Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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Comments

  • jcstokerjcstoker Member Posts: 4
    I had my Santa Fe in the shop for 30 days and finally got it back a week ago. The problem
    was the timing belt skipping/jumping a couple of teeth causing a bad idle/miss. I took it
    in two other times for the same problem until the third time when I thought the valves were
    going to get sucked into the engine.

    The vehicle was tied up in the shop waiting for the newly redesgined parts from Hynudai to
    be delivered. The parts they redesigned for the 2.4L 4cyl. were the timing belt and tensionor.
    The vehicle runs better, but still has a slight miss/skip and slight ticking on cold mornings.

    Has anyone had similar problems and how did they handle it for you???

    The Hyundai people say this may result if technical recall...not a safety recall.....
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    pro212: You are absolutely right, I forgot to mention that. You should not use Synthetic oil for the 1st year of ownership for the reasons you stated. It's safe to start using it as of the second year. It is also not recommended to use synthetics when mileage is OVER 75000 miles either. Engine is starting to wear at this point & synthetic is too slippery. By the way, the only reason you need to change your synthetic at 6000 miles is because of dirt. It has not yet lost it's viscosity at only 6000 miles.

    4 Cyl Banger: I have a 4Cyl GL and am completely satisfied with it. My previous car was an Eclipse GSX... so you aren't hearing this from a granny. The 6 Cyl gives you something like 50 extra horsepower....NOT MUCH. According to the brochure I have, the 6 Cyl actually weighs LESS than the 4, but I don't see how that's possible. It must be a typo.

    Timing: I'm at 1100 miles after 1 month, and OCCASSIONALLY I notice a little jerk while accelerating (usually when going into 3rd gear). Also OCCASSIONALLY it will run a little rough when stopped at a light. It is not predictable, and I won't mention it until it's time for my oil change. Are these typical sypmtoms of the timing issue?
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    Please post the part numbers of the timing belt and tensioner. What's the name of the Hyundai dealer?
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    No, that's not a symptom of jumped timing belt. Your Santa Fe would exhibit poor performance and idle ALLTHE TIME if it had jumped a tooth or two.
  • johnnylofijohnnylofi Member Posts: 14
    To Bilbo1970,
    You stated that synthetic oil is not recommended for the first year you own vehicle. Then you stated that you should not use synthetic's after 7500 miles. Most of us drive well over 7500 miles annually. I am confused by your comments and was hoping you can please clarify...
  • dmc01dmc01 Member Posts: 3
    After reading the effusive praise in this forum about the Sante Fe, I am intending on test driving one.

    I am Six foot three inches tall, however, and am wondering if someone with my height can comfortable fit into this car (I tried to test drive a Ford Escape for instance any my legs couldn't fit under the steering wheel). Any comments or sharing of experiences would be appreciated.

    The closest dealership with a Sante Fe in stock is quite a distance from me so I'm hoping to save the trip if there is no chance that I could fit into this car.

    Thanks in advance
  • rsharp83rsharp83 Member Posts: 82
    There have been posts by people who are in the six two and up range who did not like the Sante fe. I have a friend that is about 6-2 and in the upper end of 300 pound range. He could not fit in the Sante Fe. He needed a full size SUV.

    At 5-11 i am fine in the Sante Fe, I am guessing that at 6-3 any of the mini SUVs will be a problem for you.
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    I am 6ft 2in and weigh 200 lbs, and I have plenty of room in the Santa Fe.
  • pnw1pnw1 Member Posts: 11
    I'm 6'2" and 200. I think it's the leg room I notice. Head room is fine, wheel clearence is fine, but, I can't help but notice I wish the seat would go back just a bit more. I think it's where you have the height that's the issue. If you tall in the trunk, it's fine, if you have long legs, you might want to look closly. Though, I'm happy with mine.
  • mudpuddlemudpuddle Member Posts: 26
    The synthetic oil issue revisited....for Billbo1970....some new vehicles have synthetic oil in the crankcase when shipped from the factory, brand new (Corvette for example). That kills the "don't use synthetic oil before 7500 miles/first year of ownership" theory. I've used synthetics in my 3 current vehicles starting with the initial oil change, and no problems....ever. Engines and oil have come a long way in the last 20 years. Use synthetic oil anytime you want, just make sure to use the correct weight per your manual.
  • tulpenhamtulpenham Member Posts: 32
    I am 6 ft 4 inches tall. So far, I have only test driven the Santa Fe but I didn't feel a lack of space and therefore I already ordered one. However, I did visit the dealer last friday and when I sat in the vehicle I had the same feeling as pnw1. I would have liked to put the seat a little further back but couldn't anymore. Anyway, my SF will be delivered in May and I am confident that I will be comfortable in it.
  • pethavenpethaven Member Posts: 13
    Got our LX back in January and was wondering if anyone has waxed their Santa Fe yet? If so, what kind did you use? The weather needs to warm up a bit here in Wisconsin, but when it does I want to be ready with some wax. Also, can anyone recommend any tire gloss treatment that last more than 2-3 days?

