Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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Comments

  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    .... check the reliability records of the two. Also read the "Hyundai Santa Fe problems" thread and the "Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape problems" thread. On the whole, I think the Santa Fe wins out on reliability so far. I actually "bought" a Trib last March (put a deposit down) from a Philly dealer, but backed out after reading a wave of negative comments on the car on Edmunds. I bought the Santa Fe instead. We did have one problem with it - the Throttle Position Sensor failed at 469 miles! It caused the engine to run erratically - felt like a Tranny problem. But one day at the dealer's fixed that. And no significant problems since (so, no worse than any American car I ever owned, and maybe a nudge better). I am at 8900 miles and its been good. My only gripe is leg room, but the car does well in the snow (we had ONE chance to drive it in the snow late in March). But do more than just test drive.... do research..... so you can be totally confused like I was! ;-)....
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    In addition to carseeker4's good advice, keep in mind that although the Tribute is a Mazda branded product, it is actually built by Ford (it's an Escape). Sadly, we know of the problems Ford has had with quality in Focus and other products.
  • chagrechagre Member Posts: 3
    my Santa Fe is officially a lemon. Well not really (yet), if you look at the lemon laws, but in my book, this car stinks.
    In addition to my prior problems with the car mentioned in prior post, the alternator went out and was replaced this morning. That is three times in the month of October I have had this car in the shop. This car is new for crying out loud! Only 19,000 miles on it! I hope I can get a decent trade in.
    To Jaserb: no loaner cars at Hub Hyundai on I-10 in Houston so beware Houston buyers. No reimbursement for rentals.
    To Irchome: I am not comfortable with posting my VIN, but I would like to research that issue. Can you tell me how to find out where it was made. I will check my mom's VIN too because her Santa Fe is having the same problem with the AC.

    Anyone want to buy this car? I will sell it for $15,000 to anyone who wants it. That is exactly what I owe on it.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Please, no buying or selling on Town Hall....

    Steve, Host
  • chagrechagre Member Posts: 3
    Sorry Host, I hereby retract the offer to sell.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    No biggie - hope the 3rd time's the charm on getting the SF fixed.

    Steve, Host
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    Brits and premiums in the EU: Please do not forget that alone in the European "Currency" Union are 350million people, not considering the other EU-members who are not part of the currency union. The vehicles on the island are more expensive due to several reasons:
    a) The exchange rate of the Pound Sterling is still unfavorable, i.e. too high.
    b) Where do they have their steering wheels and stuff in the UK & Ireland? Exactly. On the right side. This means smaller productional quantities of "continental" brands, and other producers.
    There are a couple of other reasons as different taxes, fees, insurance etc., but I guess those are the most important ones.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Good points - maybe joining the EU would be a good time for the UK to move everything to the correct side of the street anyway - I'm afraid to step off a curb, er, kerb over there!

    Steve, Host
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    If you own a Santa Fe you would know it was made in Korea. As for posting the VIN there is no problem with that. If you look on your driver door post you can tell when the car was made. Post the numbers that are listed on the door post of the driver side door post.
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    When I look at the page I listed earlier, it most definitely lists Hub Hyundai as a participant. Someone over there is feeding you a line if they say otherwise. Go to www.hyundaiusa.com and click Car Care (on the left) then Service Loan Cars then select TX from the drop down list and hit Submit - there it is, plain as day. If they're still dragging their feet and denying you a loaner, give Hyundai customer service a call at 1-800-633-5151 and let them know about your problems.

    You know, it sounds to me like your having dealer trouble more than anything. If you don't like Hub Hyundai find another dealer to do your repairs. Jay Marks Hyundai is listed as another dealership in Houston that has loaner cars. It may be worth the drive to check them out.

    -Jason
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Consumer Reports has added the Santa Fe, and also the Sonata, to its "Recommended" list, based on improved predicted reliability, according to its latest Car Buyer's Guide. That's a first (and a second) for Hyundai.
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    It's always good talking to you, and I really enjoy you taking part in the hall the way you do! Pets on your back and kudos!
    The UK is a longtime member of the EU, but not of the Currency Union. And, as we know them, they'd rather change the traffic rules and regulations of the EU and other countries to their "right" side... :-)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, thanks! I'm addicted I'm afraid :-) You guys are great about filling in the numerous gaps in my knowledge too!

