
Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
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About Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the company's first SUV and was released in 2001. Read more Hyundai reviews to learn about other models.
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Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
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Updated review: March 6, 2020
Working with Hyundai Dealer who is taking care of issue with Hyundai Finance. Didn’t enjoy the experience or time involved, but will live with the final result.
Original Review: March 6, 2020
My wife and I traded in a Leased 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport (w/ low mileage - 15K) on 11/15/19 and purchased a NEW 2020 Santa Fe on that same date. We didn’t realize that after dealer got the payoff from Hyundai Finance, that it was our responsibility to contact finance company to stop the monthly automatic lease payments from being taken from our bank account. On 11/15 and then again on 12/15 we had 2 additional payments taken after the leased vehicle was PAID OFF ON 11/15/19.
Hyundai Finance refuses to refund our 2 - Payments. We feel that the dealer should have informed us that it was our responsibility to contact the finance company to stop the auto payments and they should have handled the refund process since my family has been loyal Hyundai customers for 18 years having leased 2 cars and purchased 7. I’ll never do business with Hyundai Finance and I will never purchase another Hyundai.
Reviewed March 5, 2020
1. I am writing this in regards to the most unprofessional experience I've ever encountered dealing with Hyundai! I experienced a malfunction on my 2014 Hyundai Santa back in October 2019, I had just luckily dropped my great granddaughter off at work, when my car completely shut down and went off to the side of the road. I had it towed to the Gurley Leep dealership, out of my own pocket. They told me there was a recall on the engine. I got a rental. Now in a 90 day period I had talk to Hyundai on numerous occasions about getting reimbursed for my rental, that I used my credit card for, and all they could tell me was that everything was still in process. Just a few weeks ago I called again, and someone finally told me that they were waiting on my credit card statement, that I needed to send that in. THEY NEVER TOLD ME THAT BEFORE WHEN I WAS CALLING! I FAXED EVERYTHING! AND STILL NOTHING!!!
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2020
I have had nothing but issues with the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe that I bought. We purchased one in Dec. Had it 3 weeks and the dealership had it 4 weeks trying to find out why it has condensation issues. They traded vehicles with me. Same type, different vehicle. Had it 4 days and already condensation creeping on the inside while it sits in the parking lot. Anyone who has Asthma DO NOT BUY because it will cause you problems later on down the road. The Palmers Hyundai dealership of Mobile AL claims they can do nothing. The company will probably do nothing. BUYER BEWARE. You will more than likely have issues. This company has reviews since 2010 of this type issue. I wish I had seen it before I bought!
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2019
Bought a new Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 and have had it in the repair shop three times due to safety issues with drivers assist not working and head unit. Almost got into two major traffic accidents and have had to be inconvenienced with taking car in repeatedly. Called corporate office and they said to contact Better Business Bureau and would not help me in any way to get a vehicle that is safe. I have had the vehicle less than three months and it has been extremely frustrating having a vehicle that is not safe to drive and having to have a brand new vehicle in the repair shop for weeks at a time. Extremely upset new Hyundai customer.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2019
Car sat in driveway for 1 1/2 days. Came out to drive it and back window was shattered. No rock or branch around. Checked house cameras - no incident noted. On Day I did drive vehicle before, glass was intact. No chips or cracks. No obvious reason for glass to spontaneously shatter. Safelite out to replace. Technician told me he has seen before. Could be related to short in heating element. It was 51 degrees outside & rear window defrost had not been used at all prior to event. Reported to Hyundai Customer Affairs. 2015 Sante Fe Sport.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2019
I love the Santa Fe's versatility especially in winter conditions, it drives nice and handles steadily. It's not that great on gas mileage but overall performance competes with most mid ranged SUVs. The feel in the interior is classy and sleek especially with the leather interior, the back up Camera makes backing easy.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2019
I had a good experience overall and I would definitely recommend buying an Hyundai. Very reliable and affordable. I have been driving the car for over four years and I have been to some amazing cities including Cleveland, Cincinnati and more.
Reviewed Dec. 21, 2019
Overall well made and well thought out. Nice car. Very quiet ride. Good gas mileage. Nice electronic package. Storage room is great. This is our third Santa Fe and it appears to be the best so far.
Reviewed Dec. 20, 2019
I truly enjoyed the vehicle, the only regret was that the interior really felt "plasticy". I have owned Hyundai from its inception of the Pony in the late 80's and always knew they would be a great company.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2019
I was surprised when the power locks and power windows. And the horn went bad and how much it cost for repair some of the windows don't work from the drivers side, the horn stopped working and the power locks do not work on left side.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2019
I love my Hyundai and highly recommend it, excellent value for the price. Comfortable and intuitive interior. Very stylish outside, looks sleek and sporty. My only issue is the turbo lag, hate that. Otherwise I love it.
Reviewed Dec. 17, 2019
This vehicle provides great reliability while delivering better than anticipated gas mileage of almost 28 mpg on extended highway travel using the cruise control. Seat comfort is excellent, and we consider it better than the Ford Explorers that we had. Our only issue is the difficulty entering and exiting from the third row seat.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2019
I originally purchase a Hyundai Santa Fe in 2005 and was very happy with my purchase, so much so that in 2008 I upgraded to a 2008 with the bigger motor. I am still driving the '08 and still happy with the performance, nothing major has ever gone wrong, other than the usual maintenance issues which will eventually crop up. I always thought I would upgrade to the Vera Cruz, but alas as I am retired I just cannot afford the $40,000 price tag. If you are thinking of a newer vehicle, I would recommend that you take one for a drive for yourself.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2019
The Santa Fe sport is an awesome vehicle fully loaded moonroof... back up camera...leather. I drove my car everywhere and it’s very comfortable. I even drove 200 miles to Disney and back and it’s a very nice comfortable ride.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2019
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a very reliable vehicle, it's roomy with its 3rd row seats, the cargo area is really large. It provides a very smooth ride and best of all it's extremely quiet in the passenger compartment. I am very happy with it.
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2019
I have had a Santa Fe in the past. Got better gas mileage than the current Elantra GT that I currently own. 4 cylinder engines do not cut it for me, unless they come turbo charged. Prices were fine just not enough power to suit me. Not real good in the snow. I would rather go back to buying American.
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2019
Excellent. The SUV is SANTA FE. It's awesome. The seating space is mind blowing. Very comfortable journey in highways. HIGH SAFETY AIRBAGS ARE AVAILABLE. ALL TYPE OF PEOPLE ENJOY TRAVELLING IN THIS SUV.
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2019
I just purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago. Overall I'm very pleased with the handling, the safety features and the fuel economy. I really wanted a vehicle that I could turn on and have the headlights on automatically. That is a big safety feature in my opinion. It has lane assist, lane departure warning, back up camera and hill assist. I tested that out in San Francisco on damp roads last night, worked great. It's very comfortable, and while it's not a large SUV there is plenty of room for everyone. The backseats fold down and make a larger cargo area, and when up there is a detachable cargo cover to hide whatever you may have from being seen in the back window.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2019
It's been a great car. Hyundai has been my manufacture for the past 12 years. Therefore I will continue to buy a car by made by Hyundai. The 1st Hyundai was the others were purchased in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2019
Bought it used at CarMax in 2014 w/ 77K miles on it -- have had it 5 years (now at 99K miles) -- vehicle has been very reliable and have had no major issues w/ it-- gets decent gas mileage and has a nice sound system!
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2019
I love my Hyundai Santa Fe 2012. I feel safe in it. I was in a severe car accident in 2012 in which I was driving a 2008 Santa Fe. I came out of the accident with just a few scrapes, bumps, and bruises. We replaced our 2008 Santa Fe with our current 2012 Santa Fe. We have had a few minor issues with the Santa Fe we have now, but repairs have been able to be done by my spouse at a reasonable expense.
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2019
Nice smooth ride. Any recalls are cared for immediately without the consumer having to bring to the service' attention. Price too high for the vehicle, especially for such few options (at ea. price point). The vehicle I traded in, cost less brand new with far more options on it than the "luxury" version of the used Sport purchased. It doesn't hold a lot of things and it can't carry anything longer than 6 ft. front to back. Passengers like the smooth ride. Easy getting in and out. Front seats easy to move. Back seats are really difficult to move. Good storage areas.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2019
I've owned more than one Hyundai over the past twenty-five years and though I wasn't initially impressed with this car companies offerings until I worked as a mechanic at a Hyundai dealership. I purchased a Santa Fe that came in on trade for a good price and I loved it first time driving it! Handles good, great gas mileage and trips to mountains no problem with four wheel drive, plenty of room for stuff in back, and surprisingly Bad-Ass stereo! All in all one of used car purchases that wasn't a nightmare.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2019
Most reliable Vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned 8 cars! I have only replaced the serpentine belt and general maintenance like brakes, oil changes, tires, and battery. I love the soft ride it still has, seats are comfortable.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2019
The company’s service department could be better. I have had better experience with other service departments, but I did pay much more for that vehicle. Other than that, I like my car and really have enjoyed driving it.
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2019
I bought my Santa Fe second handed from a Hyundai dealership. It's a 2008. I've had it for 6 years & have kept up with regular maintenance. I have not had any problems with it. I commute over 50 miles each day, this car is great in the snow, I feel safe driving it to work & home. Also it's very roomy & seems comfortable.
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2019
The Santa Fe is by far the greatest value. Cars with comparable features would cost a minimum of 10,000.00 more. The Santa Fe has a smooth, comfortable ride. My husband who has a Lincoln says the Hyundai ride is better. This car offers the state of the art technology and safety features including passing clearance (which gives me more confidence in driving) state of the art GPS directions, fuel notification, overhead and back camera and so much more! I would buy it again and recommend this car to my friends and family.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2019
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a good solid vehicle. The software and features on such a new car were a little lacking but the overall cost was reasonable (at least for our purchase). Even with some of the software issues with the car it has been a great vehicle.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2019
I love it... Very spacious, good on gas, lots of great features and its great on the highway. I love the way the seats feel. The doors open and closes with ease. The cup holders are very deep so the liquids don't spill out.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2019
We purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, it has been one of the most comfortable riding vehicles we have owned. The gas mpg varies, depending on which gas I use, but in town typically 17-20 mpg on long trips 28-31. It's a 4 cyl, not a 6. So not fantastic mpg but the comfort & safety, I feel make up for mpg. Then again, I believe this is average for this size vehicle. Overall pretty happy, would buy again.
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2019
As we now have a Hyundai Elantra and have been very happy with it, we have actually test driven a Hyundai Santa Fe. I also rented one earlier this on a business trip. On both occasions, the experience was an excellent one. Easy to handle, comfortable ride, fairly quiet inside, good mileage and very good placement and ease of use of all the driving controls and electronic use. When my wife decides she is ready for a new car, that is what it will be.
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2019
I'm happy with the service and the products I purchase for the very good value. If I ever have a problem with an order they are right on it. Even if I am not in the right, they always make me feel as if I am.
Reviewed Dec. 2, 2019
I have had nearly 50 cars in my life. Everything from a Escort Diesel to Mercedes CLK 430.... This Santa Fe Sport Is spacious, comfortable and reliable. You can expect 26-29 MPG and enough Power to get you through Traffic. I really enjoy this car. The only disappointment is the stock stereo, as an old Rocker it could have used another 50 watts in the system. I added 2 Sony super slim amps to the mix and huge difference. Heating and Air is superb. Hyundai is second to none with service and Factory Warranty is great.
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2019
Love my Hyundai, so much room for passengers and truck space. Love side mirrors with blind spot detection and lane detection, along with front end accident protection. Overall very nice vehicle. Love the color.
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2019
This vehicle is one of the most comfortable I've been able to drive! Plenty of leg room, comfortable seating and, with the added bells and whistles, a VERY good vehicle! I admit to having a heavy foot and this car handles perfectly, in ALL kinds of weather, including hurricanes! I drove this at work, (yes,it's a company car) and my next vehicle will be a Hyundai Santa Fe. The gas mileage is great, has great handling, and seems a bit more solid than some other vehicles. Very quiet running, and if you can't tell, I loved the car!
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2019
I traded a Cadillac CTS for my 2015 Santa Fe Sport Turbo AWD five years ago. It rides as well or better than the Caddy. While it is not quite as quick as the CTS was it is not slouch. It is well optioned and comfortable. When it comes to driving on icy, snowy or slushy roads, it is a champ! At those times I lock the AWD in and it is one of the most stable and secure cars I’ve ever driven when controlling or during accident prevention maneuvers. I would recommend the car to anyone who asked.
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2019
When is Hyundai going to have a total recall on their wheel sensor speed control for the ABS system? It's ridiculous that these speed sensors fail with so little mileage on these cars! The biggest cost problems is the outrageous price the dealers charge to repair! Close to $3,000.00. Other car manufacturers have zero complaints on speed sensor failures Hyundai needs to get the speed sensor problem fixed for the ABS system. Now ASAP!
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2019
Last Sept 3, 2019, I went to the dealer because the time display on the AVN Head Unit disappeared. When the service advisor came, I showed him the problem and he stated that there is no fix for it, and a lot of owners came complaining about the same problem. I told him to have the technician look at it. After the technician inspected it, he stated that according to TSB 17-BE-019, the fix is to change the whole AVN head unit. I do not know why the service advisor lied to me.
Next thing is that the advisor special ordered the unit on September 3, 2019, and he stated he will call me when it arrives, It's been over a month now and I haven't heard from him. I tried calling last week and I have been told by the parts dept that there is no ETA for it. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THEY DON'T HAVE THIS PART IN THEIR WAREHOUSE. I'm still waiting and I believe I also bought the extended warranty on the vehicle which has only 45K miles on it. This is a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2019
I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Limited Ultimate on a Wednesday. Received it the following Thursday. A few days later, on Sunday, I noticed my garage smelled very strongly of gasoline and was able to narrow it down to the engine on the Santa Fe. On Monday I had it towed to the dealership and they decided they needed to order a replacement fuel injector. On Wednesday I called to check in on it and they told me another part was bad so they'd have to order it too and get it replaced. All in all, I've owned the vehicle for less than a week and it has been in the shop for 4 days with likely more to come. Probably the worst vehicle I've ever purchased. I would highly recommend avoiding Hyundai in general if this is what their quality control looks like.
Reviewed Sept. 4, 2019
2017 Santa Fe Sport was purchased used with 49k miles in April of 2019. The first time we traveled out of town I set the drive mode to ECO. The Traction Control and Downhill Shifting lights came on and stayed on while traveling - felt a slight jerk when this happened and it caused slower acceleration rate. Turn car off and back on and it goes away. It happened again twice more before I put car in NORMAL drive mode. Last week I was traveling at 70 mph and the 'jerk' was so strong I felt like I was hit by another car from behind. My car literally braked by itself while going down the highway. This almost caused me to crash. The service tech at dealership claims they've never heard of this issue before. (There are hundreds of reports online.) Appt is scheduled for this week, hopefully they can figure it out. P.S. They will also be looking at the AC as it randomly decides when it wants to blow through the vents.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2019
My 2014 Santa Fe caught fire suddenly while driving on the highway. This vehicle previously broke down in 2017 on the highway and I had to get it towed back to Sudbury Hyundai. They then decided to replace the engine. In 2018 Unfortunately 9000 km after the new engine it caught fire on the highway again with 5 people in my vehicle. I maintain my vehicle at Hyundai before leaving for this trip to make sure I would have no problems. Well that did not work out. This was the most horrific experience. Standing there watching your vehicle burn on the highway with all your possession in trunk. We were coming back from a dance competition. You could just imagine how sad the kids were to see dance bags go up in flames. I’m thankful that everyone got out in time because as soon as I pulled over the whole front end was in flames. We are all still having horrible flashbacks till this day. No one should have to experience this in their life.
