I've owned 2 Santa Fe's in a row (2001 & 2004). Both had engine failures around 60,000 miles (both on freeway). The 2004 failed at night in the middle of the Arizona desert- these both presented me with a very serious safety hazard. I was driving at 70 mph when the engine lost power and made a terrible noise. I end up getting towed over 150 miles to Hyundai dealer. Small block failed and was replaced in both- Hyundai covered the 2001 but only covered 35% of the 2004 (86 miles out of warranty). Never buy Hyundai's again!!!

- Dove Canyon, CA, USA

Engine- defective short block engine car is back in shop now for the 5th time for the same problem. Check engine light on, loud rattling noises coming from engine. Dealer informed me it's a defective factory engine. Brand new short block engine replaced twice and car now back in shop for same problem. No longer feel safe in this vehicle, as twice I had to be towed to dealer B/C of engine failure and I had my 2 yr old son with me. In reviewing this website, I see countless numerous and similar complaints! the engine is the heart of a car so how many new hearts is Hyundai willing to put in this one car" it cost more to fix this problem than to just accept the loss and properly compensate me! repairs are as follows: New short block engine installed; return car same day B/C engine felt "loose"; told it was the sway bar links- installed same day; car still felt loose, next day check engine light on- car returned. This time told it was strut top needed to be replaced- done. Picked up car, 2 days later back in shop for same initial loud engine noise and check engine light on again. Told same problem with short block engine to be defective. Ordered brand new short block engine and replaced again! picked up car after repair and again, same day, brought the car back B/C check engine light on again! car presently still in shop and I'm forced to contact an attorney B/C the Hyundai's Consumer Affairs states as long as the dealer keeps fixing the problem, they are not interested in offering me any compensation. How much more money are they willing to give this dealer before they realize this car is not worth another $6,500 repair bill"

- Peekskill, NY, USA

Since the purchase of this Santa Fe in 04 there have been six times where the vehicle had been driven down the road and died. I have been scared for my and my son's life as this just happened on an interstate and if it wouldn't have happened before I wouldn't have known how to react but I barely pulled the car off the road. Hyundai said the problem was unbalanced tire pressure...obviously they don't respect women.

- Sedro Woolley, WA, USA

While driving, the check engine light came on. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and the engine cylinder was found to be defective. Vehicle came out of the factory with defective cylinders. It took 5 months for the engine light to come on.

- Bridgewater, MA, USA

My husband and I purchased a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe in septmeber of this year (2004). 2 months later, the engine blew. Hyundai is offering only to replace the engine. However, their lack of customer service is appaling. No one returns my calls, I constantly have to follow up with them. We initally felt that a new comparable vehicle was more appropriate. They seem very unconcerned that the car died on a highway in the dark and that my husband and 6 month old son had no heat for an hour nor that they could have been involved in an accident when the engine died. Safety of their customers should be the #1 priority.

- Manassas, VA, USA