    Steve, Host
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    Yes, all power window switches are illuminated.
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    Somebody posted it before here, but my contacts confirmed the rumor:
    There will be a 3.5l V6 Santa Fe available in Northamerica, late spring/early summer next year, designated as an early 2004-model.
  • johnnyboy3johnnyboy3 Member Posts: 6
    As soon as my SF hit 60,000 miles, my motor literally blew through the oil pan. Early indications from the dealer say that many of the 2001 V6 motors had a problem with one of the cylinders sleeve. Anybody else hear about this? I am somewhat suspect because 500 miles earlier, the same dealer replaced the timing belt. They claim that it was done properly and that the damage was probably due to the cylinder sleeve. Maybe they are just covering their butts. I expressed my concerns to them and they will tell me more after their "examination" of the motor. Will keep you all informed. Either way, it is covered.
  • jchatt55jchatt55 Member Posts: 10
    There was an article in the Orange County Register a few months back discussing this problem. The problem happened in 2001 V6 "early" production model cars. I believe it was cars built prior to 11/00. Check the built date inside the driver's door. The design was quckly changed but there are about 66,000 of these engines out there and 290 had blown at the time the article was written. Mine blew at 1632 miles. The waranty is the "Best". I was given a loaner car and did not pay a nickel. Congratulations on your new engine. There are a few messages in the Hundai Santa Fe Problems Town Hall about this.
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    with some REEEALLLLY early 2001 models - if memory serves (it usually doesn't), the affected models were built prior to Nov. 2000. You can check your build date on a little plaque on the inside near the floor between the front and rear doors.

    -Jason
  • lovescoachlovescoach Member Posts: 18
    Just today I have put money down on a 2003 Santa Fe.I have driven so many suv in thelast 10 days that I have been test driving in my sleep. Going thru the internet and finally thru a dealership I got an offer for a lx with sunroof and woodgraining for $24,700. Does this sound like a fair price? They claim they cant go any lower because of the great warranty they are priced to sell. I love this vehicle. Any words of wisdom??
  • drewmp28drewmp28 Member Posts: 2
    I just got a deal for 22,500 for an 03 LX with sunroof, so I think you can do better Lovescoach. I went to 4 different hyundai dealers, they all say the same thing, these things sell so easy they don't have to come down. I finally got one down to 22,500 which I think is a great deal for a fuly loaded LX and that is the 2WD version, so if you are lookiing at the 4WD I think you could still come down atleast another 700-1000.
  • lovescoachlovescoach Member Posts: 18
    Really appreciate your help. What part of the country are you in? From what I am reading this could make a difference. It is the lx sunroof and 4 w.d. I asked after I left from my cell ( I called the sales mgr) why they dont come down approx. $1500 less than sticker. He reluctantly agreed to the woodgrain which they would throw in, Supposedly this was $285 option. Soooo I am still getting internet offers. Told them of my deal and asked if anyone could do better. HELP !!
  • lovescoachlovescoach Member Posts: 18
    Help! The dealer that I put a $200 deposit on refuses to go any lower. Another dealer got back to me the same night with a offer of $23,500 . Soooo I am so angry with the first dealership that I am just going running to the better deal. He wants to give me dealer credit. I find this unaceptable. The difference between the two is $1200. Looks like I am visiting the Better Business Bureau tomorrow. I love the car just hate the crap you have to put up with!!
  • lovescoachlovescoach Member Posts: 18
    This has been unbelievable. I was able to get the 03 lx sunroof with wood grain and poly coating for $23,500 including the destination fee. I was able to get the $200 back from the first dealer. My suggestion for others would be to deal with large dealers as they can give you a better price with the numbers they pull in. Hyundai gives more back if they sell more. I am just glad it is over and my Santa Fe will be picked up tomorrow!
  • mwitt58714mwitt58714 Member Posts: 44
    im from jersey dealer trying to locate one for me hope it doesnt take to long this will be my second santa fe lov the vech. i had a prob. with my first one engine went at 3500 was replaced had loaner dealer and service was great havnt had a prob since then ! im waiting for blue lx with moonroof the loaded type...BIG ? IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAS HAS/HAD A 2001 IS THERE ANY MORE LEG ROOM FOR THE DRIVER IN THE 03
  • drewmp28drewmp28 Member Posts: 2
    I am in Missouri, and no it was the 2WD I got 03 LX fully loaded (other than AWD) I am enjoying my new santa fe! good luck with yours.
  • daveyeonleedaveyeonlee Member Posts: 1
    I am thinking about getting a SF... and I have a few questions:
    1. I've heard a rumor that new SF with a biggner engine will be available next spring. Does anyone have any info?
    2. Those of you who have SF... how do you like yours? Are you satisfied with the engine performance? 173 horsepower does seem much for for a SUV....
    I'd appreciate any comment.
  • icehawk5icehawk5 Member Posts: 15
    I have read these posts on a regular basis and am very intrigued by a lot of the opinions of the Hyundai/Kia brands. Most are positive - and some are negative. Well, I would like to post a positive message.

    I am currently on my fifth Hyundai/Kia product and have been very satisfied with the reliability and performance of all of these vehicles. Each one of them have performed trouble-free. Here is a brief synopsis of the vehicles I have owned and currently own:

    1. 2000 Hyundai Elantra Sedan - needed an inexpensive commute car - never had a problem. I eventually sold this to another very satisfied owner.