I was very disappointed with Hyundai as no apology was given to me at all. I had to go into Hyundai to collect all maintenance paperwork for my insurance company and I was not treated at all with sympathy at all. I have reach out before regarding this incident but have not been successful on getting my story out. I do not want this to happen to one more person. It’s really a life changing experience that no one should have to go through. If the engine fails once please don’t replace it. Just give the person a new vehicle. Obviously the new replacement engine is still faulty.
Reviewed July 15, 2019
I was driving in NJ on Route 80 toward the Delaware water gap. Road conditions were great. The posted speed limit is 65 MPH. I set my cruise control at 65MPH and progressed. Three times while the vehicle was traveling on the downside of a slight hill the vehicle engine revved up to about 5500 RPM. The vehicle did not speed up or slow down it just traveled at the set speed while the engine RPM's were at 5500. I was able to stop the revving of the engine by stepping on the brake and disconnecting the cruise control. This happened several times.
I contacted Hyundai who had me schedule an appointment at one of their dealers. The dealer service tech stated that the cruise control system was working as designed and should not be used on "major inclines". The Hyundai manual goes further to describe that the cruise control should not be used on inclines or declines in excess of 6 degrees. So I feel the Hyundai 2017 Santa Fe owners or future owners be aware that hey "should not use their cruise control on an incline or declines greater than 6 degrees! Do you have any idea of what 6 degrees looks like? Not a great incline/decline. I will rethink my next vehicle...
Reviewed June 27, 2019
I have a 2017 Santa Fe XL that I really like driving with exception to 1 huge problem on the suspension that keeps on bottoming out when driving over a small pothole or bump. I brought it into the dealer 4 times to see what the problem is and they say all the vehicle are doing that and there is nothing they can do about it. This is the poor design of the SUV and I was wondering how many other people are having the same problem.
Reviewed May 17, 2019
Purchased an used/new Santa Fe in Oct 2018. It had a software update recall in March 2019. The update caused the engine to seize. The replacement engine is on back order. Although the dealer has given me a loaner car. It's an Elantra, which is smaller and does not have the features of my Santa Fe. I contacted Hyundai on April 18, when I couldn't get an ETA of when my vehicle would be fixed. I was told at that time, May 17. Well today is May 17 and the dealer just gave me an estimated ETA of June 3. Both Hyundai and the dealer lack in communication skills. If I didn't reach out to them and keep calling them I would not know what's going on with my vehicle. Hyundai says that they care about their customers. However, in my experience over the last few months is that they don't. My contact at Hyundai won't even help me with Blue Link, which is a service that I pay for.
Reviewed May 9, 2019
Without fail, the control arm bushings will wear out on your Santa Fe at 100K miles. This is widely known on the web. The cost is $2K+ and makes up 50% of the total cost of ownership of the car. It’s a shame they don’t have the option to repair the bushing only ($100) vs. replacing the entire control arm.
Reviewed May 8, 2019
My 2014 Santa Fe sport started to lose paint where tiny paint chips were on the front of my hood. Paint the of a quarter started flying off when I took it to a hand held car wash. The pressure wasn’t strong enough to take off the dirt, but the paint flew off. Hyundai will not back the paint, because my SUV is over the 36,000 - 3 year warranty. Never had paint peel like this on any other car I have owned in my 64 years of life. This is my first and last Hyundai! Companies need to back defective products!
Reviewed May 2, 2019
I have a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Turbo Sport. I've taken it in 3 times for oil consumption tests. And It burns 1 Q every 2,800 miles. They did a recall on my engine and ever since then, it burns oil. I use synthetic. I usually change the oil every 3-4,000 miles and he said I didn't have to until 6,000. I have 76,000 miles. 2 people told me it's burning oil. What do I do? Is it really normal?
Reviewed April 23, 2019
I leased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe @ 12,000 miles per year. I wrote out a check for $3,800 down for a $353.00 payment a month. A few days later I got a call from the dealership stating the that their head of finance had (lost the check). With this information I had to revisit the dealership and write out another check for $3,800 dollars. At the end of the lease, I turned in the vehicle in excellent condition with only 14,000 miles driven out of 36,000 miles.
Shortly after turning in the vehicle I received an invoice from Hyundai Finance for a total of $625 dollars. $400 dollars for what they called a (Disposition Fee) and $225 (Excess Wear Fee). I contacted Hyundai Finance to inquire what these fees were for? They explained that the (Disposition Fee) was for transporting the vehicle back to the main dealer. *In actuality, these vehicles are sent straight to auction to be sold "as is." The $225 (Excess Wear Fee) was for a scratch on the bumper? This amount is turned into a credit reporting agency if not paid. My credit score is 822 or excellent. Effectively stating that you must pay the amount or your credit score will be adversely affected. In summary (Hyundai Finance) is extorting money from a multitude of people daily. It is for this reason that I will never lease a Hyundai vehicle again and I will advise anyone not to purchase or lease a Hyundai.
Reviewed April 19, 2019
I purchased a 2014 used Santa Fe XL in Feb 2018. I paid 22,000 for this vehicle. Paid cash. Sale person very nice. I left and pickup after it was checked and said everything in working order. To my surprise and disappointment the air condition did not work. No I did not purchase the very expensive extended warranty. Took back to dealship I bought from. They said hard to tell if air conditioning working in winter. They were unable to find problem but put something in and got it working. At that time I was told they would only cover 1/2 of this repair and may have to come back to fix properly in few weeks. The air ran all summer so thought they must have fixed it. Also was told when problem arose again would cover 1/2 never meantion time limit.
I tried on Apr 17th to put air on a not working again. I made phone call to Hyundia dealer Simcoe and looked up past troubles and said too much time lapsed and would not cover 1/2 anymore. I feel so riped off. I did sign a paper originally that said my vehicle was I great working condition.22,000 was a very big purchase for me and never have I driven a vehicle that air didnt work after paying that much money. I plan on sing this rip off to as many that will listen. Will never buy a Hyundia again with this type of service. Frustrated Sharon **.
Reviewed March 20, 2019
I got my new Santa Fe Sport 2017 2 years ago, now with 15,000 miles on it, the engine went in a hill, I can't believe! it's dead, check engine light start to blink and then 1/2 power until I could stop in the side road. What a piece of crap! 400 dollars a month for nothing, the warranty of course cover the damage but now I have to wait more than a month without the truck! If you guys out there read this don't buy a Hyundai! Very cheap! Don't waste your money.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2019
Purchased a 2016 Santa Fe. Used 37000 miles on it. Was just safety checked. Only had vehicle for less than 2 months and the engine went. Had towed to Greensburg dealer. Was told after a week engine was blown, and there is no eta on a new engine. They are on backorder. And to top it off, we are paying on a vehicle that we no longer have in our possession and we are on a list for a rental car because they have none available. If Hyundai cared at all about their customers they would pay to have us placed in a vehicle until they finally got an engine to repair this vehicle.
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2019
My app has never worked. I've called every day to get this fixed. Their customer service doesn't know what I wrong and I spend hours on hold. I am currently sitting on the phone after my 5th transfer. No one is willing to help me. Yes I am paying for this service. Day after day I am at work sitting on hold with Hyundai, transfer after transfer.
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2019
I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe in July 2017 - the newest and worst car I have ever owned. In September 2017, the Santa Fe began shutting off while I was driving. This happened sporadically, anywhere from to multiple times in a day to four months in between occurrences. In the middle of traffic, it would lose all power, I would have to come to a stop, put the car in park, and turn the car back on. Thank God I didn't run into anyone & no one ran into me when this happened. Overall, it happened about 25-30 times over the course of a year.
I made 3 different cases with corporate Hyundai, took it to Hyundai service centers 4 times for a cumulative duration of 56 days over a time period of 13.5 months. This issue was tricky because it would not show up on any codes. Hyundai covered all costs while I was under the 60,000 mile warranty, replaced multiple engine items, and even sent an engineer to evaluate the car. The problem was NEVER fixed and it kept shutting off independently even beyond 60,000 miles. At this time, Hyundai's response was that if they had to replace a new part in the engine, then that "meant it is a new issue," therefore I would be responsible for all costs to fix the vehicle. All symptoms were the same, the car had never been permanently fixed, and so there was no way it was a "new issue." This forced me to allocate money into purchasing a different vehicle instead of trying to keep chasing a solution for this car that a corporate engineer couldn't even figure out.
I then made a Better Business Bureau complaint against them. Their response? They said that there was "no supporting evidence of proper maintenance per the owner's manual which can lead to engine damage." And that, "no further assistance will be provided by Hyundai Motor America." They basically blamed my car's issues on me and abandoned the whole issue in a hot second, even though I followed all routine maintenance while I owned the vehicle. Never did they admit that they had NO idea how to fix it and then try to come to a resolve. It is unfortunate that a company cares more about their own bottom line and finding ways to legally not take responsibility for matters versus take care of the customers that put their faith and hard-earned-money into their products.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2019
A year ago I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Everything was fine. It runs well and I had no issues with the car until recently. In the summer I noticed small spots on the hood but I didn't really think much of it. But now the paint has started to strip off the hood leaving it with a chunk of the paint missing. I went to my dealer today and they are saying I need to contact Hyundai, and Hyundai is telling me that the warrant is up so they will not be able to help me. I'm beyond frustrated and on top of that, my back up camera doesn't work and Hyundai is telling me to contact Blue Link because even though it's their car they are not responsible for the camera.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2019
We have been very happy with the 2015 Santa Fe the we purchased in York, PA and when we moved to the Wilmington, North Carolina area we had serviced at Parkway Hyundai. Initially we were able to easily get a service appointment - now we need to do more advanced booking as appointments have moved out. The service and responsiveness had always been good - until recently.
The light went on for standard service so I called and made an appointment. Before I was to bring it in the engine light went on. I communicated it to the service department so it would be addressed during my visit. Upon arrival I was informed there would be a minimum charge to utilize the diagnostic process and than any additional cost to fix a problem would be discussed. I was informed that the engine light went on because it needed to be updated The cost to address the engine light - was $100 which was addressed by the update. My questions were why do I need to pay $100 to find out I need an upgrade - and what was the value of the update.
I asked the Customer Service person - Josh ** - and it was basically its the cost to make the light go off. I sent an email to the General Manager Mary Margret ** a day after the service asking for an explanation (about 6 weeks ago and have not gotten any response I responded to the standard customer service follow up issued by Chris ** in Customer Service and the answer was not address but forwarded to Phillina **, Service Director to address. Although I have sent a few follow up emails, as of today I have not gotten any response.
As a final note, the standard service light that initiated the service - was still on when I got the car - I was told it would go out within a few miles. I live 35 miles from the dealership it never went off. I called and they walked me thru how I could adjust myself so I did not have to make another trip back to the dealership - which I appreciated. Isolated incident or downward trend - not sure. But there is never a good excuse for no follow up. At this point it was not the answer but the lack of response to close the loop on the question - there might be a good reason - but I have no way of knowing it. One final detail was the original reason I went
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2018
My 2019 Santa Fe is less than a month old, and has left me stranded twice. The 1st time, was in a drive thru at Wendy's. I had to be pushed to the side. The car quit running and wouldn't start. The Dash started blinking like a UFO saying no key recognized, and to check numerous systems. I had to jump the battery, and ran the "bypass" 10-12 times. Finally it started. I went to a local Hyundai dealership, but the service area was closed. They didn't know what had happened. 2 weeks later, it happened again. This time, it wouldn't start at all. It had to be towed to a service station, and I am carless, after buying my first brand new car. The manager and employees at Chillicothe has been very supportive, but I am a new car owner in tears.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2018
Transmission was change due to Re-call 'til we felt it som was wrong while driving. They never call us or got notified. We found the issue on our own. They all get mad ones you ask why is talking so long the repairs, from the same seller all the way to the management. It's funny how they are trying to make you feel you guilty, and the only answer I was getting from the main manager, "You must cry harder to corporate office because I can't help you." So why they have this guy in the first place? Or why they can only give a rental of only of $19 and they can not give you the same car as you are leasing or buying. Spent all day for rental and deal with Uber spending out time, and now we have a leak (transmission) wich is the second time prior to replacing the new transmission.
This is the worst experience dealing with that system from customer services to the management. They all disappear and get angry when you have a problem. You MUST COME AND ARGUE TO GET THINGS DONE. PLEASE NEVER CALL BECAUSE YOU WILL WASTE MORE OF YOUR TIME! The worst part of all, they think you might hit the car or did something, that's their first questions! I can't wait to finish my contact and get rid it off this headaches! Just horrible experience!
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2018
Bought a 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate this October with a ten year electronic rust proofing warranty. In less than two months I see rust in the center of the wheel hubs. No one at the dealer understood how the rust proofing device worked and I was not provided any solution to this problem. I paid CAD $65,000 for the vehicle and it rusted in less than two months under 1500 kilometers! Their claims of having a much superior steel because it is forged at Hyundai's own plant, on reflection sounded just an empty sales gimmick. The way they sold me the 10 year electronic rust proofing warranty and the way the story changed on my first visit to the dealer is very disheartening. I hope someday the concept of full disclosure becomes the law.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2018
My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has been at the Key Hyundai dealership located at 4660 Southside Blvd #100, Jacksonville, FL 32216 since October 29th or 30th of 2018. On October 28th, my vehicle completely stopped working while I was on a main road driving to church. I had it towed to the nearest mechanics shop for free by my car insurance but had to pay them to diagnose the issue. I was told the engine was completely seized up and that it would need to go to the dealership. I paid to have it towed to the dealership and paid the dealership for a diagnostic test as well. After much investigation, it was determined that the vehicle is not under Hyundai warranty, as I purchased it used from another dealership, and it just passed 100k miles, but I did purchase an extended warranty plan through Fidelity, which thankfully is covering the engine repair.
Unfortunately, in these past 7 weeks, I was only approved for a loaner car through Key Hyundai for 10 days. I have rented a car through Enterprise twice now, and am currently borrowing a car from a gracious friend, but she needs it back at the end of this week. I am being told there is no end in sight for the engine on back order. I have read many other complaints online of people having to wait months for their engine to come in, and have also joined a Facebook group full of people who have waited months to have their new engine installed. We are a single car family, commute for work, and are getting desperate. I can no longer afford to rent a car on top of making my monthly payment and insurance for a car that isn't even in my possession and won't even start up anyway.
I desperately need a rental car to be covered by Hyundai or a loaner car from the dealership until my repair is done. In addition, I am concerned about flat spots on the tires and the battery from sitting for so long. I have contacted the dealership's general manager, Hyundai customer service, and the Florida state senators consumer contact Jake **, as many have done in the Facebook group.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2018
After owning a Hyundai Tucson, which seemed reliable, my husband and I decided to upgrade to a Hyundai Santa Fe. On October 2, 2017 we were traveling with the cruise control on at 65 miles per hour when our Santa Fe began to make a noise coming from the engine. Without warning the car shut down 20 miles away from the nearest town and started smoking. No engine lights came on or anything. My husband raised the hood of the car and noticed the engine was on fire and quickly put it out. Keep in mind that my 16 month old baby is strapped in the car seat.
