN'T STOP. HE WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM # 065 ON 2003-2004 MODEL YEARS BUT CLEARLY THE PROBLEM EXTENDS TO 2005 MODEL YEAR.
Apr 25, 2016
WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND SOMEBODY GOT IN FRONT OF ME I PUSH THE BREAK PEDAL AND MY BREAKS WILL NOT ENGAGE AFTER THAT I RELIES THE BREAKS I DID IT AGAIN HAD TO PUMP THE BREAKS A COUPLE OF TIMES FOR THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COMPUTER MARKS AN ERROR ON THE ABS SYSTEM, AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I LEARN THAT THE SAME MODEL GOT RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE I AM HAVING JUST JUMP MY MANUFACTURE YEAR 2005 AND WENT TO THE NEXT YEAR.
Jul 23, 2015
+ 4 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
A car in front of me lost control and I braked to avoid an accident but the car turned and had no stability, forcing me to maneuver it to avoid crashing by leaning on my neck.
Sep 19, 2021
MY VEHICLE STARTED HANDLING FUNNY. SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING AND SLIDING AND DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE CONTROL OVER VEHICLE. THIS WAS VERY CONCERNING SEEING I WAS DRIVING 55 MILES AN HOUR AT 5:00 AM ON A COUNTRY ROAD. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE IN PLACE IS TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY AND WAS FALLING APART. THERE WAS A RECALL ON DIFFERENT HYUNDAI VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT, MY SANTA FE WAS NOT INCLUDED. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT OWNERS OF THE SONOTA WERE HAVING AND THEY HAD A RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS PARKED RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Nov 07, 2017
I WAS PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND MY REAR SUB FRAME SNAPPED, I CONTACTED THE DEALER WITH WHOM I STILL MAKING PAYMENTS WITH ONLY TO BE TOLD THE MECHANIC CAN LOOK AT IT ON WED 7/19 , THE HAVE MADE NO OFFER TO FIX THIS AT NO COST WHICH I BELIEVE IS WRONG DUE TO THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING I HAVE DONE. I WILL UPLOAD A COPY OF THE ESTIMATE AS SOON AS I GET IT. I BELIEVE THE DEALER I AM DEALING WITH IS ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY AND DOES NOT CAR ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VECHICLES SOLD.I DO KNOW AS I TALKED TO MY MECHANIC THAT THIS IS A BIG SAFETY RISK AND THAT HYUNDIA SHOULD RECALL VECHICLES IN THE "SALT BELT STATES".
Jul 17, 2017
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON I STARTED MY VEHICLE ON THE MORNING OF 2/5/16 AND IT WON'T TURN OFF.
Feb 05, 2016
I JUST BOUGHT A NEW 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE(2.7L AWD AT4) ON AUG 15, 2005. THEN TWO DAYS LATER I FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED THE NHTSA ROLL OVER TEST (TIP). *JB " NHTSA 2005 SUV CRASH, ROLLOVER RATINGS <HTTP://WWW.THEAUTOCHANNEL.COM/NEWS/2005/06/22/133124.HTML>" 1. WHY THE DEALERSHIP/MANUFACTURER NOT MANDATED TO WARN THE CUSTOMERS THE SAFEY DEFICIENCY INFO? A. DO I HAVE GROUND FOR RETURNING THE PURCHASE AND ASKING FOR REFUND? 2. WHAT ARE THE FOLLOW-UPS FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO REMDEY THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE VEHICLES ON ROAD? 3. WITH SANTA FE HAS BEEN IN THE MARKET FOR MANY YEARS ALREADY, DOES THE TRAFFIC STATISTICS INDICATES THAT IT IS INVOLVED IN MORE ROLL OVERS THAN OTHER VEHICLES, SAY HONDA CRV? PROMINENT UNDER WHICH CIRCUMSTANCES ( ROAD/WEATHER/DRIVER)? WHERE TO FIND THIS TYPE OF INFO? THANKS. LI CHEN, CALGARY, CANADA, (403) 685-8101 4. 3.
Aug 18, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
THE BRAKES MAKE A NOISE WHEN STOPPING AND ALMOST EVER TIME WHEN THE MAKE THE NOISE THERE IS A PULSATING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS BEEN CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC 3 TIMES AND HE IS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. *TR
Jun 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE TRAVELING AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE G- SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Aug 04, 2010
BRAKING SOMETIMES CAUSES THE MOTOR TO RACE AND HARD BRAKING MAKES IT WORST. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND I FELT LUCKY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS WHEN STOPPING AT ABOUT 10-20 MILES PER HOUR. DEALER ALWAYS "CANNOT DUPLICATE SAME RESULT" I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE SO IT IS NOT MY DRIVING. *TR
Apr 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE WARPED, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER RESURFACED THE ROTORS; HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER RESURFACED THE ROTORS ONCE AGAIN; HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED A THIRD TIME. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND THE BRAKES PADS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Nov 16, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 15 MPH, THE ABS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES IT FINALLY STOPPED. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF WARPING, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. UPDATED 4/11/2006 - THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT SHE DIDNT HAVE A PROBLEM WITHTHE BRAKES UNTIL THE ROTORS AND LEFT WHEEL SENSOR WERE REPLACED. *NM
Mar 24, 2006
SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED MARCH 2014. THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT BELT FROM THE BEGINNING IS FINICKY. SOMETIMES IT WOULD CLICK AND LOCK AND SOMETIMES IT NEVER ENGAGES. BECAUSE OF THIS WE DECIDED TO JUST NOT USE THAT SEAT. WE THOUGHT MAYBE IT JUST NEEDED REPLACED. NOW, YESTERDAY, THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT CAME UNDONE WHILE MY CHILD WAS STRAPPED INTO HIS CAR SEAT. I WAS GOING FROM A STOP AND TURNING INTO THE GROCERY STORE. MY SON'S SEAT FELL ON IT'S SIDE. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT HAD ACTUALLY BEEN UNDONE AT THAT POINT. I TRIED STRAPPING IT BACK AND IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. NOW I HAVE 2 SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK THAT DO NOT WORK. I UNDERSTAND MAYBE ONE GOING BAD BUT TWO SEEMS LIKE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELTS IN GENERAL. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND NOW I CAN'T USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I CAN ONLY USE SEAT BELT FOR 1 OF THEM (THE OLDEST SITS IN THE FRONT (SHE IS A TEENAGER). *TR
Sep 03, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS AND SEAT BELT BUCKLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Jun 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR WAS CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE SENSOR, THE BASE OF THE SEAT BELT AND THE SENSOR COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Mar 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME CONTINUED SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF A CRASH WERE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,593.
