My wife and I just bought an '01 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2X4, and during our inaugural trip, the day after we took delivery, we experienced what I believe to be extremely bad gas mileage. The trip was a 250+ mile trip from Las Vegas NV to Needles CA and back. We started in Las Vegas with a full tank, and after driving 100 miles to Kingman AZ, it took 6.12 gallons of gas, which comes out to 16.3mpg! This leg of the trip, mind you, is pretty level, with no large amount of hill-climbing. The return leg from Needles to Las Vegas, which was 111 miles, took 6.62 gallons, which is 16.8 mpg.. Prior to buying the Santa Fe we had a Dodge Stratus with a 2.6L V6, just slightly smaller than the Santa Fe, and we regularly got 24-25mpg on this same trip. I get better mileage than this in my old '91 Toyota 4cyl 4X4 on this same trip (19-20mpg).. Is this horrible gas mileage what I can expect to see with the Santa Fe, or is there likely something wrong with the vehicle? We also had several cases where the Cruise Control kicked off while engaged.. I expect I'll be taking the vehicle in for checking out the cruise control issue, but was wondering what do other owners see as an average MPG on the Santa Fe GLX??
I too have experienced the cruise control cutting out. But I have traced it back to operator error/design issue. I discovered that it only occurred when I adjusted my grip on the steering wheel. My problem is that when adjusting my grip I have a tendency to hit the cancel button on the lower left position of the steering wheel which kicks the cruise off. I would like to see a guard placed around all of the cruise buttons(4) to keep this from happening.
I have had trouble calculating an accurate MPG. I recently when on a 1000 mile trip. On my first fillup I calculated an MPG of only 19. But later in the trip I got an MPG of 30! I suspect that I got a very full tank and then was inable to get it as full the next time, thus the very high 30. But I do average about 19 around town which is about 60% short highway trips. I am guessing that I get between 22-24 MPG on longer highway drives. On the long trip, my fillups averaged out to 23.5 MPG. This is in a Santa Fe GLS FWD.
I just completed a 3000 mile trip to Va then to Long Island ny then to hampton Va, then home to Fla. total milage was 2945, and I averaged 26.3 miles to the gallon. I have a fwd LX Santa Fe. The load on the Santa Fe was 300lbs (approximately) plus my wife and I. Two months ago I went to Va for a funeral by myself and I averaged 27 miles to the gallon. I have 8780 miles on the Santa Fe.
I had the same cruise control cutout as Roadkill55 and noticed that my left thumb was brushing the cancel or on off button for the cruise control. I am convinced these cutouts are operator error, the button position on the lower left side of the steering wheel is where all right hand drivers keep their left hand to control the steering wheel.
I've had my Santa Fe for just over a month - 2200 miles. When using the AC, unless i keep the temp dial on the coldest setting, I periodically get *HOT* air blasting out at me. It gets COLD if I leave it on the coldest setting. This morning i needed heat and again, unless on the coldest setting, I was getting blasted out of the vehicle with heat. I'll be going in soon for the first oil change - just wanted to know if anyone else has had problems like this. Thanks!
As I have said in a prior post, my Santa Fe AWD GLS is great. I wouldn't give it up for anything.
It has 7,000 miles now, but I too average about 16-17MPG in short 30 mile highway trips. I was advised by others on this group to take it to the dealer which I haven't had a chance to do yet. But I intend to. In the meanwhile, if anyone finds anything else out about fuel economy, please tell us. Am I correct that the gas tank is 17 gallons?
First of all, your engine is brand new and has barely been broken in. I would wait a while for the fuel economy to stabilise before jumping the gun. Also, with the much poorer aerodynamics of the Santa Fe (not to mention the heavier curb weight) vs your Stratus, that is not a fair comparison. Your Toyota pickup had a smaller engine, was broken in, and was probably lighter than the Santa Fe. Other things to consider include the rolling resistance of the tires. Wider tires = more drag. Your Stratus probably had thinner tires.
