Model year record

2002 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls & problems

The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 safety recalls and 165 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (62 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints165filed by owners

Crashes · fires9 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints

2002 Hyundai Santa Fe in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SuspensionJul 18, 2014

Front › Springs › Coil springs

Recall 14V435000271,773 vehicles

Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 Âsalt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.
Risk: If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the coil spring, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.

SuspensionApr 16, 2009

Rear

Recall 09V12300083,355 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 83,355 MY 2001-2003 SANTA FE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM STEEL. OWNERS MAY SEE OR FEEL SLIGHT TO MODERATE CHANGES IN VEHICLE OPERATION WHICH WILL INCREASE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED. THESE CHANGES INCLUDE A LOWERING OF VEHICLE HEIGHT THAT CAN LEAD TO TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. OWNERS MAY ALSO NOTICE A CREAKING SOUND.
Risk: IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS FOR INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE REPLACED. REAR TRAILING ARMS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE DRAINAGE HOLES ADDED AND WILL BE TREATED WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. INSPECTION, TREATMENT AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT NO COST TO OWNERS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

EquipmentDec 18, 2003

Other › Labels

Recall 03V520000249,309 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Risk: THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Electrical systemJan 2, 2003

Starter assembly

Recall 03V03000025,643 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7 LITER V-6 ENGINES, IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS (CPS) WERE INSTALLED. THE CPS CASES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND DID NOT MEET DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS. INTERNAL GAPS WITHIN THE CASES ALLOWED EPOXY TO CONTACT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN CRACKING OF THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR.
Risk: A DAMAGED CPS CAPACITOR COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-829-9956.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

2002 Hyundai Santa Fe NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Santa Fe 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Santa Fe 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Santa Fe 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Santa Fe 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SuspensionRear; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint	62	4	0	1	137,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members › Underbody shields	18	0	0	0	141,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system	16	0	0	1	151,246 mi
Vehicle speed control	15	1	0	0	101,085 mi
Power trainTransfer case (4-wheel drive); Automatic transmission	14	0	1	2	80,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system; Engine	14	0	0	1	90,779 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Master cylinder	11	0	0	0	67,500 mi
Electrical systemStarter assembly; Alternator/generator/regulator	11	0	0	0	74,500 mi
Engine	10	0	1	0	114,000 mi
Service brakes	10	1	0	0	146,600 mi
Seat beltsRear/other	6	0	0	0	91,000 mi
Wheels	6	0	0	0	147,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
The starter motor housing bottom ear bracket that holds the bolt to the transmission has broken off on 3 different starters in the same exact spot on all 3.
Jul 1, 2023
Service brakesCrash
While dragging the trash can back to the house, I was approaching fence in front of the house, at a slow speed, as I applied the brakes the car started to accelerate. Pressing down harder on the brakes ,it felt like stepping on a brick, with no braking taking place the car accelerated at a high rate. At this time the car crashed into the left side of the garage and continued into the cement porch taking out the fence, fill tube, and vent tube of the oil tank. At this time I push gear shift into N and turned off the engine. At this time there is damage done to house and car is now totaled with no injuries. Hate to think what would have happened if this happened at the major 4 lane…
Oct 14, 2021
Suspension
I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND FELT THE CAR FEEL AS IF IT WAS FLOATING. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE TIRE CAME OFF AND IT HAD. RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT IN THE REAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS AS IF IT IS THE CONTROL ARM BAR. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON GALL BLVD. ZEPHYRHILLS FL.
Mar 1, 2021 · 190,000 miles
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS CLIENT WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SHE EXPERIENCED WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS A FLAT TIRE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE CLIENT BEGAN TO PULL OVER, THE ENTIRE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S CLIENT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE LOWER REAR CONTROL WAS CORRODED AND HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, UPON SPEAKING WITH TWIN CITY HYUNDAI (3024 ALCOA HWY, ALCOA, TN 37701) THE CONTACT…
Dec 30, 2020 · 160,000 miles
Power train
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DISABLED MOM WITH ONE ONE THE WAY I CAN'T DRIVE FOR FEAR IM GOING TO LOSE THE WHEEL AND CRASH
Nov 22, 2017
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF HIS REAR BRAKES, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR TRAILING ARMS LOCATED BY THE COIL SPRINGS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Aug 25, 2020 · 150,000 miles
Suspension
THIS SANTA FE HAS A REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM THAT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAS ALSO DISINTEGRATED THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY, WHEEL HUB, EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AND SPRING. I CHECKED THE WEBSITE FOR A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, BUT THIS VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN THE NORTHEAST "SALT BELT" AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THIS OVERSIGHT BY NOT INCLUDING THIS VIN ON THE RECALL IT HAS CAUSED MASSIVE CORROSION ON ALL ATTACHED PARTS. THE RIGHT REAR SIDE HAS BEEN MORE AFFECTED THAN THE REAR LEFT SIDE. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD PROVIDE ME IN PROVIDING A REMEDY…
Dec 6, 2019
Suspension
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON AT LEAST LEFT SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS BOLTED.. PREVIOUSLY REAR TRAILING ARM RUSTED THROUGH.
Jul 23, 2019

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILUREClosedLed to recall 09V123000
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING SALT BELT STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN.HYUNDAI IS RECALLING THE VEHICLES TO REMEDY A CONDITION WHERE INTERNAL CORROSION OF EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR TRAILING ARMS MAY RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE AFFECTED ARM WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE INSPECTED IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES USING A…
EA08023 · opened Oct 28, 2008 · closed Apr 17, 2009