2006 Hyundai Santa FE
This year had at least 30% fewer 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 | 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.
26% of complaints: air bags — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT WHILE GOING 25-30 MPH. THERE WAS PRIOR BRAKING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060227
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT AN AUCTION. WHEN I RECEIVED IT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON, BUT THE INSPECTOR PASSED IT. THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALSO ON, BUT THE AGREEMENT COVERED THIS AND THE AUCTION DEALER REPAIRED THIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120521
19% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began to accelerate without the accelerator pedal being depressed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211005
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS ON ITS OWN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190122
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, FOOT ON BRAKE, ENGINE BEGAN REVVING, THEN DECELERATED, BUT REVVED AGAIN, THIS TIME FORCING MY CAR FORWARD. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING FROM THE LEFT, SO I STEERED RIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140403
Also filed under ENGINE
16% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving my 2006 Subaru forester vin #[XXX] around 5 PM. I was waiting in an offramp lane to make a left turn, behind numerous cars. Suddenly, a car pulled up next to me and told me to pull over because my car was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250129
Also filed under ENGINE
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2006 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V435000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.