We were towed to a Hyundai dealership in the nearest town and as soon as the mechanic raised the hood he knew the engine had failed. He said it would cost us around $6,500 for us to replace it with a used engine, and couldn't guarantee that this wouldn't happen again with the replacement engine. As a young couple just starting out, and still owing $14K for the vehicle, we don’t have that kind of money and as our sole vehicle this has put us in a tremendous bind in working out the logistics of how we both will get to work as well as daily activities. We have contacted Hyundai, but they tell us they aren't responsible for the issue since there is not a recall.
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2018
Let me preface with this 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicle is my 3rd Hyundai. Please explain to me how and why we can be told that a wind noise coming from the windows of a brand new $36,000 vehicle is to be accepted as performing as designed! Apparently the lights on the mirrors are deflecting wind to the window. We've had it to the dealership who tried a new seal with no improvement so they removed that. We were told to contact consumer affairs who closed our case as the vehicle is performing as designed! When did defect become a design? I contacted the sales manager who said he would look into the issue and get back to me... he has not. The sale has been made and that's all they care at Obrien's in Fort Myers Florida? Husband says next vehicle will be a Cadillac. Done with Hyundai.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018
I bought a Hyundai Santa Fe which was 5 years old so just out of warranty but it only had 40.000 miles on the clock. After 8 months the car Just cut out, no warning, nothing lit up on the dashboard and the hgv behind me only just managed to stop. This carried on for a couple of miles whilst I tried to limp the car home but no luck. Breakdown service rescued me and managed to get the car back to Hyundai who quickly distanced themselves from the problem saying it was my bad luck. The car would now cost more to fix than what it is worth so I’m left paying for a heap of rubbish that doesn’t run. Hyundai are thieves and all I can say is at least Robin Hood wore a mask.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2018
Brand new Hyundai Santa Fe 2015. I'm 2nd owner. Paint is peeling rust on the roof. Only 58,000 miles. Hyundai doesn't want to fix it. I'm ready to file another lawsuit against Hyundai like the one filed on 2017. If you have the same issue contact me. This is nothing new. All vehicles made by them have the same issue. Now I feel shy to drive this thing. Full of rust in the streets and new paint falling every day and a car that I'm paying every month. Never ever buying this piece of trash ever again. Hyundai sucks. Also still under corrosion warranty but Hyundai doesn't want to cover the fix or replacement of the vehicle because they say corrosion is too small. Little dots. I bet by the end of when I finish paying this car by 2023 it will be a piece of rotten trash full of corrosion.
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2018
I bought the car for $500. It was the price that lead me to this purchase. However, once I owned the vehicle, I loved it and the way it drives and the spaciousness of the interior. Not too big. Perfect sized SUV for us. My children are grown up and I now have a husky and two rat terriers to tote around. They love riding around in the Santa Fe. The stereo doesn't work properly. However, you can plug in an aux cord and play music from another device. Other than the stereo not working, it has been a great purchase.
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018
My Hyundai Santa Fe has great tushy-warmers and after-factory backup sensors. It also gives a comfortable ride, and I like how high up I feel in it. I can see above the traffic. I feel safe in this car because it has a high safety rating. It is over 10 years old and still handles well. However, I wish it had built-in backup sensors, because the ones I had installed no longer work. Also wish it was Bluetooth ready, so I could connect my iPhone and talk hands free.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018
I have found the SUV (Hyundai Santa Fe Sport) to be economical, reliable and full of many built in safety features. I have had this make of car before that provided me with more than 200,000 miles of service. I have owned several other makes that don't have the style and features my Santa Fe does. I like the comfort and I have found the acceleration to be wonderful and the eco system great. However, I would improve the overall miles per gallon economy and include lane departure and front end braking. I also would add back seat climate control, front end alert and lane deviation warning.
Reviewed July 30, 2018
My Sante Fe was my favorite car ever and I loved the way it rode and drove. I needed all wheel or 4 wheel drive for the snow in the area. It was also very roomy, so it fit 5 people comfortably, even with the car seat in the back. But it would've been nice to have a remote car starter. I also would have liked to have separate heat and air settings for the back seat. Nonetheless, I would buy another Hyundai Santa Fe in a heartbeat.
Reviewed July 25, 2018
I thoroughly checked out everything about the Hyundai Santa Fe's Carfax report and I researched different SUVs on the internet. This vehicle keeps me up a little high, but not too high. Just right where I want to be. I love the heated seats in the winter and they don't get too hot in the summer. It is a smooth ride both in town and highway driving. It gets good gas mileage and handles pretty good in the snow. I have been run into a ditch by another vehicle and even without the vehicle having no 4WD I managed to get out the ditch without any problems. However, I would have more lighting by the heating and air controls. There is lighting on the screen but none on the buttons and you can't see them very well at night. Other than that, it is a really great vehicle and I would both purchase another one, but I would recommend it as well.
Reviewed July 24, 2018
I love my 2011 Santa Fe. I chose this vehicle because it was within my price range, the brand was a reliable one, the car was only on the lot for 2 days, it had most of the features I wanted and I liked the color. I also like having the compass on the mirror and the electric driver seat reposition feature. The size of the car both inside and out were important as well.
I love the way it handles. I have had very little problem with it and the few that I did have were solved quickly. It gets decent gas mileage around town and when I was going 299 miles every other week on the highway, it got even better miles. However, my vehicle did not have the dual controls for the heating/a/c system when I bought it off the lot and I would have that feature more than any other. I also would have a backup camera in my next vehicle.
Reviewed July 8, 2018
Driving down a street 35 mph, the 2013 Tuscon engine made loud sound all the lights came on and car shuddered and would not drive. Moved to side of road and towed to dealership. Theta-ii engine seized. Not repairable. Dealership and manufacture refused to help in any way despite known problem. Recalls has been made on this same engine in the Sonata and Santa Fe but not the Tuscon. Eventually traded in as cost to replace engine with used engine (no new ones available) was prohibitive. Received trade in of $3500 Blue book value $9000. Manufacture was nonchalant and said they could not help us. We asked about the warranty and they said their warranty is only for original owner. We went to a Hyundai dealership and did not find that information anywhere! Dealership offered to sell us a new Hyundai. Will never buy their products again.
Reviewed May 5, 2018
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has the best warranty in the auto industry, deservedly so. The brand is the ONLY one which, in one year, had NO recalls whatsoever for ANY reason. It's the first brand new vehicle I've owned in 16 years, and the advancements in styling, build, electronics, handling, and safety features are stunningly impressive. Gas mileage is double my previous car, travels farther and more fuel efficiently, and is eco-friendly as a result. For years I've wanted to acquire this vehicle, and haven't had one single reason to regret doing so. It will be the last car I ever buy... I expect it will last that long!
Reviewed May 2, 2018
It is well built and lots of room. All the latest updates. Some dealers will really work with price if you are patient. Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2017 is a very good value.
Reviewed May 1, 2018
The only problem I have had with the Hyundai Santa Fe is with the dimmer switch. If you hit it a little off center you turn the lights off. This was scary. One other thing is that the seat belt does not always retract when exiting the vehicle and then gets caught in the door.
Reviewed April 27, 2018
We have three Santa Fe. Two is AWD, only thing I find the electrical is not that great. Though, minor. But parts are not cheap and hard to find online at a decent price. I go through my friends that has shops to get me a better price.
Reviewed April 25, 2018
Car like ride, good gas mileage combination local & highway, 20-27 mpg. Fairly easy to maintain/Repair for D.I.Y. and Parts readily available. Also, Hyundai Santa Fe has 5 star safety rating for 2008.
Reviewed April 24, 2018
Hyundai Santa Fe has paint problems. Paint chipping off the hood and roof. Bought the vehicle new in 2014. I have owned cars upwards of 20 years old, and I've never seen a paint problem anywhere close to this one, especially after just 4 years.
Reviewed March 11, 2018
Safety Recall - Metal Debris from factory machining - Recommended oil is synthetic which I continuously run in my Santa Fe. At the time of recall I asked what the recommended oil is and was advised synthetic. When I booked my appointment for the recall I asked that synthetic was replaced as the oil and filter would be removed during the recall. I was told by Hyundai Canada and the dealership that regular oil would be put in and that I would need to pay the difference. My complaint is that I put the recommended oil in the vehicle as per Hyundai manual yet during the recall Hyundai would not replace with the recommended synthetic oil. I purchased, via Walmart, synthetic oil at a cost of $49 for the recall and would like to be refunded for the cost of synthetic oil. I am a returning customer to Hyundai. This is my second Santa Fe. Will not be a returning customer if not refunded.
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2018
I ordered a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe lease in 2014 that included a hitch for my boat. The salesman assured me it had one. Took delivery and the hitch had to be added at a "discounted" rate to me of $500. Turned in my lease and, unlike GM, Ford, Jaguar, Chrysler (any other manufacturer I had leased from) Hyundai charged me a $400 fee just to turn in the car. In addition to that, they said I had missed a payment a year earlier by over 30 days (which I could have since my computer was replaced about that time and that's where I keep all my monthly obligations). They reported it to the credit bureaus. The only black mark in 50 years! Actually... I had two... my first and LAST Hyundai... never again.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2017
I leased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with Blue Link subscription for 1 year. I called blue link customer service to see if there was any special discount they may have to renew my subscription as the service is very expensive. An agent offered me 40% off, however, he wasn’t able to apply it on his end, he said a supervisor will call me to do so in 2-3 business days. No one called. I called several times but all I get was the same response over and over again. It has been over a month. I decided to pay for the service online, which takes 24 hours to activate. 24 hours passed and no activation. Call back blue link, a reset was done, still not working. The agent submitted a request form for service expedition, which they say takes 3-4 weeks for someone to get back to me, or my other option was to take it to the Hyundai dealer to change the interface system...
At this point I was soo frustrated with all the incompetent service and all the running around I am getting. I decided to call the dealer and showed up, only to be told that they are only open Mon to Fri and I will have to leave my vehicle there for the whole day. I will never lease, or buy again from Hyundai or even use their blue link service again. There is no accountability, no follow up, and no guidance, and their customer service Dept is very inefficient. I emailed MyHyundai customer service and MyHyundai consumer affairs dept regarding this issue with no response.
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2017
My wife and I currently own 2 Hyundai vehicles, a 2013 Sonata and a 2014 Santa Fe Sport both of which use the 2.4l motor. Our issue began on night of 11/12/17. We were returning from visiting family in the Tampa area and a few miles from home our Santa Fe Sport began making knocking sound. At first I thought that something was possibly stuck under the car, or around the driveshaft, but upon arriving home realized the knocking was coming from the motor. On the 13th I dropped my vehicle off at a local mechanic for a routine oil change and to ask him to try and determine what the noise was and how to address the issue.
Being in sales I have the oil changed in my Santa Fe Sport every 3-4 weeks as I drive over 30,000 miles a year and rely heavily on my vehicle to earn a living. The mechanic reported back that he thought it was a bearing within the motor and that he did not recommend me driving the vehicle as it could potentially blow out the side of the engine block and seize the motor completely. At this point I had the vehicle towed to a local Hyundai dealer for a diagnostic to be completed. The diagnostic resulted in the dealership informing us that my entire engine needed to be replaced! They reached out to Hyundai Motor America in an attempt to try and have the engine covered under warranty or recall notice. This request was ultimately denied because I was not the original owner and therefore was not entitled to the 100,000 mile warranty and I was also informed that my VIN did not qualify for the recall from earlier in 2017.
Upon further research and found that the recall, which impacted my wife's vehicle, was released earlier in 2017 for the 2.4l motor in 2013 and 2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. They were being recalled due to engine failures caused by a machining issue that caused bearing wear and then premature engine failure. When I inquired as to why the Santa Fe Sport was not covered under this recall, as it seemed to be my exact problem, I was told that my VIN number was not on the recalled list and therefore would not be covered and that was all the information anyone could provide to me. Upon attempting to escalating my concerns at the dealership level was told that there was nothing else that could be done and I was instructed to reach out to Hyundai Motor America and file a case and report back to the dealership, which I did.
I was informed by the agent at Hyundai Motor America that my case was already marked as a final decision and that nothing could be done, there was no one else I could speak to, no one to override the decision, nothing. The only thing I could do was reach out to Hyundai Motor America via email or written letter. So at this time I have a 2014 Santa Fe Sport with less than 100,000 miles and motor that needs complete replacement due to a bearing failure that is a known issue and has already been involved in over a million recalled vehicles.
I purchased the Santa Fe Sport at a used dealership with 21,000 miles and have documented proof of my oil changes, as I expense them for my job and do not neglect my vehicle, but none of this mattered to Hyundai and I was provided an estimate to repair my vehicle with a refurbished motor for $7,867.66! At this point I am at a loss I can either pay the nearing $8,000 repair bill or I can trade in the vehicle at $3000 toward something else and take a massive loss. This is a known motor issue and I feel it was something that should have been covered under recall. I feel that I cannot be alone in this issue.
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2017
In November 2016, I bought a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Turbo with 40453 mile from a local dealer. On a family road trip on June 3 of 2017, my car without warning started rapping and knocking and eventually seized up and left us stranded on the side of the road. It was towed to the nearest Hyundai dealership. Turns out there was a pending recall on the motor in which due to a faulty manufacturing process metal pieces were in my engine causing it to fail. After 72 days, a motor was located and installed and I was able to get my car back on August 17. On September 19th, my car started to have issues and I returned to my Hyundai dealership in CT. They kept it for a week and made several repairs with instruction to return the following week to complete a repair on the 4 wheel drive. I returned as instructed and complained that my vehicle was still giving me an intermittent problem which seemed worse in the cold.
They told me the problem was a Turbo lag that could not be fixed. I complained to Hyundai USA and they agreed with the dealership that it was a turbo lag due to poor design of the vehicle - the vehicle is too heavy for the turbo and I should just always warm my car up or know that it was going to have this problem... The car will not accelerate over 20mph while the tachometer revs up to 7000 rpm. This caused a safety hazard as we tried to enter 495 in Massachusetts and could not get out of the way of cars speeding by us. In my frustration, I googled Hyundai problems and saw several complaints with Hyundai's that performed the same way. One complaint included a video of their vehicle doing the exact same thing as mine and they said after they repaired the "wastegate actuator", they no longer had any issues.
I called the dealership and asked if that could be my problem and I also contacted Hyundai USA to tell them that I was still having a severe problem and would like to have the wastegate actuator looked at. The service advisor at the dealerships response was "that could absolutely be the problem, let me do some research and I'll call you back. Its still under warranty, don't worry". Have not heard back from him, but I have heard from Hyundai USA. Hyundai USA says they contacted the dealership who said they checked the actuator and it was fine and that there would be no further repairs to my car unless I paid for it myself.
The mileage on my car is 52400 and the warranty is supposed to be til 60,000. They will not pay for any further repairs as they say there is no problem with my car. There is definitely a problem! The repair order from the dealership does not list any work on anything to do with the Turbo or Waste Gate Actuator or that it was inspected.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2017
When we bought our brand new Hyundai Santa Fe the salesperson told us we had a bumper to bumper warranty for 100k miles. After not even a year my vehicle had rust on the hood. I called Hyundai and they would not cover due to paint having a separate warranty. When I told them I was told bumper to bumper they told me I should have read the 20 pages of documents they gave me. I assumed they would be honest and I didn’t need to worry about reading every last page of the agreement. I told a friend of mine who also owned a Hyundai about my dealings with Hyundai and he was told the same thing bumper to bumper for 100k. No one year vehicle should have rust on it! If you buy a vehicle from Hyundai I pray you never have any issues and need to call customer service because they are TERRIBLE!!