    2. 2000 Kia Sephia - needed a second inexpensive commute car - no brake problems or otherwise as described in the other boards - very reliable - traded the car only because I was tired of commuting in heavy traffic with a stick shift. Traded on a 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT.

    3. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe - very reliable, never short on power, problem free. Recently traded on a new 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe - we wanted the moonroof, Monsoon 6-disc changer and side airbags.

    4. 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT - Current vehicle and I absolutely enjoy this car.
    5. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe - Current second family vehicle (Wife's Car) and she loves showing it off.

    As you can see, I have been the proud owner of five such vehicles. I have also recommended these vehicles to friends and family who have also purchased Hyundais and Kias, all with trouble free miles.

    I guess now a lot of people are starting to realize what I recognized a few years ago. These vehicles are reliable, dependable and affordable with excellent warranties. These vehicles are definitely the best buys out there.

    Here are how the numbers fell on these vehicles:

    2000 Elantra - Paid $9500.00 new (loaded 5-speed)- Sold it for $10,500.00.
    2000 Sephia - Paid $9000.00 new (loaded 5-speed)- Traded it for $5500.00 - Took a little loss here. It is currently on the dealer lot for $7995.00.
    2001 Santa Fe - Paid $19,500.00 new (GLS, AWD, TC/ABS) Traded it for $17,500.00 - talk about holding it's value! It is currently on the dealer lot for $19,500.00.
    2003 Elantra GT - Paid $15,200.00 new (moonroof, auto - no ABS/TC)
    2003 Santa Fe - Paid $21,300.00 new (GLS, AWD, TC/ABS, Monsoon 6-disc, moonroof, tow package)

    I will continue to refresh my vehicles with new Hyundais as long as they continue this upward trend.

    And no, I do not work for Hyundai.
  • saber86saber86 Member Posts: 128
    for the article click here


    suprise to find camary is slipping in quality

  • lovescoachlovescoach Member Posts: 18
    Well I got the lx 4 wd. I feel I got an exceptional value. Had the woodgrain added and the polymer finish. Its a dream to drive....cant wait to get in it tomorrow. My husband wants to drive it all the time. Quiet with a lot of power.I did a lot of research and test driving. This is the one. Cant believe the room in back.You wont be sorry if you decide purchase. Good luck to you!!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Saber86, good link -- it's also interesting to note that Hyundai has more models in the CR recommended list (two) than MB (none). (source: Wall St. Journal 11/10).

    Steve, Host
  • dstinydstiny Member Posts: 12
    I sat in a 2003 LX at an auto show this past weekend and noticed there is still a clock in the overhead console AND one in the new location on the dash. I pointed this out to the reps on the floor and they were very surprised and had never noticed that before.

    This LX did have a sunroof, so I can only assume Hyundai is using up their inventory of older consoles. Another model on the floor w/o the sunroof did not have a clock on the overhead console.

    Also, the LX did NOT have a power seat. The rep said they were not available yet - possibly a mid year add-on. He also knew nothing about an engine upgrade.
  • icehawk5icehawk5 Member Posts: 15
    On my 2003 Santa Fe, the "clock" in the top console is actually a digital calendar.

    I would also like to add this about towing with the Santa Fe.

    I was in my dentist's office and he had the latest edition of Boating Magazine. In it, they had performed a tow test with a Santa Fe. They had stated that the Santa Fe was a very good tow vehicle but did suggest that the Santa Fe should be equipped with: TCS, AWD and V6 for the best overall performance.
  • fresca1fresca1 Member Posts: 9
    In expectation of an eventual purchase, I have been following and researching the last two years of Santa Fe news and reviews. I live near the Canadian border so spend a lot of time there. When the SFs first debuted, they were hard to find in the USA and seemed to be selling at premium prices (when you could get one) but at the same time they were very common in Canada. I looked into purchasing one just over the border, but was told by the dealer that the warranty on a SF purchased in Canada would not the same as the warranty offered in the USA -- only 3 years and 36,000 miles. Also, I read that the SFs sold in Canada now come with a Side Air bag option -- which I would really like. Does anyone know why there would be such a difference in warranties and options between the two countries? Also, the crash test data looks good so far, but is incomplete. Does anyone know when the last tests will be reported? Does Canada do their own crash tests or do they rely on NHTSA and IINSA ratings? I figure with more SFs on the roads, they might have a broader data base of safety and incident information.

    Thank you very much!
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    Some time back there was a problem discussed with about 200 early 2001 santa fe's with cylinder liner problems.