    Thanks!
  • keithatworkkeithatwork Member Posts: 28
    CD Player Problem

    Ok, it was bound to happen. 2300 miles.

    It first started off with CD-R's. After a while, the radio would stop playing the CD... display would blink... and display Er3... and then eject the CD.

    Now, even regular CDs are having this problem before reaching the end of track 1.

    We were going to bring it in today for service but figured we would call first.

    Any ideas.. maybe i should try a CD cleaner first.
  • keithatworkkeithatwork Member Posts: 28
    Wax it.

    I got my santa fe in february and one of the first things i did was wax it.

    from what i understand, nothing is applied to the exterior of the vehicle by the dealer... (the sales guy was wiping the thing down with Zymol when we got there though).

    Personally, i used Mother's Carnuba wax.

    This weekend I sprayed some stuff on called black magic 4 in 1 (i think thats what it was) spray it on, spread it with a sponge.. wait a minute and buff it off with a soft cloth.

    that stuff really worked GREAT. it is supposedly a protectorant, wax, cleaner, etc all in one.... i was extrememly pleased with it. comes in a black spray bottle. sorry i dont remember the exact product name...

    kc

    PS... i ordered my italian burlwood wood dash master kit from wooddashfactory.com comes with 28 pieces for $285.

    should be here in a week. i will take before and after photos and post them to my site along with my success/horror story.
  • tulpenhamtulpenham Member Posts: 32
    2 questions:

    1. Where is richardr4? In the beginning of March you were contributing to this forum and I liked it. Feel free to join again, or did you perhaps already do so, but under a different username?

    2. Sometimes special abbreviations are used in this forum, like BTW and LOL. Can anyone explain what they mean?
  • hunter36hunter36 Member Posts: 29
    BTW - By The Way
    LOL - Lots of Luck (I think)
    IMHO - In My Humble Opinion

    Can some of you post the kind of mileage you're getting - both 4 & 6 cylinder? Be sure and mention 2x4 or 4x4 and the no. of cylinders.
    I'm getting around 20 in-town and 24 mixed with a 2x4 6 cylinder. No chance yet to have a full highway only tank but expect around 26-27.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    well, I think most of us mean "laughing out loud" when we type "lol", but that could explain some of the feedback I've gotten. LOL.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • pbagratpbagrat Member Posts: 25
    I cannot find a dealearship in the metro Atlanta
    area that has a V6 Santa Fe in stock or on order.
    I've been looking at the Toyota Highlander and am pretty much convinced after my test drive its the car for me. Of course price and feature-wise, the Highlander is in the same class as the Blazer, Jimmy & Explorer. I noticed the Santa Fe is compared to the Vitara and CRV. Any thoughts?
  • tulpenhamtulpenham Member Posts: 32
    Steve,
    Coincidentally, LOL also happens to be a genuine Dutch word and it means 'fun'. So 'laughing out loud' is really a very good explanation IMHO!
  • wales1wales1 Member Posts: 90
    Not sure if my last post appeared, so here it goes again, and I appologize for the reposting.