The last encounter we had: just needed to know process required for selling our vehicle which still has financing, a copy of title, and letter stating car would be paid off once we sold vehicle to private party. You would have thought we were speaking a different language. No one knew what to do and we were actually hung up on THREE times because no one felt like dealing with our requests. I finally had enough, after being on the phone for almost an hour, decided to call back one more time (now it was 10 minutes before they closed) and asked immediately to speak to a manager. She asked me a ton of questions for the next 6 minutes and then proceeded to tell me they were closed and if I wanted to speak to a manager I would have to call back tomorrow. I can’t wait to sell my vehicle and NEVER have to deal with Hyundai again.
I can’t stress it enough, do not buy a Hyundai! I thought saving $10k on a new vehicle would be worth it. If it’s too good to be true it probably is!! My car is only 5 years old and is worth next to nothing now! These cars do not hold their value and this company is TERRIBLE to deal with. If I could give them a zero star I would!! I am so dissatisfied with them and I never write reviews! Buyers beware!
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2017
Santa Fe - I bought this car at 30,000 miles and have had non-stop mechanical issues with this vehicle. About 1 month ago all my oil basically just fell out from under the car. I had it towed to the dealership and was told it was a plug in the short block that was faulty. I asked what the remedy was and they said basically you need a new motor. The plug cannot be fixed on these, you need to purchase a new motor. Who builds cars like this... HYUNDAI does.
I contacted them and told them of this defect and I said even though I'm the 2nd owner you should fix this defect. So they jerked me around for about three weeks and then said no they won't stand by their product. So, now my sole hobby will be to make sure the world knows about Hyundai, oh... By the way these Santa Fes are just glorified Kias. They are basically interchangeable parts wise. If I had know this I wouldn't have bought this car. Just know that Hyundai puts out small defects on their motors that will require you to replace the motor, no kidding!
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2017
I was having trouble with my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It was leaking oil at an alarming rate. I would go for an oil change and 2 weeks later, I would not have any oil in my car. I didn't understand why my oil light never went on, why no one could locate the leak, or why my Blue Link was not reporting any issues with the engine of the car. My car ended up catching on fire. It was a devastating experience, the car was not even on, it was fully engulfed within the time of me going into a convenience store to get milk. When I look at my Blue Link report, it continues to tell me, that everything is all good. Right down to the tire pressure being good, and I watched those blow up in the fire.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2017
Hyundai is a very reliable automobile manufacturer. The Santa Fe Sport has exceptional power for a four cylinder crossover and provides good gas mileage. It is much roomier than the Tucson, yet not as cumbersome as the full-size Santa Fe. Comfortable for traveling long distances and has plenty of leg room in the back seat. Perfect for my spouse, my beagle, and myself.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2017
I had a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, it was my 2nd Santa Fe, and 5th Hyundai in my family. The car was having issues with an oil leak, though my oil light never came on, and the service I paid extra for, called "Blue Link" never reported any issues. It caught on fire and was totaled. This was a very scary and frustrating event. The monthly "Blue Link Report" is still saying My burnt Hyundai is still working properly with no issues.
Reviewed July 20, 2017
I purchased a brand new 2012 Santa Fe in June of that year. Always kept up with oil changes and took care of things as they occurred. We purchased the extended warranty along with undercoating and interior Scotchgard for upholstery. About a month and a half ago I heard a tappet noise only on cold start. I took vehicle into dealer and explained my issue. They told me leave vehicle and they would check it out. About 4 hours later they called and me what I would have never guessed in a million years that I needed a new engine. I was shocked, they told me that it like oil wasn't changed.
I didn't save all my receipts, so I had to track down my receipts and I even had to go to the mechanics that I had worked on vehicle in the past. Luckily they were able to retrieve my old receipts along trying to locate my old file cabinet to find the receipts I had on hand. I took the receipts into dealer (Ettleson Hyundai in Hodgkins, IL). I waited almost two weeks for outcome. They tell me that I had to come up $8000.00 to replace engine. They don't want to honor the warranty. Based on what I have seen and read on your reviews I will be a strong advocate against anyone to ever buy these cars. The company should go bankrupt. Is there any lawyers out there that could give any advice regarding this issue?
Reviewed July 11, 2017
On June 29 my wife drove our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe from Dandridge Tn. to Knoxville Tn. about 40 miles to pick up a friend at the hospital. When she got within sight of the hospital the car died and the oil light and battery light came on. There were not any lights prior to this that came on and the car was not running hot at all. We had the car towed home. The tow driver that picked up the car restarted it and it did not have any warning lights on and the driver drove it onto his flatbed and hauled it to our house, backed it off the truck and we backed it into the garage. We called Hyundai of Morristown and roadside assistance to take the car there.
When that driver came I pulled the car out of the garage and down the drive to the back of the flat bed and left it running. The driver pulled it up onto his flatbed again no warning lights were on. The dealer told my wife that the engine had no oil and the engine was burnt up and had sludge. They told my wife that we did not change the oil and that is what caused the engine to fail and it would cost us $8000.00 to replace the engine. I was on the internet looking for a used engine when an article came up on a settled class action law suit and recall on various Kia's and also included the 2014 Hyundai Santa fe with the 2.4 liter engine due to metal shaving in the crankshaft from machining causing engine failure. I printed the article and went to the dealer to the service department.
The service manager told me that the recall did not include our VIN # and that the engine failure was caused from not changing the engine oil and that their records showed that we had only taken it to them 1 time for an oil change. I told the service manager that I had been changing my oil myself. She ask me if I had receipts to show that. I did not keep the receipts for the oil and filters, I did not think I would have to prove to anyone that I had been changing the oil. I ask her where the oil had went and she said that there were no leaks and she had seen engines that the oil had not been changed in and that I had caused the engine to burn up because I had not changed the oil. She said that the engine was bone dry and had sludge in it.
We were in the general manager's office and were both getting heated so I ended the conversation and left. I called the customer care center and filed a claim and was told that what was sent to the warranty department was that the radiator was low and that the overflow was dry, that they had tried two different dip sticks and could not get any liquid to show. They also said that the oil light was staying on at idle and they had to add 5 and 1/2 quarts of oil. I have tried to get to someone to have them talk to the tow truck drivers to show that the dealer had dishonest but have not been successful so far. The dealer has been deceitful about this. They have not answered the question as to why we got no warning lights or overheating until the car stalled and quit. I have owned 2 Kia's and a Hyundai and after this experience I will never own another and when I get my Santa Fe back I will probably trade it in on another brand car.
Reviewed May 24, 2017
On May 10th, I purchased a 2017 Santa Fe Sport Luxury with 5,000 km on it. On May 17th, 2017 I went to back into my drive-way and my car jerked like I had hit something. I got out and looked, nothing, I was in the middle of the road, I knew I hadn't but I checked just in case. I had trouble backing up into my driveway. I was off work the next day and didn't drive it. May 19th, I drove to work, went to back into my spot, my car jerked, it wasn't going, I tried a few times, I eventually left it as it was, out of my spot a bit.
I called my salesperson, he told me to bring it in. I showed up. The female mechanic tested it and said it definitely had a problem but also heard the transmission grinding. She told me that they didn't have any spare cars on the lot and that it was safe to drive to come back Tuesday May 23rd. I mentioned that I had an appointment on May 25th, if she feels it's safe, should I just come back then? She told me it was perfectly safe. I told her I was scared to drive it, she told me it would be fine and repeated 3 times to not be scared.
Later that evening I went out and had to back up out of a spot at a mall. The car delayed then jumped back, I nearly hit someone. Since it was after hours I had to wait until Saturday morning to call the dealership. May 20th, 2017, I called my salesperson at 8:50 am left a message. We spoke at 10 am, he told me he would speak with his manager and get back to me within the next 2 hours. He said he would see if he could lend me his car but he wasn't sure if the Manager would allow it. At 12:30 I tried to call the sales person back, I got the machine. I went to the dealership and demanded to speak with the manager. They were horrified that I was told to drive the car and they found me a demo to drive until they figure out the problem with my car.
The mechanic denied saying that it was safe to drive and that I had insisted on keeping the car until May 25th. The salesperson later called me to apologize at 2:43 pm. 5 hours later on a Saturday and they close at 5 pm. I told him that customer service was on this matter was not good. If he couldn't help me at the time because he was busy, he should have had someone else call me. On May 23rd I received a call from the mechanic and the Manager to advise that my new car needs a new transmission. I will be without my new car for two weeks. I only actually drove it for 5 out of the 7 days of owning it.
I was told by the mechanic that she contacted Hyundai Canada to make them aware of that this type of thing shouldn't happen. But from what I have read on here, it seems to be a regular problem. I also asked the mechanic if I could get another vehicle, the mechanic replied that generally once a transmission is replaced, I won't have any more problems. I'm very disappointed after spending over $45,000 on this car that I got a lemon. My very first SUV. I thought they made cars better now. I will be horrified if I continue to have problems after this.
Reviewed April 21, 2017
I have had my 1st Santa Fe 2002 brand new! Never had a problem with it. Since then went back and got a Tiburon and two other Accents. Great cars. Last month March 25, 2017 decided traded in my old Santa Fe (189,000 miles) for a brand new one. At 600 miles notice a strange sound. Took it in. At this point the dealership telling me it needs a brand new transmission! Haven't had my car for even a month!
I did contact Hyundai Corp. My case lady answers her phone right away and calls back right away along with the dealership and service dept. Yes. They have great customer service. But at this point. They have given me a rental car, but what will they do next? No one wants a brand new car that has already been torn apart. That's why I got brand new. Not a used one. I do hope they buy back the car and just give me a new one. This was the 5th car we have got from Hyundai and from the same dealer. I just made my 1st car payment yesterday on a brand new broken down car. :(
Reviewed April 8, 2017
I am writing to make Santa Fe owners aware of a problem I encountered which not only was a very costly blow but was a significant inconvenience to my family's Xmas holiday. While driving to the US for a ski holiday shortly after Xmas my engine started rattling. No warning lights but it was significant enough that I knew I needed to pull over. Someone checked it out and told me not to drive it any longer. We checked the oil and it was like tar. Very strange since I perform regular oil changes and my last change was 5,400 km's ago. Turned out Hyundai said it was a lower engine problem and I needed a new engine.
I purchased this vehicle New in 2013 and have taken care of it. How does this happen with a new vehicle. I was out of warranty so it cost me $5,400. I read up on Hyundai's and discovered that many others are experiencing this problem. Primarily the Sonata's in the same year. Apparently a problem at the plant with the cleaning equipment in the lower engine. I wrote Hyundai and they told me that there is no issue with the Santa Fe's. I am certain that there are others who are experiencing this and I feel more need to make Hyundai aware so they can recall these engines. Has anyone else had similar issues???
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2017
I always had a great experience with the Hyundai dealer/service department by my house, but dealing with Hyundai directly is another story. At around 65,000 miles, my engine light went on and my fuel sensors stopped working. I did research and found that MANY other 2007-2009 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs were having this problem. The dealer kept telling me that this would most likely never become a recall, even though I felt like it should be, since it isn't usually something that fails on a car. I decided that I had no problem using the odometer to track when I needed to fill my gas tank because I didn't have $650 to spend. I did this for just about 2 years and I planned on doing this for the life of my car. Then, I took my Hyundai Santa Fe in for the most recent recall (rust on the suspension). The dealer told me that I needed to get the fuel sensor fixed because otherwise my car wouldn't pass emissions.
I called Hyundai to see if they would cover the cost since many other cars seem to be having a similar problem and fuel sensors aren't usually something that goes wrong on a car. The lady I spoke with said that I would need to get the work done, but then I could submit the paperwork for review. I said, "so I could pay and you guys may or may not cover it". She said, "I would suggest getting the work done and submitting the paperwork". To me, this sounds like I am going to be reimbursed. So, I got the work done and submitted the paperwork on Jan. 25.
I received an email saying that I'd hear from a case manager in 2-3 business days. I waited over a week and a half and heard nothing. So I emailed again, and received an email saying I'd hear from a case manager in 2-5 business days. Five days later I was told that they weren't going to pay for anything. Beware of buying a Hyundai vehicle. They don't take ownership for things that should be recalls.
Reviewed Dec. 21, 2016
I have a 2012 Elantra Limited with a 1.8 engine and only 46,000 miles. While driving on the freeway 12/14/16 heard horrible noise, lost power and oil light went on. No prior symptoms! Towed car to Romero Hyundai in Ontario, California. Within a few hours Hyundai DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE though my original 5 year/60,000 warranty is still in effect as well as my 10 year power train warranties. They did this without ever asking me a question or for any documentation. Same day 12/14/16 an instant 'review' was done and denied again! This is the month Hyundai settled a nationwide lawsuit about its 2011-2014 Sonata engine failures that are very similar where the Hyundai was apparently forced to replace thousands of engines and where there is a recall of over 500,000 cars for similar issues.
I would never, ever buy a Hyundai again! I am reading all over the internet about Elantra, Santa Fe and Accent Hyundais having engine failure problems too! And owner maintenance has not been the real issue since owners with this problem had proof of timely maintenance though Hyundai tried to blame their problems on their own customers. The man who immediately denied my claim was "Abe" and also Robert ** from Hyundai corporate in Fountain Valley, Calif. The dealership that didn't help me was Romero Hyundai in Ontario, Calif. If you have a similar problem contact me and let's file a new lawsuit to get Hyundai to pay for ALL MODELS - not just Sonata that have early engine failure.
P.S. By the way, this isn't the first Hyundai denial. My Elantra had tremendous starting problems when I first got it. When I asked the dealer at Romero if anyone else had such problems they denied anyone else did. I then went onto the internet and found Elantra owners all over the country who were having the same problem. Eventually service bulletins and I believe a recall was finally issued. Hyundai and its dealers need to be more HONEST with their customers and take RESPONSIBILITY for their manufacture defects and not try to get out of their warranty obligations by forcing their customers to pay for them!
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2016
I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate from my local dealer at a cost of over $50,00. Since my purchase, my Auto Emergency Braking disabled "temporarily" light and alarm go off every few miles. My dealer says the computer tell them there is nothing wrong with the system. I have doubts that this system ever works. The dealer has had my car for over 10 days with no results. I have contacted Hyundai over a month ago but they have never called me back, only sending me an email saying the will contact me in 3-5 days.
Passengers in my car often remark, "What's wrong with your car?" with all the alarms going off. My dealer says it was not happening and I did take pictures to prove it was happening. All they could say was, "The system is working as it was designed." REALLY. I have purchased Hyundai cars in the past but never again. They refuse to repair the problem with an accessory I paid $2400.
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2016
Purchased Hyundai Sonata 2007 model in November of 2006. Paint started to peel in September of 2009, while car still under warranty. However, I thought I'd hit something and did not bring paint problem to customer service at dealership (Shawnee Mission Hyundai in Lenexa, Kansas, area). Nonetheless, the service department should have seen it and known it was not right. In 2010 brought paint issue to attention of dealership and manager said it was a bad paint job and asked me to wait until regional rep came in to see my car. He left or was fired. Took this up with second manager who also said the problem was a Hyundai issue and should be taken up with the regional manager. This manager left or got fired and then I took the issue up with a third Service Department Manager at Shawnee Mission Hyundai. He also said he thought the problem was a Hyundai issue.