The EPA estimates for your vehicle are 19mpg city/26 mpg highway. However, keep in mind that the EPA tests the vehicles by running them on a dyno (i.e. in a lab with the vehicle stationary but the wheels spinning), so they may not be representative of real world situations.
Good luck, Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I was wondering if you had a full tank and maybe thought you did. I've read in the past that the SF has trouble truly "filling up". When my tank was empty-empty, I had it filled (in Oregon, we must have the attendent fill our tanks) - and he only got 12.5 gallons in it. The next time I went in, I ask the guy to put it in at half speed - I also had a quarter of a tank still in the car. This attendent got 13 gallons in- more than the empty tank! So, if you were calculating your miles per gallon on the 17.5 ratio and did not have 17.5 in the car, well, of course, your mpg would register badly.
Gas attendant? that must be nice, I'd like those around here (KY) in January. They don't exist any more, my mom-in-law had to learn to pump her own gas about 2 years ago.
I live in AZ and frequent the mountains. Whenever I go up the steep highway grade and have to step on the gas, I get inundated with sulpher smell. I have greater than 13,000 miles on vehicle now. Any ideas?
The gas attendant requirement makes for some big jokes on Oregonians - especially by Washingtonians - we're usually the idiots at a Seattle gas pump just waiting in the car. The issue has been on the ballot plenty of times - but it can't seem to be voted away because people don't want to take away the jobs of the gas attendants. As a result, gas is slightly more pricey here than in Washington- we have to pay these guy's salaries. Right now it's $1.69 for regular unleaded- can't complain too much - my family lives in California, and according to them, we've got it cheap. liz
The transmission on my sante fe gls 4wd seems to be slipping. I brought it into the dealer and of course they didn't find anything. Going from reverse to drive the rpm's rev while the car hesitates and then proceeds to go. While making a hard acceleration the rpm's are taching out at 7 before it changes gears. Has anyone experienced any similar problems. They told me it was normal for the high rpm's during a hard acceleration
Would like to get name of dealer that repaired paint chips on rocker panel under the driver's door on a warrantee basis---am waiting for the Hyundai rep. to call me to discuss. Thanks.
I've had my FWD GLS for 3 weeks now and I love it.The only problems I have are a rattle that I hear towards the rear of the vehicle and bad MPG.
The rattle sounds like something is shifting around; I don't know if the spare tire is shifting a little bit or what? It doesn't effect the way the car drives. Anyone else having this problem?
The MPG seems to be very poor in this vehicle. I think the gas gauge lies a little bit. I was almost on empty and when I filled it up it only took 13 gallons.
I don't feel the need to take it to the dealer because it drives great.
I just purchased an LX Santa Fe today....My car is the basic LX car with no additional options. For some reason, the car does not have a cassette player but it has a AM/FM/CD player..
According to the Santa Fe brochure given by Hyundai, it states that a AM/FM/CD/Cassette player is standard on the GLS and LX models. It also mention that it is standard in the back of the brochure. Has anyone noticed a missing cassette player on our santa fe? I am calling Hyundai tomorrow to discuss this.
When I test drove a basic LX it didn't have a cassette player. I finally got my LX but it is a LX fully loaded ABS, 3-1 radio (AM-FM/Cassette/CD) paid extra for this stuff.
I've owned my Santa Fe GLS since May 29th. I absolutely love it. However I have noticed that the gas tank stops just short of the Full mark and won't allow you to fill it to the top.
Also, I have noticed the faint smell of rotten eggs every now and then when the car is stopped. The smell passes and I may not smell it again for another week. This was before 500 miles. I now have 514 miles. Has anyone else experienced any one of these things.
Vallynne, There are a multitude of prior posts regarding both of these issues. I've noticed that if the gas is put in NOT at full speed, it fills up very well and full. Also, my car now has 1900 miles on it (I've had since May 1) and I haven't smelled the sulfer smell since 1100 miles or so.
I have found that the only way to completely fill the gas tank is when it is approaching 3/4 full reduce gas flow to about 1/3 full rate. Then you can fill the tank completely to 17+ gallons.
