Is the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model

2001 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 209
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2001: 209 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	209
2002	165
2003	308
2004	303
2005	216
2006	106
2007	684
2008	541
2009	358
2010	259
2011	181
2012	353
2013	605
2014	493
2015	254
2016	236
2017	968
2018	109
2019	202
2020	213
2021	166
2022	199
2023	211
2024	153
2025	135
2026	38

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

37% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The rear trailing arm cracked in half causing my wife to run off the road11

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-10

Rear driver side spring rusted out causing tire to lean into car. Only backing out of drive way at 2 MPH. Why was only recall sent to so called "Salt states"? I live in Tennessee and salt is used on roads in winter.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-24

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa FE. While driving approximately 2 MPH, the rear driver side wheel leaned inward into the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the rear coil spring of the suspension was rusted and corroded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-24

Electrical system

20% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

18% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Power train

11% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact had a 2001 Hyundai sante. The contact was driving 35 MPH down a 60 degree incline when the 4 wheel drive shifted out of gear on its own. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guard rail and light pole.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-17

Also filed under Air bags and seat belts

Structure

9% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2002-01-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-08-12 Engine seizure
R

2003-03-10Electrical system03V030000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 2.7 liter v-6 engines, improperly manufactured crankshaft position sensors (Cps) were installed. The cps cases were improperly manufactured and did…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the cps. Owner notification began on March 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2003-10-29Equipment03V520000 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."

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2008-07-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-10-29 Rear suspension trailing arm failure
I
2008-10-28Engineering analysisClosed 2009-04-17 Rear trailing arm corrosion failure
R

2009-07-17Suspension09V123000 Hyundai is recalling 83,355 my 2001-2003 Santa FE vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear trailing arms for internal corrosion damage. If specified levels of corrosion damage are found, the rear trailing arms will be replaced. Rear trailing arms that do…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-24Suspension14V435000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 78 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 41 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V030000 · Electrical system
Recall 03V520000 · Equipment
Recall 09V123000 · Suspension
Recall 14V435000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.