2004 Hyundai Santa FE
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 | 681 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 357 |
| 2010 | 256 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 352 |
| 2013 | 604 |
| 2014 | 492 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 937 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 193 |
| 2021 | 162 |
| 2022 | 187 |
| 2023 | 199 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 116 |
| 2026 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: suspension — 48 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 36 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120926
12% of complaints: air bags — 36 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET IN PLANO, TEXAS. A TRUCK PULLED OUT TO GET INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND WAS CAUGHT OFF AND FORCED TO PULL INTO MY LANE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180329
I WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT BACK IN DECEMBER 7, 2005 WITH MY 2004 HYUNDIA SANTE FE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND SCRAPPED THUS I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN NUMBER HANDY. I DO STILL HAVE THE PAPERWORK FROM THE HOSPITAL AND THE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171115
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130401
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 25 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V131000 — 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
2004 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V520000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V131000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V435000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.