I have a fwd LX and I get about 21mpg surburban driving, and better than 26mpg onthe highway.
Not to sound dumb or naive, but what are you all talking about as far as Edmunds keeping "problems" with the SF from being posted?
Also, has anyone else found it difficult to find a Hyundai dealer? I live in central OK and have found only one dealer in a 200 mi. radius. Any suggestions on locating dealerships? I used carpoint.com and only came up with one dealership in Plano, TX. Would love to know of any dealerships closer to central OK.
The lowest price I have seen on a GLS fwd has been +$21,5000 and +$23,000 for LX model. Have others found there is little room for negotiating a lower price? I'm waiting for the 2002 models to come out before a possible purchase. I'm wanting to make sure these don't get the same bad rep as the KIA Sportages. Don't seem to be so far.
I mispoke myself in my earlier post. Edmunds has nothing to do with problems not being posted on this website. Edmunds allows people to post problems all the time . . . that is one of the things I enjoy most about this site. It allows you to do research and trouble shoot for solutions to many problems you may be having with your vehicle.
There a few Sante Fe owners (that post frequently here at Edmunds) that are very knowlegable about their vehicle and have a lot of advice and recommendations about the vehicle. They could probably answer many of the questions that are raised on this topic but have chosen not to respond on this particular board, "Hyundai Sante Fe Problems", in order to keep the total number of posts to a minimum. That way they give the impression that the Sante Fe is virtually flawless and that problems do not occur with the vehicle. Several references have been made to the number of posts on the "Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute Problems" topic and that because of the sheer volume of posts that the vehicle must be substandard and is subject to frequent failures and problems. By keeping the number of posts on this topic to a minimum, the illusion that the Sante Fe is the perfect small SUV can remain undisturbed in the minds of those particular owners that choose to view the vehicle from that perspective.
Just my observations . . . skewed as they may be. ; )
1. There are no problems in SFs 2. GT has rust in his brand new SF's paint job 3. GT has never reported that fact on this board 4. So...There are no problems in SFs
Here is GT-Cobra's #2467 post on the Santa Fe board back on 7/3/01:
"I was putting gasoline in my Santa Fe today when I noticed Two Rust Stain Spots on the Nordic White paint which are located at the 10:00 and 2:00 Position right above the Screw Off Gas Cap on the rear quarter panel. At the 10:00 and 2:00 position on the left rear quarter panel, above the screw off gas cap, there are two holes that look like they are either drain holes or vent holes. I noticed that right on these two holes and the area around these two holes, there are brown rust stains. I have a Nordic White Santa Fe. The rust stains are on the paint surface and they look like they are inside the paint. I also found another similar rust stain like the ones that are above the screw off gas cap, but this one is located on the front right passenger door, on the edge of the door on the thickness part of the door's sheet metal, between the door and the front right fender. The rust stain on the door is about 1/4" long.
My vehicle is Nordic White. I would like to know if it is common for a white vehicle like mine to show rust stains like this on White Paint. Does anybody else here who owns a Nordic White Santa Fe have similar problems with rust stains on the Nordic White Paint? How did these rust stains get on the paint of a new vehicle this soon? Is this common and normal?
I also would like to know if the rust stains will go away if I apply car wax on the rust stains. I got some White touch up paint from the dealer and want to touch up the area above the gas cap and the area on the edge of the front right passenger door between the door and the right fender.
After inspecting the rust stains in both these areas, they DO NOT come off. The rust stains are embedded IN the paint. Will touching up the rust stains save the vehicle from rusting in these 2 areas where the rust stains are now present?
The vehicle is brand new and only 1 week old. I do not want to have any body work done to it. What should I put on these rust stains before touching them up with White touch-up paint? PLEASE HELP ME."
Gosh, GT, if you REALLY want help, how about posting that message on THIS board, the one entitled "Hyundai Santa Fe Problems"?