Oct 06, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
A/C HAS HAD A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD THE COMPRESSOR REPLACED, BECAUSE THE "MECHANIC" TURNED THE BOLT THE WRONG WAY AND WRUNG IT OFF, I HAD TO REPLACE. HYUNDAI WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THEIR MECHANIC. THIS REPAIR DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, AS IT STILL HAPPENS NOW, 8 YEARS LATER. IT WILL COOL GOOD, THEN THE COMPRESSOR WILL OUT AND NOT COME BACK ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. HYUNDAI SAYS THIS IT NOT PROBLEM WITH THEIR PARTS OR PROCEDURES. FINALLY GOT TIRED OF THEIR LIES AND FAILURE TO TRY TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS MY ONLY AND LAST HYUNDAI, THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER BACKED CAR COMPANY IN THIS WORLD. *TR
Aug 29, 2014
2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 3.5 L ENGINE. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE ENGINE OFTEN SURGES, CAUSING THE CAR TO JUMP FORWARD RAPIDLY. HAPPENS PERHAPS ONE TIME OUT OF 3, BUT INCIDENCE IS INCREASING. HARD TO CONTROL ACCELERATION. *TR
Aug 05, 2010
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THERE IS A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, UPON INSPECTION THE VIBRATION WAS NOTICED HOWEVER A REPAIR COULD NOT BE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE STATED THE HARMONIC BALANCER CAUSED THE PROBLEM.
May 01, 2006
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to open while using the tailgate handle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Sep 25, 2024
THE TRUNK LATCH EITHER HAS A SHORT OR IT COMES LOOSE. THE TRUNK WILL BE SHUT AND THE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF LIKE IT IS OPEN ALL THE TIME. EVERY TIME THE CAR IS TURNED OFF YOU HAVE TO GO AND OPEN AND CLOSE THE TRUNK TO MAKE SURE IT IS SHUT. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, THE ALARM WILL START GOING OFF CONSTANTLY UNTIL YOU DO THIS. IT THINKS SOMEONE HAS OPENED IT WHILE THE ALARM IS ENGAGED. YOU WOULD THINK TO JUST NOT ENGAGE THE ALARM AND THAT WOULD TAKE CARE IF IT BUT IT IS NOT SO. THE ALARM OF THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES ON ITS OWN WHEN YOU WALK AWAY. *TR
Sep 03, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I HAVE BEEN GETTING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS FROM MY CAR AROUND THE WELL OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE ARE 7 SERVICE BULLITANS ON THE CAR. I HAVE HAD TO GO TO URGENT CARE AND THE EMERGENCY ROOM OVER THIS AND THE DOCTOR WAS WORRIED THAT I MAY HAVE NERVE DAMAGE TO MY FOOT OVER THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL/ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HELP WITH THIS AND HYUNDAI WILL NOT RETURN MY CALLS. I HAVE WOUND UP IN THE HOSPITAL OVER THIS AND FEEL THAT THIS IS HIGHLY UNFAIR. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
Nov 12, 2020
DEAR SAFERCAR, A LETTER WAS SENT BY ME TO HYUNDAI MOTORS IN REGARDS TO A SAFETY ISSUE WITH OUR 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE ISSUE IS THAT OUR CAR FAILS TO START AT VARIOUS TIME OR HAS ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. WE PURCHASE THIS CAR FROM AN ELDERLY FRIEND WHO HAD THE CAR IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME REASON WE ARE WRITING THIS LETTER. SHE WAS TOLD AFTER ALL ATTEMPTS AT REPAIRS THAT THE CAR WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THIS WAS JUST A CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL. THE RESPONSE WE RECEIVED FROM HYUNDAI WAS THAT IT IS UNFORTUNATE BUT WE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FRIEND AND THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS LIES WITH US AT OUR EXPENSE. WE FEEL THAT THE ISSUE IS NOT OUR PURCHASE BUT THE HEARTLESS NEGLIGENCE OF TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A 80+ YEAR OLD LADY, WHO HAD NO ONE TO BACK HER UP. I FEEL THAT THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLES STEERING AND OR BRAKES AND ACCELERATION WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS CRITICAL TO OUR SAFETY. THE ENGINE HAS FAILED TO START AND STOPPED AT VARIOUS TIME AND SITUATIONS. PLEASE INFORM US IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE FOR US AND OUR SITUATION. PS THIS CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS NEVER REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. HYUNDAI ALSO CONTENDS ,IN THEIR REPLY THAT IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER ACTIVE AND THERE ARE NO RECORDS THAT CAN BE RECALLED. HOW UNFORTUNATE FOR US!!!! *TR
Dec 25, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE, IT FEELS LIKE THE ABS ON STEROIDS KICKS IN, ON DRY PAVEMENT, (THIS WAS AFTER I HAD NEW BRAKES INSTALLED) I ENDED UP HAVING TWO NEW SETS OF BRAKES INSTALLED. HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME ISSUE AFTER THEY PUT THE 'FACTORY BRAKES' INSTALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY LOOKED AT ME LIKE I AM CRAZY, SO THEY GREASED WHAT THEY COULD AND SAID IF IT KEPT DOING IT TO BRING IT BACK. THIS WAS OCT 2017. IT WAS GOOD FOR A WHILE AND THEN STARTED UP IN NOVEMBER AND AGAIN IN DECEMBER ABOUT ONCE A WEEK. I BOUGHT A NEW 2018 ELANTRA AND GAVE THE SANTA FE TO MY GRANDSONS. THEY CAME OVER AND SAID 'GRANDMA, WHAT'S UP WITH THE BRAKES' THEY FINALLY KNEW WHAT I MEANT. WHEN DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT, IN THE CITY, PUTTING ON BRAKES COMING TO A LIGHT THEN THE ABS KICKS IN. I PUT IN A COMPLAINT TO THE CONSUMERS AFFAIRS AT HYUNDAI. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND HAVE THEM CHECK IT. MY GRANDSONS TOOK IT OVER TO THE SAME PLACE AND AN OLDER MAN DROVE IT (KEEP IN MIND IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME) AND HE SAID HE COULD FEEL SOMETHING AND SAID IT WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WOULD COST $800 TO BLEED THE LINES AND PUT A NEW MASTER CYLINDER IN. WELL, THE BRAKES DON'T GIVE OUT AND THEY DO NOT GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR ' THEY ACT LIKE ABS ON STEROIDS. SO IF I HAVE THEM REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR $800, PLUS WHATEVER, AND IT STILL DOES IT, THEN WHAT? I SEE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE ' WHAT IS UP HYUNDAI? SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO OTHERS TOO. :/ THIS STARTED ABOUT JUNE 2017 AND SPORADICALLY UNTIL NOW. FEW TIMES A MONTH AND NOW MORE . FOR THE LIGHTING - THE FRONT HEADLIGHT GOES OUT ONCE A YEAR LIKE CLOCKWORK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT IS ONLY HALF ON.