I took pictures and met with the regional manager who insulted me saying it was "normal wear and tear". He offered a 10% discount on repair which was NOT acceptable to me. Then I took it up to corporate and after further delays we're now in the year 2013 or so. Corporate said "NOT OUR PROBLEM." So, go to the internet and google Hyundai paint jobs to see what kind of inferior painting they're doing with their autos. My car is white "pearl" and I've found numerous pictures of Sonatas with the same issue. So, here's my solution. Shawnee Mission Hyundai in the Kansas City area has lost me as a customer, including the $5,000 in repairs I'm incurred from normal wear and tear and maintenance. Also, I'm not buying their Santa Fe I was planning to buy.
Suggest you stay away from Hyundai automobiles because, based upon my experience, they won't stand behind their work. Also, bought a "Bumper to Bumper" extended warranty from Shawnee Mission Hyundai when purchased the car. Their Bumper to Bumper extended warranty did NOT cover the paint job. So NEVER BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM HYUNDAI. There is no bumper to bumper warranty - it was just sales hype by Shawnee Mission Hyundai sales staff. There it is. My report. Do with it what you will; but I am not buying another Hyundai and recommend that you don't either.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2016
I purchased a used Santa Fe in 2014, it was a 2013 with 18,400 miles. It ran fine for me until June of this year. The headlights go off and stay off until I have it serviced. The back windshield wiper doesn't work now either. I took car into local Hyundai dealer. They have tried everything from changing fuse to changing computer box to saying that batch of boxes was defected, they tried it again. This the fifth time in the shop, this time it's been 3 weeks with no word from Hyundai despite at least 15 calls from me. They just tell me the techs are looking at it via "skyping" telling mechanics what to try next. I do not want this car back. It has been in the shop a total of 7 weeks since June. This SUV is still under the original warranty.
The last time the lights went out it was 1 am on a very dark road in an area I don't know well. I was actually crying I was so scared of hitting someone. I put my flashers on the rest of the way home and drove very slow. It did help. I know it was dangerous to do, but believe me, if I thought I would have put anyone's life in danger I wouldn't have done it. Consumer Affairs is now involved, but no solution. A letter to the State Attorney General is next. My house burned down in a fire on August 5, I lost everything. Now, I have no house and no car through no fault of my own. My house will be rebuilt eventually, right now I feel empty.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2016
Bought a Santa Fe Online for over 17k and was promised new winter tires, studded on new rims and was told tires on car were 70% tread life as well as no body damage! What I received was used winter tires on rusty rims, tires on car that are 20% tread life and scratches, dings, dents & scuffs all over front of car! They also overcharged us $1100 more than online price! The salesman I talked to said it wasn't up to him but the managers who decided! Next time I will get everything in writing and this will be our last Hyundai purchase ever! Totally disappointed and stressed out with the experience! Hyundai Canada won't return call and Northlands Hyundai in Prince George ignoring us!
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2016
This is a review regarding my 2013 Hyundai Elantra limited. Since owning this car, and dealing with Hyundai I've experienced nothing but headache and added expenses. This dealership cares nothing about its customers and only seems to car about sales. They have never been helpful with the multiple issues we have had with this car, including... First Hyundai lied about the mileage. It was short of what they stated and now issued us a gas card that we constantly have to visit the dealership in order for our miles to be recorded. 2nd with the manufacturer itself. Our tires are going on their 3rd replacement, in 65,000 miles!! No warranty.
And now the biggest kick in the face. Last week my bluetooth in the car just died out of nowhere, was working perfectly fine, and just stopped. Made appointment to get this fixed and dealership told us that since it is over 36,000 miles it would cost $400 to fix!!! We paid an extra $6000 for the limited package. This is something wrong with Hyundai not us. The Bluetooth is part of the package and should not be messed up within 2.5 years!! I was going to purchase or lease a Santa Fe. Now I will not be giving this company or dealership anymore of my hard earned money, and my father in law who was also going to purchase a Santa Fe has changed his mind and will purchase from another more reputable and consumer caring company. Stay far away from this company, and this dealership.
Reviewed July 7, 2016
On Feb. 22, 2017, we leased a BRAND new Hyundai Santa Fe. We had asked for a 2016 and were forced into a 2017 then we were bait and switched into a high lease amount (but that's not what this complaint is about). On April 15th, 2017, the car was in what would be called a minor rear end accident. The total repair cost $7500 and an estimated 9 day repair. 28 days later, our rental company told us our rental was over AND we still had no date for our back ordered parts. We started calling Hyundai right away. After that it took over 4 weeks for Hyundai to admit fault in the delay of parts. Then once they agree to compensate us they make us jump through hoops and then deny our claims and documentation (even though it's everything they asked for).
We are now at 12 weeks without our brand new car. We are now in debt because Hyundai is refusing to pay the rental of a car they said they would. On top of it after research there appears to be major defaults in the car that may have led to the accident. The main office and our case worker does not return our calls. We are on the hook for another 2 and a half years of a lease for a car we don't even feel safe putting our children in.
Reviewed June 7, 2016
I have a 2013 Santa Fe and this is my second time the radio stop working since I owned the car. Very frustrated with the service or lack of customer service I received from Hyundai as I tried to get them to stand behind a clear issue they have with them as I see a recall with my car not included. So once again I have to pay for something that I should not be having any issues with. Then the same with the backup camera which 98% of the time will not work which I also see issues with and Hyundai does not seem to value their customers so I will never buy another one or suggest them to anyone I know.
Reviewed May 21, 2016
I own a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe with 75K miles on it. Recently, the vehicle started changing gears all by itself. It would downshift into a very low gear and the RPMs would race and the vehicle would slow down dramatically, then upshift into a high gear and lurch forward very fast. It did this several times to the point that it was unsafe to drive, and I had to have it towed into the dealer for repair.
Dealer service tells me that the engine control harness needs to be replaced and they are charging me $3600 to do it. Since this is obviously a safety issue, I feel that Hyundai should take responsibility for the repair and also provide some assurance that this is not going to happen again. I have found 23 cases for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe similar to mine reported on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website (nhtsa.gov) - some resulting in injuries and property damage. Therefore I am very concerned that this may be an ongoing problem.
I have spoken with 5 different Hyundai customer care representatives and the bottom line is that they are not going to do anything about it. They won't even send me an email to confirm/document that I reported the problem. They also appear to have a policy of leaving a complainant on hold while they either review the case or transfer the call, and then they disconnect them. This has happened 3 different times in a row now. I guess they expect me to give up sooner or later. I am very disappointed with their apparent disregard for the safety of their customers and their refusal to take responsibility for their defective vehicles. No vehicle should do what this vehicle is doing. It is clearly a violation of vehicle safety regulations, and they are doing absolutely nothing about it. I will never buy another Hyundai vehicle and will strongly advise others not to either. They make inferior and unsafe vehicles, and they simply don't care.
Reviewed April 6, 2016
I called Hyundai customer service because paint is peeling off the roof of my 2013 Santa Fe and was told I would not get any assistance because my car is out of warranty. This is my fourth Hyundai to purchase, and have been very happy. I now feel customer loyalty is not a factor in their decision. I feel very let down.
Reviewed April 6, 2016
I own a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe and received a letter from Hyundai in mid February 2016 stating that they have extended the warranty on the gas tank due to corrosion issues. I then took my car to the local Hyundai dealer on February 29, 2016 to have this issue looked at and it was determined that I would need a new tank due to two holes in my gas tank due to corrosion. I qualified under the conditions of the warranty extension of corrosion and having less than 150,000 miles on my car. It is now April 6, 2016 and the gas tank still has not arrived. Initially the gas tank was to be in within the next week so I kept my car and was told I would be contacted as soon as the tank was received to make an appointment to fix the problem. Every time I called the local Hyundai dealer they told me there was a delay on the shipping of the gas tank.
I went to the local dealer on April 5, 2016 and called Hyundai USA with the service manager present. I was requesting a loaner car due to again NO estimated delivery of the gas tank. Here I am driving on a gas tank that was leaking and probably getting progressively worse and Hyundai USA denied my loaner car at their expense but told me I could rent a car and be reimbursed for my costs. Being that this was an issue introduced by Hyundai, I feel that Hyundai should cover the cost up front for the loaner or rental being that they extended the warranty for a problem Hyundai noticed. How can they issue what was in effect a recall on the gas tank without having the replacement parts available.
All Hyundai USA customer service kept telling me is that there is nothing they can do regarding authorizing a loaner or rental vehicle because this was not an official RECALL. But it was alright for me to keep driving this vehicle with a leaking gas tank and God forbid something was to happen then what. If there was a spark under the car and the tank blew up or there was an accident then who would assume responsibility for whatever happened???
Obviously Hyundai USA does not actually care when it comes to a potentially hazardous issue involving someone that owns one of their vehicles. This matter needs to be rectified immediately in terms of their covering the loaner or rental and not asking the customer to incur the initial expense for reimbursement. It should as I stated earlier be the immediate expense of Hyundai. This complaint is geared directly at Hyundai USA, the local dealership (Major Hyundai in Stroudsburg, PA) being as cooperative and helpful as they possibly could.
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2016
I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Awd 2.0T in Nov 2012 brand new. Right of the bat there was a TSB on the car for the exhaust rattle caused by the Wastegate problem on the Turbo. Had it in the shop over 10 times alone for that issue and the only response I got on it from the Regional manager for Hyundai when he drove with me was "Roll the windows up and turn the radio on." Haha. What a bunch of bs. I took them to the BBB and had a hearing. Hyundai Engineering response is "We designed the car that way and as long as it performs good still" then basically shove off. I have had this car in the shop every month since I bought it and I only have 30k miles on it as to date of this posting. I have had my car in the shop over 35 times now for everything and it is not slowing down anytime soon as it's in the shop today again for faulty outer door handle lock and unlock button that failed.
In the shop today also for cold air coming in my driver's door panel even with heater on high. Just a list of things that has gone wrong. Dashboard taken out all the way to the firewall for rattles, Windshield replaced to get to the back of the dashboard for another dash rattle fix, 4 windshields now as the factory ones break with the smallest pebble or dirt that hits it. I have owned 30 cars and never replaced windows like this ever. Radio replaced and Virtual sound won't work now because Hyundai did a Bluetooth upgrade and ruined my radio sound quality. Rear hatch struts replaced, Both Headlights, Tie Rod ends shot at 27k, Suspension issues up front that wore my stock tires out fast. Hyundai will not replace my struts to try and fix the ongoing steering issues of drifting and bouncing at speeds over 50, Recalls for computer problems, Downpipe from turbo replaced twice, Radiator fan replaced, Shifter linkage, Gas gauge still is not registering right.
I'm sure I have forgot all more things but you get the idea. Have spent the last 3 years of my life in the dealer or on the phone with Hyundai. Pretty frustrating for over a 40k car. I can't trade it in as all the dealers in the area know me from trying and know the problems with car because they call the dealer where I bought it and ask about how much they will buy it for a trade in value. The car has lost so much value also that there is no way out financially for me after paying my high car payment to save a ton of money to trade it off. I will never own a Hyundai again as this has been a complete nightmare and money wasted on America's most reliable car and warranty claims. DO NOT BUY A HYUNDAI UNLESS IT'S USED AND YOU ARE A MECHANIC WILLING TO WORK ON THESE CARS NONSTOP. Just saying.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2015
So it's been 10 months since I bought 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 T special edition. There isn't a single month in which I don't have to take my car to Hyundai service department. So far I have taken the car 9 times to service department to fix the problems. I have been facing the EVAP problem with car from last six months, which is yet not resolved by 3 different Hyundai service departments in 7 visits. So I am driving the car with charcoal canister flooded with liquid gas. And the latest is, the service dealership is communicating with Hyundai Canada to understand how to fix the problem and who will cover the expenses. Finally fixed. They fixed it by changing gas tank seal, gas tank, and canister valve.
Reviewed Dec. 2, 2015
Customer Service is so awful. I dealt with Brian regarding issues I had after they did 4-5 recalls on my 2002 Santa Fe Hyundai. Some were big and I was told they had a difficult time completing some of the recalls. They had my truck for I believe, 7-8 days, it was only suppose to take 2. After 3-4 days, they did give me a rental car at no cost.
When my father and I went to discuss my break down, we dealt with I believe manager, Brian. He was so sarcastic, it made my anxiety go through the ruff. I can't believe, to this day, how my father and I were talked to. And to mention my father owned a Napa parts store for like 30 years. One witness was the Napa driver in town on Mason St. He was blocked in for like half an hour. I owned two business in the past. Trained and auditor, 10 yrs. at now known as United Healthcare. 5 years in Sales and Marketing.
After discussing my break down and showed them their inspection, they stated they stand behind their "inspection" and work. According to their inspection, my ball joints passed their inspection. Now mind you, they were sure to tell me by law their inspection found my wipers, front router's, needed to be replaced and I had a crack in my windshield. All things I obviously could see and already knew myself. After driving my vehicle only 2 times, about 45 miles total, my front driver's ball joint broke, while driving, which then broke my axle. I could not move my truck at all. Thank god I was only going 1-3 miles when it happened.
When I talk to the person above the sarcastic Brian, again nothing was done. At least this guy was civil, but still point blank stood behind everything that happened. When I indicated I would go to the BBB, he stated, "Well we will deal with it when it comes". Because, they are not worth my time, stress and anxiety, I decided not to further the issue. BUT I will continue to tell about the service I received, what they did and how poor their customer service is, as well as not to consider their inspections are not safe or worthy. I do have strangers that come up to me all the time asking how I like my SUV, much less my personally contacts, my response will not be a good one. I do have receipts, recall work done and pictures of the truck when it broke down.
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2015
I purchased a 2013 Santa Fe, brand new in Nov. 2012. Firstly, the gas consumption is nowhere near what they advertised. I kept quiet on that! Early this year, I braked near a high school, the car did not immediately stop, I pumped the brake a few times and it stopped. This was close to summer, no icy roads. Talked to dealer, they said it was okay. Next incident, I turned on my car at Upper Canada mall, put the car in drive. It refused to move. I tried, other motorists came over to help, nothing. After more than 40 minutes, it started to crawl. Towed it to dealership, again, they could not find anything wrong. As well, quite a few times, the car started getting stuck in parking gear. I would turn it off and start again and again, and then it would shift into drive.
On November 21, 2015, I started the car and tried to shift into drive. This time it stayed stuck in parking gear. Took it to the dealership. They said the parts have to come from Korea and would be ready after the holidays, December 29! After all these issues, this vehicle appears unsafe, as it behaves unpredictable. Sometimes it works fine, another day, it doesn't! I firmly believe this vehicle will cause a serious accident that HYUNDAI CANADA will be responsible for!
On Monday Nov. 23, they rented me a Chevy spark. The angle of this car caused me great discomfort in the right leg. Then some days after, they exchanged it for a Chevy Cruze. I felt like I was driving the kid’s scooter! After complaining about my leg discomfort, and talking to the Sales Manager and Hyundai Canada, they have put me on a WAITING LIST to get an SUV rental. I paid $43,000+ with all the additions for the Santa Fe. My car currently has only 16,389 km. I took photos before I left it at the dealer.