OK, OK, sorry; that's kinda petty of me. Here's the help I promised:
1. Write a letter, not a fax, to the owner of the dealership where you purchased that spankin' new SF for which you waited six months. Explain the problem and that you want him to take the vehicle back and give you an identical one but WITHOUT FACTORY DEFECTS. Send this letter registered so someone at the dealership has to sign for it and you have proof-of-delivery. No fax, no email, no telephone call.
2. In your letter, give the owner ten (10) calendar days to respond to you in writing.
3. If the response is positive, you're done. If it's negative or if there is no response, you need to take the Next Step...
4. Write to Hyundai HQ in California and repeat your demand to the highest-ranking executive you can find. Again, do it in writing and attach the letter you already had sent to the dealer. Also attach a copy sent to the Better Business Bureau in your state and to your state's Attorney General. If your state has a Bureau of Consumer Affairs (most do), send them a copy and attach same to the Hyundai HQ VIP.
5. Wait two weeks. If no satisfaction from Hyundai HQ, get a lawyer and get him/her to write a similar letter to Hyundai and the other institutions.
6. Wait another 30 days after the lawyer's letters go out.
7. If there's still no positive news -- just sell the Santa Fe and BUY A LEXUS RX300!!!!
JeffreyBoy, I just want to tell you some good news about my Santa Fe. What I thought to be rust stains in 2 different areas on my vehicle were not rust stains. Instead, it was just some gunk that got on the vehicle during shipping. I was able to wash off these stains without a problem. I wasn't able to wash my vehicle until this weekend and the stains came off after washing it. So JeffreyBoy, I guess that you are now disappionted and put down by the fact that my new Santa Fe is in much better shape than your RX300. You must have thought that my vehicle was rusting so soon and that it was a piece of junk. Well, you were WRONG AGAIN. I suggest that you stay in the Lexus RX300 forum with the other RX300 airheads instead of coming in here and harassing us and trashing the Santa Fe. Your wise remarks and harassing comments about the Santa Fe being a piece of junk are not tolerated here. My Santa Fe is a very good vehicle with NO PROBLEMS and as a Santa Fe owner I saved over $10,000 to $15,000 by purchasing one rather than by purchasing the overpriced and overrated RX300. I have NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with my vehicle. And if I ever do have any problems, I've got the 10 year/100,000 mile Bumper to Bumper Warranty so I am not worried about anything. Hyundai backs their vehicles 100% with their EXCELLENT WARRANTY.
Which character had HIS finger lurking over the button? It wasn't Peter Sellers or George C. Scott...on second thought, wasn't Sellers playing the Prez...so it would have been his finger....
Anyway, if they ever make that movie again, I nominate Steve to play the President.
Sellers played three different roles, including the security advisor/former [non-permissible content removed] who had the uncontrollable arm and kept going "Mein furhuer!" to the prez.
Seem like some of you from the Lexus and possible from the Subaru are trying to extended this discussion which I don't seem to understand why! Isn't because of the jealous on the Santa Fe or what? **I guess it is time for me to go and make up the RX300 Problem Discussion and Subura Forester Problem Discussion so that we can do the same too**
Do whatever you want. Speaking for myself, I don't work for Lexus or have Toyota stock. I could care less what somebody says about an inanimate object. I don't need to make myself feel better by justifying my vehicle purchases to total strangers. Have fun.
Yesterday I brought my ante be DX 6 Cylinder into Tom Hyundhai in Nor wood, MA US for my 3,000 mile oil change. They gave me a free oil change. The fuel pressure switch was sent with the right part number on the box, but the wrong part in the box itself. The original part had a bent prong, that the etch fixed, I guess he bent it back into position so the warning light display works again, along with fixing the lighter that didn't work after my last visit. So I didn't pay a thing, it took all day to fix, I have the 10 year warranty, and all in all, I am happy with ante Fe...still rides nice, doesn't have the zippiest horsepower, but it rides, smooth, quiet, and my position on the highway seems to be respected alot more than driving a small Toyota Corolla. -Arthur
I ask again, I have a Santa fe with 4000 miles on it and it has rust spots on the hubs right behind the tires. Is this common? It has nothing to do with the brakes.. Maybe a few of you guys can go outside and look at your Santa fe's and see If its just mine or if they all have it. Thanks in advance
I did not buy the Santa Fe yet, but I,m leaning that way, still looking.
