NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 Hyundai Santa FE Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2004 Hyundai Santa FE has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 303 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Hyundai dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2004 Hyundai Santa FE owner complaints

Owners have filed 303 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE, describing incidents dated November 30, 2003 to October 5, 2023.

Most-cited components

Suspension 69 complaints
Air Bags 43 complaints
Service Brakes 43 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 40 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 39 complaints
Engine 38 complaints

Of the 303 complaints on file, 32 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 303 complaints, owners report 35 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11558733 · Filed December 6, 2023
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…
ODI #11548969 · Filed October 9, 2023
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.
ODI #11524781 · Filed June 1, 2023
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…

Read all 303 complaints

Owner-reported

2004 Hyundai Santa FE mileage at failure

246 of the 303 complaints on file for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Suspension	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–115,000 miles	Based on 57 complaints
Air Bags	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–140,000 miles	Based on 35 complaints
Service Brakes	Median 35,000 miles	Middle half 9,000–100,000 miles	Based on 30 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–135,000 miles	Based on 32 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 5,000–115,000 miles	Based on 33 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Front Coil Spring Corrosion

NHTSA #14V435000 · Suspension — Front — Springs — Coil Springs · NHTSA notice

Reported July 18, 2014 · Hyundai Motor Company

Potentially affected: 271,773 vehicles

Repair completion: 28.35% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 124 · Owners notified October 24, 2014 · Vehicles built March 31, 2000 – July 14, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

HYUNDAI/ABS ECU

NHTSA #04V131000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported March 16, 2004 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 17,401 vehicles

Hyundai campaign 065 · Owners notified March 24, 2004 · Vehicles built September 3, 2002 – February 27, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Notes

HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 065. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HYUNDAI/FMVSS 120/TIRE PRESSURE LABEL

NHTSA #03V520000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported December 18, 2003 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 249,309 vehicles

Hyundai campaign 064 · Owners notified October 29, 2003 · Vehicles built March 31, 2000 – September 29, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 064.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

303 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE.

Power Train

ODI #11558733

Crash

Incident: June 1, 2023 · Filed: December 6, 2023

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

ODI #11548969

Fire

Incident: October 5, 2023 · Filed: October 9, 2023

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

ODI #11524781

Crash 1 injury

Incident: December 10, 2022 · Filed: June 1, 2023

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

ODI #11430564

Fire

Incident: July 2, 2021 · Filed: August 25, 2021

driving in the rain hit brakes they locked up

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11420393

Incident: June 10, 2021 · Filed: June 10, 2021

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; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11387389

Fire

Incident: January 9, 2021 · Filed: January 10, 2021

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

ODI #11383023

Incident: November 20, 2020 · Filed: December 11, 2020

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

ODI #11317301

Incident: March 9, 2020 · Filed: March 10, 2020

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

ODI #11296864

Incident: December 20, 2019 · Filed: January 3, 2020

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

ODI #11271416

Incident: October 27, 2019 · Filed: October 27, 2019

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.

Other Hyundai Santa FE model years

Check your 2004 Hyundai Santa FE VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Hyundai Santa FE at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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