The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 Hyundai
SANTA FEProblems & recalls

303 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 74 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 303 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components74 reports
Suspension69 reports
Brakes43 reports
Air bags43 reports
Fuel system40 reports
Engine38 reports
Transmission & drivetrain21 reports
Electrical system18 reports
Body & structure12 reports
Steering11 reports
Visibility9 reports
See original component labels
SUSPENSION48
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL36
AIR BAGS36
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
SERVICE BRAKES16
ENGINE16
SUSPENSION:FRONT15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
POWER TRAIN12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE12
STEERING10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION7
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE6
WHEELS6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE5
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL5
SEAT BELTS5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES4
STRUCTURE:BODY4
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK3
STRUCTURE3
VISIBILITY3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
TIRES2
SEATS2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Dec 6, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

72,500 miles is the median among 248 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 29,000–111,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jul 18, 2014 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGSCampaign 14V435000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 124

Read campaign 14V435000 at NHTSA
Mar 16, 2004 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 04V131000

Reported concern

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 MPH, THE ABS SENSOR SIGNAL NOISE MAY CAUSE THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO ACTIVATE THE ABS, EXTENDING THE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Manufacturer campaign: 065

Read campaign 04V131000 at NHTSA
Dec 18, 2003 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 03V520000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 064

Read campaign 03V520000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

75 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DLThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN…NHTSA ID 11032523

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032523 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DCSThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co.…NHTSA ID 11032522

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032522 at NHTSA
Nov 6, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions25-BD-012H TSBThis 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 condensat…NHTSA ID 11025476

This 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.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11025476 at NHTSA
Feb 14, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-BD-001HThis 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 sp…NHTSA ID 10251285

This 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.

Components: VISIBILITY · VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251285 at NHTSA
Oct 13, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-EM-005HThis bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.NHTSA ID 10247189

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10247189 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-BD-007HHyundai 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 pa…NHTSA ID 10235566

Hyundai 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.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235566 at NHTSA
Jan 30, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-BD-002HThis 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 condensat…NHTSA ID 10230904

This 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.

Components: VISIBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10230904 at NHTSA
Jul 28, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions22-EM-010HFollow 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.NHTSA ID 10217251

Follow 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.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10217251 at NHTSA
Jul 14, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions22-GI-006HEffective 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 re…NHTSA ID 10217258

Effective 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.

Components: TIRES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10217258 at NHTSA
May 21, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions21-AT-006HHyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions.  Use of other…NHTSA ID 10196546

Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s 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.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10196546 at NHTSA
Mar 30, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions21-EM-004HThis 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 r…NHTSA ID 10190044

This 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.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10190044 at NHTSA
Mar 23, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions21-BR-002HThis bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.NHTSA ID 10190038

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

Components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10190038 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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