62 of the
219 complaints about the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE are about the
suspension — 28% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
137,000 miles.
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
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
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 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 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 189,000 milesMichigan City, IN
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY REAR END BEGAN TO SHAKE AND CONTINUE TO TRY TO SWING OUT FROM BEHIND. MY REAR SUSPENSION IS RUSTED THROUGH AND NOW COMPLETELY OUT OF COMMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #11064563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesWest Bloomfield, MI
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, I HEARD A CLUNK FROM THE REAR, AND HEARD TIRE SCRUBBING NOISE WHILE NOTICING STEERING WHEEL COCKED 90 DEGREES IN ORDER TO KEEP VEHICLE STRAIGHT. RETURNED VEHICLE SLOWLY TO HOUSE DRIVEWAY ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. NOTICED RIGHT REAT TRAILING ARM CRACKED AND DEFORMED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED 4 YEARS EARLIER FOR RECALL # 09V123000 (TRAILING ARM CORROSION PROBLEM.) HYUNDAI AND LOCAL DEALER CLAIMED THAT RECALL WAS COMPLETE AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. OBVIOUSLY, THEIR RECALL FIX (DRILLING HOLES IN THE STAMPING TO LET WATER OUT) WAS INSUFFICIENT TO FIX A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DEFECT. I HAD JUST SUNK $1800 DOLLARS IN THIS VEHICLE TO FIX OTHER PROBLEMS. AGAIN, HYUNDAI CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. I CALLED NHTSA AND HAVE FILE FCC COMPLAINT #87016133 AT THEIR RECOMMENDATION.
NHTSA complaint #11012800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesWest Allis, WI
SUSPENSION
DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING VIOLENTLY IN THE REAR. LUCKILY NO OTHER CARS WERE AROUND AND I HADN'T GOTTEN ON THE FREEWAY YET. AFTER TOW, DISCOVERED THE TRAILING ARM CRACKED THE SUSPENSION. THIS WAS SUPPOSEDLY "CORRECTED" DURING PREVIOUS RECALL. OBVIOUSLY NOT. DEALER WON'T LOOK AT IT STATING THEY HAVE NEW OWNERS. 3 PEOPLE WITH 70 YEARS OF REPAIR EXPERIENCE HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE, OPENED CASE WITH HYUNDAI, NOT EXPECTING MUCH. VEHICLE ALSO HAD TO HAVE ENGINE CRADLE REPLACED (HYUNDAI DID REPLACE AT NO EXPENSE) HOWEVER THEY SCREWED MORE UP AND IT HAD TO BE RETURNED TO FIX THEIR MISTAKES. VEHICLE WAS "INSPECTED" FRONT TO REAR AND WAS "OK", TWICE. THAT WAS END OF 2015. THIS CORROSION COULD NOT HAPPEN IN THAT SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. EVERYTHING IS RUSTED TO ALMOST BEYOND RECOGNITION UNDERNEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10993902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesPueblo, CO
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) AND 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS ROTTED THROUGH TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10979240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,778 milesMonroeville, NJ
SUSPENSION
ON 6/17/14 MY CARS FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FELL OFF. I FOUND TWO RECALLS ON THE INTERNET FOR THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE CAR WAS TOWED/REPAIRED FOR 782.00. IN JULY 2014, HYUNDAI MADE AN INSPECTION OF THE WORK. I ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALL BUT WAS DECLINED AS NOT BEING WITHIN A CAMPAIGN. RECENTLY, THE REAR BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPER WERE REPLACED (FOR THE SECOND TIME). .AFTERWARD, A NOISE I HEARD BECAME LOUDER. ON 8/11/16 THE NOISE WAS DIAGNOSED. IT WAS FOUND THAT NEW SHOCKS WERE NEEDED, AND "REAR PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM IS STARTING TO ROT FROM RUST AND CAUSE NOISE." I WAS TOLD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BY HYUNDAI. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM NATIONAL AUTO SALES IN GLASSBORO, NJ. HYUNDAI APPARENTLY DID NOT KNOW I AM THE OWNER OF THE CAR, AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES FROM HYUNDAI. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ENGINE AND SENSOR PROBLEMS AND MANY OTHERS. I WANT TO AVOID ANOTHER ACCIDENT. HYUNDAI SHOULD REPAIR RECALL #NHTSA 09V123000 FREE OF CHARGE. THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS NOW CAMPAIGN 124 AS OF 10/16/14, FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF 782.00 TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED AND REPAIRED. PLEASE URGE HYUNDAI TO RECOGNIZE A CAMPAIGN FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION FOR MY VEHICLE SO THAT I CAN HAVE THIS ADDITIONAL SITUATION RECTIFIED TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT FROM TAKING PLACE AGAIN.I BELIEVE THAT ALMOST ALL OF THE REPAIRS TO THE HYUNDAI I OWN HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO PAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT WAS FOUND THAT CARS MANUFACTURED IN ALABAMA WERE ALL PART OF MANY RECALLS AND OBVIOUSLY OTHER PLANTS VEHICLES ARE TOO. THE EXPENSES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MY RESPONSIBILITY. THE REPAIRS COST ROUGHLY 5600.00 SINCE NOVEMBER 2011 WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR.FOR 5000.00. THE AIR CONDITIONER AS WELL NEVER WORKED. THAT REPAIR WOULD COST ANOTHER 400.00.
