Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2006 and earlier)

vegito1971 · March 2007

For my problem, Step 1 is not an option. The dealership contacted the District Representative for Hyundai and he is now backing their stance. That pretty well eliminates any dealership within a 100 mile radius. But just for kicks I did try another and it popped up the black flag as soon as they punched in my VIN. I am quite sure that they covered their rears at my expense and fed him something that stinketh.

Step 2 didn't offer any relief either. The Hyundai Customer Representative, though friendly and understanding, was obviously just agreeing with everything I said. It was quite obvious that she had no authority in the matter. She was simply what I call a bobble-head. I did ask to speak with a Manager. Unfortunately what I got sounded more like a pizza delivery boy than an experienced manager. Seriously, this guy had to be fresh out of school from the sound of it. He stuttered and fumbled for words and I was just waiting for him to open a response with "Dude".

Actually 6 out of 7 Hyundai vehicles purchased within my immediate family have been from another dealership. Unfortunately that dealership is 90 miles away. It is certainly worth the drive to buy since they have undercut every other dealership by at least $1,000 on each purchase.

But for service we tend to stay a little closer to home. But I can say that I will not ever consider buying or servicing another vehicle from this dealership again, regardless of make or model.

gwilly · March 2007

On a related note, I checked the hmaservice website to find out what pinouts are on the trailer harness. Their photo #126 shows another location than that on our 07 SE AWD,( I did find ours) and it shows F61 and F62 for the harnesses but what do you do with that?

I assume you can do 2 things, 1. go to the local dealership service dept. and ask for an adapter or 2. just cut them off and figure it out for yourself. But I realized that the best thing would be to ask here in this Sante Fe specific forum to get the answer.

I was thinking of installing my old brake controller/wiring harness plug on this vehicle and if is indeed too complicated then I will have to drop it off at a local tow hitch company to get that taken care of.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

gwilly · March 2007

Tried number 1 today, went to Hyundai in Thousand Oaks, CA and they looked up the part that would plug into the trailer harnesses that are provided on the "trailer prewiring". The gentleman called corporate and found out they haven't made them yet.....typical clusterf*&k.

Then I inquired about the door lock reprogramming, which the service person was unaware of (doh). I asked him to find out if they could do it and he found out it would be $45, I then asked could they do it in conjunction with an oil change for free.....he still said $45.....gotta love the positive energy flowing from LADIN Hyundai.

I really don't think I will ever get that auto-lock feature turned on if it is $45. I'm sure if I try to have my rear left door looked at(it sticks out from the body way more than the other 3)and the hard door closing issue I'm sure I will get the same B.S. Trying to stay positive here in So.Cal.

doubleh · March 2007

i had the hard door closing issue, but after 3 months of ownership it has disappeared. they do have a few layers of weather stripping so maybe it justed need a break-in period.

pelican19 · March 2007

Turning the locks on is a feature of the car that was disabled by DEFAULT. The dealer is instructed to ask the owner if they want it on during pr-delivery inspection. Also, adjustments are free for the first year or 12k miles and this falls under that category. Info was given to me by my dealer in NY.

axis_roll · March 2007

I am hearing a thump thump fom the rear (axle?) only when backing up. what's weird is no noise whatso ever going forward.

pelican19 · March 2007

Same here. Noticed it more in snow. Spoke to the dealer and they said its normal for the AWD system. Somehow that answer was expected but not comforting...

