2002 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 | 236 |
| 2017 | 962 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 197 |
| 2020 | 209 |
| 2021 | 166 |
| 2022 | 197 |
| 2023 | 207 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 131 |
| 2026 | 35 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: suspension — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE CONTROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150219
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY REAR END BEGAN TO SHAKE AND CONTINUE TO TRY TO SWING OUT FROM BEHIND. MY REAR SUSPENSION IS RUSTED THROUGH AND NOW COMPLETELY OUT OF COMMISSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180124
13% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While dragging the trash can back to the house, I was approaching fence in front of the house, at a slow speed, as I applied the brakes the car started to accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211015
11% of complaints: structure — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
10% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
INJURY9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 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
2002 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (18 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 2002 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.