OCCASIONALLY, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION THE CAR WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SURGE FORWARD. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES SO FAR. CONSEQUENCES HAVE BEEN NONE SO FAR, BUT I AM CONCERNED SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. *TR
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Fewer warning signs than most model years
Owner complaints for the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe are lower than the model-year median of 212.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
85 reports with mileage · 21 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
106 reportsMY 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS EXPERIENCED FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE A LONG LAG TIME BETWEEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE STARTING TO MOVE. THE TIME CAN BE UP TO A FEW SECONDS. THIS HAS BEEN ANNOYING AND AT TIMES DANGEROUS. IF THE VEHICLE ALWAYS DID THIS, YOU COULD GET USED TO IT, THOUGH IT IS STILL NOT SAFE. UNF…
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MY 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS EXPERIENCED FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE A LONG LAG TIME BETWEEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE STARTING TO MOVE. THE TIME CAN BE UP TO A FEW SECONDS. THIS HAS BEEN ANNOYING AND AT TIMES DANGEROUS. IF THE VEHICLE ALWAYS DID THIS, YOU COULD GET USED TO IT, THOUGH IT IS STILL NOT SAFE. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN BARELY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR RESULTS IN INSTANT TIRE SPINNING AND ASSOCIATED QUICK ACCELERATION. THE INCONSISTENT NATURE OF THE ACCELERATOR RESPONSE MAKES THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS. AS MY DAUGHTER IS LEARNING TO DRIVE, I CANNOT LET HER USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE WITH ANY INEXPERIENCED DRIVER, THIS CAR WOULD BE DEADLY. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER ONCE (IN PA) AND WAS BRUSHED OFF WITH THE EXCUSE THAT THE ENGINE COMPUTER DID NOT REPORT ANY PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS WERE STRIPPED AT THE POINT WHERE THEY WERE CONNECTED TO THE MOTOR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE TOO MANY CONSUMERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS WERE STRIPPED AT THE POINT WHERE THEY WERE CONNECTED TO THE MOTOR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE TOO MANY CONSUMERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,770. UPDATED 3/9/09 *CN UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON MY 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DOES NOT ACTIVATE (ARM ITSELF) WHEN MY DAUGHTER SITS IN THE SEAT. MY DAUGHTER IS AN ADULT, WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 110 LBS AND IS PROPERLY SEATED AND WITH SEAT BELTS ON. THIS SITUATION WAS PRESENTED TO THE SALISBURY HYUNDAI DEALER WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR, AND RECENTLY TO THE OURSID…
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THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON MY 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DOES NOT ACTIVATE (ARM ITSELF) WHEN MY DAUGHTER SITS IN THE SEAT. MY DAUGHTER IS AN ADULT, WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 110 LBS AND IS PROPERLY SEATED AND WITH SEAT BELTS ON. THIS SITUATION WAS PRESENTED TO THE SALISBURY HYUNDAI DEALER WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR, AND RECENTLY TO THE OURSIDMAN HYUNDAI DEALER IN LAUREL, MD WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. BOTH DEALERS CLAIM THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE EVENT, USING ANOTHER PURSON AS THE TEST SUBJECT. THEY HAVE NOT PERFORMED ANY TEST TO CONFIRM THAT THE INSTALLATION OF THE SAFETY FEATURE IS PROPER, MEETS YOUR STANDARDS, OR EVEN AT WHAT WEIGHT THE LIGHTLY FINALLY TURNS OFF. THIS SITUATION IS DANGEROUS TO MY DAUGHTER AND OTHER CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN RIDING IN THE FRONT SEAT. MY DAUGHTER IS A PRACTICING LAWYER IN MARYLAND AND REFUSES TO WASTE HER TIME VISITING THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL THEY COMPLETE A VALID PERFORMANCE TEST. I AGREE, AND BELIEVE THE ONLY BENEFIT OF BRINGING HER TO THE DEALERSHIP WOULD BE TO PROVE I'M NOT LYING. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-633-5151 EXT 54327 ON OCTOBER 28TH AND HE ASSIGNED CASE NO. 3427197 TO IT AND REFERRED IT TO OTHERS. I NEXT HEARD FROM "ANNIE" AT EXT 54313, WHO GOT THE CASE AND SHE TRIED TO TELL ME THAT THE SEAT IS SET AT 140 LBS, AND OTHER NONSENSE INFORMATION. THIS KIND OF CORRECTION OF A SAFETY ISSUE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I EXPECT HYUNDAI TO WITHER FIX THE SEAT OF REPLACE IT. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 30K MILES AND IS UNDER FULL WARRANTY. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED IN MAKING HYUNDAI COMPLY WITH OUR SAFETY STANDARDS. *TR