Is this fair practice for Aurora Hyundai to keep my car for over a month? I'm paying insurance, plus extra insurance for the rental! My car is sitting out in the cold located near their workshop. How can Hyundai Canada not have parts for such an expensive car? Is this fair to me? Any input? Thank you for your cooperation.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2015
I am buying a Hyundai Santa Fe and was not aware that my car had bad issue and was affected by recall. I went to a Hyundai dealer in Conroe and told them all the car was doing they did 2 recall services to it. Didn't fix the problems, the ESC light always says off, causing the car to go out of control. They said it was my stop lamp, nope didn't fix it I went back and they said they had fixed all recalls on the car and found out there was 6 recall problems, not just 2. Then I explained to them I was paying for car I couldn't drive and that problems needs to be fix. So far I have found out that the Hyundai dealer does not want to fix any issues do to the recall except what their computer shows.
In research I've have found out that the EGR module cause the car to read it's always empty that all dash lights eliminate all times car drives out of control cause ESC light always reads off and it has electronic problems. Also power lock window problems they also said no one has ever been killed but in research, I found out 13 have died due to the car catching on fire. My husband was almost killed due to the ESC light problems, car went out of control and he was flipped but when I tell them all these things going on with my car and same thing from a hundred complaints. Already they try to cover their steps and says “Oh, you’re out of warranty due to the mileage”. We've always kept up maintenance on it and services this car when needed but when I go do all the research on my car Hyundai tries to backpedal every time.
I got this car because a Hyundai was supposed to be the best so far. I've learned that they have top of the line recalls and try to blame all that's wrong with their vehicle so they don't lose their butts off in court. But we have consulted with attorneys due to the lemon law and because of all the problems that I have mentioned and some that have not Hyundai is reliable. I have never in my life dealt with a dealership that has so many issues with vehicles and so Crowley denies their fault instead of fixing them.
Reviewed June 30, 2015
My 2009 Santa Fe the air bag light won't go out. Been back to the dealer 3 times and they tell me they have cleaned all grounds and checked the computer for fails and I don't think they know what to do. This is also affecting the passenger side air bag. When an adult sits in the passenger seat the light comes on telling me the bag is off. I would think that Jones Hyundai in Bel Air Maryland would call someone and ask if they ever heard of this problem but on we go with no fix in sight. I brought the car back today 6/30/15 to see if they can repair it but I have very little faith in that. I will keep you informed of what they find out this time. Hope they can repair this.
Reviewed May 28, 2015
It seems to me that the "Bumper to Bumper" is just a way to lure buyers in! When it comes to repair, nothing is covered! I have a 2008 Santa Fe the rust is showing up, the CD player stopped working, the tire end rods gave up long time ago! When I've asked the dealer I was told that all this is only covered for 3 yr/36000 miles!
Reviewed April 26, 2015
1) Constant erratic steering @ highway speeds. 2) Sunroofs exploding. 3) Seized engines. Since the redesign of the Santa Fe in 2013, these problems have occurred over and over and over again. Hyundai knows of them and still has no remedy and contacting Hyundai customer support? You'll have better luck dealing with Satan yourself. They are rude, belligerent and do not care in the least bit!! Hyundai states they have the best warranty in the business... What good is that warranty when they don't back it up?!?! They even redesigned the 2015 Santa Fe, in the steering department to remedy this situation. That's great for the new Santa Fe owners, but what about us? Erratic steering and exploding sunroofs?!?!
Reviewed March 7, 2015
I was parking the car. It would not claim the hill in the snow. The hill was not steep at all. I stepped on the brake, and the car accelerated. I slammed into a fence, and it basically parked itself. I asked the salesperson to help me get a vehicle I could rely on in the snow. This is not the one. I traded in my 2012 Santa fe for the 2015 Sonata limited, and neither vehicle is good for the snow. I called Blue Link, and they kept getting disconnected. When I finally spoke to someone for Hyundai roadside assistance, they said they couldn't help me if the car is drivable.
I called my insurance company, Liberty Mutual, and they towed the car to get it fixed. I need a good truck. I must be to work in rain, sleet, or snow. This is just ridiculous. I can't count on any of these vehicles to get me through the snow. I need an honest person to tell me what kind of vehicle I need. I'm a metro bus operator, and right now, I can say this is the worst I've experienced out of a vehicle in the snow. Who do I talk to? They charge for Blue Link, but when you need them, they can't help you. This is a joke...I need better service for all the money people are getting out of me.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2015
There is water trapped in the floor of my Santa Fe 2010. This is the first time i experience anything like that. I might bring some snow on my shoes as in any other car but it never happened. The result is that every morning i have to scrape ICE from the inside of my windshield!!! The service department at the dealership in Richmond Hill say that if they don't find a leak, then I have to pay even for the diagnosis... I was expecting from Hyundai that they will take ownership and whatever the reason they will fix it, because if a leak is not found by them, first off, how do I know they didn't miss the leak? Second, if there is no leak, then it means water came in from our boots as in any other car. VERY DISAPPOINTING.
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2015
Recently bought a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe and have already lost the key fob. Unlike many other key fob designs where the key flips out from the body, or is more difficult to remove from the body, you only simply need to press a small button on the fob to disconnect the electronic portion entirely. I did this inadvertently while taking out the trash and lost the electronic portion of the fob while the actual metal key remained on my key chain. We have had the key accidentally disconnect several times in our pockets in the few short months we have owned the vehicle. It is a truly terrible design and I suspect many Santa Fe owners will be voicing their concerns and displeasure over the issue. I have an ongoing inquiry with Hyundai right now.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2014
When turning corners the rear end would bind and then release with a sudden jerk when making a appointment to bring it in. Dealer told me a three-week wait and the cost for a new coupler would be eighteen hundred dollars and two hours of time to install. The purpose of the coupler or electromagnetic clutch is for the use of all wheel drive and is utilized when the computer feels that the front wheels are losing traction. I then brought my Santa Fe all wheel drive to another garage and when they tried to order the coupler from the dealer, the dealer recognized the identification number and wouldn't send the part that was needed. To make a long story short the mechanic removed the drive shaft to the rear end and essentially made my Santa Fe a front wheel drive with no more problems.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2014
I purchased a used 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe from Priority in Chesapeake. VA. It still had one year under warranty when I purchased it. I had two complaints. 1. The doors sounded very hollow when closing them. 2) All 4-door armrest had the material wrinkled and warping due to poor craftsmanship from Hyundai. I reported the door issue (sounding hollow when closing or knocking on it with hand) and they finally fixed it after 3 attempts by putting sound dampening material. I still believe it’s due to a manufacturing design or flaw. This is where the fun began. My car was returned to me with a misaligned window and the technician had also pinched my door wiring harness which caused my door locks and light to work erratically. It also cause my RPM to go high and stick no matter what I did while driving.
They replaced the wiring harness the technician had damaged when fixing my hollow door sound. 4 months later my door lock mechanism on my passenger door stops working. This was the same door that had the pinched wiring harness. The dealer told me it had nothing to do with the pinched wiring harness. Of course it did. It damaged it when it was shorting out due to being pinched. Once again as soon as they fixed it, all my issues were solved. Thank goodness they fixed it for free but told me if I have anymore issues with my wiring or door locks, I would have to pay. I did not have any issues until they touched my doors! 2) I complained about all my door armrest moldings and how it was warping and wrinkling. Ches. Hyundai told me that it would not be covered under any warranty and that Hyundai would not cover it as well. This is clearly poor craftsmanship and cheap material that caused this or it would not have happened on all 4 doors. I complained to the 1800 number but fell to deaf ears.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2014
I have been driving this vehicle for a number of years and have passed the 200,000 mile (328000 km) mark. Without doubt this vehicle has been the most reliable and trustworthy vehicle I have driven. I am approaching 55 years of driving experience and am very comfortable in recommending a Santa Fe to any of my friends or family.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2014
Let me start by saying DO NOT BUY A HYUNDAI unless you are buying an Equus that comes with the concierge service. To make a long story longer, purchased a 2013 Azera 8 months ago. Under 5,000 miles later car refused to start in my driveway. Had to be towed to dealership. TWENTY FOUR hours later my car finally got the tow. After a week in the shop I was told a sensor was replaced and issue was resolved. Picked up my car and 6 hours later and 40 miles away from home had the same issue occur again. Waited THREE hours for a tow after Hyundai Roadside (whole other complaint with them) promised me a tow in an hour. Arrived at Hyundai of White Plains NY first thing in the morning to address this problem again.
The manager who sent me on my way less than 24 hours before wasn't even remotely apologetic for this inconvenience. After requesting a rental car I was told they had no rental cars available and that it wasn't their responsibility to provide a replacement car because Hyundai "doesn't cover the costs". Obviously that was completely unacceptable being that this car is 8 months old with VERY low miles. The manager agreed to loaning a Hyundai Santa Fe while the car was being worked on. Needless to say I spent THREE hours waiting on a Saturday and every person I spoke to seemed too careless about this problem. The car will be sitting at dealership until an engineer can get out there to diagnose problem. Extremely disappointed with my purchase of this Hyundai Azera.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2014
We purchased a new 2012 Santa Fe. It came with 3 problems, all intermittent issues. Air leak around door or left front windshield at speeds above 60 plus mph, hesitation when you stepped on the gas and cruise control works some days and others it would not. All of these problems were intermittent and rarely, if ever, happened on the same day. Took the car to the dealer several times, and, of course the car worked fine. Frustrated, I then took my ipad with me whenever we drove the car. Day or two later cruise would not work. While driving, I had my wife video me trying to set cruise control while driving. Clearly it would not set. As luck would have it, the air leak began to make its whistling noise on our way home. We videoed the window area and you could clearly hear the whistle of air coming into the Santa Fe.
Now I have 2 of the 3 issues on video so Hyundai can clearly see and hear the issues I have complained of. I Took the car and video to Hyundai and showed it to the rep. Said to leave the car and they will call me. I received a call the next day to come pick up my car. When I got there, I asked what they did to fix the issues. The rep says they did nothing. He said that they could not recreate the problems, therefore they would not fix them. I asked about him seeing it on video. He was adamant. If they can not recreate the problem they will not fix it. Clearly we talked, but to no avail. I called and spoke to their consumer relations gentlemen. That was a total joke. There is more to the story, but you get the idea. The warranty they offer is what sells the vehicle. Problem is, they won't honor the warranty. No more Hyundais for me. They suckered me once, they won't get a second chance. We traded off the Hyundai on a new American made car.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2014
Purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited back in 2010 & unfortunately we experienced many small and large issues regarding both the quality/reliability of the SUV & the service provided by the dealership at Wright Hyundai in Wexford PA. Less than one year after buying the Santa Fe, the Hyundai dealership had to replace the transmission because it was slipping in and out of gears. The following year, we had to take it in for a couple recalls. The 3rd year we experienced a very scary situation where our brakes locked up and the Santa Fe would not stop and almost killed us.
Most recently (September 2014) we experienced another serious quality/reliability issue with only 54,000 miles on the Santa Fe where we were unable to go beyond 35 mph even when the pedal was to the floor. The response from the dealership was that a valve near the throttle body needed replaced under warranty. They also highly recommended a throttle body cleaning, I agreed, however mentioned that a throttle body cleaning shouldn't have to be done with only 54,000 miles on it. In addition, a sensor needed to be replaced. To make things even worse, I dropped the vehicle off Monday morning and I still haven't received the Santa Fe back yet as of Sunday.
This is my first purchase of a Hyundai and I thought they had a good track record of good quality, however I was definitely wrong. The 100,000 mile warranty is good, however the quality of both the vehicles they produce and the service at the Wright Hyundai dealership in Wexford, PA needs to be improved significantly. Unfortunately I would have to give both Hyundai and the dealership a grade of F for the meeting or exceeding my expectations. The last concern is when calling Hyundai consumer affairs for assistance, it seems they do not have much power or leverage because it also is a continuous struggle because they rely solely on the response from the dealership & when asked to escalate the seriousness and horrible historical background of my cases for upper management review, they make up excuses again that the dealerships all are independent. All of the issues above are document at Hyundai Consumer Affairs and I still have not received any call back from Hyundai asking what they can do to make up for providing me with an extremely unreliable vehicle.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2014
Re: 2007 Santa Fe. Purchased in Washington state by me and brought into Alberta. Covered by US warranty recognized by Hyundai Canada. 1. Fall 2012 - automatic transmission was replaced by dealership under US warranty at 5.75 years, ?37,000 km. - was experiencing loud grinding sound and jerk as if had driven over a small log. Service manager appeared to be aware of what the problem was and indicated a replacement transmission was required. Excellent service by service manager and dealership.
2. End of July 2013 - much more serious recurrence of the same problem (2 instances) at approx. ?42,000 km. -- First instance on Monday around 4:30 pm - grinding sound and extended period of hesitation, causing cars behind to move into other lane. -- Second instance on Thursday of the same week at around 7:15 am - extremely loud grinding sound and vehicle stopped suddenly and unexpectedly in traffic, but did NOT stall. Driver behind was able to stop, avoiding a collision. After a very brief time the car regained mobility. 3. Feeling that driving this Santa Fe was unsafe, I parked at home and by Saturday of the same week had purchased a Honda vehicle.
4. The Santa Fe was towed to the same dealership that replaced the fist transmission. Due to safety concerns, I did not want to drive the car to the dealership. The new service manager was adamant that no work could be done on the vehicle until the service department was able to re-produce the problem. The car remained at the dealership from the beginning of August 2013 to mid-October 2013. According to the service manager the problem did not recur when he and others drove the vehicle and the service department, thus was unable to determine the problem. This seemed strange since the problem occurred twice for me 15 minutes after start-up.
5. Seeing that this dealership was unable to provide repairs, I indicated to the service manager that Hyundai would not be my vehicle of choice in the future. 6. The Santa Fe was traded-in to a honda dealership that was aware of the problem. I do not know if it was repaired or sold for scrap.
Reviewed May 6, 2014
I am leasing a new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB limited. Two weeks into my lease I started have issues with the center navigation/radio system. A Korean error box started popping up and would re-boot it self by shutting down the system. Bluetooth would shut down and even the radio would turn off. Leaving me unable to use bluetooth and anything else that came with it. I took it to the dealership to get fixed and they said they would do a hard reboot to see if that would fix the problem. A couple days later the problem showed up again. Again, call the service manager and made another visit to see what was the problem. Same error message and same discussion.
The service manager then made a call to the manufacturer because there were several cars that was dealing with similar issue/glitch and they said that they were going to write a new software for my car. I was waiting for about a year for the software. Meanwhile the problem was on going. With regular conversation with the service manager on a weekly basis asking when is the new software arriving. At one point of time the re-booting lasted for several weeks and longer. Unable to use navigation/bluetooth/radio/etc. Now a year later and no software in sight, the service manager ended up ordering a new center console unit.
I am a very patient person but at this point how patient can you be if you are paying for something that has never been fix in the first place? I feel like I am paying for a lemon! Money down the drain because a glitch can not be fixed correctly. Thinking the new system was going to fix the problem and saw an end in sight. WRONG! Now with only days of issue free with the new console, the problem has returned!!!!!!!!!! My patience is gone and it has left me to rethink of going to a Hyundai dealership. I had many family members buy their car from Hyundai and now what am going to say to them now. Don't buy Hyundai anymore? OR I would re-think of Hyundai twice before purchasing the brand.
Reviewed April 27, 2014
I bought my 2007 Santa Fe in December of 2007 from the Hyundai dealer on Okeechobee Road in West Palm Beach. It was a ridiculous and appalling experience. The sales manager had an angry personality, made up requirements and generally intimidated everyone in the showroom. The salesman seemed frightened and the finance manager enlightened me as to the inaccuracies of what the manager was saying (e.g. they had to hold the title to my car while I took the one I was buying home for the night).
