2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Santa Fe › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5 liter V-6 engines, 4-wheel drive and antilock braking systems (ABS), if the brake pedal IS depressed at speeds between 3 and 12 mph when the brake pad friction surfaces are wet, a vibration may occur between the brake discs and pads causing ABS sensor electronic signal noise to develop. at speeds below 5…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an extended stopping distance occurs, it could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the ABS ecu. owner notification began on march 24, 2004. owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
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 and remedy
Risk
The tire pressure labels do not contain the information required by the standard.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
303 complaints32 involved a crash7 involved a fire35 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on six separate occasions, the vehicle had independently accelerated without warning. On one occasion, the vehicle had accelerated through a red light with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. On a separate occasion, the…
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on six separate occasions, the vehicle had independently accelerated without warning. On one occasion, the vehicle had accelerated through a red light with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. On a separate occasion, the vehicle accelerated through the contact's garage door upon entering the driveway. The air bags did not deploy and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed; the garage door was replaced after the crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000
- Engine
In transit, it began smoking and the engine light came on. After pulling to the side, flames erupted and it became fully engulfed, followed by a small explosion. The vehicle and it’s contents were a total loss.
- Service brakes
The contact owned a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 25 MPH the braking system malfunctioned and when depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not reduce speed or stop causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the…
The contact owned a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 25 MPH the braking system malfunctioned and when depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not reduce speed or stop causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, the rear driver-side passenger sustained a lacerated bottom lip and dental and oral injuries. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed and later deemed destroyed by the insurance company. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the same failure by the local mechanic. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Service brakes
driving in the rain hit brakes they locked up
- Fuel/propulsion system
This was a recall for hundai santa fe vehicles from 2001-2006. For unknown reasons I was not aware of recall. It was for 15 years or 150 miles. It is a danger as my car leaks gas. I am at 135,000 miles. But my car is a 2004. I purchased the vehicle in the last 2 years. I believe the recall…
This was a recall for hundai santa fe vehicles from 2001-2006. For unknown reasons I was not aware of recall. It was for 15 years or 150 miles. It is a danger as my car leaks gas. I am at 135,000 miles. But my car is a 2004. I purchased the vehicle in the last 2 years. I believe the recall should extend till the repair is complete for the reasons as follows. 1. it can explode. 2. it is a polluter 3. Hyundai acknowledges it as faulty equipment. 4. Corporations must be resonsible or they are irresponsible. 5. Cars are expensive they must maintain as least minimum safety requirements.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Last night my mothers 2004 hyundai santa fe caught fire the car had been parked for hours, the keys were not in the car it was completely off. It made absolutely no since untill I done some research and seen the lawsuit for this same thing and I wondered why this model was not included. I also seen…
Last night my mothers 2004 hyundai santa fe caught fire the car had been parked for hours, the keys were not in the car it was completely off. It made absolutely no since untill I done some research and seen the lawsuit for this same thing and I wondered why this model was not included. I also seen multiple people wondering the same thing about their 2004 hyundai santa fe. My father was the only one iat the house and in the house he could have lost his life and everything they own the only way he knew it was on fire was a neighbor saw and started screaming and started backing up to the vehicle to pull it away from the house a police report was made but what IS she supposed to do for a vehicle? When no one even started the fire.
- Engine
I have a 2004 hyundia santa fe and the engine started with loud knocking sounds in my driveway. I had it toll to avondale earnhardt hyundia's dealership. the diagostic was "found engine knock can be heard at bottom end of engine. failure in rod bearings IS causing excessive noise in bottom…
I have a 2004 hyundia santa fe and the engine started with loud knocking sounds in my driveway. I had it toll to avondale earnhardt hyundia's dealership. the diagostic was "found engine knock can be heard at bottom end of engine. failure in rod bearings IS causing excessive noise in bottom end. engine required" replacement. the car has 125,000 miles which exceeds the 100,000 powertrain warranty. however, my engine failure IS the same as the current "engine failure recalls (theta II engines) caused by manufacturing processes. except the 2004 hyundia santa fe was not included on the recall list. I spoke and submitted twice a compliant to hyundia customer care department to replace my engine and was denied an engine replacement. I have been without a car since november 20, 2020. today, customer care department notified me by phone of the second rejection. I am an elderly woman and retired, so finances are limited. I feel that the engine should be replaced because that the "fair thing to do". the engine should not have failed so early in its life-cycle. I would appreciate your review and a solution to this problem. perhaps a recall on my vehicle.