feduphouston · March 2007

We have a Santa Fe 2001. ALL repairs and maintenance have been performed by the dealership. We bought it used with 28k and at 93k the timing belt broke and we had to have a rebuilt engine put in. Hyundai made us pay almost $500 for the repairs. We paid. The car had 199k and the engine began making a loud knocking noise. Stopped at a trusted mechanic - he took off the top part of the engine and said it needed to go to the dealer. Called the same place we had always dealt with, they sent out a wrecker and picked up the car. We wanted to know what went wrong with the car before we would authorize repairs. Dealer had car for 5 weeks, could not answer what the problem was other than to say - needs new engine. Got tired of chasing them - so said, okay, how much for new engine -- reply -- $9,000! We said okay, how much for a rebuilt engine -- reply -- $7,500!! How much to get back our car? $700!! What did you do? $160 for tow!! (never charged BEFORE!) the rest is for "disassembling engine"!!! We called Hyundai Customer Service. Turns out the dealership had been sold - one month before -- Hyundai Customer Service, young girl, very nice, bobble head, says that Hyundai has absolutely no control over ANYTHING a dealer does. They can charge whatever they like, when they like, for no work, for Any.Thing. She is kind enough to call a different dealer, farther away, and he says he can tow car ANY PLACE IN TEXAS for $60 and he can do "tests" to see what is wrong with engine for $150! He says he has received 5 cars in the last 3 weeks from our previous dealer. Decide Hyundai people cannot be trusted. Take car to local jr. college and have rebuilt motor put in. Cost? $10 labor. They had the car 2 weeks! BUT, the plastic cover on top of the engine - arrived to college broken. The wiring harness to the silenoid has been CUT! be forewarned. Hyundai has no control over their dealers! We STILL (this happened last August) have not been able to get wiring harness fixed -- went to new dealership to just order one today - told price is $3,000!!! I will never, ever, not in a million years, for any reason, buy another Hyundai. :mad: Oh, forgot that the transmission also suddenly "slips" and then, "catches" - it is quite scary. This car hasn't been "dogged" - we are in our fifties and don't usually have such car problems.

pelican19 · March 2007

Your belt should have been changed at 60k. How it got you to 93k is amazingly a mystery. You ONLY paid 500 for a rebuilt motor and got another 100k+ out of it and your upset. Your a tough customer.

feduphouston · March 2007

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. I didn't realize I sounded as if I were upset about the first rebuilt motor. (I left out the part though where we had taken the car in for service a couple of times BEFORE the timing belt broke and no mention was made to us that we should get it changed at 60k; we accepted the fact that we should have read the owner's manual and ultimately it was our responsibility.) I thought I had made it clear that I had no problem with the dealership before it was purchased by crooks and cons. I THOUGHT I was making it clear that I was upset about being charged $700 FOR NO WORK and TEARING UP MOTOR PARTS with NO INTERVENTION FROM HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE. I also thought I was making it clear that I thought that SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a rebuilt motor and THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS for a WIRING HARNESS were EXCESSIVE. Other than the fact that you understood that I am extremely dissatisfied and distrusting of Hyundai after my experiences with them, you really missed the jist of my post.

pelican19 · March 2007

My post was based on the assumption the vehicle is out of warranty. Hyundai Customer Service Reps will not police a dealer at this point. Youre better off filing a report with the Better Business Bureau. What the dealer did to you was very un-professional and criminal IMO.

The title of your post does not mention the lousy service and criminal acts your dealer subjected you to. Your dealer is responsible for 99% of your issues yet you chose to hang Hyundai Customer Service in the title.

dastosher · March 2007

I was wondering if you ever got this problem resolvoed.

I have the exact same vehicle 2003 Santa Fe with the exact same problem.

I took it to a dealer, they told me it was the transfer case, (part of the power train) and covered under warranty. They replaced the transfer case, and it was fine for a couple of days. Then the problem came back. Now they tell me its the drive shaft, and its not covered by warranty. They told me it will cost $1100 to fix.

I'm scheduled to take it to another dealer next week. I want a second opinion. I will post with the results

antcass911 · March 2007

My fiance and I just bought our 2003 LX about a month ago and we love it. He loves to do modifications and put in a Pioneer cd player and a 12" JL W3 subwoofer along with 4 (2-10" and 2-15")green neon lights. It looks and sounds great. The only thing is, now that he did that, the thermostat reads in celsius instead of Fahrenheit, which is slightly annoying being that I dont really know celsius that well. I dont have an owners manual yet, I am trying to get one from the dealership, and we want to get it fixed. Does anyone know how to change it back?? Please Help

pelican19 · March 2007

Im guessing you have the digital climate control w/ DUAL ZONE. While the truck is running hold down the MODE BUTTON and the DUAL BUTTON for 3 seconds and it will switch to F.

