Owners' Reviews

Brought it new, now have 166k miles oil change every 3500 miles, transmission services as scheduled, timing belt changed out at 100k. my only problems to date has been power steering pump at 165k dash clock and some paint on the hood and back hatch. I see the paint problem often and will be writing Hyundai a letter to see if I can get paint out of them. I currently own 4 Hyundais. All dealer serviced and very happy with all of them

I bought this vehicle (2.4L 4cylinder, front wheel drive) used with 29,000 miles 2 years ago. It now has 53,000(4/17/2012) miles. The only repairs made so far were because of the mechanic at the Subaru dealership not installing parts correctly, total cost of repairs were less than $200. I hand wash and vacuum the vehicle every other week. So far no maintenance cost other than what I said above. Just oil changes and tires. Outside trim still looks great, inside shows wear but not too bad. This vehicle has never left me stranded or stuck off road anywhere, very reliable. Only problems right now is the popping sound coming from front suspension every now and then (probably needs new gas shocks and struts), nasty smell when first turning on A/C, and after putting in drive after not driving for a while the transmission or something has a jerk to it. Ive had the transmission fluid changed and looked at and no problems with transmission.

I'm 16 yo and just "inherited" our families 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe with a V6, 2.4 liter engine, and 126,000 miles. We are the only owners of the car and haven't had any problems with the car. Sure there are the normal cosmetic issues attributed to it being 8 years old. The only things we've replaced were the timing belt at 100,000 miles, the speed and mile tracker, and the spark plugs only as a precaution. It still runs strong and I love driving it. The only reason I can see for people not having a good experience is because they don't take care of their vehicles.

2004 Santa Fe. 60,000 Miles. So far: seat fabric is wearing out fast. Water Pump is failing (which is why I came here). Trim pieces have fallen off the outside of the car. The windows don't go down any more (Except the driver window). The lights got stuck "on" one time and burnt out the battery. (note the lights auto-turn off when you take out the keys). They didn't. The A/C won't turn off tonight - try to turn it off and the contols short out and flash on and off. We've had seal failures cause us have to replace some part or other that cost $800 I can't find the record now of what it was. Replaced timing belt due to horror stories we found on the internet. Tires that come with the car wear out real fast in Phoenix desert heat. Fair enough. Sister in law bought same car, same model, same year, and her A/C has failed already and had to be replaced. I really despise this car.

bought used with low mileage...the dealer has had in the garage more then i have...first two years, lets see. timing belt, throttle body, every sensor, stuck throttle and drove through garage, brakes didnt stop it. eats gas and wife drives it like a old lady..tune up took 2 days because you have to take half the motor apart to get to the rear plugs.......will never buy another Hyundai...EVER.....dont buy one they will suck you dry......ps I'm a master technician with over 34 years under my belt....this car sucks...

I bought the 2004 santa fe in 2010 with 29,000 miles. It has been a year now and it is at 38,000 miles. So far no problems and has been very dependable. My driving includes city roads, country roads, and interstates. The suspension does make weird noises every now and then when going over rough terrain. The transmission is sluggish and sometimes wont go in gear. The interior has nothing special and is very plain/bland. It has plenty of room. The cup holders are very small and will not hold anything without the drink tipping over. It has a 4 cylinder engine and still gets bad gas mileage (22mpg average). The vehicle does NOT have ABS or traction control. 0-60mph in around 11 seconds. Driving on interstate (70mph) is smooth except on windy days. The car rides smooth from 0-100mph. You have to fight the car at higher speeds because it is light and sits up high. Brakes do not grip well and takes longer distance to stop. When the brakes are wet they make a loud sounds and do not grip well at all. Overall the car is overpriced for what you get. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone unless you live in the city and drive very little.

The worst car I will hopefully ever own. Horrible a/c system, if you are riding in the back you don't get any air...Replaced o2 sensor 3 times, fuel filter 2 times, difficulties with the transmission. Would not recommend purchasing.

I absoultely love this car. It had some issues at first with the cadillac converter and manifold, but they got it fixed and everything's good now.

I purchased new had problems with the breaks in wet weather at low speeds since day one. Told dealer can't reproduce problem from day one. Made to purchase all new rotors and pads for this at less then 20,000. Problem still there. Gave up talking to dealer about it. Years later TSB about it but told the year of my truck is right but not month so its not my break problem. But it is 100% what my breaks did since new. Have had to change sensors for all types of things. A lot of bubbled surface Rust showing under hood on hood support beam in front of hood. Ball joint, Power steering pump, 4 elec sensors, replaced. Now axle boots leaking grease and tie rod boot leaking grease and ripped. I feels like I have replaced parts in all areas many the minute it hit 60,000 and was no longer covered. The breaks from o miles to present. Oh and the raido since the truck was new was replaced 3 times. Paint chipped off the orig. after 2 months of owning (purchased truck new). Replacment radio stopped changing stations 3 or so months after being put in and the display went out and paint on station keys chipping off again (I don't have long nails either). 3rd radio has the same problem only it comes and goes. At times station won't chnage and display is out click off and on it comes back on and works paint chipping off in same places as others. Though by the time the 3rd replacement radio started the same problems as the others it was no longer covered even though it was the 3rd replacment since the car was new with the same problems. I feel disappointed because for over $20,000 for a new top line Santa Fe I thought buying new meant I would not have to keep going in for repairs or breaking down like I would having an older used car. It is my first new car and I feel the old used cars I've had all my life were not less reliable then this purchased new one has been. How messed up is that. I am just as afraid to travel with this Santa Fe I brought new as I was with cars I brought used that were over 10 years old and that was not supposed to happen. As well I have followed the service requirments and have been an easy driver on the truck and the only driver.

the only thing wrong is it cuts out while driving . and stalls when stop can any one help with this