Owners have filed 219 complaints
about the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE with NHTSA between 2004 and 2023.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 25 of 26 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Hyundai Santa FE. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 52
10% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 13
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Hyundai Santa FE
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Rear
1535.7%
Body
614.3%
Underbody Shields
511.9%
Frame AND Members
49.5%
Lower Ball Joint
37.1%
Rear/Other
37.1%
Starter Assembly
37.1%
Exhaust System
37.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
63.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
52.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
21.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2011.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4425.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4727.0%
150,000+ miles
5028.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR.
—
—
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2004peak 6Jul 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08023Opened 28 Oct 2008Closed 17 Apr 2009SUSPENSION
REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE
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, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING SALT BELT STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN.HYUNDAI IS RECALLING T...
Recalls on the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201432257,794 units in Canada
Suspension
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 increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace coil springs as necessary. Additionally, a spring guide will be installed to prevent the coil spring from contacting the tire.
Recall 200912215,604 units in Canada
Suspension
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 lead to thinning or perforation of the trailing arm steel. In time, the trailing arms may fracture, which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear trailing arms. Should the trailing arms not require replacement, drainage holes will be added, as well as treatment with rust-proofing material to arrest the corrosion process.
Recall 200332628,660 units in Canada
Label
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. Correction: Hyundai will provide owners with a corrected tire pressure label. Since the non-compliant wheel rims do not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Glen Mills, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
While dragging the trash can back to the house, I was approaching fence in front of the house, at a slow speed, as I applied the brakes the car started to accelerate. Pressing down harder on the brakes ,it felt like stepping on a brick, with no braking taking place the car accelerated at a high rate. At this time the car crashed into the left side of the garage and continued into the cement porch taking out the fence, fill tube, and vent tube of the oil tank. At this time I push gear shift into N and turned off the engine. At this time there is damage done to house and car is now totaled with no injuries. Hate to think what would have happened if this happened at the major 4 lane intersection 1 mile from my home.
NHTSA complaint #11436961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesFlushing, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING OFF AN EXIT, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A METAL GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ARM AND THE RIGHT ROTATOR CUFF WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10694847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesFlushing, NYCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING OFF AN EXIT, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A METAL GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ARM AND THE RIGHT ROTATOR CUFF WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10694847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGlenrock, PACrash
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE CONTROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10684308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,807 milesSmyrna, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT INTERMITTENTLY AS THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,807.
NHTSA complaint #10669277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesOlivette, MOCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE GEAR THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A GARDEN AND A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10409259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wellston, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The starter motor housing bottom ear bracket that holds the bolt to the transmission has broken off on 3 different starters in the same exact spot on all 3.
NHTSA complaint #11531011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Mills, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
While dragging the trash can back to the house, I was approaching fence in front of the house, at a slow speed, as I applied the brakes the car started to accelerate. Pressing down harder on the brakes ,it felt like stepping on a brick, with no braking taking place the car accelerated at a high rate. At this time the car crashed into the left side of the garage and continued into the cement porch taking out the fence, fill tube, and vent tube of the oil tank. At this time I push gear shift into N and turned off the engine. At this time there is damage done to house and car is now totaled with no injuries. Hate to think what would have happened if this happened at the major 4 lane intersection 1 mile from my home.
NHTSA complaint #11436961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesZephyrhills, FL
WHEELS
I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND FELT THE CAR FEEL AS IF IT WAS FLOATING. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE TIRE CAME OFF AND IT HAD. RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT IN THE REAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS AS IF IT IS THE CONTROL ARM BAR. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON GALL BLVD. ZEPHYRHILLS FL.
NHTSA complaint #11398868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesZephyrhills, FL
SUSPENSION
I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND FELT THE CAR FEEL AS IF IT WAS FLOATING. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE TIRE CAME OFF AND IT HAD. RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT IN THE REAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS AS IF IT IS THE CONTROL ARM BAR. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON GALL BLVD. ZEPHYRHILLS FL.
