Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 13 of 44 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
44 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE DETAILED INFORMATION ON WHAT I BELIEVE IS A COVER-UP BY THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION REGARDING THE 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED THE DAY AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. I'VE HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT LEAST 4 TIMESFOR THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM: WHEN I START THE VEHICLE UP EVERY MORNING, THE RPM'S RACE TO OVER…
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I HAVE DETAILED INFORMATION ON WHAT I BELIEVE IS A COVER-UP BY THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION REGARDING THE 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED THE DAY AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. I'VE HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT LEAST 4 TIMESFOR THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM: WHEN I START THE VEHICLE UP EVERY MORNING, THE RPM'S RACE TO OVER 2000 AND DECLINES SLIGHTLY TO ABOUT 1500 AND STAYS AT THIS SPEED FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES. WHEN I PULL FROM A PARKING SPACE (WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL), THE SPEEDOMETER HOVER BETWEEN 10 AND 15 MILES AN HOUR, AGAIN, WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. AS A RESULT OF THIS VERY HIGH "IDLING" PROBLEM, I BELIEVE IT IS A VERY REAL DANGER TO NOT ONLY THE DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES BUT ANY POSSIBLE PEDESTRIANS OR PROPERTY THAT MAY BE STRUCK. THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION DENIES THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SAY IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE. WHEN I ASK FOR DETAILS REGARDING THEIR TESTING THEY REFUSE TO SEND IT TO ME. I HAVE DETAILED INFORMATION (NAMES, DATES TIMES AND PLACES) CONCERNING WHAT I BELIEVE SHOULD BE A "RECALL" BUT IS BEING COVERED UP BY HYUNDAI. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. THANKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #760387
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2002
Seat Belts
RIGHT SIDE SEATBELTS WERE PUT IN INCORRECTLY, THEY WERE PUT IN BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #8006258
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, DEALER STATES IT'S SOMETHING IN THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM. *JG
NHTSA ODI #785903
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS BRAND NEW SANTA FE LEAKED OIL FROM A SEAL FROM THE FRONT TIRE ALL OVER MY BRAND NEW CONCRETE GARAGE FLOOR. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER AT THE TIME I PHONED THEM WITH THE PROBLEM TO PLEASE TAKE THIS CAR BACK THAT I DO NOT WANT A UNSAFE CAR AND FEEL THAT A CAR THAT BREAKS DOWN IN LESS THAN FORTY EIGHT HOURS OF OWNING IS A REAL P…
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THIS BRAND NEW SANTA FE LEAKED OIL FROM A SEAL FROM THE FRONT TIRE ALL OVER MY BRAND NEW CONCRETE GARAGE FLOOR. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER AT THE TIME I PHONED THEM WITH THE PROBLEM TO PLEASE TAKE THIS CAR BACK THAT I DO NOT WANT A UNSAFE CAR AND FEEL THAT A CAR THAT BREAKS DOWN IN LESS THAN FORTY EIGHT HOURS OF OWNING IS A REAL PROBLEM. THEY AT KELLY TOLD ME THIS REQUEST WOULD NOT BE FILLED AND YET THE OWNER MIKE KELLY TOLD ME HOW MY LIFES PRIORTY'S ARE MESSED UP THAT I LET SOMETHING LIKE THIS UPSET ME AND WHICH HELPED RUIN MY HOLIDAY'S WITH THE STRESS OF WORRYING ABOUT A NEW CAR AND A CAR PAYMENT OF 800.00 AND PAYING FOR INSRUANCE AND YET NOT A CAR TO DRIVE. HE SAID THAT IS WHY THE HYUNDAI COMPANY PROVIDES A REALLY NICE WARRENTY. I FEEL AS THEY SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE THIS CAR BACK.
NHTSA ODI #756254
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2002 Santa Fe Santa Fe Trailer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year