    I found this site to be good for those of use who like to know the "how is it done" when it comes to your SF. Hope it can be of some help to some of you.

    http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/
  • alan2001alan2001 Member Posts: 4
    Hey ladychaos in New Jersey,

    I also live in NJ (South Jersey), and would like to know where exactly you saw that White Santa Fe with Silver body cladding, as well as where the other dealerships where you say "you have seen a LOT of Santa Fe's" are located. I am actually looking for a Pewter or Black Obsidian Front-wheel drive GLS or LX with Traction Control & 4-wheel disk brakes, but have been unable to locate one in any dealerships around my local area. Any pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated, as I am just about ready to purchase.

    Thanks again for your help!

    Alan
  • krcooperkrcooper Member Posts: 14
    Regarding tulpenhams' inqury as to the whereabouts of richardr4, last I heard a few weeks ago was that his mother in law - who he's been caring for for years, passed away and he had to take care of all those arrangements. He said it would be a few weeks before we'd see him on the boards here again - so hopefully he he will return again and hasn't forgotten us. Richard - are you there? Come back?!?
  • trapperjjtrapperjj Member Posts: 2
    WE got our new santa fe a week ago white gls awd abs traction control. My santa fe was made 15 Feb 01. Can anyone tell me what generation it is . I know somewhere in this forum it was talked about, can't find it
    Look forward to hearing from you all

    Regards
    John
  • keithatworkkeithatwork Member Posts: 28
    dash trim.

    i went with wooddashfactory.com because they were the only one's with a pretty much all inclusive 26 piece kit without have to buy add ons.

    it should be here in the next week or so because they make it from scratch. they do have the brushed aluminum as well but from my understanding, make sure it is what you want because there is no returning that particular kit...

    cd player...
    wifey took the truck to the dealer in the middle of the day... waited about 20 minutes and left with the cd player fixed... plays all cd's again.. even my burned ones.. sweeet!

    rims...
    MAN!!! i saw some 20 inch rims on a yukon yesterday here in manhattan.... those things were HOT!!!! i wish my tires would hurry up and wear out. hahaha
  • tonyg6tonyg6 Member Posts: 48
    RE: alan2001

    Alan,

    I'm also in central NJ. I was at Global Auto Mall on Rte 22W in Watchung about a week ago. They had received about 5 Black SF's [not sure what models]. Give them a shot!

    Good Luck!
  • watchingwatching Member Posts: 10
    3,000 miles and still love my Santa Fe. Only one problem. While driving, a piece of plastic from the roof rack flew off. Was able to retrieve the piece, but cannot get it to stay on. Will be stopping by Hyundai service this week to see if they can reattach it. Anyone else have this problem??
  • billbo1970billbo1970 Member Posts: 76
    #1: when did they stop letting you title your post!??!?!

    #2: Johnnylofi - re-read my post. it says not over 75,000. not 7500.

    Missing people: haven't seen Hung in a few days either.
  • hung0820hung0820 Member Posts: 426
    Wind Noise:
    Most of the time wind noise cause from the roof rack. Carefully check and inspected if you have this type of noise.

    Wood/Silver Brush Dash:
    You will be able to find it at www.woodddashfactory.com, www.autodash.com, and www.woodtrim.com

    Manufacture Date:
    Any date showed after year 2000 would likely call next generation (most of problem have been solve on this generation). We just have to wait and see if there is any more problem as the mile go on.

    Rims:
    Our current Santa Fe is using the 16" rims and therefore it is good to upgrade to 17" with a wider and lower sport profile tires. Any size is bigger than 17" will cause the gas mileages ***cry***. Because they are heavier...

    ***By the way, I am usually here, but there was not anything much for me to answer and talk about**** Today! YES
  • guyf1guyf1 Member Posts: 50
    Wind Noise and Roof Rack.

    I have the Canadian model who came without cross-bars on the roof rack. No wind noise at all. However last week-end I installed Thule cross bars and with them there is some wind noise. BTW I never rode in any vehicle with roof-rack cross bars that were absolutely silent.

    I too had a plastic cover for the factory roof rack to flew off in a car wash. I retreive the part and it would not snap back in place and stay. Epoxy glue took care of that!

    Otherwise 8,000 km so far and nothing bad to report.
  • ramadaramada Member Posts: 27
    Has anyone noticed sounds from their Santa Fe when driving over speed bumps? I read on http://www.santafeforum.com that someone's been having problems. Is this normal?
  • tonyg6tonyg6 Member Posts: 48
    Assuming it's the cross rails...check the rubber gasket across the top. Make sure they are seated properly. If not simply press down.

