RoadVitals

2002 Santa Fe Santa Fe Trailer Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Aug 4, 2004
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Santa Fe Santa Fe Trailer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine815.1%
  • Visibility713.2%
  • Driver assistance611.3%
  • Transmission47.5%
  • Powertrain (other)47.5%
  • Suspension47.5%
  • Brakes47.5%
  • Electrical47.5%
  • Other / unspecified35.7%
  • Seat belts35.7%
  • Steering23.8%
  • Body & structure11.9%
  • Tires & wheels11.9%
  • Exterior lighting11.9%
  • Heating & air conditioning11.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM SINGLE AND NO ONE ELSE HAS ACCESS TO MY CAR, I FUEL IT MYSELF, AND I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, THEY STATED THE GAS CAP IS NOT TIGHT. I CLICK IT 4 TIMES EVERY TIME TO MAKE SURE SINCE THEY SAID IT WILL COST $ 75.00 TO RESET IT AS IT DOES NOT RESET ITSELF. THIS TIME WHEN I TOOK IT IN, THE LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT OFF THEN CAME ON AGAIN, SO SINCE IT DOES NOT SET ITSELF AND THE CAP WAS NOT LOOSE (I CHECKED FIRST THING), THEN I DO NOT SEE HOW THEY CAN SEE IT IS LOOSE. I EVEN ASKED THEM IF MAYBE THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE CAP OR WHY IT CAME LOOSE, THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW IT WAS JUST LOOSE. I THINK THERE IS A SENSOR PROBLEM OR GAS CAP CRACK OR PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CAP CAN NOT LOOSEN ITSELF NOR CAN VAPORS ESCAPE WHEN IT IS CLICKED 4 TIMES AND VERY TIGHT AND NOOELSE HAS ACCESS TO MY VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID 10033119 · filed Aug 19, 2003

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. DEALER HAS INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES BUT CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE OR CODE.*AK

NHTSA ID 10024685 · filed Jun 23, 2003
All 8 reports naming engine

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE.AVE HAD 3 ALTERNATORS AND BATTERIED REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE. LAST WEEK THE THIRD WAS INSTALLED. VEHICLE STILL WILL NOT CRANK LIGHTS DIM WIPERS SLOW. RADIO CUTS OFF WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE LIGHTS FLASH WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF AND KEY IS OUT OF IGNITION/.*AK

NHTSA ID 10032960 · filed Aug 17, 2003

THE WINDSHIELD HAS BEGAN TO CRACK FROM THE LOWER RIGHT-HAND CORNER (PASSENGER'S SIDE) UP ABOUT 16" IN AN "S" SHAPED PATTERN. THERE IS -NO- INDICATION OF A ROCK OR OTHER ITEM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP (FAIRFAX HYUNDAI, FAIRFAX, VA) THAT IT IS THE RESULT OF A ROCK -BUT- THERE IS -NO_ IMPACT CRATER TO SUGGEST THIS. WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT "STRESS FRACTURES" I WAS TOLD -THOSE- OCCUR FROM THE "INSIDE-OUT" AND THAT THIS WASN'T A STRESS FRACTURE... I FIND THAT TO BE B.S. *AK

NHTSA ID 10020890 · filed Jun 2, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. THE DRIVER HAD TO MANUALLY ACCELERATE TO GET THE VEHICLE UP TO SPEED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB *PH *NLM

NHTSA ID 10044679 · filed Nov 12, 2003

AFTER RELEASE FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER FOR TEN DAYS, AND TECHNICIAN CAN DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 10004695 · filed Jan 27, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXPERIENCED DELAY AND HARSH SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE SINCE 06 JANUARY 2004. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND PARTS WERE ORDERED. AUTO IS NOT DRIVABLE AND HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERS SHOP SINCE 02 FEBRUARY 2004. DEALER SAYS THE PART IS ON A "NATIONAL BACK ORDER. *JB

