2005 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 | 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
33% of complaints: air bags — 72 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT RIBS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180522
MY MOTHER DIED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. HER SANTA FE WENT THROUGH A "T" INTERSECTION WITHOUT STOPPING CROSSING HIGHWAY, WENT AIRBORNE OVER HILLSIDE AND STRUCK A TREE. SEVERED SPINE, CHEST TRAUMA AND SHATTERED ANKLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120801
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
MY MOMS SANTA FE HAS SPED OUT OF CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE LAST INCIDENT CAUSED INJURIES BECAUSE THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130301
MY MOTHER DIED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. HER SANTA FE WENT THROUGH A "T" INTERSECTION WITHOUT STOPPING CROSSING HIGHWAY, WENT AIRBORNE OVER HILLSIDE AND STRUCK A TREE. SEVERED SPINE, CHEST TRAUMA AND SHATTERED ANKLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120801
WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE 2005 SANTA FE ENGINE ROARED. *TS THE CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051125
8% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE BEEN GETTING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS FROM MY CAR AROUND THE WELL OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE ARE 7 SERVICE BULLITANS ON THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201112
7% of complaints: suspension — 16 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seat belts — 16 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AS AN ADULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE'S OCS WILL PROPERLY CLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN WHEN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AND WILL DISABLE THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAGS. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE
Campaign 05V450000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE'S OCS WILL PROPERLY CLASSIFY CERTAIN SMALL CHILDREN WHEN SEATED ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT AND WILL DISABLE THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAGS. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE
Campaign 05V527000 — 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
2005 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V450000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V527000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V435000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 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.