2001 Hyundai Santa FE
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 683 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 358 |
| 2010 | 258 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 493 |
| 2015 | 254 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 957 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2022 | 196 |
| 2023 | 205 |
| 2024 | 140 |
| 2025 | 127 |
| 2026 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: suspension — 78 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The rear trailing arm cracked in half causing my wife to run off the road11
NHTSA ODI report, 20211110
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, 20171124
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, 20171124
20% of complaints: electrical system — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIRE18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE11% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20100217
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS
9% of complaints: structure — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE SEIZURE
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 NOT
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 WI
Campaign 03V030000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 03V520000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FAILURE
REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE
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, M
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 NOT
Campaign 09V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V435000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (78 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V030000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V520000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V123000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V435000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.