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the sunroof detached from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
- Suspension
It had 124 recall nhtsa 14v43500 I call hyundai off government site told them about 124 and broken spring they set up appointment so they only put on brackets but no spring wanted $1004 for the strut spring on they told me on call center they replace spring as it said on nhtsa site they would…
It had 124 recall nhtsa 14v43500 I call hyundai off government site told them about 124 and broken spring they set up appointment so they only put on brackets but no spring wanted $1004 for the strut spring on they told me on call center they replace spring as it said on nhtsa site they would not do it call back to hyundia as number on government site they made a case number 16604156 amber at 714 594 1764 she said spring was not in recall I send picture of it before up there to dealer she had no clue what was so I dont who right on recall she said government nhtsa site are not correct brown leesburg hyundai leesburg va 20176
- Fuel/propulsion system
Bought an used 2004 santa fe in august from a dealer. two weeks ago I started noticing a strong smell of gas around my vehicle and last week I began seeing a small discolored area on the cement in the garage. mom checked my vehicle and found that the my fuel tank IS leaking. the discoloration of the cement under my vehicle IS in fact leaking gas. tank IS corroded and I will need a new tank installed.
- Suspension
I just got it a few months ago and happened to look up recalls,and seen 3 I took it to a hyundai dealership and they said there were just 2 but one was suspension and they haven't called me about it in around a month nowb
- Air bags
My air sbag light IS always on. It won't turn off.i don't if it IS a problem with my air bags or just the light.it has been this way for years.there was not reason for it to turn on. I've never had an accident,so I don't if it will work when needed. I don't think I should for it. I think this a malfunction and should checked by a dealer at no cost.
- Air bags · Service brakes · Wheels
Air bag light keep on this vehicle 15 years old brakes also not like use to be I am own this SUV last 15 years I need your help and support I am worry need to be fixed foe my safety [xxx] owner, c [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control · Wheels
Vehicle was sold without title or disclosure dealership took money refuse to hear complaints. Contact me as I am handicapped and have no tittle trying to return vehicle it veered toward ditch as the vehicle IS inoperable and dangerous per dmv
- Air bags
Air bag warning light would come on during the morning drive then shut off next time the car was started. On/off perodically for about a week. Now the air bag warning light IS on all the time. A glimspe online hint simlar owners haveing the same problem and they are saying it has something to do with the wiring.
- Unknown or other
The vehicle keeps won't start after pumping gas. It takes awhile, and stalls. Even stalled while driving, which terrifies me. I don't want to be out on the highway possibly risking an accident. I went to pepboys and spent $1800 on trying to figure out what the problem was, and its still doing the same thing. It happened more than once, and continues to happen.
- Suspension
This was covered by hyundia recall campaign 124. I filled under case # 9878948. spring repair 2/12/14, sold car 4/5/14, recall 2/4/15. They only would pay for $318 of the $917 total repair and said it has to go to a hyundia dealership. They refused to pay for the sensers, strut mounts , sway bar…
This was covered by hyundia recall campaign 124. I filled under case # 9878948. spring repair 2/12/14, sold car 4/5/14, recall 2/4/15. They only would pay for $318 of the $917 total repair and said it has to go to a hyundia dealership. They refused to pay for the sensers, strut mounts , sway bar link etc per the invoice. I contacted the person I sold it to and made a dealer appmt but they didn't show. Hyundia consumer affairs 800-633-5151 told me to file a dispute with bbb autoline which I did under case # hyu1713624. They never responded. Bbb autoline now says that they don't handle recalls disputes but you do. I just talked to them and they referred me to you. Without ever talking to me, while I was trying to get the car into a dealer and waiting for the bbb autoline response hyundia closed out the case. Ironically hyundia would have replaced both springs with oem, all other damaged parts and any damaged tires per their recall. It would have cost them 2X as much as the $917. They wouldn't even call my mechanic who the local hyundia dealer acknowledged as reputable. In our case, the broken spring bent the strut, damaged the sway bar and tore the ABS sensor wire. the language in the recall information actually calls for the dealer to replace installed non-oem struts with oem struts so the new bracket will fit properly. given this, I am surprised that you chose not to pay for the cost of the one strut and mount ($62.1 6 +$135.88) & repair ($37.20) and the spring repair ($37.20). Likewise hyundia chose not to pay for the damaged ABS sensor ($175.94) and its repair ($55.80). In minnesota, like most states, parts are subject to sales tax of 7.125%. In this case it added up to ($45.25) which hyundia chose not to pay. likewise hyundia choose not to pay the shop supplies ($13.18) and the environmental fee ($4.93) which are pretty typical.