I just checked J. D Powers and the ratings on the 2001 Santa Fe and Rav 4 are about equal. The Rav got downgraded in mechanical quality and body and interior quality "based on information taken from IQS study, the score is based on problems reported with": .engine and transmission .steering .suspension .braking .exterior paint problems .wind noise .water leaks .poor interior fit and finish .squeaks and rattles
The Santa Fe also had some problems. They gave their highest rating in this category to the Honda CRV. I quess Toyota even has problems in their first model year
I've had mine for about 4 months and not a squeak out of it. Its the first time I've bought something and had no problems at all. As for posting on Edmunds you will find the the santa fe people never answer negative questions only positive ones. So don't expect to get any bad reviews here.... Look at my question about a few spots of rust behind the tires but in front of the rotors not a peep. I'll bet at least 1 thousand people have read the messages.
I asked my dealer on Saturday about this (when I purchased my GLS). His response was that many cars get surface rust on the hubs. We walked around the lot and looked at Hondas, Mitsubishis, and Toyotas. Yes, other new cars had similar rust. It is more apparent in the SF because of the open wheeled design. The dealer also indicated that the amount of rust can depend on the precise makeup of metals in the alloy wheels. I reached in the wheels and it brushed off.
I have a Santa Fe Lx, and I too have large amounts of rust on the rear wheel hubs; looks like the rear hubs are just bleeding rust. I only have 1800 miles on the vehicle. Took it to the dealer today and he said that it's normal for the hubs to rust. I don't know about that, but there were several other Santa Fe's on the lot (not LX's and without the anti-lock brake option); they had an entirely different rear wheel hub. The hubs on my Santa Fe are silver, and the other vehicle hubs are black and look like they're coated with a hard plastic substance. I questioned the maintainence manager and he didn't know the reason for the different in the rear hubs but is going to check on it. Also asked him if there were any tech bulletins in affect for the rear brakes; he's checking on that too. The rear wheels look bad already and I can imagine how they'll look after another 6 months; they'll be completely corroded. I've been looking at other vehicles and they don't seem to have that problem. I would love to hear from anyone that knows more about this subject; if I hear anything from the service manager today regarding the rusty wheel hubs, I'll post it. Thanks guys and gals.
This is hysterical. What you've just described is a service manager at a dealership that doesn't know the difference between rear-drum brakes ("hubs are black") and rear disc brakes ("hubs on my Santa Fe are silver").
That puts a lot of confidence in the quality of Hyundai dealerships.
I checked mine out it does wipe off but its not dirt and its not the brakes and hubs are silver. I am going to ask the dealer if they can be clear coated. I also looked at other cars and they also have it, but with the open spoke design it sticks out more than other rims.
Has anyone experienced a high number of chipping spots from rocks bouncing up and hitting the hood? I have a bunch of chipped areas, and the service manager said that they were from rocks, not a defect in the paint. I find it hard to believe, since I have so many.
Has anyone put on the bug shield to prevent the rocks from bouncing up? Has it helped? The manager said it would deflect the rocks off the hood.
The only problem with my GLS is that it is so quiet and smooth that I got a ticket for going 70 in a 55 zone. If you don't watch, the car sets its own speed and you don't notice that you are flying over those bumpy country roads. You guys need to quit worrying about every little spot on the wheel or paint and just enjoy the ride.
I was told to bring my Santa Fe in to the dealer to check out the Rotten Egg smell. When I arrived I was told there was nothing they could do until they smelled it. It does not happen all the time but can become quite embarrasing when there are other people in the car and all of a sudden this horrible smell pops up. They suggested I change the gasoline, which is Aamoco regular. (This is the gas the manual instructs you to use). Also I asked about the reflectors in the back of the vehicle. I read in this Town Hall that they could be hooked up for less than $20.00 as extra brake lights. The dealer claims to know nothing about this. Are there any suggestions on these two issues.
