Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

1…7980828485

Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, I guess the dealer has your phone number -- dealers have been known to call a week or so after a test drive with a sweeter deal. I bought my van at the end of the year and the next few weeks may be a good time to get a good deal as the dealer closes out the year end books.

    We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

    Steve, Host
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Problem is they have the vehicle, I dont.

    But you have your money and they don't! Give them a little time. :-)

    tidester, host
  • gsandgsand Member Posts: 2
    I had my SF 4WD in three times for shimmy & vibration. Last time in they told me that it's the road that I'm feeling but the steering wheel shimmys and I can feel the vibration in my legs.

    Anyone else have this problem.

    HELP.
  • frustrated2frustrated2 Member Posts: 28
    gsand,

    when i test drove a SF AWD I noticed the same thing with one I I test drove but not another. They tried to tell me the same thing. When I stated it was the same road I drove on they tried to tell me it was the air pressure in tires but they would check everything before I purchased it. This along with the fact it felt like it would tip very easily if did a decent swerve to miss something in road led me to look at other vehicles. I just purchased sorrento yesterday.

    KEEP AFTER THEM OR TRY DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP!

    GOOD LUCK..IM TIRED OF THE BULL AS WELL WITH THEM
  • sactoprofsactoprof Member Posts: 3
    Does anybody know the difference between "Armed" and "Alarmed" on the '05 Santa Fe? According to the manual, one press of the remote lock button "arms" the car and a second press "alarms" it. However, I determined that the alarm is activated after the first press. Does the second button press simply make the chirping sound to reassure the driver that the car is alarmed?
  • sunny2sunny2 Member Posts: 2
    Just got our pewter 2004 GLS V6 3.5L FWD this Tuesday (12/28). It comes w/ package 9(moonroof + 6 CD changer), and cross rail. Final price after $1500 rebate is 19,800+TTL.

      

    It handles well and drives quiet and smooth. I'm trying to keep it under 55mph per the manuel to break it in.

      

    SF rocks!
  • camorecamore Member Posts: 1
    I have had my Santa Fe for about 3 months and noticed it sizzles and drips fluid when I drive it for a few hours on a hot day. My aunt said hers did that too and it was normal when they are new. Well, three months later, it is still sizzling. Does anyone else notice that on their Santa Fe?
  • harrietharriet Member Posts: 1
    While I'm not that tall, unless I sit with the seat all the way back and down, and slouching with the seat reclined (not good for my back), the rearview mirror on the 2005 LX blocks a significant amount of my front right view. On other cars, I've been able to rotate the mirror 180 degrees and since the attachment point is offset, this raises the mirror about 1 1/2 inch, more or less solving the problem. On the SF LX, the roof head is in the way so I can't try that. The parts dept. guy showed me the schematic and said that the mirror slides off of a bracket. I'm thinking maybe I can take the mirror off, rotate it and then put it back on (upside down).

    My questions:

    (1) Has anyone solved the mirror viewing problem?

    (2) Has anyone removed the mirror from the 2005 LX?

    (3) Does anyone know if my idea would work?

    (4) Is there a warranty problem with my idea?

     

    Thanks a bunch.
  • edloedlo Member Posts: 9
    Several years ago remember seeing some qouted websites to purchase aftermarket parts. I have a 2004 SF that I would like to place a tow hitch (which is reccommended?) and perhaps the cargo tray, foot rails, and even maybe a DVD player (headrest) nay one no where to purchase these items from a non dealer. Will this cancel any warranties if not placed by Hyundai dealer?
  • lizardlizard Member Posts: 2
    My new (purchased 3 weeks ago) '05 Santa Fe sizzles too. People think I'm crazy when I mention this. I've noticed it mostly on humid/rainy days though. The dripping fluid seems to be water and our current theory is condensation is building up under the hood somehow. I'm going to bring it to the dealer's attn when I go to get my tags.
  • skuuterskuuter Member Posts: 144
    You are correct in surmising it comes from condensation. It's dripping from the AC condenser onto areas exposed to heat, such as the exhaust manifold and/or shield.

     

    This is perfectly normal, and you needn't bother the dealer about this. If you do, and the dealer is less than ethical, they'll figure you for a dummy and try to reel you into some additional, unecessary work.
  • codata99codata99 Member Posts: 123
    I don't recall hearing any sizzling noise while riding my friend's Santa Fe last summer. 500 mile trip with lots of stop and go on a hot humid day. I would check for a crooked or missing drain hose near the bottom end side of the firewall.
  • lizardlizard Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Skuuter and Codata 99. I did mention it when I went in to pick up my plates. My sales person checked with the techs and called me back. Apparently it is very common with Santa Fes--collected condensation dripping onto the exhaust. Now that I know what it is, it has stopped doing it.
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    on some autos the traction control system uses individual brake application to control wheel slippage and give the wheel with traction power. other autos use a system that reduces engine power when wheel slippage is detected. some autos use a combination of the two. how does the Santa Fe traction control system work?
  • ronstoyronstoy Member Posts: 55
    Has anyone towed with the Santa Fe yet?
  • codata99codata99 Member Posts: 123
    Look it up under the Safety -> Braking System-> FTCS in the 2004 New Model Training section for Santa Fe.