Aug 06, 2018
THIS HAS BEEN A REPEATED PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME. EARLY ON I WOULD HAVE A BRAKE LAMP LIGHT THAT I WOULD BE TOLD WAS OUT. WE WOULD TAKE THE LIGHT BULB OUT AND REINSERT AND IT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WE ASSUMED IT JIGGLED LOOSE. THEN, AT A LATER TIME, I WOULD BE TOLD THAT THE OTHER BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT, AND WE WOULD REPEAT THE PROCESS AND TAKE IT APART AND IT WOULD AMAZINGLY START WORKING AGAIN. BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER 2014, TAKING THE LIGHT APART NO LONGER FIXED IT, SO WE CHECKED AND REPLACED FUSES AND LIGHTBULBS, BUT IT DIDN'T FIX IT. UP UNTIL THIS TIME, THE RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND THEN IT WOULD BE THE LEFT ONE INTERMITTENTLY. THEN, AS OF DECEMBER 2014, NEITHER BRAKE LIGHT WORKS AND THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IN THE REAR WINDOW HAS FIVE SMALL BULBS THAT STAY LIT AT ALL TIMES, BUT CURRENTLY THE THIRD LIGHT IN THE REAR WINDOW IS THE ONLY LIGHT THAT COMES ON WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE.SINCE IT IS APPARENTLY NOT THE LAMP OR THE FUSE, I'M WONDERING IF MY VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 092, A STOP LAMP SWITCH RECALL, OR ANY OTHER RECALL PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE, SINCE I AM READING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE? I AM AFRAID THAT I AM GOING TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE IT IS AN INTERMITTENT AND NOW, APPARENTLY, FULL-TIME PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE BECAUSE AFTER TALKING TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS, THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT IS GOING ON. THANK YOU!
Jan 22, 2015
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
VEHICLE HAD BEEN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE MOMENTS WHEN IT LURCHED ITSELF FORWARD QUITE VIOLENTLY, MORE SO AFTER TRANSMISSION HAD TIME TO WARM UP. HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED MOMENTS OF DECELERATION WITHOUT CAUSE. ITS AS IF THE VEHICLE CANNOT PROPERLY SHIFT GEARS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAPPENED OVER THE COURSE OF A COUPLE OF WEEKS. HAD VEHICLE LOOKED OVER BY MECHANIC BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. VEHICLE IS PARKED UNTIL ANOTHER MECHANIC CAN LOOK AT IT. IT IS BY NO MEANS SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL PROBLEM IS FIXED.
Jan 31, 2018
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SLOWING DOWN AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THAT HE MAY HAVE BEEN DEPRESSING BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS SIMULTANEOUSLY, BUT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY. WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE JOLTED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED LOUDLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 12/11/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN DRIVE, HIS FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE MOVED SLOWLY. ONCE HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP, THE ENGINE SURGED. UPDATED 12/11/08.*JB
Sep 23, 2008
STEERING
2 complaints
ON 4/12/2010 WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH POWER STEERING PUMP (THIS IS WHAT THEY TOLD US AT THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN RENO NV). AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER GUARANTY SO THEY SERVICED IT AND CHANGED THE POWER STEERING PUMP, HOSE AND FLUID. AFTER APPROX. 27K MILES, WE STARTED NOTICING THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD GET HARD AND A SOUND WILL START. PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING IT LEFT AND RIGHT. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER ON 4/12/2013. THEY TOLD US IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN, THAT THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. UNFORTUNATELY THIS TIME WE DIDN'T HAVE THE GUARANTY ANYMORE SO WE HAD TO PAY $482.22 TO GET IT REPLACED AGAIN. THEY CHANGED THE POWER STEERING PUMP ONLY. AFTER 10 DAYS WE HAD TO RETURN TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY TOLD US THAT THIS TIME THE ISSUE WAS THE RM GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSY, POWER STEERING FLUID, RESERVOIR ASSY AND SOME OTHER THINGS, FOR A TOTAL CHARGE OF $1,386.78. NOW, 3 YEARS LATER, 8/15/2016, WE STARTED HEARING THE SAME SOUNDS AGAIN, AND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT HARD AGAIN. SAME SITUATION AS THE PREVIOUS 2 THAT I HAVE DESCRIBED. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER ON 8/18/2016 BECAUSE AT SOME POINT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T LET US TURN AND IT TURNED OFF. WE WAITED A LITTLE AND TURNED IT ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER (IN NC) THEY TOLD US THAT IT WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP AGAIN. WE LEFT OUR CAR TO BE FIXED AND THEY CALLED US SAYING THAT THIS TIME IT WASN'T THE PUMP BUT THE POWER STEERING SUCTION HOSE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT AND ALSO REPLACE THE FLUIDS. WE'VE PAID $421.52. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED UPON BECAUSE I DON'T FIND ACCEPTABLE THAT EVERY 2 OR 3 YEARS WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS SITUATION AGAIN.
Aug 31, 2016
THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDDLE. THIS TIME IT SURGED AND I BACKED INTO MY FRIENDS VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY. ESTIMATED DAMGE WAS $4000.00 WITH BOTH CARS. AFTER THE BODY REPAIR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR AN HOUR THEN WENT OFF. THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 6 MONTHS AND THE DEALERS I WENT SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNLESS THERE WAS A ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE CODE TOLD THEM THEY HAD TO REPAIR THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY AND CENSOR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT I COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. NOW THE DEALER HAD TO ALSO REPLACE THE STEERING CHASSIS BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING ROUGH AND I AM STUCK WITH THAT UNTIL IT SEND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *TR
Sep 21, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
BOUGHT VEHICLE USED IN OCTOBER 2014. IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HALOGEN BULB 4 TIMES. HAVE USED THE LEAST EXPENSIVE BULB TO THE MOST EXPENSIVE BULB AND ALL BURN OUT WITH IN A FEW MONTHS OF INSTALLATION. THE FIRST INSTALLATION WAS DONE BY A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THE REST I INSTALLED. ALSO, THE RUNNING LIGHTS IN THE SAME LOCATION (BOTH WHITE AND AMBER) SOMETIMES COME ON AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO HIT THE OUTSIDE TO THE LENSES TO GET THEM TO TURN ON. DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS RELATE TO THE LOW BEAM ISSUE.
Aug 13, 2016
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. IN NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS WERE NOT WORKING WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL FUSE, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,700.
Mar 27, 2009
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
IN NOV, 2015, THE ABS AND TCS LIGHTS CAME ON. THE AXLE WAS BROKEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN JULY 2016, THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN AND NOW ANOTHER AXLE IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS BROKEN AND A BAD SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FOR A DAY THEN BROKE AGAIN AND IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW IT'S NOT WORKING AGAIN. WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IN JUNE, 2016, THE CAR BROKE DOWN AND WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. A CRANKSHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BESIDES THE OTHER ISSUES, THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES.