    If that doesn't work try playing with their position [back to front] and see if that helps.
  • tonyg6tonyg6 Member Posts: 48
    ladychaos gave you a few good starts for shopping for your SF.

    I did shop at Global, Maxon, Sansone and Brad Benson and ended getting mine at Difeo in Jersey City [great sales experience, service, best price]. There is also a dealer in Freehold but can't remember the name.

    PS: In my area I've seen two Pewter [one is mine], one black, one white [never saw again]. For a list of Hyundai dealers in your area try the yellow pages in Yahoo ;)

    Good Luck!
  • wales1wales1 Member Posts: 90
    Hey Watcher ..I had the same problem a few weeks ago. I noticed the strip was not popped down good, so I tried to fix it myself. Thought I had until I was driving on interstate and then FLAP FLAP FLAP..thought I had hit a deer or blew a tire. Got out and looked and there was the strip 90% percent loose. Dealer replaced the strip and all is well. Now if I can just get that awful hummm and hiss sound out of my radio.
  • engageengage Member Posts: 5
    I recently test drove a GLS with cloth seats. I felt the seat was slightly hard and uncomfortable, but this could be due to its newness.

    For those who are lucky enough to own a Sante FE, have the seats softened over time? What are your feelings about the comfort of the cloth seats? or comfort of the leather seats?

    Thanks
  • dtruong8dtruong8 Member Posts: 27
    The Hyundai Santa Fe seats are very comfortable and supportive. If it was any softer, your back would start to hurt. I have a 96' Windstar and the seats are comfy, just like the Santa fe. The seats will soften later on.
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    I have a Santa Fe fwd LX and the leather seats are very comfortable indeed. I just completed a 2000 mile round trip, and thes seats are the most comfortable of any car I have owned. They are firm but very supportive.
  • pro212pro212 Member Posts: 44
    Now I've been driving my Black LX 4wd for about 1000 miles through all types of terrain (6 lane super highway, two-lane curvy roads, dirt roads, torn up roads, and off-road-- and can give this report--re: ladychaos and engage questions. First, I've driven all types of performance cars and muscle cars and still own a few. I can state emphatically that the 4wd performance is VERY GOOD--even on curvy two lane roads with lots of passing need. Critics of this SF V6 4wd SUV's performance are all wrong. Critics are only looking at straight line acceleration from a stop, not on real-world conditions driving performance. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT A SLUGGISH CAR IT HAS PLENTY OF PUNCH ON THE ROAD IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS.
    --The auto trans is the smoothest I've ever had on any car (I've owned more than twenty) and rivals the BMW 3 series for smoothness and quietness in acceleration (though of course not the same speed of acceleration).
    --Performance at from a stop in 1st gear is a little sluggish but between 2-3-4 is simply excellent. On many dangerous two-lane roads with curves, I've had no problem passing any car or truck. I've never had any hesitation/sluggishness compared with any car on the road.
    --I've also gone on the highway--no wind noise at all, incredibly good stability and tracking.
    --On off-road, even going over large rocks on very narrow trails I've had no problems at all, the traction control clicked in when necessary and I never slipped or lost control, though admittedly I was careful and didn't drive like a maniac.
    --I'm really happy with the interior comfort and quietness--AC is super cold, leather seats even on a long trip are very comfortable and not as hot as many leather seats--I guess this is due to the small perforations on the seat portion.
    --Other nice touches I haven't heard anyone speak about:
    -the pretty red warning illuminated door bottom lights to warn oncoming traffic your door is open-
    -the radio CD player and speaker quality is very good (I've had no radio static and good reception-
    -the engine layout is user friendly and allows visual inspection of all fluid levels with the oil dipstick and auto transmission dipstick at the front of the engine, easy to get at.
    -the Hyundai accessories I learned about from santafeforum.com and bought from tischerhundai.com all fit perfectly and work beautifully (hood deflector, mud flaps, rubber mats, rear cargo tray, roof rails).
    -the engine transmission combination is incredibly smooth on acceleration and usually very smooth/seamless on deceleration.
    -the rear gate opening with a large handle and separate window control is the best I've seen on any SUV.
    -the "convertible" rear seat flip mechanism works very easily, though the rear headrests must be removed first.
    -the hood and side fender design from the driver's position is beautiful. The side curves and rear view is also fluid and pretty at any angle.
    If Harley-Davidson made an SUV, this would be it (in Black with chrome brush guards!!)
  • wales1wales1 Member Posts: 90
    I have the cloth seats, and they feel fine. Be sure to see if the lumber lever was activated or not. That will make a world of difference to the way the seat feels. I dont know if this feature is on the leather seats. I do know it is only on the driver side with cloth. The lumber switch is on the right side of the seat.
  • wales1wales1 Member Posts: 90
    I was reading in the tech manual about DRL (daytime running lights) but have noticed mine does not do this. Is this an added feature that mine may not have had done or is it standard?
  • jcstokerjcstoker Member Posts: 4
    Hyundaima...I have no idea what the parts numbers are, because I have yet to recieve my
    paperwork on this, they did not have it ready at the time of pickup....

