Owners have filed 300 complaints
about the 2005 Hyundai Santa FE with NHTSA between 2005 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 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 — 38
Against the median year of the Hyundai Santa FE. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 83
16% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2005 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
249.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
229.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
135.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2510.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3213.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4920.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5321.9%
150,000+ miles
249.9%
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
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR w/SAB
—
—
—
20.3% risk
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.
Apr 2005peak 11Apr 2025
Recalls on the 2005 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.
United States — NHTSA
14V435000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 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. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.
Risk: If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
05V527000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AS AN ADULT.
Risk: THE POSSIBILITY OF MISCLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN AS AN ADULT MAY ALLOW THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION CRASH OR THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A SIDE COLLISION CRASH; SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
05V450000
AIR BAGS
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AS AN ADULT.
Risk: THE POSSIBILITY OF MISCLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN AS AN ADULT MAY ALLOW THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION CRASH OR THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A SIDE COLLISION CRASH; SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bronx, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11433492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11374286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11374286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11374286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,697 milesClearwater, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11097200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,697 milesClearwater, FL1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11097200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carlsbad, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11655016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesLake Geneva, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LOCK
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.
NHTSA complaint #11616406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car all of a sudden stopped running like normal. Can't go above 20 mph without sounding like backfiring or dying
NHTSA complaint #11517629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
ENGINE
Car all of a sudden stopped running like normal. Can't go above 20 mph without sounding like backfiring or dying
NHTSA complaint #11517629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car all of a sudden stopped running like normal. Can't go above 20 mph without sounding like backfiring or dying
NHTSA complaint #11517629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,670 milesArcata, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11511672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Layton, UT
AIR BAGS
The Air Bag light stays on and from my research the air bag will not work in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11500381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11497467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IL
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
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.
NHTSA complaint #11497467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harpursville, NY
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11471605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snohomish, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11456515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11433492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11374286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11374286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11374286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,234 milesBoise, ID
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11328664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,234 milesBoise, ID
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11328664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesPort Charlotte, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THROTTLE STUCK NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FAULTY TPS SEEN MANY WITH SAME COMPLAINTS..
NHTSA complaint #11292467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesPort Charlotte, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THROTTLE STUCK NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FAULTY TPS SEEN MANY WITH SAME COMPLAINTS..
NHTSA complaint #11292467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMadison, TN
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11270284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lightfoot, VA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON FOR A WHILE, THEN IT GOES OUT CHANGES SOMETIMES IN MOTION OR PARKED, NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11243776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON
NHTSA complaint #11233551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,880 milesSAN Antonio TX, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V450000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHEEHY HYUNDAI OF WALDORF (LOCATED AT 2910 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601, (301) 812-3318) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,880. *TR CONSUMER STATED ISSUE WAS REPORTED IN 2010/11. IT IS ALSO RELATED TO BUCKLE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY AGREED THAT THEY HAVE THE NAME OF THE CONSUMER BUT THEIR SYSTEM CAN'T RETRIEVE SERVICE DETAILS. THE LIGHT IS STILL ON FOR AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #11221286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,797 milesLindenwold, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11219374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesWestfield, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GAS TANK HAS CORROSION AND MECHANIC CONFIRMS THE TANK IS LEAKING GASOLINE DUE TO THE CORROSION!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11207875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