Jul 31, 2016
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) HAS TWICE NOW THROWN THE VEHICLE INTO VIOLENT AND UNCONTROLLABLE OUT OF CONTROL SKID ON HARD PACKED SNOW. THE TCS EXASERBATED WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A NORMAL SLOW SPEED CURVE TO THE RIGHT ON HARD PACKED SNOW. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH A CURVE TO THE RIGHT. THIS LAST INCIDENT WAS ON A SLIGHT DECLINE WITH A CURVE TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE 46 YEARS OF DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE IN ALL SORTS OF VEHICLES WITHOUT INCIDENT AND WITHOUT TCS. (2WD REAR DRIVE, 2WD FRONT DRIVE, 4X4 CARS AND TRUCKS. THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE WITH TCS AND THERE IS NO SWITCH TO DISABLE IT. I FEEL THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO BE DISABLED AT THE DRIVER'S DISGRESSION. THE TCS ACCORDING TO ITS DESCRIPTION, AFFECTS THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. I FEEL THAT THE TCS IS CAUSING INAPPROPRIATE BRAKING ACTION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE THROWN INTO AN UNCONTROLLABLE AND DANGEROUS SKID.
Feb 10, 2011
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS CONSTANTLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED UNTIL IT IS TURNED OFF. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T TURN ON AT ALL AND THE FUSE IS GOOD.
Mar 15, 2016
MY MOTHER DIED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. HER SANTA FE WENT THROUGH A "T" INTERSECTION WITHOUT STOPPING CROSSING HIGHWAY, WENT AIRBORNE OVER HILLSIDE AND STRUCK A TREE. SEVERED SPINE, CHEST TRAUMA AND SHATTERED ANKLE. THERE ARE NO SKIDS MARKS AT THE SCENE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOY BUT WHEN? STEERING COLUMN IS CRUSHED IN AND STEERING WHEEL WAS BENT INWARD. THE ROAD SHE WAS ON IS A RESIDENTIAL SIDE STREET. THERE IS A 100 FEET DOWNGRADE BUT STRAIGHT AS YOU APPROACH THE STOP SIGN. THE "T" INTERSECTION IS A TWO LANE NOT WELL TRAVELED ROAD. SHE DROVE THIS ROAD MANY TIMES BEFORE. WHAT MAKES A VEHICLE TRAVEL AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN A 100 FEET STRAIGHT AWAY, GO THROUGH A STOP SIGN GET AIRBORNE AFTER CROSSING HIGHWAY? ACCELERATION STICKING? WHY IS THERE SO MUCH DAMAGE TO STEERING COLUMN IF AIRBAG WENT OFF? COULD THE ACCELERATOR GET STUCK AND MY MOTHER PANIC AND TRIED TO STOP CAR BY STEPPING ON BRAKES MAKING A PANIC DECISION, NOT KNOWING TO TAKE VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR OR TURNING VEHICLE OFF? WAS THERE ENOUGH TIME. I LOST MY MOTHER AND AFTER READING ALL THE PROBLEMS, I THINK THESE AND ALL HYUNDAI VEHICLES SHOULD BE LOOKED AT! *TR
Aug 01, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD. I MUST THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP IT. EVEN WHEN I AM IN PARK IT WILL SUDDENLY ACT LIKE I AM GIVING IT GAS WHEN I AM NOT. IT IS VERY SCARY AND HAPPENING MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY.
Jan 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Jan 08, 2015
ENGINE
2 complaints
AFTER A STOP, ENGINE SUDDENLY SURGED AND VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. THIS IS THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT; THERE HAVE BEEN APPROX 15 SIMILAR INCIDENTS OVER PAST 12-18 MONTHS. *TR
Oct 29, 2014
WHEN I'M STARTING UP FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AS IF I HAVE "FLOORED IT." I AM A REALTOR AND DRIVE 100'S OF MILES A WEEK. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST TWICE A DAY, ON AVERAGE. *TR
Apr 22, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE SMELLED GASOLINE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL TANK DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,264. UPDATED 12/20/13*CN
Nov 19, 2013
ON A FREQUENT BASIS I CAN SMELL GASOLINE FUMES IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE FUMES THEY ACTED LIKE IT WAS NORMAL, AND DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. IF THE FIRE WALL AROUND THE VEHICLE IS INTACT HOW CAN FUMES GET INTO THE VEHICLE INTERIOR? THEY DID SUGGEST IT MAY BE CAUSED BY AN AIR LOCK IN THE SYSTEM. *TR
Nov 02, 2008
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKET WHICH HELD THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE CUT INTO THE SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRACKET WAS WELDED ONTO THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT IN SUCH A FASHION THAT IT WAS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 56,700.
Jul 26, 2011
PURCHASED 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUV AUGUST 2009. HAVE FOUND THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER AND IT IS EASY TO GET THE WRONG PEDAL WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Sep 30, 2009
POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
MY 2005 SANTA FE (HYUNDAI) WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. MY 3 YEAR OLD SON GOT OUT OF MY SIGHT FOR 2 SECONDS GOT INTO THE CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND COASTED OUT OF MY DRIVE AND ACROSS THE STREET HITTING MY NEIGHBORS FORD EXPEDITION. NO KEYS AND HE IS TOO SMALL TO REACH ANY PEDALS. THIS WAS ALMOST A DEVASTATING ACCIDENT, THERE WHERE CHILDREN RIDING BIKES ON MY STREET AND A CAR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET .IT IS ALMOST A WEEK NOW AND I AM GETTING NOWHERE WITH HYUNDAI, AND THE DEALER TELLS ME THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL HYUNDAI INSPECTS THE CAR. SINCE THE INCIDENT, I CAN STILL PUT THE CAR IN ANY GEAR WITHOUT KEYS OR TOUCHING PEDALS. AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED SO YOU CANNOT STEER EITHER. *TR
Apr 03, 2008
DRIVER NOTICED THAT WHILE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION VEHICLE WOULD DOWN SHIFT ON ITS OWN. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INSISTED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK
Apr 04, 2005
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Car all of a sudden stopped running like normal. Can't go above 20 mph without sounding like backfiring or dying
Apr 18, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
Emergency brake light does not turn off even when not used, since I finalized the vehicle when I fill the gas tank up the car doesn’t want to start unless you rev the engine giving it some power, recently the vehicle has been not turning off after keys out of ignition unless pressing on the gas to kick start the engine turn off.
Mar 13, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THROTTLE STUCK NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FAULTY TPS SEEN MANY WITH SAME COMPLAINTS..