Well, Napleton Hyundai on North Lake Blvd in Lake Park outdid them! I got up at 6 am this morning and got on their website. First, during a live chat I was misinformed about the time the service center opened (they said 7:30 and it was actually 8:00 on a Saturday). I came to have the driver's side headlight fixed (may be a burned out bulb) and as long as I was there, an oil and oil filter change. Tonight I discovered that they didn't fix the headlight and I'm doubting that they changed the oil. $105.79 later, I think they did nothing. I left a voice message on the service manager's phone but I'm sure he won't hear it until Monday. Then I got on the website and got into another live chat, which wasn't helpful either.
I'm leaving on a driving vacation tomorrow so I'm going to have to get the headlight fixed at Pep Boys in the morning. If they can't do it, I'll get the parts and drive 45 minutes to a friend's house who can repair it. This is a NIGHTMARE! The worst part of it is the dealerships' smirky, arrogant attitudes. I'll let you know what happens.
Reviewed March 2, 2014
My 2010 Santa Fe had engine problems a couple months ago. An oil sensor problem which the dealership readily admitted was a 'common' problem. The fixed the censor, but now my motor has ceased, as a result of the engine being drained of oil because of this sensor.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2014
My brand new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport passenger seat heater failed to operate when I bought the car. The dealer promised to fix it. After spending most of the day at the dealership, the mechanic told me they would have to take the leather seat apart and test each module. The mechanic also told me the seat would never look like new again because they could not replace the leather properly. I called Hyundai customer support and asked if I could have the brand new seat replaced with another new seat. They said no way. I asked what my recourse would be, the seat didn't look like it did when new. They informed me THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO REPAIR LIKE NEW, ONLY THAT IT WOULD WORK. I said that would leave me with no recourse but to contact a lawyer. The call center representative told me that if I ever used the word Lawyer again he and nobody else in the call center would ever speak with me again.
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2014
I have a 2009 Santa Fe Limited which I have owned from new. I purchased it from Southtown Hyundai in Edmonton, AB. I have had few positive experiences with this dealership and my vehicle. It appears I have a lemon. Paint began peeling off my front bumper at 25,000 km. They blamed it on rock chips and it took a lot of complaining to get them to stand behind their warranty and repaint it. They had a cheap job done on it- sprayed over the bumper without prepping it so of course it is chipping and peeling again. I also have a huge patch of paint peeling off the hood. At this time it is about a foot long and 8-10 inches wide. Looks really impressive. I had the vehicle looked at when it was a small chip. Of course I was told again it is a rock chip and they won't do anything about it.
I am taking it in again to have them look at this wonderful huge patch. I won't hold my breath though as they likely won't do anything about it. I am tempted to leave it rather than fix it and put a nice sticker on my hood with "Hyundai quality". Every time I deal with this dealership it is a headache right from the day I picked it up. The salesman acted in a very unprofessional manner when I asked him not to bend up my license plate from the vehicle I was trading in as I was planning to use it on my new vehicle. He got so mad because of this that someone else had to show me around my new vehicle. This was just the beginning. I've had my vehicle hit in their lot (took 1 month to get it back from them because they wouldn't buy a $250.00 lens until the tow truck driver that hit my vehicle paid for it).
They scheduled my vehicle to replace the timing belt (I took a day off work and drove an hour and a half to get this done and when I arrived they got all the paperwork ready and then 20 minutes later informed me my vehicle doesn't have a timing belt, it has a chain and doesn't need replacing. The service personnel who made the appointment and the person at the desk when I dropped off my vehicle didn't know this), recall part replaced and gone after 17,000 km., replaced a gasket cover and gone after 25,000 km., ABS gone at 125,000, knock sensors gone 125,000, moisture in spark plug, been towed 3 times. I highly recommend that if you are thinking of buying a Hyundai run in the other direction.
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2014
On January 25, 200,7 I purchased a new Hyundai Santa Fe. After meeting with Ann Arbor Hyundai's Finance Manager and Sales Manager during which they assured me that with the Advantage Plus warranty everything on the vehicle except tires, brakes and the seat material, would be covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. This January (2014) for the first time I attempted to make use of the warranty for front struts. I called my local dealership to arrange for a warranty repair only to be told that my warranty had expired. I next contacted Hyundai USA via its toll-free number to find out what was wrong. Over the next five (5) days I was given a run-a-round. I was told I needed to call here, or there, only to be told the same thing every time. There is no record of your warranty.
Fortunately, I still have my original paperwork which shows I purchased the warranty. I contacted the dealership multiple times via phone and email, but no one at the dealership had the decency to respond. It was not until I had someone from Hyundai USA call that I found out from the Hyundai USA customer service person, that the dealership had failed to keep the sales records as required. The Hyundai USA customer service representative then told me that I needed to send in copies of the sales agreement, which Hyundai USA may not honor because the Dealership did not have anyone sign the document. I asked the person from Hyundai USA, how is it I am responsible for how the dealership filled out paperwork? She said she would try to see if the company would accept the document. I also needed to provide copies of the registration, title, my driver's license, and the original warranty application. Once received it could take as long as three weeks to get back to me with my warranty information.
However, in the meantime, the Hyundai USA representative informed me that struts were not covered, that they are considered a maintenance issue. I asked what was covered with the Advantage Plus warranty, and it is pretty much nothing. The warranty is a total waste of money. The employees of Ann Arbor Hyundai both lied when they told me that the vehicle would have bumper-to-bumper coverage for 10 years or 100,000 with the Advantage Plus warranty. Now I have to do what I bought the warranty to avoid, pay a huge amount out of pocket for a mechanical defect.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2014
I bought a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe in around June 2013 and I paid over 6,000 dollars for it thru a car lot. I have a $200.00 a month car payment thru a credit union. Right now, I still got over 3 years yet to pay for it. 2 days before Christmas the Hyundai broke down. I had it towed in to the shop and they said the timing chain was rotten and broken. They checked the valves and said that they were bent and did a lot of damage to the motor and this motor only had 125,000 miles on it. It never took any oil, it runs great and I was very happy with this car.
Now this car is just junk, in a way the motor is shot and this is not right. I blame the company Hyundai for this. Why don't they make a car, a vehicle to last at least over 200,000? I know American companies do the same thing with their vehicles. I owned a lot of cars and trucks in my lifetime and when a timing belt went out on a vehicle back then on v6 and v8 engines, you just tore it apart and put in a new steel timing chain and gear, not this junk rubber timing belts. This is a joke to all auto companies and when a belt breaks it reckless the engine is trash. There should be a safety built in the motor not to destroy the whole motor when a stupid timing belt brakes.
And all I know this is not right. The motors in these death trap vehicle they make today is a joke. They say they are better built. I know in the older cars we had a body and a frame and I knew many people that got over 250,000 on a motor and today what do you get, throw away junk car they pay high dollar for even more than you can buy a home for today. Well, I know that Mr Ford would roll over in his grave to see the junk today, the way they build them and the body falling off them. What a mess.
I live on a very fixed income. I have a lot of health problems and my wife has cancer. That's why I bought a newer car to get her back and forth to the doctors. I did have a 1990 Ford Aerostar van and I did put a lot of time and money in it like tires, brakes and shocks, battery and some minor parts but it was mine, paid for now. I got what the old vehicles were more better built and style was tops like a Chrysler New Yorker. I had one of them and boy what a car and style, a good hwy car. Well I just wanted to say the old things are better than this new junk on the hwys.
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2013
The day I bought my 2013 Santa Fe, I noticed that the front passenger seat was broken. What was broken was the plastic surround where the back of the seat handle is located. I returned it to the dealer and they replaced the part they said was broken. I am not sure how many people were passengers before I noticed that the seat was again broke. I am now on my third trip to have it fixed again and the service department pretty much told me that if it would break again, I would be out of luck and have to live with it. He says it is breaking because of how people are getting in and out of the car. I told him that was ridiculous because the same people riding in the 2013 are the same who rode in the 2010 Santa Fe I traded in.
He then informed me that the seats are of a new design, as if I had not noticed!! I suggested that since the seat was broke upon delivery that maybe after 3 fixes that Hyundai would consider just replacing the entire seat as it may just be defective. He almost scoffed at me when he said that Hyundai would "never" replace the entire seat and then again placed the recurring problem on how people are getting in and out of the car. None of the people who are sitting on this seat are over 200lbs.... I would think that a car seat should be able to withstand that amount of weight. If Hyundai is saying there are certain ways to get into and exit a vehicle so as not to damage the seat, I think it is just ridiculous.
I mean my goodness, what if you are handicapped and have to go from a wheel chair to the car seat? So is Hyundai saying that the way they manufacture car seats won't hold up for someone in a wheel chair because they are unable to get up on the seat without dragging their bottoms over the seat, which Hyundai says is the cause of the seat failing. Does anyone know who else I would take this up with in the Hyundai Corp.? Thanks for any info anyone can share.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2013
A 2012 Sonata Hybrid 25 mpg complained to service. They would tell us the computer on the dash reads 37 mpg. Finally escalated to Marty in Atlanta. The dealership takes it out with a full tank on interstate for road trip, returns, fills the tank again to find they got 24 mpg. Had been going through this for over a year. A reset of system multiple times in a row brings our Hybrid to 34 mpg. My 2013 Sonata Turbo gets 35 mpg, really, I checked. It was not the computer telling me. Traded in Sonata Hybrid for Santa Fe, a 2013 that now has about 6000 miles.
My wife driving home from school has something fall from the bottom of vehicle, pulls into safe place with lights, calls me to come get her. Next day, roadside has vehicle towed to dealer. Dealer says evaporative canister not covered by warranty, $1292.00 to repair. They say it was hit by something, NOT! It was piss poor design. Heavy rain was the only thing my wife went through. If rain can do this, y'all northerners with slush will be dropping like flies in a Raid commercial. Whole thing was escalated to district service manager at Atlanta (Marty). And then to supposedly to his boss Pauletta ** at **, only to hear what I was already pissed about, because I knew that they would not repair the vehicle, and they did not. Total parts for me to repair my last Hyundai, $375.
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2013
Last month while having a regular oil change at my trusted mechanic of several years, I was informed that the lower ball joints and the arm in which hold them was cracked. This was not something they felt should be happening at only 76,000 miles. Due to the safety issue, I had them fix it. I called the dealership who told me to bring the parts in. I did. However, the district mgr didn't want to even look at the part. So I wrote to Hyundai Headquarters who gave me hope when they told me to take my Santa Fe into the Dealership to make sure the job had been done right and to see what their service person had to say about the issue. I dutifully did so and received a document indicating that this was "atypical" for this to happen.
I faxed the info they asked for at Headquarters...... only to get an email that says their service letter indicated that it was typical wear and tear.... WHAT? Do these morons not know what atypical means? Shouldn't they look it up before they deny a claim? They went on to say that they couldn't even look at the damaged part to verify the problem..... really? I brought it to them and THEIR district manager didn't want to look at it. Of course, I received no response when I pointed these two items out to them..... They don't even sign a name to their email. This is my first and LAST Hyundai. They make an inferior product and do not stand behind it nor do they have any idea of what good customer service is.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2013
My wife has a 2010 Santa Fe Limited & I have a 2010 Mercedes E-Class. Obviously I paid lots more for my car but when I sell it down the road I will also get a lot more. Hyundai gets some good reviews from media when they do their test drives with new vehicles, but what they are not looking at is that same vehicle after 50,000 km. Our Santa Fe seems loose and cheap with things breaking and falling apart. They have been fairly minor, but always something, while my Merc has had zero issues and still looks and drives as good as when I bought it.
I am not sure why people even complain about Hyundai, knowing they are much cheaper than a comparable manufacturer. The best analogy I use when describing our SUV is it's a disposable lighter. It works okay at the beginning and after a while you throw it in the garbage and buy a new one because the resale value is also useless. I suggest you buy Japanese, or even some very good product coming out of N. America, but the Koreans still have a long way to go, to get their vehicles long term quality to every other manufacturer's standards.
Reviewed June 26, 2013
I have a ‘07 Hyundai Santa Fe and the sunroof piece completely flew off the car on the highway. Rim around the roof opening had water damage and rust. The sunroof was not built right, not covering leaks, eventually causing the entire sunroof to rust out and fly off on a highway. Worst part, Hyundai will not cover the problems since I am over 60,000 miles on my car. I am never buying another Hyundai again since they make defective cars and then make the car owner pay for the damages. This is unbelievable.
Reviewed May 21, 2013
I have a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. A few weeks ago, I was on my way home from work and suddenly the vehicle quit on me. My father had to come and get me and I had to have the vehicle towed to a garage. My father is mechanically inclined and from looking at it, he thought that it may have been just the timing belt and so I breathed a sigh of relief. I went to work the next day - having borrowed a vehicle - and waited for the mechanic to call and let me know what was wrong with it and how much it would cost me.
I work in retail and I was telling one of my customers what happened and he happened to be a mechanic. He said to me, "You're going to need a new engine." I thought he was joking but no, my mechanic called and after taking it apart removing the broken belt and checking the valves, I do indeed need a new motor. I was told that it is called a zero tolerance, zero clearance motor and that when the belt goes, it takes out the valves as well. In my vehicle, they say it is recommended to change the belt every 60,000 miles. One person even told me that he received a notice in the mail after buying a new Hyundai Santa Fe that if he did not replace the belt before so many miles that it would void the warranty on the vehicle.
Why would they put an engine like that in a vehicle? Why after using that engine would they not put a stronger timing belt in it? Why are they not sending out mailing to owners of your vehicles on a yearly basis telling them that they should replace that belt?
I would like some kind of reimbursement. I have had no other problems with this vehicle and I absolutely love it. In 2 years, I have had to change brakes and tires and had no other problems with it, so it bothers me even more that a perfectly good vehicle is either going to waste or I must put thousands of dollars in it to fix it.
Reviewed March 19, 2013
I purchased a total of 7 Hyundais over the last 10 years! In 2010, I bought an Elantra and at 33,000 miles, the transmission had issues. I took it in to a dealer in Orlando, FL and they said 3 times that nothing was wrong! At 42,000 miles, I traded the car in on the 2011 Elantra. I was charged $27,000 for that car. The salesman told me, "Don't worry, you only have 20% loss," but this car was junk! It knocked and the gas mileage was like a truck's. I took this car back to the dealer several times and the last time, the mechanic hit something, bent my rim, tore the paint off the fender and damaged the bottom of the engine!
So I argued with them about fixing it and they blamed me! I didn't wreck it. Long story short, I traded for a Santa Fe and they only gave me $15,500 for the same car they damaged. Now, I am disabled. I can't lift over the pounds and stand for more than 1 hour, but Hyundai told me they had the thing that you could give the car back in the first year if you lost your job. Well, they all lie! Now I only get $988. Per month, the payment is $480. Gas is horrible. I average $400 or more a month for gas! Can anyone tell me how to get out of this mess? Right now, I'm $16,000 upside down. The dealer said they would buy it for $18,900, but Hyundai would rather auction it off for $10,000 and sue me for the rest. Wow!