Let me know if this works or you dont have these buttons.

antcass911 · March 2007

I don't have the Dual Button. But that was worth a try. If any other suggestions that would be great. Thanks so far.

axis_roll · March 2007

I don't have AWD.

pelican19 · March 2007

Ok.
If your looking for assistance provide year and type of drivetrain. Its clear you dont have AWD so Im guessing 4WD. Is this correct?

vegito1971 · March 2007

Hold the AMB button down and press the TEMP down arrow button for 3 seconds or more. This allows you to toggle between Fahrenheit or Centigrade.

ppborceb · March 2007

I assume you're still under warranty, and I thought the drive shaft was part of the drive train... what's up with that???
Am I missing something or just totally mis-informed???

deanov6 · March 2007

Hi Guys

I'm from England but I am dissapointed to report that the customer service over here sucks just as much. I have a 2001 Santa Fe 2.7AWD with 68,000 miles on the clock. Driving to work I went to pull out, the car started to move and then lost all drive to the wheels as if it had popped out of gear. Taking the car to a gear box specialist they have now told me that both the transfer case and gear box need replacing to fix the problem (mainly because the actually broken part between the two is not sold separately by Hyundai). To supply and fit these parts will cost £5300 and this is POUNDS so I don't know what that works out at in Dollars. I turned green when I was told, the whole car is only worth about £6000. Oh, and over here we don't get the 10-year drive train warranty. :sick:

I've contacted Hyundai Customer Services and they are refusing to help out at all. So, I am faced with the decision of having to pay the money, which would probably take 3 years to pay for, or scrap the car and lose my money that way and have to by something cheap instead. This is a ridiculous situation. How can a six year old car with 68000 miles on it possible need a repair that is nearly the same as the entire value of the car. :mad:

Hyundai, you need to sort yourselves out. I will never be buying another Hyundai ever again.

Oh, by the way, this problem all started out with that thumping in the axels when engaging reverse and I was told it was nothing - you have been warned!

antcass911 · March 2007

That worked! Thank you so much. I was beginning to be very annoyed by the celsius!! I really appreciate your help!! Thanks again!

dastosher · March 2007

I would think a driveshaft is covered by warranty too. The fact is, I am just going by what the dealer at Annapolis Hyundai in Maryland told me. Either these mechanics are crooks are they are just stupid. I'm figuring the second one. After I was told that it would cost $1100, I decided to get a 2nd opinion. This other dealer told me it was a front right axel, and IS covered by warranty. They fixed it the next day. That was a couple of days ago. It's running like a champ. All it cost me was a rental car for 2 days. $83 compared to $1100, and the vehicle is FIXED.

rangersrock · March 2007

Is it common for a car to drip fluid, like maybe condensation? A clear liquid drips from my new Santa Fe, leaving a puddle about a foot in diameter. The car runs fine and no indicator lights have come on to suggest a problem. Not sure if this is normal or if I need to have the dealer look at it.

pelican19 · March 2007

That seems to be normal. I found the same issue two days ago at around 69 degrees in new york that day. I did not put the ac on so I was wondering what it was. Called the dealer and the first thing they asked was did I have the climate control on auto. I said yes. Ah Ha, the system is designed to regulate the temperature to what you set it to. Putting on the ac if needed to keep it at that temp without notifying you via the ac indicator. Sounded plausible to me for now. We will see....

rangersrock · March 2007

Thanks for the input. I was hoping you would respond. The temps have been higher here (Texas) so I bet that is it.

pelican19 · March 2007

No problem. I wish it was in the sixties right now. We are getting hit real hard by an ice storm. It has been coming down since early this morning. Put the Entourage in the garage and took out the Santa. Boy do I love the AWD.

axis_roll · March 2007

actually it's a 2.7 FWD Santa Fe.

pelican19 · March 2007

Ok. Thats where I got lost. In your original post you said you heard a noise from the rear axle. Thats why I thought you had AWD/4WD. Your truck is FWD, you dont have a rear axle. Any noise back there is not good. It may be the bearrings in the wheel hub assembly. Hyundai uses the same components. A spindle is used in place of a rear axle for FWD. Look at this image of the rear suspension to get an idea of whats back there. Hope it helps.

See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

skagwaypilot · March 2007

We had a thumping when backing up.. it turned out to be the rear disc brakes..

teacher447 · March 2007

I own a Santa Fe 2004 AWD 3.5. I had to have the rear brakes replaced at 34,000 miles. cost $300 at the Hyundai dealership. I've never had any car that I've owned had brakes replaced that early. Usually they get replaced at 70-80000 miles. I was going to go to a local mechanic, but my wife heard our conversation and wouldn't even get in the car until it was repaired. Anyone else have this problem?

pelican19 · March 2007

Due to normal operation or was there a problem?

pelican19 · March 2007

What was replaced? Just the pads?

I owned the 03/2.7/4WD and at 27,500 I needed the front pads replaced. I thought that was too soon and the answer I got was the Santa Fe is real hard on the Front brakes. Yeah, didnt buy it either...Cost: $ 110.00, it included labor, pads and having the rotors cut.

wagkat · March 2007

When i turn on the AC all the lights come on and i can't steer. what is the issue

teacher447 · March 2007

I sometimes hear a noise ( more like a squeal ) when I back up. This only happens when it rains or conditions are wet. The pads were replaced and the rotors resurfaced. The dealership claimed it was normal.

deanov6 · March 2007

Well mine doesn't do it, so I would not class it as normal. As it is only when it is wet, could it just be fan belt squeal?

teacher447 · March 2007

It comes from the rear, only when I back up. The squeal only occurs when it rains or there is a lot of dew and it only last one or two applications of the brakes.

davesuv · March 2007

That transient squeal from the brakes, particularly in reverse is normal. It's classically heard when the brake pads are moist. If you drive through water you may get the noise until the pads dry out (usually after a few applications of the brake). I've experienced the same phenomena in several different cars over the years. Brake pad dust can make it worse, so if it bothers you, you can always bring it in and have them clean the pads.

As long as it doesn't persist all the time, I wouldn't worry about it.

vegito1971 · March 2007

I finally got around to taking my 2006 Santa Fe to another dealership that seems reputable today. Unfortunately I had to go 50+ miles to get there. BUT they did at least take time to investigate the problem whereas the other took the "prove it's still broke" attitude with me.

Ironically the Service Manager at the "new" dealership was able to duplicate the problem with the lumbar collapsing within about 10 minutes and 0 miles. What a shocker! Finally someone can vouch for my claim and I am no longer a "liar". Now he has gone back to Hyundai Corporate and is awaiting a response.

The previous dealership had the thing 4 separate times and claims to have not been able to duplicate the problem. What incompetence!

On a related note I received a call from Hyundai Customer Service for a follow-up Satisfaction Survey for round 4 at the previous dealership. They asked me to rate the dealership in several categories on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the best. On the first question I asked if 0 or negatives were allowed. Unfortunately 1 was the lowest the surveyor replied while laughing. So I made it pretty easy on him and said "give 'em 1's across the board". At first he thought I was kidding as he laughed but I cleared that up (LOL). Then we had a nice little 15 minute chat, elaborating on the issues. He ended by asking what this dealership could do to improve their rating in the future? My response "close up shop" and for Hyundai to revoke their license. He really got a kick out of that one.

Perhaps Hyundai might yet be able to salvage faith from me in their service and products. Only time will tell though.

pelican19 · March 2007

Its sad you had to go so far to get any support. I am glad you found a dealer that would help. Good luck...

getusmonster · March 2007

My 2003 santa fe is sporadically dying. It is a 4 cylinder, FWD base model. It has 46,000 miles on it. Last week my wife was driving the vehicle and when she went to start from a red light the car just dies. No sputter, no check engine light, just instantly died as if she had turned the key off. Slipped it into neutral and cranked right up and ran fine for the next week. Yesterday the same exact thing happens, but while she is driving a steady speed of 40. Just dies, no sputter, no light, nothing. Slipped into neutral started fine and ran fine. Today while stopping at a stop sign same thing. If its a module it would seem it would throw an engine light. If its a fuel filter issue it would sputter as the motor will still try to fire from the gas in the lines ahead of the filter and will sputter on fumes. Ignition is the only thing that comes to mind, but I am seeking your opinions here. Its going to the dealer next week but just thought I would try to figure it out as its not really that safe to drive when it randomly dies.

Thanks alot in advance ya'll.

pelican19 · March 2007

Wow. Had the same exact issue on my 03 but it happened with less than 10k miles. Man, was I upset. Had roadside assistance tow it back to the dealer. Turned out to be a bad crank sensor if I remember correctly. Otherwise a good truck. Turned it in for the 07 Limited. Never looked back.

deanov6 · March 2007

I had a friend who had the same problem, but his turned out to be that he was dancing to his Celine Dion CD too hard in the car and was hitting the ignition key with his knee! :shades:

discipleguy · March 2007

I have a 2001 SF V6. I just put 100,000 miles on it. I have never changed my spark plugs, timing belt or pretty much anything else. It runs and starts very well. I still average around 23/24 MPG. Should I go ahead and replace the belts and spark plugs even though Im getting good performance (we all know it costs an arm and a leg to change plugs on this SUV)? Its not a timing chain so will it hurt the engine if it breaks while driving? I have always changed oil, rotated tires, done alignments, and air filters on a regular basis. What preventative stuff should I absolutely do at this point? Your professional advice/opinions are greatly appreciated. I LOVE this vehicle. It has been such a dependable and comfortable ride. Praise God.

deanov6 · March 2007

It will definitely be cheaper to change the timing belt BEFORE it snaps. Personally, if they've not been changed, I would change everything you mention now, but at the very least I would get the belt done.

flaham · March 2007

This is my first post but I have a question that I haven't seen anywhere. My 2003 Santa Fe "shrugs" when I brake--although it doesn't seem to happen as much if I stop either angled down or up. 76,00 miles (we camp frequently) and this is the only problem we have had. I LOVE this vehicle!! Previous car was a GMC Safari but with two new knees it was difficult to climb up. Now I just slide in. Anyone have any ideas as to what is causing the "shrug"?

pelican19 · March 2007

A shrug or more commonly called a wave. One or more of the rotors have begun to wear unevenly. Have them looked at. If you have kept up with the brakes a simple cut and new pads by a trained mechanic will solve the problem.

mycgilligan · March 2007

Does anyone have experience with getting Santa Fe body parts repaired after a wreck? I have a 2007 Santa Fe Limited with the premium package and had it for just 4 weeks when last week I was hit by a Harley!! He got me in the drivers side in front of the front tire. So it looks like I'll need to replace the entire front end piece, head light, hood, and piece over the tire:(( The head light actually still works! Police report isn't in yet, so no info from insurance company until probably next week, but just thought I would ask for info/advice. Have never had a wreck or been involved in one, ( and I'm 43), so I'm not sure what to expect. Do I need Hyundai parts to keep the warranty intact? I know that I would rather have the real thing. Do I have to take it to a Hyundai dealer collision center or can I go to a private body shop? Should I contact Hyundai? And if so, who and how? Luckily, only the Harley guy was hurt, but not bad--just scrapes and bruises. :sick:

0patience · March 2007

Do I need Hyundai parts to keep the warranty intact?
You probably won't have a choice, there aren't much in the way of aftermarket body parts available yet for the model year 2007s. As for the question about the warranty and aftermarket parts........Yes, they can refuse to honor any body warranty in regards to the replaced parts if you use aftermarktet parts.
Do I have to take it to a Hyundai dealer collision center or can I go to a private body shop?
You can take your vehicle to any shop to have the work done, but in my opinion, you will be far better off at the dealer for this new a vehicle.
Should I contact Hyundai? And if so, who and how?
Hyundai's customer service is quite good and they may be able to provide you some information regarding your vheicle and its repairs. You don't have to contact Hyundai at all.

Understand that because your vehicle's model year is the current one and your warranty is still intact, you should do what ever possible to utilize OEM parts and keep your warranty intact.
If your vehicle were 5 years old or older, then I would say it would be up to you as to whether you wanted to use aftermarket or OEM parts.

Realize that as far as parts fit and look, OEM replacements are usually far better than aftermarket.

Hope this helps.

lucky15 · April 2007

I just purchased my Sante Fe 6 days ago and I have noticed several squeaks and rattles, when I test drove it I was on smooth interstate highway most of the time and I did not notice any noises but driving on city streets brings out all of the imperfections in assembly, I have not read of anyone else having this problem, am I the only one and if not was the dealer helpful in finding them. I traded in my wifes 93 Lexus on it and her car being 14 years old didn`t have one squeak or rattle in it, but it did have a few other problems, maybe I should have stayed with Lexus.

gizzer777 · April 2007

Odd...I have driven over some pretty bumpy roads and the 2007 SF is VERY quiet. This is the first report of noises.
Granted, mine only has about 1100 miles (mostly city on not so good roads)but the only noise I have heard is the pass seatbelt hitting the pillar when no one in is sitting in the seat,

When testing a vehicle I do a pretty good one on the one I am thinking of...it FIRST goes on a very bumpy road, then a curvy one, and lastly the hwy.

I would talk to the dealer and he should be able to find and repair them...BTW: do check the fastening of your spare tire mount.....IMHO Lexus is a good vehicle but way over priced for a Toyota,,,in fact so is Toyota for a Toyota.:}

It seems like dealer cooperation is a really BiG factor with this manufacturer...(so was my Mini cooper...one dealer was great ....the next terrible.)

The price is what originally attracted me to the SF.

No matter what you buy these days, it seems as though there are more lemons and less attention to detail than the older cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2006 and earlier)

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