SURGING. SOMETIMES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, FEELS LIKE YOU ARE ALSO LAYING ON THE GAS PEDAL. OTHER TIMES, WHEN JUST BARELY ACCELERATING, IT'S LIKE TAKING OFF AT THE STARTING LINE. REAL SURGING, IT'S SCARY. MY WIFE DOESN'T LIKE DRIVING IT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SERVICE TECH'S AT THE DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG, THAT IT IS DE…
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SURGING. SOMETIMES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, FEELS LIKE YOU ARE ALSO LAYING ON THE GAS PEDAL. OTHER TIMES, WHEN JUST BARELY ACCELERATING, IT'S LIKE TAKING OFF AT THE STARTING LINE. REAL SURGING, IT'S SCARY. MY WIFE DOESN'T LIKE DRIVING IT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SERVICE TECH'S AT THE DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG, THAT IT IS DESIGNED TO DO THIS. I FIND THAT TO BE STUPID, OR NOT TRUE. *TR
POOR GAS MILEAGE, HARSH SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION. *TR
I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MFG. OF THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH ACCELERATION. WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE SUV POWER SURGES, THERE IS NO SMOOTH ACCELERATION. NO MATTER HOW YOU TRY TO CONTROL THE PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JUST TAKES OFF. I HAD THIS CHECKED OUT 2X SINCE BUYING VEHICLE IN DEC. O7. AND HAVE BE…
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I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MFG. OF THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH ACCELERATION. WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE SUV POWER SURGES, THERE IS NO SMOOTH ACCELERATION. NO MATTER HOW YOU TRY TO CONTROL THE PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JUST TAKES OFF. I HAD THIS CHECKED OUT 2X SINCE BUYING VEHICLE IN DEC. O7. AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IS THE WAY THE COMPUTER WORKS WITH THE VEHICLE. I FIND THIS TO BE VERY UN-NERVING AND DANGEROUS. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM, AND I HAVE HAD A FRIEND DRIVE VEHICLE AND HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEALER MECHANIC I HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUSH DONE. NOW THE CAR IDLES ERRATICALLY, AND SURGES WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. AT TIMES.WHEN STOPPED THE IDLE DROPS TO 300-400 RPMS, ALMOST A STALL, AND SOMETIMES IT JUMPS TO 1200-1500 RPMS AND WANTS TO LUNGE FORWARD. I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I AM REALLY STOMP ON THE BR…
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AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEALER MECHANIC I HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUSH DONE. NOW THE CAR IDLES ERRATICALLY, AND SURGES WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. AT TIMES.WHEN STOPPED THE IDLE DROPS TO 300-400 RPMS, ALMOST A STALL, AND SOMETIMES IT JUMPS TO 1200-1500 RPMS AND WANTS TO LUNGE FORWARD. I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I AM REALLY STOMP ON THE BRAKE, OR ELSE I WOULD HIT SOMETHING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY USED THE COMPUTER AND FOUND NO CODES, SO NOTHING WAS WRONG. THEY RECOMMENDED AN INJECTOR FLUSH, THOUGH THE CAR SEEMED TO RUN FINE AT SPEED. *AK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE INTO TRAFFIC, STRUCK ANOTHER POLE AND A TRAFFIC SIGN. THE SIGN WAS KNOCKED DOWN, AND THE POLE WAS THE SNAPPED AT THE BASE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE INTO TRAFFIC, STRUCK ANOTHER POLE AND A TRAFFIC SIGN. THE SIGN WAS KNOCKED DOWN, AND THE POLE WAS THE SNAPPED AT THE BASE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 11000. *AK
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MY 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. I HIT THE BACK OF A STOPPED FARM TRUCK CARRYING A HAY BALE AT ABOUT 65 MPH, WHILE I AM ALIVE AND IN DECENT SHAPE CONSIDERING, I SURELY WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED AT LEAST ONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING, BUT NO, BRAND NEW CAR, TOTALED, I HAVE PICS, AND ALL THE AIR BAG…
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I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MY 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. I HIT THE BACK OF A STOPPED FARM TRUCK CARRYING A HAY BALE AT ABOUT 65 MPH, WHILE I AM ALIVE AND IN DECENT SHAPE CONSIDERING, I SURELY WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED AT LEAST ONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING, BUT NO, BRAND NEW CAR, TOTALED, I HAVE PICS, AND ALL THE AIR BAGS STILL TUCKED AWAY IN THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCATIONS. I WOULD APPRECIATE A GOOD EXPLANATION FOR THIS AS I CURRENTLY OWN 2 HYUNDAI VEHICLES AND PLAN TO NOT PURCHASE OR RECOMMEND ON EVER AGAIN. *NM
Official recalls
114V435000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Jul 18, 2014
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 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. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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