Jan 01, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AN OFF, THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE, I FEEL INSECURE IN THIS VEHICLE, I DON'T THINK THE AIR BAGS WOULD WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. NEED ATTENTION IN THE MATTER
Apr 13, 2019
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
GAS IS LEAKING OUT OF OF THE CAR THE GAS TANK IS BAD I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STOPPED
Jun 25, 2018
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD FAIL AN INSPECTION DUE TO THE FRAME NEEDING TO BE RE-WELDED. THE DEALER (TARBOX HYUNDAI, 3665 QUAKER LN, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI 02852, (401) 826-1500) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Apr 05, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAD PURCHASED THIS AUTO IN MAY 2017. FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD GOTTEN THE AUTO FROM A AUTO AUCTION. WHEN I PURCHASED THE AUTO - I PURCHASED AS IS- NO WARRANTY- I TEST DROVE AUTO- HAD INSPECTED- NO MAJOR PROBLEMS AT THAT TIME. HAD AUTO FOR A WEEK- BROKE DOWN- PROBLEMS::::: VERY SLOW ACCELERATION, SHIFTING GEARS AND JERKING OF THE AUTO, VERY FAST IDLING WHEN STOPPING- I AM WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE :::::AFTER PURCHASING AUTO::::- CAN NOT DRIVE. I HAVE HAD 3 ESTIMATES- NO ONE REALLY KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE AUTO OR DIAGNOSE THE AUTO PROPERLY. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE SINCE I PURCHASED THE AUTO. IT JUST SITS, AND WHEN I THINK THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, THEN IT STOPS RUNNING. SOME SAY IT IS THE :::::CATALYTIC CONVERTERS - IT HAS 3 THAT NEEDS REPLACED.::::::: I REPORTED IN MY RESIDENCE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU - COMPLAINT RESOLUTION AND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE- BOTH SAID THEY NOT NOT RESOLVE :::: THE DEALERSHIP- DOES NOT WANT TO MEDIATE - OR TAKE BACK THE AUTO. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FILE A CLAIM- IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT- AND DID NOT KNOW IF IT WOULD BE WORTH MY TIME. ::::::::: I KNOW THE AUTO IS 2005 AND HAS 189,000 NOW- BUT I FEEL THAT I HAVE A AUTO NOW THAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD- IF I AM ABLE TO GET THE AUTO RUNNING - AND IT JERKS AROUND- AND STOPS IN TRAFFIC - IT COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT. IT IS UNSAFE TO HAVE THE AUTO ON ROAD AT ALL.. IT IS ALSO A ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM DUE TO THE UNSAFE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS- THEY GET HOT AND CAN CATCH ON FIRE.:::::::::: I CAN NOT FIND MECHANICS THAT WANT TO WORK WITH THE CONVERTERS................. I PAID 3,000 FOR THE AUTO- IT WILL COST THIS OR MORE TO ACTUALLY FIX THE AUTO............. I AM WRITING TO THE NHTSA- TO GET ANY FEEDBACK FROM YOU. SINCERELY, M- VERY FRUSTRATED DRIVER
Mar 13, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING COMING UP TO A TURN, TOOK THE LEFT TURN, AND ACCELERATED LIKE A NORMALLY DO, THE CAR'S RPMS WENT UP TO ABOUT 5 THOUSAND RPMS. I HEARD A POP LIKE NOISE AND THE RPMS JUST STARTED DROPPING AND THERE WAS NO RESTRICTION ON THE GAS PEDAL (FELT LIKE I WAS PUSHING AIR). THE VEHICLE THEN JUST ROLLED ONCE IT WAS AT ABOUT 10 MPH RPMS WENT UNDER 1 THOUSAND AND THE VEHICLE DIED. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IT IT WAS JUST CRANK AND CRANK, DOESN'T EVEN SOUND LIKE IT WANTS TO TURN OVER. PLEASE HELP.
Jul 26, 2017
TIRES
1 complaint
TIRE BLEW OUT TREAD CAME RIGHT OFF OF TIRE AND DAMAGED CAR. HOWEVER THE TIRE NEVER WENT FLAT. CAR WAS DAMAGED A LOT. MY DAUGHTER WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO HER THE OTHER DAY. SHE WAS TRAVELING ON THE NJTP SOUTH BOUND.
Jun 26, 2017
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM USED DEALER IN MARCH 4,2016 DESPITE NOT WANTING TO BUT HAD LITTLE CHOICE AFTER DEALER SOLD THE CAR I PUT MONEY DOWN ON THAT DAY FOR CASH WHILE I WAD RETRIEVING THE LAST DOCUMENT SHE SENT NE HOME FOR WHEN,I RETURBEDVMY CAR WAS GONE AND THE CAR IN STUCK IN NOW IS THIS HYUNDAI WITH A VERY SHAKY FRONT END THAT RATTLES AND LITERALLY SKIPS OFF THE ROAD INTO THE SHOULDER IF IN NOT VERY CAREFUL ,MY MECHANIC DAYS ITS THE STRUT ON DRIVER SIDE ,ADDITIONALLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ONBAT ALL TIMES AND I JUST FAILED A SAFETY INSPECTION FOE THIS VEHICLE AND CAN NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE FIR LYFT OR NUMBER UNTIL ITS REPAIRED I ALREADY HAD TO FIX BRAKE LIGHTS TIRES BATTERY AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES ON THIS CAR IN ADDITION TO 1400 IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ESTIMATES TO,LEARN IT WAS MERELY A ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE COMPRESSOR AS IT APPEARS TO BE THE CASE FIR DOZENS OF OTHERS WITH NO COLD AIR ON THIS CAR MODEL SEE AXIL ADADDICREPAIR COMMENTS ON 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AC BLOWING HOT AIR. SO IM VERY UPSET HYUNDAI WILL NOT EVEN LOOK TO SEE WHY MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON DESPITE A KNOWN,ISSUE WITH AIR BAGS AND IT BEING RECALLED . MY VIN NUMBER DOESN'T SHOW A RECALL OPEN HOWEVER I FEEL AS LONG AS I AM DRIVING IT AND THE ISSUES REMAINS UNRESOLVED. I AM AT SERIOUS RISK IF THE AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE OR THE FACT IT REMAINS ON ALL THE TINE AND WHEN THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT THE PASSENGER BAG OFF LIGHT APPEARS.
Oct 02, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING FROM A STOP AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO TWO TREES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,600.
Sep 27, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND MY 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STARTED TO "JUMP" PERSAY. IT JUMPED FROM 1 RPM TO 5 RPM, WHEN I TRIED RO BRAKE IT ACTED AS IF MY GEARS WERE GRINDING, AND IT THRUSTED ME FORWARD. THIS IS A VERY SCARY INCIDENT THAT HAS HAPPENED ALOT, BUT UP TIL THIS MORNING, THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO MY HUSBAND DISCONNECTED MY BATTERY IN HOPES IT WOULD RESET. AFTER ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES WE HOOKED THE BATTERY BACK UP AND TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE, AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I ALMOST CRASHED THIS MORNING ON THE WAY TO WORK WHILE I WAS DOING 55MPH I CAME TO A CURVE AND MY CAR JUMPED TO 5 RPMS AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR....THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE!!!