    Does anyone have any info on this problem, has there been a recall or notification to the owners?
  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    .... there is nothing new on that problem. I heard no recall was ever issued, but beyond that there has been no other news. Hyundai fixed the problem with later released and engine failures don't seem to be that common, but I guess I'd be concerned if I had bought those first release Santa Fes. Have you tried contacting HMA?
  • mwitt58714mwitt58714 Member Posts: 44
    had engine failure cylinder sleeve at 3500 miles had engine replaced now have 17,500 miles on it no prob since steady on the road heavey good in the snow im from jersey ... now looking at buying the sorento which is made by kia and is now owned by hyundai ....
  • johnnyboy3johnnyboy3 Member Posts: 6
    Blown motor at 60 k miles. Thought I had the cylinder sleeve problem but it turned out to be that the timing belt tensioner apparently broke. I am almost certain that it is the dealers fault because 1 week earlier I had the timing belt replaced and they replaced the tensioner because they claimed it was leaking oil. A Hyundai Rep came to look at the motor and he approved a new long block under warranty(apparently it was unbeknownst to him that the dealer had replaced the tensioner) Anyway, it has been almost a month now and I have been in a loaner provided by the dealer. About 2 weeks ago the dealer put in the new motor and it was making noise they claim. Seems the same tech that has been working on it from the start left some of the debris from the original blown motor in the manifold which in turn sucked into the motor and destroyed it. Hyundai won't warrany it so the dealer has to pay for that one. I am demanding that I get a complimentary upgrade in the bumper to bumper warranty to 100 K miles as I don't have a lot of confidence what else may go wrong secondary to the blown motor and an apparent inept technician. What other recourse may I have. Request that another Hyundai dealer look at it after it leaves this one? I just don't know...
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    I doubt that debris in the manifold got sucked back into the engine. Normally any debris in the manifold would have been blown into the exhaust system,and catalytic converter, causing a problem there.
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    4 cylinder or 6 cylinder? Do you mind telling us the dealer's name?
  • johnnyboy3johnnyboy3 Member Posts: 6
    I will find out more when I speak with the dealer about the exact cause of the "sucked in debris" issue. From what I understood, some debris from the head blew into the intake manifold, not the exhaust manifold. I saw the original blown motor and it was complete toast. There were only 2 remaining intact cylinders, the other 4 cyls. were melted and all broken. I am not sure if it is proper to publicly display the name of the dealer here. Maybe the moderator can answer that for me.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Dealer names are fine - we frown on posting contact information, salespeople's names, phone numbers, emails, etc.

    Steve, Host
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    What are you calling the intake manifold. Are you speaking of the head where the gas is blown into the cylinders for firing ,or are you talking aboutthe fuel injectors,or are you talking about the air intake.

    I am at aloss to picture the problem you are talking about.
  • johnnyboy3johnnyboy3 Member Posts: 6
    It was not explained to me in detail and I will be speaking to the dealer again probably tomorrow, Tuesday. I am assuming it was the air intake. The large aluminum piece that sits above the head. Is it possible to have the problem I stated? I will give a better description once the dealer BS's, I mean, explains it to me.
  • lrchomelrchome Member Posts: 130
    Who is the dealer?
  • jason_elsjason_els Member Posts: 57
    Does the Santa Fe have a limited slip rear differential? Some publications say yes but others, Hyundai's included, don't mention it. Anyone know if this is the case?

    Thanks!
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    never seen one on dealer lots. In the front, the VCU in AWD SF acts as a slip limiting device when either of the two wheels slips.
  • jason_elsjason_els Member Posts: 57
    Thanks for the reply hyundaima!

    Any opinions on the Santy's A/C power in Summer? It gets hot and humid where I live so I'd like to be sure the A/C can manage even the hottest days.
  • lovescoachlovescoach Member Posts: 18
    Now this may sound like a dumb problem but can anyone answer this. Had a penny slip under the rubber gear ship. Went to grab it and it slid under. Called the dealer and said not to worry unless I had a problem going into another gear. I think I should have it checked out . They laughed and said consider it an invest in your Santa Fe. They also said someone shifted his glasses into it and drove to the dealership to have them removed!!
  • carseeker4carseeker4 Member Posts: 228
    ...you've all heard about the Megalopolis snow storm yesterday. No sweat with the Santa Fe...I went through areas I would not dare touch...even with one of those "part time" AWD things like the CRV...
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    I am looking at a 2003 Santa Fe GLS V6 (FWD) with ABS and sunroof. I've not driven it yet; still doing "research".

    Everything I've read in Consumer Reports and on the internet is very positive; except for V6 power. FYI: The only real contender I've looked at is the Toyota Highlander. But, it is about $5,000 MORE for the same basic package!

    I would appreciate any insight that you current owners have on vehicle quality, durability and price negotiations.

    One other question: There are two red lenses in the rear bumper. Do they actually light up? I've seen several Santa Fe's on the road, but never see the lights come on when brakes are applied or when the driving lights are on.

    THANKS!
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