2002 Model Year

Hyundai Santa Fe

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
165
Recalls
1
Crashes
9
Severe
17

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

03V030000 Jan 2003

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 2023

The starter motor housing bottom ear bracket that holds the bolt to the transmission has broken off on 3 different starters in the same exact spot on...

Brakes Crash
Oct 2021

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 sta...

Suspension
May 2021

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS CLIENT WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SHE EXP...

SUSPENSION,WHEELS
Mar 2021

I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND FELT THE CAR FEEL AS IF IT WAS FLOATING. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE TIRE CAME OFF AND IT HAD. RUSTE...

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
Oct 2020

MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DIS...

Suspension
Sep 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF HIS REAR BRAKES, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR T...

Suspension
Aug 2020

THIS SANTA FE HAS A REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM THAT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAS ALSO DISINTEGRATED THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY, WHEEL HUB, EMERGENCY BRA...

Suspension
Jul 2019

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON AT LEAST LEFT SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS BOLTED.. PREVIOUSLY REAR TRAILING ARM RUSTED THROUGH.

Suspension
Jun 2019

BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTING OUT DUE TO SALT ROADWAYS

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
May 2019

WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED, THE TENSION ON THE WHEEL GOES...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has 165 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Suspension. 9 crash-related incidents have been reported.

Complaint Trend