Jul 28, 2015
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
UNABLE TO DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN TWELVE MONTHS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. LAST MAY 2014 I WAS IN GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN GOING ABOUT 45 AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED I KEPT MOVING OVER TO A CLEAR LANE ON MY LEFT TRYING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND HAD TO TURN INTO THE MEDIAN AND DO A U- TURN, THE CAR ROLLED TO A STOP. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED UNDER THE PEDAL AND THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WAS FULL. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND TESTED THE BRAKES AND FOUND THEM TO WORK. I CALLED MY HYUNDAI DEALER AND HAD THEM LOOK THE CAR OVER AND THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION. YESTERDAY I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC APPROACHING A LINE OF TRAFFIC AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, I DID NOT THINK TO USE THE EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE BUT THE GOOD NEWS NO DAMAGE. ..UPDATED 03-16-15 *BF ALSO, THE FRONT SPRING WAS REPLACED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS SINCE ILLUMINATED. *TR
Mar 12, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE WAITING FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO CHANGE TO GREEN, MY CAR WAS STOPPED, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. . MY CAR LEARCHED FORWARD. I COULD FEEL THE ENGINE ACCELERATE. BY THE TIME I GOT THE CAR UNDER CONTROL, I HIT THE CAR THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME. THE TRUNK WAS DAMAGED, NO DAMAGE TO MY CAR. SINCE OWNING THIS CAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ACCELERATION BEFORE. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE DEALER, THE DISCUSSING ENDS UP WITH THE DEALER SUGGESTING THAT I WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND NOT THE BRAKE. I TOLD THE DEALER THAT WHEN THIS OCCURS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOTHING. THE SHIFT MUST BE MOVED TO NEUTRAL THE FOOT TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE. EVERY TIME I DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER HE SAYS SHOW HIM WHAT HAPPENS, THE PROBLEM I CAN NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THE OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM IS RANDOM AND CANNOT BE CREATED. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT AS I READ THE COMPLAINTS I AM NOT ALONE. HYUNDAI HAS GOT TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Jan 27, 2015
TIRES,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON THURSDAY-OCTOBER 29,2014 I HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT. THEN ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30,2014 MY BRAKES WENT OUT. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME PUTTING ON BRAKES WITH THIS VEHICLE SO OFTEN. AND OUT OF ALL OF MY VEHICLE OWNERSHIPS I HAVE NEVER PUT BRAKES ON BEFORE. *TR
Nov 04, 2014
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL FIRMLY IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Sep 19, 2014
SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT MOVED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO PUSH THE SEAT BACK INTO POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Sep 19, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE REAR WIPER WILL TURN ON EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS OFF AND THERE IS NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. EVEN AFTER PULLING THE FUSE THE WIPER WILL NOT TURN OFF. ALSO, CAME HOME LAST NIGHT AND THE DRL ON THE CAR WERE ON. ONCE THE CAR IS TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WILL ALWAYS GO OFF AFTER THE PASSENGER CAR DOOR IS OPENED THEN CLOSED. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN SEVERAL DAYS BUT YET THE LIGHTS WERE ON. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE CAR THAT MAY CAUSE A PROBLEM WHILE EITHER MYSELF OR MY DAUGHTER IS DRIVING IT. *TR
Sep 01, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2013. WE HAD IT ALMOST A MONTH WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP ON ME. THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE BLEW OUT. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THAT WE BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY FIXED THE LINE. THREE DAYS LATER THE STEERING WENT AGAIN WE GOT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE US $300.00. I GOT UPSET BUT THE MOST THEY WOULD DO FOR ME WAS SPLIT THE COST.THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER I STARTED TO SMELL GAS. I DIDN'T SEE ANY THING ON THE GROUND SO I LEFT IT GO. THEN IN NOVEMBER 2013 THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF AND THE BELL WOULD DING AS IF THE SEAT BELT WASN'T BUCKLED BUT IT WAS.I JUST HAD IT TESTED BY A HYUNDAI DEALER AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE SENSOR IN THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY THAT CAUSES THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE SEAT BELT LIGHT AND BELL TO GO OFF. THE MECHANIC ALSO SAID THAT THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE IN THE GAS TANK. THE WHOLE REPAIR WILL COST ME ABOUT $2000.00 TO HAVE REPAIRED AND I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. IF THE SENSOR IS NOT REPLACED HE SAID THE AIR BAG WILL PROBABLY NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE SENSOR AT LEAST BECAUSE THAT SHOULDN'T BE SUBJECT TO WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
Mar 02, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. STOP LIGHT SWITCH FAIL, $25 PART. RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR LATER MODEL YEARS 2007-2011 SANTA FE'S. *TR
Feb 13, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
STARTED ENGINE. PLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTION INTO REVERSE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY HAD AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION TO PERHAPS 2500 RPM. OPERATOR IMMEDIATELY APPLIED VERY HEAVY PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP ANY REAR DIRECTION MOVEMENT. OPERATOR IMMEDIATELY MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER BACK TO THE PARK POSITION, SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. AFTER RESTARTING, EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THIS HAD ALSO OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME IN SEPTEMBER, 2013 UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. OPERATOR INITIALLY ASSUMED THAT PERHAPS HIS FOOT HAD MOVED TO THE RIGHT AND WAS DEPRESSING BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME, BUT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SEE IF THIS COULD BE DONE, OPERATOR COULD NOT REPLICATE. IT IS ASSUMED THE THROTTLE SENSOR LOCATOR MAY BE FAULTY. VERY DISTURBING WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND COULD EASILY RESULT IN PROPERTY OR PERSONAL DAMAGE.. *TR
Dec 01, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT BELT, AND COMPUTER PARTS IN ORDER TO RESET THE AIRBAG LIGHT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND EVENTHOUGH I WEAR MY SEAT BELT THE SYMBOL AND BEEPING NOISE COMES ON STATING I DO NOT HAVE MY SEATBELT ON. THE COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS OVER $500.00. ALSO, THE DRIVER SEAT BELTS HAVE WORN AWAY WHICH HAS DAMAGED MY CLOTHING. *TR
Sep 27, 2013