NHTSA ID 10060667 · filed Mar 7, 2004

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM REAR END. THIS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE DRIVELINE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10046701 · filed Nov 10, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE.*MR THE CONSUMER FEELS SHE MAY HAVE MADE THE WRONG CHOICE WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED FALSE HORSEPOWER ADVERTISEMENT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER A MONTH AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. AN ECM REPROGRAMMING RECALL WAS RECEIVED BUT ONCE THE REPAIRS WERE MADE ANOTHER PROBLEM SURFACED. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED THREE TIMES BUT THE NOISE RECURS NOW LOUDER THAN EVER. THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN BACKING. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. *NM

NHTSA ID 10087431 · filed Aug 4, 2004

GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT WHEELS.CONTACTED DEALERSHIP SERVICE BUT ISSUE IS TAKING LONG TO BE RESOLVE.AFTER CHECKING NHTSA,REALIZED THERE WAS A TSB ON THE ISSUE(SERVICE BULLETIN # 0340002).MANUFACTURER IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT NOT ACTING ON THE ISSUE.*AK

NHTSA ID 10058811 · filed Feb 24, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NOISE IN FRONT END SINCE JULY 2002. TOOK CAR TO DEALER APPROX 8 (EIGHT) TIMES SINCE JULY 2002. ON OR ABOUT APRIL 2004 I WAS NOTIFIED - SOR # 29180-ARM & RACK,BUSHING TO BE REPLACED PROBLEM STILL OCCURS AS OF JULY 2004 SITUATION IS WORSE THAN BEFORE. *AK THE CONSUMER REQUESTED STATUS. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10082828 · filed Jul 28, 2004

WHILE TRAVELLING AT 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY (STRAIGHT UP AN INCLINE), FRONT LEFT WHEEL AND TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HUB. WHEEL AND TIRE REMAINED INTACT AFTER SEPARATION FROM HUB AND BOUNCED DOWN THE HIGHWAY, INDICATING TIRE PRESSURE WAS MAINTAINED ENOUGH TO BOUNCE HIGH IN THE ROADWAY. UPON INSPECTION, LUG STUD BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE HUB. THERE WAS ALSO A CRACK IN THE HUB THROUGH ONE OF THE LUG STUD BOLT HOLES. THE POLICE CHECKED THE ROAD FOR ANY HAZARDS WHICH MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM, BUT NONE WERE FOUND. DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREMELY SHORT DURATION OF INCONSISTENCY OF VEHICLE HANDLING IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO WHEEL SEPARATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 10078575 · filed Jun 21, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE.AVE HAD 3 ALTERNATORS AND BATTERIED REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE. LAST WEEK THE THIRD WAS INSTALLED. VEHICLE STILL WILL NOT CRANK LIGHTS DIM WIPERS SLOW. RADIO CUTS OFF WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE LIGHTS FLASH WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF AND KEY IS OUT OF IGNITION/.*AK

NHTSA ID 10032960 · filed Aug 17, 2003

FRONT BRAKES SQUEALING,NOISE GOES AWAY WHEN BRAKE PEDAL PUSH. LESS THEN 13K MILES. SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THE SANTA FE. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10023475 · filed Jun 20, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE.*MR THE CONSUMER FEELS SHE MAY HAVE MADE THE WRONG CHOICE WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED FALSE HORSEPOWER ADVERTISEMENT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER A MONTH AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. AN ECM REPROGRAMMING RECALL WAS RECEIVED BUT ONCE THE REPAIRS WERE MADE ANOTHER PROBLEM SURFACED. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED THREE TIMES BUT THE NOISE RECURS NOW LOUDER THAN EVER. THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN BACKING. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. *NM

NHTSA ID 10087431 · filed Aug 4, 2004

2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE.AVE HAD 3 ALTERNATORS AND BATTERIED REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE. LAST WEEK THE THIRD WAS INSTALLED. VEHICLE STILL WILL NOT CRANK LIGHTS DIM WIPERS SLOW. RADIO CUTS OFF WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE LIGHTS FLASH WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF AND KEY IS OUT OF IGNITION/.*AK

NHTSA ID 10032960 · filed Aug 17, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED VEHICLE FAILED TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 120. *PH THE CONSUMER FEELS HYUNDAI SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF HAVING THE CONSUMER AFFIX A NEW LABEL OVER THE ORIGINAL LABEL. *MR *NM

