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.

2002 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model

2002 Hyundai Santa FE
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:07.057Z

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: 165
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2002: 165 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	209
2002	165
2003	308
2004	303
2005	216
2006	106
2007	684
2008	541
2009	359
2010	260
2011	181
2012	355
2013	605
2014	493
2015	255
2016	236
2017	971
2018	110
2019	203
2020	217
2021	168
2022	201
2023	213
2024	156
2025	138
2026	39

Known problem areas

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

Suspension

38% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2015-02-19

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, 2018-01-24

Service brakes

13% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Show 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, 2021-10-15

Structure

11% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

Steering

10% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

INJURY

Vehicle speed control

9% · 15 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

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
2008-10-28Engineering 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

2002 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 62 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 21 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 18 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 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.