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, ON A MAJOR LOCAL INTERSTATE, MY CHECK BRAKE LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN, BUT FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD GONE SOFT AND I ENDED UP HAVING TO PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD TO GET ANY RESISTANCE. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP A MILE AWAY WHERE THEY REALIZED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS EMPTY DUE TO A RUPTURED SEAL IN THE BRAKE CALIBER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THEY FOUND THAT BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WERE DAMAGED. THE PASSENGER SIDE COIL HAD LITERALLY SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE COIL WAS DISLOCATED AND BROKEN. MY CAR HAD JUST BEEN IN THE SAME DEALERSHIP ONE WEEK PRIOR HAVING A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED IN IT (UNDER WARRANTY). AS NO LOUD BANG OR NOISE OCCURRED AS WITH THE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM, I CAN ONLY ASSUME THE COILS BROKE OR SHIFTED DURING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WHEN THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR WAS ON THE LIFT, AND NOT ON THE SUSPENSION. THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE THAT NEITHER OF THESE COILS WERE FOUND BROKEN AT THAT TIME HAS ME INCENSED. THE FACT THAT A SOLID STEEL COIL THAT TAKES 4,000LBS TO COMPRESS CAN BREAK IN HALF LIKE THAT IS DISTURBING. I ASSUME THAT WITHOUT THE SUSPENSION, DUE TO THE BROKEN COILS, THE BRAKES SUFFERED DAMAGE AND THE ABOVE INCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS VERY LUCKY INDEED THAT NOTHING WORSE HAPPENED, BUT AS THIS IS A RECURRENT ISSUE WITH THE HYUNDAI COIL SUSPENSION AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED THROUGH A RECALL. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE OF THE DAMAGE, AS ARE THE SUSPENSION COILS (WE SAVED EVERYTHING). *TR
Apr 19, 2013
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY MOMS SANTA FE HAS SPED OUT OF CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE LAST INCIDENT CAUSED INJURIES BECAUSE THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHERE THE CAR HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL CARS. SECOND INCIDENT WAS ON THE ROAD WHERE CAR SPED UP AND SHE TURNED IT OFF. THE THIRD WAS BACKING OUT OF A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT WHERE THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE HITTING A CAR AND THEN TRIED TO PUT IN NEUTRAL BUT WENT INTO DRIVE INSTEAD. SHE HIT A POST AND THE FRONT END WRAPPED AROUND THE POST BUT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY. STATE FARM AND MANY ATTORNEYS WON'T TOUCH THIS CASE BECAUSE OF THE COSTS INVOLVED TO SUE SUCH A LARGE CORPORATION. *TR
Mar 01, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE CAR "LURCHES" FORWARD AND THE ENGINE "REVES" UP. I'VE HAD IT TO THE MECHANIC NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY CAN NOT SEEM TO FIND A REASON FOR THIS TO BE HAPPENING. IT IS A VERY SCARY SITUATION. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND HAVE BECOME FEARFUL WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS REGULAR STREET ROADS. I'VE SEEN MANY FORUMS ON LINE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS. I REALLY HOPE THAT SOMEONE LOOKS INTO THESE COMPLAINTS. *TR
Feb 14, 2012
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I HAD MY SUV WORKED ON PRIOR TO DRIVING IT HOME WHEN I NOTICED A REALLY LOUD NOISE THAT GOT MY ATTENTION. I PULLED MY CAR OVER TO A GAS STATION FILLED UP AND TRIED TO TURN MY ENGINE OVER AND MY ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP. I HAD TO CALL A TOW COMPANY WHICH WAS DIFFICULT SINCE IT WAS THANKSGIVING MORNING AND WAIT AN HR TO GET IT TO THE SHOP. I FOUND OUT MY AC COMPRESSOR HAD LOCKED UP MY MOTOR AND I HAD PAID OVER 3000 IN REPAIRS. I HAD THE POWER STEERING BELT PUT ON AND I WAS NOT INFORMED THE AC COMPRESSOR COULD HAVE BURNT UP MY NEW BELT. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY STEERING WHEEL FEELING LOOSE. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP DIDN'T INFORM ME THEY HAD REMOVED MY FUSES # 10 AND # 30. I HAD FOUND THEM LYING ON MY AC COMPRESSOR COVER. THIS CAR WAS RUNNING HOT AND MY MOTOR LOCKED UP DUE TO THE AC COMPRESSOR, SOLENOID ETC. *TR
Feb 01, 2012
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A GROCERY WHEN IT STARTED ACCELERATING AND MY VEHICLE HIT THE SIDE OF A CAR IN THE NEXT PARKING SPACE WHICH IN TURN WAS PUSHED INTO THE SIDE OF A SECOND AUTO PARKED IN THE THIRD SPACE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAS HAPPENED 5 OR 6 TIMES IN THE PAST BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY 2007. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO 2 DEALERSHIPS AND EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME ANY DAMAGE WAS DONE TO ANY VEHICLE. THIS TIME WHEN IT HAPPENED, THE AUTO COULD NOT BE STOPPED USING THE BRAKES AND THE AUTO COULD NOT BE STEERED. THE OTHER TIMES WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN AND THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND WERE NOT AWARE OF A STEERING PROBLEM. DO KNOW THAT THE BRAKES JUST BARELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AFTER STANDING ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET. I NOW FEAR SERIOUS INJURY TO ME, MY WIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE. THIS VEHICLE COULD VERY WELL TAKE US OUT INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. *TR
Sep 20, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
THE CAR DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT ALL 4 TONE RINGS AND SPEED SENSORS ON MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE ARE BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONE WAS REPLACED 4 MONTHS AGO UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THEY SAY THAT THE OTHER 3 ARE BAD. I HAVE LESS THAN 53,000 MILES ON MY CAR. *TR
Oct 20, 2010
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING ON MY 2005 HYUNDAI SANTE FE BROKE WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE TO BLOW OUT AND THE BRAKE LINE TO BE DAMAGED. IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER THE SPRING, ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN AS WELL. BOTH FRONT SPRINGS, LEFT TIRE AND BRAKE LINE WERE REPLACED. I ASKED THE SERVICE WRITER AT THE DEALER IF HE'S SEEN THIS BEFORE AND HE SAID HE HAD ONE OTHER TIME. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO WITH THE SANTE FE'S AS THESE PARTS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKE ON A VEHICLE WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT, AS WELL AS IF I WERE AT HIGHWAY SPEED I'M QUITE SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BAD ACCIDENT. *TR
Jun 21, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
HYUNDAI, SANTA FE--2005. SOMETIMES AFTER STOPPING, WHEN YOU AGAIN PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO RESUME DRIVING, THE CAR WILL SURGE AHEAD QUICKLY. THE SURGE IS NOT CONTINUOUS BUT DOES REQUIRE THE OPERATOR TO LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL (NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU). THIS PRIMARILY APPEARS TO HAPPEN AFTER MAKING A STOP THAT IS FOLLOWED BY AN IMMEDIATE RESUMPTION OF DRIVING. NO INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED THAT HAVE CAUSED ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES AS OF THIS DATE. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DURING WINTER DRIVING IN SNOWSTORM WIPER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVER'S SIDE JUST FELL OFF - MAKING THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE DUE TO SNOW BUILDUP ON WINDSHIELD. IT WAS LATER DISCOVERED THAT NUT HOLDING THAT ARM GOT LOOSE AND WAS LOST. SECOND ISSUE WAS THE WINDSHIELD THAT DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE BOTTOM WITH NO OBVIOUS REASONS - NOTHING WAS HIT/ VEHICLE IS ALWAYS DRIVEN WITH CARE. DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT UNDER A WARRANTY THOUGH IT WAS QUITE CLEAR THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS DEFECTIVE AND CRACK WAS GETTING BIGGER. 3-RD ISSUE - DURING WET WEATHER/WARM-UP THE BRAKE LIGHT AND ALTERNATOR LIGHT ARE ON. TOOK IT TO DEALER 4 TIMES - THEY COULD NOT FIND THE REASON - CHARGING IS OK/ BRAKES ARE FINE - THE LAST TIME THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED WITH NEW ONE, BUT THE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. 4-TH ISSUE - BRAKE CALIPER ON REAR PASS. SIDE IS STICKING THAT CAUSES A CONSTANT NOISE AND EARLY WEAR OF BRAKE PADS/ROTOR ON THAT SIDE - IT WAS REPLACED TWICE ALREADY AND VEHICLE ONLY HAS LESS THAN 40K MILES ON IT. *TR
