10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,650 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #2

Feb 142008

Santa Fe 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,299 miles
Hi I went to my Hyundai dealer today for what appeared to be a re-occurring fluid leak on the transfer case seal, front passenger side of the vehicle. I was told this time that the leak was caused by a vent tube located at the transfer case. The technical service bulletin referenced by the service advisor states that the fluid will only appear during very cold temperatures. This seems to be what is happening right now, with my vehicle. My issue is that in order to stop this fluid leak, the dealer tells me that the transfer case vent tube needs to be replaced with a redesigned unit. I am also told that this new unit will not be replaced under the power train warranty. I asked why not?? if this is a design flaw on Hyundai's part, Hyundai should recall the affected vehicles and install the new vent tube unit at there cost, not the consumers'. I would like to know why I should have to pay $224.32 parts and labor to correct an issue that is definitely a design flaw that occurred from Hyundai. Please respond accordingly kenneth john basta

- South Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #1

Jan 142005

Santa Fe 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles
My 2002 V6 4wheel dr Hyundai Santa Fe while driving on the freeway at 65- 70 mph dropped a drive line, igniting flames to the rear of the car. Lithia of fresno claims it was due to low fluids in the transfer case, thus it overheated and the line snapped off. I had the vehicle serviced 2 weeks prior, the fluids were fine, the transfer case was okay. There was a vague hum in the drive of the car after returning from the mountains the week prior to the incident. Other 2nd opinions believe the auto switch in the smart system failed and left it stuck in 4wheel dr hence overheating the transfer case. It should be covered under waranty for repairs (120,000 on power train/engine) they denied the waranty coverage, so it's not repaired. Estimate is over $6,000. There should be an indicator light in the car as to what drive it's in, and engineering manufacturer defect and hazzard. Investigate please.

- Clovis, CA, USA