NHTSA ID 10055486 · filed Jan 15, 2004

OWNER MANUAL STATED VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN ISO FIX SYSTEM, BUT SYSTEM WAS NEVER INSTALLED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10040478 · filed Sep 24, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PLASTIC ON CHILD SEAT IS BOWING WITH PRESSURE. *MR UPON INSTALLATION OF THE SNUG RIDE BASE WITH ADJUSTABLE FOOT IN FROST OUTRIGHT POSITION, WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO PLACE THE SEAT BELT SNUG, THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT POPPED INTO THE CENTER SLOT. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10076027 · filed Jun 4, 2004

THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT LOCK INTO THE BUCKLE NEXT TO IT , BUT LOCKS INTO THE CENTER POSITION BUCKLE ( MIDDLE PASSENGER BUCKLE ). THE BUCKLE NEXT TO THE LEFT PASSENGER STATES "CENTER". WHEN SEATBELTS ARE BUCKLED THE LEFT AND MIDDLE PASSENGERS BELT AND BUCKLE HAVE OVERLAP. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE SALESMAN AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT - THEIR SOLUTION IS TO LEAVE THE PLASTIC BUCKLE RETAINER IN PLACE FOR THE BUCKLE NEXT TO THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER OR COMMENT ITS KOREAN ; AS IF THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK

NHTSA ID 767507 · filed Sep 21, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NOISE IN FRONT END SINCE JULY 2002. TOOK CAR TO DEALER APPROX 8 (EIGHT) TIMES SINCE JULY 2002. ON OR ABOUT APRIL 2004 I WAS NOTIFIED - SOR # 29180-ARM & RACK,BUSHING TO BE REPLACED PROBLEM STILL OCCURS AS OF JULY 2004 SITUATION IS WORSE THAN BEFORE. *AK THE CONSUMER REQUESTED STATUS. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10082828 · filed Jul 28, 2004

STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. *LA

NHTSA ID 10047488 · filed Nov 24, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A SKID PLATE THAT IS MISSING FROM THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE , THIS COULD CAUSE A FRACTURE TO OIL PAN IF ANY DEBRIS WOULD STUCK IT. THE VEHICLES WITH FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAVE A SKID PLATE, BUT FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES DON'T. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *NLM

NHTSA ID 8018533 · filed Sep 12, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

RECALL NO. #03V520000 CONCERNING TIRE PRESSURE LABEL: THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BALD. CONSUMER FELT THAT THE BALDNESS WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF IMPROPER TIRE PRESSURE. MANUFACTURER INSISTED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WEAR OF THE TIRE.*AK

NHTSA ID 10052021 · filed Dec 29, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ALTERNATOR DOES NOT CHARGE. LIGHTS DIM. WIPERS SLOW. BATTERY DIES. *AK

NHTSA ID 767412 · filed Sep 19, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL HVAC SYSTEM IN MY SANTE FE. THE AIR CONDITIONING WILL WORK NORMAL FOR A TIME PERIOD. THEN WHEN IT IS TURNED ON FROM THE OFF POSITION BY USING THE "AUTO" MODE IT WILL SOUND LIKE THE AIR IS BLOWING BUT ONLY A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF AIR WILL COME OUT. IF IT IS LEFT ON AND IN THE HIGH FAN MODE A DRIPPING SOUND CAN BE HEARD. THE SYSTEM WILL NOT RESET ITSELF UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF FOR A GOOD LENGTH OF TIME (SOMETIMES HOURS). THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT OCCURRED LAST YEAR (IN JULY AND AUGUST 2002) BUT WAS NOT FIXED UNTIL OCTOBER. THE DEALERS REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE TEMPERATURE PROBE IN THE SYSTEM. IT TOOK WEEKS TO GET THE PART IN AND BY THE TIME IT WAS ACTUALLY REPLACED THE OUTSIDE WEATHER WAS TOO COLD TO PROPERLY TEST THE SYSTEM. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE RIGHT FIX BECAUSE IT IS STILL HAPPENING THIS SUMMER. THE VEHICLE IS GOING BACK AGAIN FOR REPAIR.*AK

NHTSA ID 10026123 · filed Jul 15, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .