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Comments
Granted any report/survey regarding problems should always be taken with a grain of salt due to variances in methodology, reporting percentages, etc, but CR is usually "fairly" accurate. The thing to remember here is that CR's ratings are based on how a vehicle ranks with its "peers", not on some absolute scale. That means that maybe the SF transmission could have some problems but it ranks at the top of the scale compared to similar vehicles. Ergo, you could take that to mean that the SF transmission is at the top of the heap and a shining example of automotive engineering, or just merely the best of a bad bunch!
Several posts mention the Forester. We have a 2001 with 105k+ miles. It hasn't had any major transmission issues but it's had it share of problems. Eats brakes and no we're not hard on them.. Do a search for "head gasket problems". Or rusted fuel filler neck problem. Worst stereo I've ever heard. There were other problems but the car had it's good points. Granted this was a 2001 model.
The Sante Fe looks nice overall compared to other things in it's price range. A family member has a Highlander and while nice it's had a couple of issues while costing $7k more for a similar equipped model.
None of us in our circle of owners have had any transmission troubles. That includes some strenuous driving in the Rocky Mountains.
Our Santa Fe is the only car in the group that has had any issues at all. We had a problem with the passenger side front airbag sensor, which required two trips to the dealer. Other than that, our car has been dead on reliable over 35K miles.
Hyundai has been really pleasant and responsive to work with. They even upgraded our front map lights for free when they redesigned and improved them for the 2008 model year, and replaced a broken interior vent as a warranty repair when really ... it was a hyperactive 10 year old who broke it. That was super nice of them.
That said, our Santa Fe was a replacement for an unreliable, expense-prone 2000 Subaru Outback (which suffered from the typical 2.4L engine head gasket and engine seal issues). That was a car made ten years ago, and Subaru's current line of cars may be different. Or it may not be, seeing as Subaru is still using the same doggone drivetrain designs that have been having issues for years and years. But let's not assume that Subaru's cars are going to be any better or worse than Hyundai's products over the long haul. From my own personal experience, Subarus are NOT particularly reliable and can be a real pain in the maintenance department.
So count me as a Subaru skeptic. They shouldn't get a free pass.
Then there is the enjoyability-of-driving issue. I don't know about the their other models, but the brand new Subaru Legacy that I drove as a rental car last month was not very good. It was nice looking, sitting on the rental agency's lot, and I was all enthusiastic to select it from their lineup ... and then I drove it around. Holy cow ... what a underpowered, unresponsive lump. Definately not geared for people who enjoy driving.
My point is that we should not automatically categorize ALL Subarus the same way. Not all Subarus are boring to drive. But at the same time, not all Subarus are sporty. Particularly the current 4 cylinder version of the Legacy ... which seems to aspire to be an AWD version of the Toyota Camry. As a former Subaru owner, I was surprised at how much worse it drove than previous models.
And in terms of reliability ... my 2000 Legacy Outback wasn't very good. I am glad that you had a better experience with your WRX.
Watch your transmission, though.
I recognize from others on this message board, that some people seem to have a significantly "sicker" transmission - i never had problems at higher gears, or after the car warmed up. And certainly never got stuck on the side of the road.
I would also like to say that yes..while i am annoyed that there is any issue at all - I still really like my car. It's comfortable, drives great, its got the best ipod interface/navigation system on the market, and serves my needs well. Good luck
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
I also had the same problem as posted previously with my 2010 Santa Fe and they replaced the transmission last February, and it never did get fixed, ultimately if you go through CAMVAP they too will agree with the manufacturer to replace the Tranny again, my dealership gave me the same option to change the tranny again and since it had so many issues the damage was already done to the vehicle. My dealership offered to take the vehicle back as a trade for another 2010. So far so good, you should see if they are willing to take it back as a trade and get another one.
It started around 5000 miles and now it has 13000 miles on it.
I have had the same problem with my 2010 Sante Fe we bought in March 2010. I am now on my 3rd Transmission and still having the same problem, car only has 15,000 kms on it. Completely frustrated and now sending emails and posts to any place I can find...no more Mr. Nice Guy! :lemon:
On the off chance that there are Manual Trans owners reading this thread (to help themselves feel better about their choice?), I'd like to hear your comments on how they like driving a Santa Fe with a Manual Trans. Thanks and a Happy New Year to all.
Here is my concern and understand that I know absolutely NOTHING about cars.... could this have anything to do with me putting a car starter in it? I ask that question because this started shortly after I got that installed.
When did you get your Santa Fe? The bild Date is on a tag in the driver's door jamb.
Also, my problem is when it downshifts between 3rd and 2nd gear. I don't have any problems "up-shifting".
V6 SF.
#1. Rough (jerk) from 2nd to 3rd, especially when first started,
#2. Delayed shift from 3 to 4 . Seems to hang up in 3rd and can take 10-15 mph change
before it shifts to 4.
Had it to my Dealer twice and after thorough check of all Codes, there was nothing to correct. Was asked if I used the "non ECO" shifting mode and I stated that I new nothing about it.
After using it for a few weeks, I determined that the issues were still present.
Anyone else experiencing any of this ?
So - just saying - some of these I believe will be fixed by the standard Hyundai service campaign in effect. Those of you that are on 3rd trannny - I certainly would be filing lemon law complaint as well...good luck.
I will keep you all updated! Wish me luck!
By the way, do you or anyone know what the differences are between the " ECO on" and" ECO off " shifting modes. Not too much info available in the Manual.
FYI, to give us all some hope.
My last shop visit was on 12/15 so I might assume that the update was not available to the Tech's at that time.
Let's all keep a lookout for this issue and see if it helps the Transmission
problems.
Any suggestions??????????
I'm trying to figure if there was a batch of bad ones with the transmission issues built over a certain period? The build date is on a tag inside the drivers side door.
If any of you guys with the issues wouldn't mind posting your build date, I'd be curious to make this determination.
Frozen out in Alberta