- Service brakes · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
ABS tcs tracking system turns out while driving
- Service brakes · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai santa fe. While the vehicle was undergoing an alignment, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the front coil springs were rusted, fractured, and needed to be replaced. In addition, the ABS warning indicator illuminated, there was an abnormal noise, and the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai santa fe. While the vehicle was undergoing an alignment, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the front coil springs were rusted, fractured, and needed to be replaced. In addition, the ABS warning indicator illuminated, there was an abnormal noise, and the vehicle was unstable when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to cautiously apply the brake pedal and, at times, depress the brake pedal with force to ensure that the vehicle would stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v435000 (suspension) and 04v131000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the manufacturer issued three tsbs for the brakes and three tsbs for the suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available. *Tt*jb
- Service brakes · Suspension
Well my vehicle has experienced the ABS issue that has been recalled on other 04 santa fes as well as the corrosion from road salt to the coil springs. They are corroded and have completely snapped. My car IS within the years and model for those recalls but it IS not included in that recall,but I my vehicle IS having those exact issues addressed in the recall
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle fuel tank IS rotted and leaking fuel. Call hyundai and they say its covered under extended warranty for 15 years or 150000 miles. I am over on mileage. They say not covered. What does mileage have to do with corrosion?
- Air bags
My daughter was involved in a crash where air bags were not deployed
- Steering
My steering wheel stopped working one day while on the freeway(in motion). I took it to the mechanic, they fixed the problem not even a week later it started to mess up again. Please help.
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
2004 hyundai santa fe 2.7 liter engine, high idles at 3,000 rpm on start up and never goes down even when engine reaches normal operating temperature, automatic transmission not even acting right since this problem started, this IS a hazard and can cause an accident. The car shows no engine codes…
2004 hyundai santa fe 2.7 liter engine, high idles at 3,000 rpm on start up and never goes down even when engine reaches normal operating temperature, automatic transmission not even acting right since this problem started, this IS a hazard and can cause an accident. The car shows no engine codes, or transmission codes, it has had lower intake, upper intake gaskets changed, iac motor changed, throttle position sensor changed, temperature sensor changed, cleaned throttle body bore where throttle plate closes, changed vacuum hoses, made sure throttle cable and cruise control cable were binding or holding throttle open, and none off these things have helped. I have seen many complaints of this problem, many accidents that have occurred because of this problem, and have read a forum that said hyundai does not have a fail safe mode built into there computers like most cars do so this kind of situation does not occur. Vehicle still not fixed, and hyundai needs to recall this problem before there are any fatalities from neglect of a known problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai santa fe. While the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle. The contact noticed fuel leaking and that the check engine indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (columbia hyundai, 10981…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai santa fe. While the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle. The contact noticed fuel leaking and that the check engine indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (columbia hyundai, 10981 montgomery rd, cincinnati, oh 45249, (513) 489-2000) where it was diagnosed that the coil spring and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was 15 years old and exceeded the mileage to be included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 198,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251285This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
- 10247189This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10235566Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.
- 10230904This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
- 10217258Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard.
- 10217251Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
- 10196546Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicles owners manual. Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result in reduced durability. Hyundai does not approve the use of any aftermarket ATF or gear oil additives.
- 10190044This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
- 10190038This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10183963This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10183960This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. The Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.
- 10178175This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
- 10176182This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
- 10176178This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
- 10174808This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
- 10174807The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10173546This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
- 10172142This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
- 10170883This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bulletin provides physical differences between the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port.
- 10169370The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects vehicles within the blind spot zone and gives off an alarm (visual and audible). The two magnetic radar sensors provide these functions for BSD/BCW: ? Senses other vehicles in the BSD/BCW zone and turns on the BSD/BCW warning lamp for the driver. The warning lamp starts blinking, along with an audible sound, when the driver turns on the turn signal lamp to enter the lane where another vehicle is driving.
- 10167253This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
- 10128154This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10128153This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10128119This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10128118This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10067807Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10060631Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10059631Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10032908Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may result in the following symptoms-check engine light illuminated; transaxle held in 3RD gear fail safe.
- 10030984Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit or multiple inputs). An improperly adjusted or improperly operating range switch may result in the above mentioned conditions. Malfunction indicator light (mil) illuminated; impossible engine start in p or n.
- 10029106Hyundai: radiator fan motor connector service part. Vehicles may exhibit an overheating engine and inoperative a/c.
- 10024542Trailer hitch wiring harness replacement procedure (campaign 082).
- 10022202Tailgate garnish contacts the tailgate. Procedures to repair if contact has occured.
- 10020912Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) list.
- 10020878Exhaust gas recirculation (egr) system diagnosis.
- 10019637ABS pump self-check noise.
- 10018734Reprograms are available for automatic transaxle driveability issues. Technet times. Hyundai.
- 10018184Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 10018179New upgrades are available to reprogram the tcm (transaxle control module) software.
Every Hyundai Santa Fe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.