    http://www.hmaservice.com/home/en/tt/ecourse.asp

    It's a 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS/TCS; CR-Vs' and Pilots' have either a 3-channel or 3-sensor setup, so it's not possible to modulate each wheel independently.
  • lcwlcw Member Posts: 2
    My current vehicle is on it's way out and I'm looking at the Santa Fe. My main concern is that alot of the time I have 2-3 border collies with me and I'm concerned about crating space. I think I can fit 2 varikennels in the back (300 and 400 size) and a third with the seats down. Does anyone have any experiences with this? Right now I've got a Merc Mountaineer with room in the back for 2 side by side wire crates and I also have a barrier and I just have them loose in the back also. I'd rather not buy another Explorer/Mountaineer if I don't have to. Help! I need advice!
  • jethrojacksonjethrojackson Member Posts: 33
    Anyone heard anything? I've been seeing ads stressing their new commitment to safety.

    Thanks!
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    As far as I know it will have all the same safety equipment as the Tucson and new Sonata. I would be willing to bet on it. Any takers?
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    having the same safety equipment as the tuscon would be great. any idea how soon we will see some pics and specs of the 06?
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    Hyundai is tight lipped about their new models. I wouldn't expect official pics until mid summer. An automobile magazine, that shall remain nameless as there website also has forums and I don't want to violate my user agreement, had a pic in a recent issue. It looks somewhat like a Caddy SRX and an Acura MDX had a baby with the face of a new Sonata.
  • interceptor07interceptor07 Member Posts: 19
    Spy photos.
    http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?n=156,178&sid=178&article=7857
  • jazvanjazvan Member Posts: 106
    Not sure if this was already stated:

    It gets the new 3.8 - same as in the New Sedona.
    240hp!!

    -Jaz
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    thanks for the info. looks very good. i think it will be worth the wait.
  • duckiedduckied Member Posts: 52
    Hello. I am thinking of purchasing a new 2005 Santa Fe GLS. What is the difference between the 2.7 liter engine 4x4 and the 3.5 liter engine 4x4? Did I hear that the 3.5 liter 4x4 is more like an AWD system, and the 2.7 is on all the time? Also, which one has more advantages?

    Thank you.
  • skuuterskuuter Member Posts: 144
    Keep in mind that while the two models AWD systems are different, the older one in the 2.7L versions is tried and true, using a viscous coupling for 60/40 power split to front/rear axles ALL the time.

    In contrast, the newer electronic AWD system on the 3.5L is, again, fairly new, but seems to be dependable.
    The system on the 3.5L allocates 100% power to the front wheels normally and incrementally adds power to the rear wheels on an as-needed basis, up to a 50/50 split between front and rear axles.

    So, in effect the older version on the 2.7L models is the only one that is fulltime AWD.

    Hope that helps!
  • duckiedduckied Member Posts: 52
    Thanks!
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    The 4wd in the 3.5 is actually a Borg-Warner system which is also used by BMW in the X3, so I wouldn't question its reliability.
  • duckiedduckied Member Posts: 52
    I have heard that in some Hyundai forums people have seen pictures of the 2006 Santa Fe. Does anyone know on what website these pictures are located? Thank you.
  • cubswin1cubswin1 Member Posts: 2
    I just purchased the 2005 Santa Fe yesterday and love it! However, I have noticed a slight plastic burny smell coming from the exhaust since I got it. It only has 80 miles on it now. I did notice while I was driving behind it that when my wife stepped on the brakes after going about 55, that a small bit of smoke escaped the exhaust. I am hoping this is just normal for a new car and it will go away shortly. Any ideas? Anyone else encounter this? Is it just the vehicle breaking itself in?
  • duckiedduckied Member Posts: 52
    I think this is normal, because I was just test driving a Santa Fe at a dealer in PA, and I also noticed the slight plastic burny smell. This is probably because it's brand new, although my '05 Elantra never had that smell. What about you other Santa Fe owners?
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    i remeber a while ago that the the under carriage of the car is wrapped in plastic for shipping in the delear didn't remove all of this the n that is what you smell burning it will go away once it all burns off.
  • bigeauxbigeaux Member Posts: 46
    I've test driven Santa Fes each of the last two weekends. One salesman asked if I noticed the smell when walking around the front of the vehicle to swap seats with my wife after driving for a few miles. I went back out and sniffed, and it did smell a little off. He explained the smell like so:

    There's a coating on the components under the hood to provide extra corrosion resistance on the lot. It burns off with engine heat over the first few weeks of driving.