NHTSA complaint #11398868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKnoxville, TN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS CLIENT WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SHE EXPERIENCED WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS A FLAT TIRE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE CLIENT BEGAN TO PULL OVER, THE ENTIRE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S CLIENT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE LOWER REAR CONTROL WAS CORRODED AND HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, UPON SPEAKING WITH TWIN CITY HYUNDAI (3024 ALCOA HWY, ALCOA, TN 37701) THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11394833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendora, CA
POWER TRAIN
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DISABLED MOM WITH ONE ONE THE WAY I CAN'T DRIVE FOR FEAR IM GOING TO LOSE THE WHEEL AND CRASH
NHTSA complaint #11374022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendora, CA
WHEELS
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DISABLED MOM WITH ONE ONE THE WAY I CAN'T DRIVE FOR FEAR IM GOING TO LOSE THE WHEEL AND CRASH
NHTSA complaint #11374022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendora, CA
SUSPENSION
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DISABLED MOM WITH ONE ONE THE WAY I CAN'T DRIVE FOR FEAR IM GOING TO LOSE THE WHEEL AND CRASH
NHTSA complaint #11374022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBattle Creek, MI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF HIS REAR BRAKES, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR TRAILING ARMS LOCATED BY THE COIL SPRINGS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11361082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walden, NY
SUSPENSION
THIS SANTA FE HAS A REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM THAT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAS ALSO DISINTEGRATED THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY, WHEEL HUB, EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AND SPRING. I CHECKED THE WEBSITE FOR A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, BUT THIS VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN THE NORTHEAST "SALT BELT" AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THIS OVERSIGHT BY NOT INCLUDING THIS VIN ON THE RECALL IT HAS CAUSED MASSIVE CORROSION ON ALL ATTACHED PARTS. THE RIGHT REAR SIDE HAS BEEN MORE AFFECTED THAN THE REAR LEFT SIDE. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD PROVIDE ME IN PROVIDING A REMEDY FOR THIS SITUATION
NHTSA complaint #11316877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cumming, GA
SUSPENSION
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON AT LEAST LEFT SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS BOLTED.. PREVIOUSLY REAR TRAILING ARM RUSTED THROUGH.
NHTSA complaint #11234120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesCincinnati, OH
WHEELS
WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED, THE TENSION ON THE WHEEL GOES AWAY. THE FRONT TIRES WEAR FASTER THEN UNSEAL.
NHTSA complaint #11209445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STEERING
WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED, THE TENSION ON THE WHEEL GOES AWAY. THE FRONT TIRES WEAR FASTER THEN UNSEAL.
NHTSA complaint #11209445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION
WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED, THE TENSION ON THE WHEEL GOES AWAY. THE FRONT TIRES WEAR FASTER THEN UNSEAL.
NHTSA complaint #11209445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSmithfield, VA
SUSPENSION
BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTING OUT DUE TO SALT ROADWAYS
NHTSA complaint #11205800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesSaint Albans, WV
ENGINE
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND MY 2.4L ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND IT WAS TOWED HOME THE TIMING BELT IS CHEWED UP. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF THESE ENGINES THE 2.4L
NHTSA complaint #11170497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesJonesville, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. FOX ANN ARBOR HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 3975 JACKSON RD, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103, (734) 663-7770) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11152409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Mills, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
RIGHT SIDE MAIN FRAME RUSTED THREW. CAN NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. CAR FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES THE CAR IS TOTALED AND NOT COVERED BY CAR INSURANCE !!!
NHTSA complaint #11139990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Mills, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE ABS ACTIVATES ON DRY GROUND AND FEELS LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT STOP. CAR HAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN WITH A COMPUTER ATTACHED TO MAIN COMPUTER AND ALL WHEEL SENSORS ARE WORKING. AT THIS TIME NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I THINK ONE DAY THE BRAKES WILL FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #11139986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesChicago, IL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD AIR TO THE FOUR TIRES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11131973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesChicago, IL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD AIR TO THE FOUR TIRES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11131973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD AIR TO THE FOUR TIRES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11131973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesChicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD AIR TO THE FOUR TIRES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11131973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLansing, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WERE CORRODED ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) AND 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11124297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,200 milesMonroeville, NJ
STEERING
AT LOW SPEEDS THE BRAKES LOCK UP AND THE CAR GOES INTO A JERKING MOTION WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE GOING INTO A STORE PARKING LOT. THE CAR IS HARD TO STEER AND STOP AND THE BRAKES MUST BE DEPRESSED HARDER THAN NORMALLY REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR GETS WET BUT ALSO DURING DRY TIMES. THE ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON.
NHTSA complaint #11100178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