I'm not sure what causes the rotten egg smell, but my 1987 Pontiac has had this "condition", on and off, since I bought it new back in Dec. 1986. I've got 110k miles on it now with no engine problems yet. It's something in the exhaust possibly caused by the converter. I doubt switching gas brands will improve the situation. It shouldn't affect the performance of the engine. Just come up with a good one liner for the people around you.
Comments
day after we took delivery, we experienced what I believe to be extremely bad gas mileage.
The trip was a 250+ mile trip from Las Vegas NV to Needles CA and back. We started in
Las Vegas with a full tank, and after driving 100 miles to Kingman AZ, it took 6.12 gallons of
gas, which comes out to 16.3mpg! This leg of the trip, mind you, is pretty level, with no large
amount of hill-climbing. The return leg from Needles to Las Vegas, which was 111 miles, took
6.62 gallons, which is 16.8 mpg.. Prior to buying the Santa Fe we had a Dodge Stratus with
a 2.6L V6, just slightly smaller than the Santa Fe, and we regularly got 24-25mpg on this
same trip. I get better mileage than this in my old '91 Toyota 4cyl 4X4 on this same trip (19-20mpg).. Is this horrible gas mileage what I can expect to see with the Santa Fe, or is
there likely something wrong with the vehicle? We also had several cases where the Cruise Control kicked off while engaged.. I expect I'll be taking the vehicle in for checking out the
cruise control issue, but was wondering what do other owners see as an average MPG on the Santa Fe GLX??
Thanks in advance,
Dave and Pat Frandin
dfrandin@lvcm.com
I had the same cruise control cutout as Roadkill55 and noticed that my left thumb was brushing the cancel or on off button for the cruise control. I am convinced these cutouts are operator error, the button position on the lower left side of the steering wheel is where all right hand drivers keep their left hand to control the steering wheel.
It has 7,000 miles now, but I too average about 16-17MPG in short 30 mile highway trips. I was advised by others on this group to take it to the dealer which I haven't had a chance to do yet. But I intend to. In the meanwhile, if anyone finds anything else out about fuel economy, please tell us. Am I correct that the gas tank is 17 gallons?
Saul
The EPA estimates for your vehicle are 19mpg city/26 mpg highway. However, keep in mind that the EPA tests the vehicles by running them on a dyno (i.e. in a lab with the vehicle stationary but the wheels spinning), so they may not be representative of real world situations.
Good luck,
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
liz
around here (KY) in January. They don't exist any more, my mom-in-law had to learn to pump her own gas about 2 years ago.
liz
The rattle sounds like something is shifting around; I don't know if the spare tire is shifting a little bit or what? It doesn't effect the way the car drives. Anyone else having this problem?
The MPG seems to be very poor in this vehicle. I think the gas gauge lies a little bit. I was almost on empty and when I filled it up it only took 13 gallons.
I don't feel the need to take it to the dealer because it drives great.
Can someone help me rest at ease?
liz
Fe today....My car is the basic
LX car with no additional options.
For some reason, the car does
not have a cassette player but
it has a AM/FM/CD player..
According to the Santa Fe brochure given by Hyundai, it
states that a AM/FM/CD/Cassette player is
standard on the GLS and LX models.
It also mention that it is standard
in the back of the brochure.
Has anyone noticed a missing cassette player
on our santa fe? I am calling Hyundai tomorrow
to discuss this.
---Maneesh
Also, I have noticed the faint smell of rotten eggs every now and then when the car is stopped. The smell passes and I may not smell it again for another week. This was before 500 miles. I now have 514 miles. Has anyone else experienced any one of these things.
There are a multitude of prior posts regarding both of these issues. I've noticed that if the gas is put in NOT at full speed, it fills up very well and full. Also, my car now has 1900 miles on it (I've had since May 1) and I haven't smelled the sulfer smell since 1100 miles or so.
liz
I have a fwd LX and I get about 21mpg surburban driving, and better than 26mpg onthe highway.
