6.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$650
Average Mileage:
55,150 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. dealer replaced steering column under warranty (2 reports)
  2. replaced tie rods, ball joints and sway bars (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Hyundai dealer.

problem #3

Jun 102025

Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 3.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,350 miles

Several complaints of the "sticky steering". Truly thought I had imagined this. At 99,650 miles, the engine seized up and was replaced under warranty. Since I had the "new car", I decided to upgrade some of the parts, to include front struts, rear shocks and front tie rods, ball joints and sway bars (there was no perceivable problem; just preemptive). After these parts were replaced, the steering was immediately better. I no longer have the sticking, which was more prevalent while turning left at highway speeds.

The car drove noticeably better with the new suspension parts that were, again, giving no obvious bounciness of failure. However, recently when turning left into a parking spot at very slow speeds, I felt great resistance on the wheel, like the power steering had failed. After the car sat for 20 minutes, it seemed to be normal until I got onto the road. At this point, there was an obvious stiffness to the steering, like the car had shut off. This lasted only a few moments. After pulling over to check for what felt like flat tires, I was able to drive home without any issue. I have since driven the car, at highway and side road speeds, with no perceivable issues. Thank you all for bringing the steering issue to light.

- Buddy D., Cedar Creek, US

problem #2

Nov 292019

Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

Driving at highway speeds, the power steering felt like it was stuck or on a cog. I was steering in increments. Took it to the dealer and they ordered a new steering column, and I'm having it replaced today. I also did a search after the fact and they Hyundai has been replacing the columns in certain groups of Santa Fes. So it is a known issue.

- Eddie F., North Richland Hills, TX, US

problem #1

Oct 012019

Santa Fe Limited 3.3L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

The problem was addressed by Hyundai of New Bern under warranty without question. The service manager, Chuck, was fantastic. The part did take some time to get, since it was on back order, but we were given a loaner while the Santa Fe was awaiting parts. The vehicle was repaired and the problem was corrected.

I've seen multiple, similar complaints online, and believe this should be an immediate safety recall. The steering sticks and makes it difficult to track down the road, causing momentary over-correction. In wet or slippery roads, or at highway speeds, this is very dangerous. The problem existed in all driving modes (sport, normal, etc.). Additionally, the problem existed no matter how the steering wheel was oriented in tilt position. This is a very dangerous condition and must be addressed by Hyundai immediately.

- Bret C., New Bern, NC, US