Jul 04, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
I AM EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM THAT THREATENS MY SAFETY EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH DELAYED ACCELERATION WHEN APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL, WHICH CAUSES FEAR WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC OR MAKING A TURN AS OPPOSING TRAFFIC APPROACHES. THE DELAYED ACCELERATION IS THEN FOLLOWED BY A LUNGING ACCELERATION WHICH REDUCES THE FEELING OF CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER IN ELGIN, IL A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY BRUSHED IT OFF AS A COMMON CHARACTERISTIC OF HYUNDAI VEHICLES WITH THE 3.5 LITER ENGINE. THEY CLAIMED THAT AFTER SOME TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD ''ADJUST'' TO MY DRIVING HABITS AND THE SYMPTOMS WOULD GO AWAY. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A MONTH, I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE VEHICLE OVER. THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAD DESCRIBED PREVIOUSLY HAD NOT SUBSIDED AT ALL. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND I TOOK A RIDE AND HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE SYMPTOMS AS THEY OCCURRED AND TOLD ME THEY WOULD DO A VERY THOROUGH CHECK OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP'S NEW SERVICE MANAGER AND FROM A SALES PERSON WHO REPLACED THE SALES PERSON THAT I HAD BOUGHT THE VEHCLE FROM (HE WAS FIRED). I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THEY HAD ME BRING IT IN. THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE ACCELERATION WAS SWAPPED WITH ONE FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM LESSENED IN SEVERITY, BUT CONTINUED TO BE QUITE NOTICEABLE. I NEVER DID GET A RESPONSE FROM HYUNDAI CORPORATION TO A MARCH 17, 2006 LETTER COMPLAINING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. TO THIS DAY, THE ACCELERATION WAS STILL ERRATIC AND MAKES ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR EVEN WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE EXPRESSWAY.THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO, BECAUSE NO OFFICIAL RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.
Aug 11, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE RESURFACED ROTORS, VIBRATING STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL. *KB THE LEFT FRONT SPEAKER MADE A NOISE. *JB
Jul 31, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. ROTORS HAD ALREADY BEEN RESURFACED. *KB THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE. THE LEFT SPEAKER WAS MAKING AN NOISE. *JB
Jul 25, 2006
WHEELS
1 complaint
2005 SANTA FE WHEELS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ROTATE THE TIRES. *TS THE DEALER SUGGESTED BEARING GREASE BE APPLIED EACH TIME THE TIRE ARE ROTATED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER EACH TIME FOR SERVICE. *NM
Jun 01, 2006
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN 2005 SANTA FE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IT HAS A DELAYED REACTION. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE DELAYED ACCELERATION OCCURRED IT CAUSED THE TIRES TO SPIN ON WET OR SNOW COVERED PAVEMENT. THE STARTER HAD TO TURN OVER MUCH LONGER THAN IT SHOULD BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTS. THE BRAKES WOULD CATCH AS IF SOMETHING IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS LOOSE, THERE WAS A GRINDING/RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE PARTIALLY APPLIED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. *JB
Mar 29, 2006
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2005 HYUNDAI SANTE FE INVOLVED IN A SEVERE ROLLOVER AND ALL AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER 6X WITH 3 PASSENGERS IN IT. ONE WAS EJECTED FROM THE BACK AND THE FRONT TWO SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. *NM
Mar 21, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AND STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO APPLY EXTENSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO CLAIMED BRAKES WERE OKAY. THE SECOND PROBLEM INVOLVED REAR DOOR MISALIGNMENT. THE THIRD FAILURE WAS PAINT PEELING OFF UNDER THE HOOD. *AK
Jan 24, 2006
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT SEVERAL PROBLEMS. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE TRACTION CONTROL, WHICH ALLOWED THE FRONT WHEELS TO SLIP IN THE SNOW. THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR CUT IN AND OUT WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS ON. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY SUGGESTED TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF. THE CONTACT TRIED THE DEALER'S SUGGESTION. AND NOW, ONLY ONE WHEEL WILL TURN IN THE SNOW, THE ENGINE IDLED LOW, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE SECOND PROBLEM OCCURRED ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AFTER A COMPLETE STOP. THE LAST PROBLEM WAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DPS VALVE SENSOR AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE. THE CONTACT HAD ONLY DRIVEN THE VEHICLE ONCE SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 14, 2005
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE 2005 SANTA FE ENGINE ROARED. *TS THE CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. WITH THE VEHICLE STILL IN REVERSE, THE CONSUMER CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBORS DECK CAUSING A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE DECK. THE CONSUMER HAD A LEFT FOOT ACCELERATOR INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AND WONDERED IF THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *JB
Nov 15, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
AFTER STARTING THE CAR EACH TIME, AND EITHER BACKING UP AND THEN PULLING FORWARD OR PULLING FORWARD, THERE IS A POPPING SOUND AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE MOTOR MOUNTS, THEN IT WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER. AFTER HAVING MY BOSS WHO IS A MECHANIC, DRIVE THE CAR, HE SAID THAT IT WAS NEITHER OF THOSE ITEMS, AND COULD POSSIBLY HAVE SOMEETHING TO DO WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN OR THE U-JOINTS. I RELAYED THIS INFORMATION TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY THEN WENT BACK OVER THE CAR, AND SAID THAT THEY HAD TO CALL THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE. AFTER THAT CALL, I WAS INFORMAED THAT THE NOISE HAD TO DO WITH THE ABS SYSTEM, CHECKING ITSELF. BUT I WONDER IF THIS IS THE CASE, SINCE IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM IN A FORWARD MOTION. I ENJOY DRIVING THIS CAR, AND WOULD RECCOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO ASKED. IT IS COMFORTABLE, FUN TO DRIVE AND THE NOISE HASN'T SEEMD TO ALTER THE OPERATION OF THE CAR AND ANY FORM.
Jul 16, 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe have?
The 2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe currently has 216 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?
The most common problems reported for the 2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2005 HYUNDAI Santa Fe comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - HYUNDAI Santa Fe
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
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2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1997 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
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