I have almost 9000 miles on the LX.
Also, has anyone else found it difficult to find a Hyundai dealer? I live in central OK and have found only one dealer in a 200 mi. radius. Any suggestions on locating dealerships? I used carpoint.com and only came up with one dealership in Plano, TX. Would love to know of any dealerships closer to central OK.
The lowest price I have seen on a GLS fwd has been +$21,5000 and +$23,000 for LX model. Have others found there is little room for negotiating a lower price? I'm waiting for the 2002 models to come out before a possible purchase. I'm wanting to make sure these don't get the same bad rep as the KIA Sportages. Don't seem to be so far.
There a few Sante Fe owners (that post frequently here at Edmunds) that are very knowlegable about their vehicle and have a lot of advice and recommendations about the vehicle. They could probably answer many of the questions that are raised on this topic but have chosen not to respond on this particular board, "Hyundai Sante Fe Problems", in order to keep the total number of posts to a minimum. That way they give the impression that the Sante Fe is virtually flawless and that problems do not occur with the vehicle. Several references have been made to the number of posts on the "Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute Problems" topic and that because of the sheer volume of posts that the vehicle must be substandard and is subject to frequent failures and problems. By keeping the number of posts on this topic to a minimum, the illusion that the Sante Fe is the perfect small SUV can remain undisturbed in the minds of those particular owners that choose to view the vehicle from that perspective.
Just my observations . . . skewed as they may be. ; )
2. If there are problems, the warranty will cover them
3. There are no SF problems
Krisna, hare krisna...
2. GT has rust in his brand new SF's paint job
3. GT has never reported that fact on this board
4. So...There are no problems in SFs
Hare Krishna, GT.
"I was putting gasoline in my Santa Fe today when I noticed Two Rust Stain Spots on the Nordic White paint which are located at the 10:00 and 2:00 Position right above the Screw Off Gas Cap on the rear quarter panel. At the 10:00 and 2:00 position on the left rear quarter panel, above the screw off gas cap, there are two holes that look like they are either drain holes or vent holes. I noticed that right on these two holes and the area around these two holes, there are brown rust stains. I have a Nordic White Santa Fe. The rust stains are on the paint surface and they look like they are inside the paint. I also found another similar rust stain like the ones that are above the screw off gas cap, but this one is located on the front right passenger door, on the edge of the door on the thickness part of the door's sheet metal, between the door and the front right fender. The rust stain on the door is about 1/4" long.
My vehicle is Nordic White. I would like to know if it is common for a white vehicle like mine to show rust stains like this on White Paint. Does anybody else here who owns a Nordic White Santa Fe have similar problems with rust stains on the Nordic White Paint? How did these rust stains get on the paint of a new vehicle this soon? Is this common and normal?
I also would like to know if the rust stains will go away if I apply car wax on the rust stains. I got some White touch up paint from the dealer and want to touch up the area above the gas cap and the area on the edge of the front right passenger door between the door and the right fender.
After inspecting the rust stains in both these areas, they DO NOT come off. The rust stains are embedded IN the paint. Will touching up the rust stains save the vehicle from rusting in these 2 areas where the rust stains are now present?
The vehicle is brand new and only 1 week old. I do not want to have any body work done to it. What should I put on these rust stains before touching them up with White touch-up paint? PLEASE HELP ME."
Gosh, GT, if you REALLY want help, how about posting that message on THIS board, the one entitled "Hyundai Santa Fe Problems"?
OK, OK, sorry; that's kinda petty of me. Here's the help I promised:
1. Write a letter, not a fax, to the owner of the dealership where you purchased that spankin' new SF for which you waited six months. Explain the problem and that you want him to take the vehicle back and give you an identical one but WITHOUT FACTORY DEFECTS. Send this letter registered so someone at the dealership has to sign for it and you have proof-of-delivery. No fax, no email, no telephone call.