NHTSA complaint #10895479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesRiver Grove, IL
SUSPENSION
REAR TRAILING ARM CRACKED WHILE DRIVING, LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES. TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSES. CONTACTED HYUNDAI WHO WANTS VEHICLE TAKEN TO THEIR DEALER, BUT WON'T SAY IF REPAIR IS GOING TO BE COVERED. PART WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL #09V123000, BUT REPAIR WASN'T SUFFICIENT ENOUGH.
NHTSA complaint #10891640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minocqua, WI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 04/06/16*LJ UPDATED 05/14/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10810938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesMequon, WI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TRAILING ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10787289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesHarper Woods, MI
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, MY WIFE HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AT 10 O'CLOCK IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROLLER ARM HAD BROKE - A RECALL CAMPAIGN WHICH WAS REPAIRED IN 2010 (OR SO WE THOUGHT). DUE TO THIS THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND WE ARE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT, ALTHOUGH THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROLLER ARM WILL BE COVERED, THE DAMAGE TO THE STRUTS AND TIRES ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SUM $973.31. OUR PERSONAL MECHANIC STATES THAT THE FRONT TIRES (UNDER 4 YEARS OLD AND HAVING LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM) AND THE STRUTS (UNDER 5 YEARS OLD) WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED IF NOT FOR THE ISSUE WITH THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROLLER ARM. AT OUR RECALL APPOINTMENT ON DECEMBER 22, 2014 (FOR A SEPARATE ISSUE), THE DEALERSHIP SAW NO ISSUE DURING THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. OUR 2002 SANTA FE HAS 91,000 MILES, AND IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE THAT APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 300 MILES, AS MY WIFE'S WORK IS LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM HOME. HYUNDAI MOTORS AMERICA STATES THAT THEY ARE SEPARATE ISSUES AND THEREFORE NOT PART OF THE REPAIRS THEY WILL COVER.
NHTSA complaint #10701219 — 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.
Pittsburg, PA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURE EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10663417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesCoventry, CT
SUSPENSION
TIRE BLOW OUT SERVICE TECH FOUND ROTTED OUT ENGINE CRADLE.
NHTSA complaint #10661208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muncie, IN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION), THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNDERBODY, THE FRONT STRUT FRAME AND THE COILS SPRINGS RUSTED WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND PENDING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10660134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medford, MA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 27 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO DIFFERENT PRIVATE MECHANICS. BOTH MECHANICS OFFERED DIFFERENT OPINIONS OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FRONT BRAKES OR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRINGS COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION) BECAUSE THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE THE SECOND RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 11/12/14
NHTSA complaint #10641647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,736 milesTega CAY, SC
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARMS FRACTURED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE TRAILING ARM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,736.
NHTSA complaint #10638854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesNewark, DE
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT INADVERTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM AND FRAME WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10627038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesColumbus, OH
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES WOBBLED WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS APPEARED TO BE TURNED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10626642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,191 milesNEW Port Richey, FL
SUSPENSION
AFTER HAVING NEW SHOCKS, STRUTS, CV AXLES, AND NEW TOYO OPEN COUNTRY TIRES PUT ON 02 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHEN ACCELERATING VEHICLE WOULD PULL HARD TO THE RIGHT WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS CAR WOULD PULL THE LEFT. WAS INFORMED IT NEEDED BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END, I HAD THEM REPLACED WAS ALSO INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING THAT BUT WORSE. VEHICLE WAS GIVEN A WHEEL ALIGNMENT PER MECHANIC, CAR WAS STILL PULLING HARD. MECHANIC INSPECTED 02 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND REPORTED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW STEERING RACK. AFTER I HAD THAT INSTALLED VEHICLE WAS STILL PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT DURING ACCELERATION AND LEFT WHEN BREAKING OR LETTING OFF GAS. MECHANIC SAID VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HAD ME LEAVE IT WITH THEM TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. THEY REPORTED AND FIXED A ROTTED OUT FRONT END SUB FRAME. VEHICLE DRIVES AS IF BRAND NEW NOW. A YEAR PRIOR TO THE ABOVE INCIDENT I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM. HYUNDAI WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL ON THOSE PARTS FOR ME.
NHTSA complaint #10617971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,002 milesRhinelander, WI
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS SWAYING AWAY FROM THE FRAME; THERE WAS COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL SO I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; THIS SCARED THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. A FEW MINUTES LATER, I DROVE THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME LATER AFTER HE'D EXAMINED THE VEHICLE THAT THERE WAS SO MUCH CORROSION IN THE REAR TRAILING ARM THAT THERE WAS NO PLACE TO WELD ANYTHING ON TO. COMPLETE CORROSION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS. I COULDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY FURTHER. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD, BEING ON UNEMPLOYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10606982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.