    The dealer was...Gene Messer Auto Group....Lubbock, Texas...This Hyundai dealership
    is under their Toyota dealership..

    This is the third Hyundai I have owned, I own a 2000 Elentra....2001 Santa Fe...before the
    Santa Fe I owned a 1997 Accent....This is the first time I have had any problems of
    this serious nature...but I think I was not told everything by this dealer....
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    Have you got any phone call from Hyundai recently?
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    Welcome back! I was just about to post and ask everybody where you've been! What do you think of the Hyundai Terracan? Looks like a much plain-looking SUV than the Santa Fe. Or boxier looking. Hope your Santa Fe gets there soon!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • jericho_avejericho_ave Member Posts: 37
    finally got my SantaFe a week ago.
    to refresh everyone, my SF (3500m/4mos) stalled on me about a month ago while driving in the parkway, I had it towed for warranty service to the nearest dealer and found out that one of the pistons broke. they replaced the engine with a new one from hyundai and other assortment of parts that was found defective when they we're testing it.

    Anyway I've had it for a week and I'm glad I'm driving it instead of the mazda protege I got as a loaner. I am now more gentle with it (lol), I haven't gone above 65mph (yet).

    Latelty I'm seeing LOTS of santafe on the road here in NJ. I even have a neighbor (3 blocks away) who also have a pewter SF.
    For Alan, you could try Colonial Hyundai in Trenton.

    Also, I have two questions.
    1.)is there a fix on the vibrating steering wheel at 60mph, or we just ignore it? I'm noticing it more now because I'm driving around that speed these days.
    2.)I notice that the airflow knob doesn't work right on my SF. when I try to set it to point towards the feet, I don't feel anything, although my wife say's it's fine on her side.

    any input would be appreciated.
  • mrmagoo55mrmagoo55 Member Posts: 16
    You can leave headlights or parking lights on all the time.

    When key is removed and door closed all light go out.

    When car is restarted they go back on.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Daimler Splits With Hyundai

    Hyundai denies reports on Daimler's plan to end their cooperation

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • keithatworkkeithatwork Member Posts: 28
    yeah, my wife got the call from hyundai (not the dealer). they asked a few questions, etc. Then sent us a survey and asked us to fill it out...

    it's still sitting on the TV unfortunately.. i keep forgetting to do it and since I dont watch tv all that much... i am rarely reminded of it.
  • wales1wales1 Member Posts: 90
    Thanks for info, but tbh..that doesnt meet the definition of Daytime running lights. I thought DRL were on no matter if switch was on or off. My Chevy S10 had DRL and they stayed on, even with lights truned off on switch. I think the off / on with key is only a "opps i left me mylights on" device. Maybe I am wrong here but again..thanks for feedback.
  • dtruong8dtruong8 Member Posts: 27
    I went to the dealer and they all had their Santa Fe with a grey interior. I did not really like the purple dotted grey cloth of the GLS. Can anyone tell me how the Sandstone interior cloth looks like?
  • bobcook54bobcook54 Member Posts: 79
    IMHO,that would be great news! We have a Chrysler/Dodge dealership as well as a Hyundai dealership and I would hate to see the Germans screw up this company like they have Chrysler.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
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