    Seems reasonable. My last new vehicle - 97 Mazda B2300 SE - had a similar coating that burned off.

    That's *probably* what you're smelling. Call your dealer and describe it to make sure.
  • hyunengbldrhyunengbldr Member Posts: 1
    When Hyundai introduces new safety features, they make them standard on all vehicles so I'm sure even the Accent will end up with side curtain air bags. As far as new, "official" pics, they probably wont be released until sometime this summer. Production is supposed to begin this fall at the new American plant.
  • cubswin1cubswin1 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the feedback everyone. I feel a little better about it. It does seem to not be as strong the past few days so I will just keep an eye on things.

    I do have another strange question. I have also noticed from behind that when our Santa Fe goes over bumps, you can see the tailpipe and muffler move/sway just a little bit. Not much, just a little bit. So I climbed underneath to check it out and I physically tried to "wiggle" the exhaust system. And it did sway just a tad. Is this normal on the Santa Fe? Just want to make sure something is not loose.

    Thanks!
  • cjb2486cjb2486 Member Posts: 26
    All cars have their exhausts suspended from rubber "hangers" and are supposed to move and wiggle. That's normal. Just make sure that all the hangers are properly attached and none have worked their way loose.
  • willy999willy999 Member Posts: 2
    Some good photos are available at:
    http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7420

    P.S. What about the new luxury Hyundai Azera! Wow!
  • mhstxmhstx Member Posts: 1
    My sister and her husband have an '02 Santa Fe with the same problem. After they drive for 20 min. or so, the a/c still goes but there's little or no cold air coming out the vents regardless of how high you turn the vents up. Did you ever find the answer to this problem? My sister is on her 6th trip back to the dealership regarding this same problem. It ends up being fixed for about 2 weeks then the same issue happens. :mad: Hyundai, from what I have heard, won't deal with the ongoing issue and tells my sister that it's "her" problem, not theirs.
  • xg350guyxg350guy Member Posts: 28
    picture uncovered of the new Santa Fe, but not sure how to post it. It is stored in my pictures folder as a jpeg.

    Any help?

    Personally, I think it still looks a bit quirky, but have to see it for real before I pass full judgement on it.

    Not sure where I found it on the net though.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Pic posting instructions can be found under the Forums Help link on the left. But you'll need a place to host the photo, since you can't just upload it here.

    Here's a good post about one hosting spot:

    jeff62301, "Jeep Wrangler" #16505, 12 Apr 2005 9:30 pm

    Steve, Host
  • debellidebelli Member Posts: 7
    How many people have bought the extended warranty to make it B-2-B 10YR/100K? How much did you have to pay?
  • codata99codata99 Member Posts: 123
    Tell your sister to pull over and check the A/C pipe coming out of the firewall when it happens next time. If it's frosted, the thermistor on the evaporator is bad.
  • dmccarthydmccarthy Member Posts: 3
    We have a 2004 Santa Fe. Love the vehicle except for paint issues. The vehicle is Merlot (I call it Marroon in color). When we put the magnetic stickers on the rear "We support our troups" or "Breast Cancer Awareness" it fades the paint? Doesn't do it on any other vehicle I own or from co-workers vehicles.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I found this article that you might find interesting.

    tidester, host
  • dmccarthydmccarthy Member Posts: 3
    Thanks. Very informative. I won't be putting anymore on the Santa Fe. That's for sure.
  • gin1gin1 Member Posts: 1
    Thanks for the heads up. I just drove home a new 2004 Santa Fe, 3.5 loaded and got a great deal on this fire engine red auto since they are trying to sell the 2005's.

    I have had tons of cars and this really drives wonderfully. I traded in a 2001 Escape and this is a nicer vehicle in terms of attention to detail and overall quality.

    My Escape got tinny after about two years and I have not had that happen before. I expected more from the Escape.

    As a run around, personal vehicle this fills the bill at 1/2 the cost of the "other" SUV's.

    gp
  • gy563gy563 Member Posts: 44
    http://car.donga.com/uploadimg/car_gal_car/20050517/150220/special1116240355_2.jpg

    http://car.donga.com/uploadimg/car_gal_car/20050517/150220/special1116240355.jpg

    it's a concept car though...
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    That is UGLY! I hope that is not the next Santa Fe....
  • jlittererjlitterer Member Posts: 39
    Anyone got any info on a technical service bulletin for a transfer case leak? Just had my 04 3.5 GLS 4WD serviced and the dealer said I had a leak. Will bring it in when the special order parts (seals, etc.) arrive. Thanks, Jeff
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    Don't worry, that is not the next Santa Fe. That is the Mountaineer concept car that they showed a few years ago. Thankfully they never did nor will they ever build that thing.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.