2. In your letter, give the owner ten (10) calendar days to respond to you in writing.
3. If the response is positive, you're done. If it's negative or if there is no response, you need to take the Next Step...
4. Write to Hyundai HQ in California and repeat your demand to the highest-ranking executive you can find. Again, do it in writing and attach the letter you already had sent to the dealer. Also attach a copy sent to the Better Business Bureau in your state and to your state's Attorney General. If your state has a Bureau of Consumer Affairs (most do), send them a copy and attach same to the Hyundai HQ VIP.
5. Wait two weeks. If no satisfaction from Hyundai HQ, get a lawyer and get him/her to write a similar letter to Hyundai and the other institutions.
6. Wait another 30 days after the lawyer's letters go out.
7. If there's still no positive news -- just sell the Santa Fe and BUY A LEXUS RX300!!!!
There, that should help.
So JeffreyBoy, I guess that you are now disappionted and put down by the fact that my new Santa Fe is in much better shape than your RX300. You must have thought that my vehicle was rusting so soon and that it was a piece of junk. Well, you were WRONG AGAIN. I suggest that you stay in the Lexus RX300 forum with the other RX300 airheads instead of coming in here and harassing us and trashing the Santa Fe. Your wise remarks and harassing comments about the Santa Fe being a piece of junk are not tolerated here.
My Santa Fe is a very good vehicle with NO PROBLEMS and as a Santa Fe owner I saved over $10,000 to $15,000 by purchasing one rather than by purchasing the overpriced and overrated RX300. I have NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with my vehicle. And if I ever do have any problems, I've got the 10 year/100,000 mile Bumper to Bumper Warranty so I am not worried about anything. Hyundai backs their vehicles 100% with their EXCELLENT WARRANTY.
2. If it does have a problem, just "wash" it away
3. GTGT can't tell rust from dirt
4. GTGT has lots of problems (and no warranty)
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
We could retitle it to "Doctor Strangelove... Or How I Learned to Love the Sante Fe"
Which character had HIS finger lurking over the button? It wasn't Peter Sellers or George C. Scott...on second thought, wasn't Sellers playing the Prez...so it would have been his finger....
Anyway, if they ever make that movie again, I nominate Steve to play the President.
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0057012
Tom Hyundhai in Nor wood, MA US for my 3,000 mile
oil change. They gave me a free oil change. The
fuel pressure switch was sent with the right
part number on the box, but the wrong part in the
box itself. The original part had a bent prong,
that the etch fixed, I guess he bent it back into
position so the warning light display works again,
along with fixing the lighter that didn't work
after my last visit. So I didn't pay a thing, it
took all day to fix, I have the 10 year warranty,
and all in all, I am happy with ante Fe...still
rides nice, doesn't have the zippiest horsepower,
but it rides, smooth, quiet, and my position on
the highway seems to be respected alot more than
driving a small Toyota Corolla.
-Arthur
I just checked J. D Powers and the ratings on the 2001 Santa Fe and Rav 4 are about equal. The Rav got downgraded in mechanical quality and body and interior quality "based on information taken from IQS study, the score is based on problems reported with":
.engine and transmission
.steering
.suspension
.braking
.exterior paint problems
.wind noise
.water leaks
.poor interior fit and finish
.squeaks and rattles
The Santa Fe also had some problems.
They gave their highest rating in this category to the Honda CRV.
I quess Toyota even has problems in their first model year
I asked my dealer on Saturday about this (when I purchased my GLS). His response was that many cars get surface rust on the hubs. We walked around the lot and looked at Hondas, Mitsubishis, and Toyotas. Yes, other new cars had similar rust. It is more apparent in the SF because of the open wheeled design. The dealer also indicated that the amount of rust can depend on the precise makeup of metals in the alloy wheels. I reached in the wheels and it brushed off.
That puts a lot of confidence in the quality of Hyundai dealerships.
Has anyone put on the bug shield to prevent the rocks from bouncing up? Has it helped? The manager said it would deflect the rocks off the hood.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Peg,
owner since Feb. 2001