Reviewed March 5, 2013
My elderly mother-in-law suffered total engine failure while driving on the highway in her 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe which has 112,000 kilometers on the clock. A local Midas Center ascertained that the timing belts were shredded, and on replacing them discovered a loose bolt inside the engine that was evidently responsible for the damage. Subsequently, neither Hyundai nor our local dealer have shown any interest in getting to the cause of the problem despite the fact that they admit that there is no way a loose bolt could get inside the engine apart from at the time of a major engine service. All major service has been handled by the Hyundai dealer since the vehicle was purchased new in 2005, which really reflects poorly on the attitude of Hyundai and its dealership when it comes to their response to a catastrophic engine failure that could only have been caused by either a manufacturer or service defect!
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2013
2013 Hyundai Tucson Bluetooth and Ideal Hyundai in Fred, MD - I purchased a Tucson after owning a Santa Fe and felt I just needed something smaller but with all-wheel drive and a good Bluetooth. Three salesman walked me out to the lot and did not have the color and interior that I wanted. So they found one at another dealership, but they said it had front-wheel drive, not 4-wheel. I said no, because I work over 50 miles from home and did not feel comfortable leaving work in the snow to make that drive, and they totally talked me out of 4-wheel and said front wheel is all I needed and that the Bluetooth was excellent on this car. Well, after getting the car, the salesman tried to pair my cell phone and said I needed a different one, that Hyundai did not support that phone.
So I go to Verizon and get an iPhone and bring it back. The salesman put it in, and it seemed to work until I found out later that most of the people I talked to on the road could not understand a word I was saying including the salesman when I left him a message. He called me and said, “Bring the car in and we will fix it.” So I go into the dealership and sat for several hours. The mechanic took my phone and the car out for a ride to try it, and it seems I was right. So he tried his phone and the same thing. They said they called California Hyundai to see what the problem was and how to fix it and no fixes at this time.
This is horrible! I need that Bluetooth working, and they won't do a thing. Also, we had a few inches of snow the other day, and my car would not even make it up a tiny hill. I am wondering if it really does have front-wheel drive. How do I know (because I never got the sticker on the car for some reason)? Some of this is my fault because I should have never agreed to front-wheel drive and should have insisted on 4-wheel, but they were so persistent and had the car at another dealership with the color and all the bells and whistles except AWD that I wanted. I am disgusted. I have called Hyundai, and they won't do anything either. I really need and want the Bluetooth, and the salesman knew that. They have done nothing at all. I don't know where to go next.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2013
I own a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. The vehicle has approximately 69k when suddenly the check engine light came on. Now the gas gauge is acting erratic up and down and gives a false reading. I brought it to the dealership who told me over 60k and it’s not covered. The cost to fix this will be over $500. After some research, I noticed that many have the same experience. Hyundai needs to address this issue since this occurs when vehicles are over the 60k warranty. This is not a wear and tear item like brakes, shocks, etc. This is a defect that should not cost owners a dime when the car is still in new condition. I will never buy another Hyundai again. My 1988 Chevy Caprice Classic has around the same mileage and doesn't need anything. The car is solid and runs like a charm.
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2012
I have owned a lot of Hyundai cars: 1998 Elantra, 2001 Sonata, 2003 Sonata, 2008 Santa Fe, 2013 Elantra and my mom, who lives with us, owns a 2012 Veloster. In the time that I have owned Hyundai's, I have had two air bag lights come on. All cars were purchased new. My 2003 Sonata airbag light came on in 2010. Dealer told me it was a low-voltage problem and wanted $500 to fix it. Airbag indicator fuse came out and I lived with the problem. Early this year, the airbag light came on in my 2008 Santa Fe. This car is currently under an airbag recall. I imagine the two issues are unrelated but I will be taking the car in this week to see if I can get the indication diagnosed. I am concerned about all the issues with airbags but don't know what I can do about it. I have committed so much to Hyundai. I think it's time for them to step-up and address this serious issue.
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2012
We own a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The clear coat on the front bumper is coming off. This is not a small problem. It started out to be about the size of a palm. Now it is about 3x that size. We originally reported the problem in Sept. It is now Dec. 11, 2012. I have been on the phone with my dealership and also with customer relations with Hyundai Canada. I am currently waiting for a reply from Hyundai Canada. I have had to take my car in on two different occasions to have estimates done. Hyundai Canada is telling my dealership that the estimates are too high. Apparently, Hyundai Canada feels that the paint repairs should only cost $400. On my last call to customer service, they asked me if my dealership had given me an amount that I should pay to cover the difference. I lost it on this comment! I said I am not paying one cent!
When we started this process, our car had less than 20,000 kms. The fact that paint is coming off of a car that is this new is appalling. But what is more appalling is that the company is not standing behind their "comprehensive" warranty. According to the customer relations agent, Hyundai Canada is only willing to pay a certain labor rate. While our body shops in BC must have a much higher labor rate than Ontario. I suggested that they ship my vehicle to Ontario and have it painted there! We also used to own a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. And I had this same issue with the paint on the Santa Fe.
When we bought the Elantra, we were assured by our salesman that he had not heard on any more paint issues. I did end up getting my paint repaired on the Santa Fe, but I did have problems getting it covered under warranty that time as well. Hyundai Canada tried to tell me that the clear coat coming off was from rock chips. They must have been big rocks! By the time I finally got my Santa Fe repainted, the area was about 20 square inches. I enjoyed driving my Santa Fe and my daughter likes her Elantra (so far), but we will never buy another Hyundai because of the company not standing behind their warranty. When they advertise a "comprehensive" warranty, it needs to cover realistic charges. No one can have a whole bumper painted for $400! Not in 2012! Maybe back in 1980.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2012
I was extremely stupid to follow some of my friends and to lease Santa Fe. MPG is just outrageous. And to make it worse, the Kearny Mesa dealership and their manager Sean would not do anything about it. My city MPG is 14; highway is barely 18.5. I tried everything from extremely accurate driving habit to changing gas and gas stations. All they're saying is "You're driving bad; your car make 25.3 MPG." I've done all possible tests, filling up the tank, drive like 100 miles and filling up again. I cannot make more then 14 MPG in the city. To make it worse, computer shows an average MPG of 15.5. But they're saying to not pay attention to the computer (lol). Anyhow, I still have a sale sticker that shows 20 city and 23 highway. Terrible, I am stuck now with this crap. Will try to go to Toyota or Honda to ask them to perform fuel consumption test.
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2012
We were in another state when the gauge indicated that our 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe was overheating, so we took it to the local dealer. We were told that there was a faulty part in the thermostat, that they had fixed it, and the car was fine. Several days later, I was driving when the car suddenly overheated and white smoke came out everywhere. I had to have it towed to the local dealer. We were informed that the head gasket had blown and they would replace just part of the engine - we weren't happy about that. The next day, they called and said that they had discovered further damage that necessitated replacing the entire engine with a rebuilt engine. We weren't thrilled about that either, but then they told us we would have to pay for the serpentine belt, spark plugs, and oil!
We purchased the extended warranty when we bought the car and were led to believe that we would pay for just ordinary maintenance, so we protested to no avail. We spent several days calling Hyundai directly and speaking to various people up the chain of command, but they were of no help at all. It was obvious to us that someone who had worked on the first overheating problem must have erred somewhere along the line. We were stressed to the max and spent days calling and trying to talk to someone at Hyundai who could help us. They all refused to give us the number for the person who would have been authorized to approve everything being fixed for us at no charge.
Finally, in desperation, we called the dealer in our home state where we bought the car. They interceded somehow and everything was paid for. No one should be subjected to the poor customer service we received from Hyundai's head office.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2012
I needed a new inexpensive car in 2009. Being a Detroit native working for a tier 3 auto supplier, I was extremely hesitant to purchase anything since the auto slump was still in full swing. Then Hyundai announced their Hyundai Assurance Plan. If you purchased their car and you became laid off, they would take it back, no questions asked, not affecting your credit. I purchased the 2009 Santa Fe brand new and presently, I find myself unemployed and my car has been repossessed, thanks to the Hyundai Assurance Plan.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2012
I drive a Santa Fe, 7 seater-diesel, 2012 model. The safety features are not adequate and pose a serious risk. When one opens the driver's door, all other doors including the boot, automatically open. I have been told by a dealership in South Africa that this cannot be reset in order to just open the driver's door and keep all other doors locked so that the thieves cannot find an opportunity to step into the car using other doors as they automatically open. South Africa is notorious with car hijacks and crime, and this is just a bad experience waiting to happen.
1620 - tel +27 11 394 7624.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2012
I purchased an almost new 2004 Santa Fe in 2006. It's a broken Trojan horse. The engine was damaged by timing belt failure. Insurance and extended warranty didn't cover it and I had to pay $2,700 plus labor out of pocket to repair/replace. Engine failed again only months afterwards due to total loss of compression. Mechanic said it would cost same or more to fix again. Spell LEMON. It cost more than bluebook to do so and I still owe $6,000 plus on loan. Don't buy 2004 or any Hyundai four-cylinder engine Santa Fe! The bank wants pay off. I had to replace the car with Ford and I'm now working on bankruptcy! I don't want any more Santa Fe's.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2012
I currently own a 2010 Hyundai Sonata which was purchased new. I brought it in to Modern Hyundai of Concord to have it checked due to it pulling to the left. First, they said that they did and alignment and it was okay. I told them to look at it again and that it pulls harder to the left when the brakes are applied. They then came back claiming that the camber and caster are out due to damage and that it has to be taken to a body shop to see if the strut is bent and refused to do any further work on the car. I know the location of a strut and there is no need for a body shop to be involved. They said, "It is a call between doing this work and losing their job."
So their job is on the line? They sent me home with a "force road alignment", no real fix and I am supposed to drive around with my 2-year-old son in the car? This place is trying to get over without performing warranty work. It is sad that they are being underhanded in their business. I attempted to follow up with Hyundai USA to which I was met with different stories from different representatives of what could be or will be done and eventually a dead end. Hyundai USA is not living up to its 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and is very underhanded in its business. I will be trading my cars (Sonata and Santa Fe) in for Hondas!
Reviewed June 21, 2012
While driving a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe on a busy freeway, suddenly the driver’s side sun visor drops into my face from its corner attachment, dangling only by the electrical wire. It almost caused serious accident with surrounding vehicles. I talked to the Hyundai service dealership; they refused free replacement due to being out of warranty. They gave an estimate of $185 plus replacement. Online complaint websites detail dozens of same defect with the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe’s driver’s side sun visor dropping from the exact same location and dealers are admitting factory use of cheap plastic assembly as the cause. We contacted Hyundai corporate in Fountain Valley, CA.
Reviewed May 22, 2012
Sudden Acceleration in Santa Fe - I stopped at light on hill facing up. When changed to green, the car would not go forward and started to coast backward, almost hitting a car behind. I kept pushing on the accelerator, until, with tires squealing, it finally moved forward. Days later, my wife started up the car at work. When she put it in gear, it raced forward and she had to jam on the brakes. This is for a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased at Edwards Hyundai of Council Bluffs.
Reviewed May 14, 2012
For the past several years, our 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe has experienced severe issues. We have taken it to get serviced many times and the Colorado Hyundai dealerships can't fix and won't fix the issue even though we've spent thousands replacing parts in the past year alone. The car doesn't start sometimes or it just sounds like it's grinding when trying to start it. The dealer always says they can't reproduce it and yet they've recommended all these part replacements to fix it. The newest issue is that the timing belt is apparently on backwards and the Longmont, Colorado Hyundai dealership where we originally had the service, is now under new ownership refuses to fix it. The rubber linings fall off and honestly it's poor quality. I would not recommend Hyundai especially from Colorado dealerships after the poor service and runaround we've gotten.
Reviewed May 14, 2012
I bought a new Santa Fe 3 months ago from Jack Carolls in Burlington, Washington. After a month, I noticed the paint coming off. I took it back, they took pictures and said they would send them to HQ. After 5 weeks of not hearing from them, I emailed HQ. They replied it was pretty much my fault (horrible customer service from both). I took a video and will post it on YouTube and will also get the local news involved. I will go to the Better Business if this matter is not taken care of!
Reviewed April 3, 2012
I bought a Hyundai Santa Fe in 2004 brand new of the lot. In 2006, my paint began to fade in different spots all over the car. I contacted the dealer and they told me it wasn't anything they would do about it. I didn't feel that it was worth the fight at the time but then I started to see all these other Hyundais with the same problem. My paint continues to worsen! My paint however is the least of my problems! My vehicle has been having numerous mechanical problems which started 4 months before my warranty was set to expire and has continued ever since. I have put close to $5000 worth of repairs into it and Hyundai is not willing to do anything about or cut me any breaks.
09/2009, I had Crankshaft Sensor and Crankshaft blade replaced and was damaged due to a product defect. 04/2010, I had a $1200 total clutch and flywheel replacement. 10/2011, I spent $2200 to have my front and back catalytic converters replaced along with my starter. 04/2012, my car is now back at the Dublin Hyundai needing a clutch once again and they told me something else is wrong with the transmission. They haven't even started the work, but I'm being charged $980 just to look at it. There is no way that an 8-year old should be having all these problems. This has to be manufacturing defects and Hyundai won't help or do anything because my warranty has expired and this just isn't right. I'm mad as hell and on the verge of just leaving the car there and telling them to go ** themselves.
There is no way in hell I would ever buy another Hyundai. I need help because I just don't know what to do or who to contact or turn to.
Reviewed March 20, 2012
Hyundai transmission problems - I have a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. In the last six months, between 35-40 mph, the accelerator will not move. It will be stuck, the car slows down. Going on in an incline can be interesting, I have to push on the gas pedal firmer which becomes dangerous because the car will race forward then. I am truly disliking this car. I have had my car at Hyundai 6 times in regard to this and they said there is nothing wrong with the car. Very frustrating.
Reviewed March 7, 2012
I purchased a New 2005 Tiburon GT in 2005. In the fourth year, I noticed the fiberglass portion of the car, front and rear, spoiler and gas cap paint was fading, and oxidization on the clear coat. I was told at that time the warranty only covers the paint for 3 years, that I would have to incur the cost of the repair. Less than a year later, the clear coat was gone and the paint faded very quickly thereafter. I have always taken care of my vehicles, washed them weekly and waxed them once a month. I only have 34,000 miles on a 7-year old car, the paint on the metal part of the body has held up very well. I believe the defect in the factory paint was due to the company using metallic body paint on the fiberglass portions, rather than using a paint designed specifically for fiberglass on those portions on the vehicle.
I have noticed the same defect on every 2003-2006 Tiburon I have seen. This is a well-known problem that Hyundai should not only acknowledge, but help cover the cost of correcting their mistake. I also purchased a Santa Fe around the same time and would have been a loyal customer if not the denial of the defect and the "Sorry, your warrant for that has expired sir" oh well attitude I was given 3 times I attempted to address the problem with the dealership. I don't have $3000 lying around to have the parts matched and properly repainted to be able to sell this vehicle for near KBB value due to your defect during manufacturing process.
Reviewed March 6, 2012
Today, February 29th 2012, I write to you for help. I have finally had enough of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson I was sold from Mac at Hyundai office in Kelowna BC on December 28th 2011. I have emailed Mac (salesperson). I have driven to the lot and spoken to Mac, said salesperson, on two occasions and was promised that he would work it all out for me and not to worry. I have heard not a word back from Mac so I emailed the owner who emailed me back saying he looked over the deal and all was good by his standards. He felt good about the deal they gave me. He said nothing about the mis-truths I was told and the extra money, not to mention my life.
Driving on a slightly winding road on February 28th, the car was making a small left hand curve. Car shot ahead causing the back end to swing towards right hand side of an embankment 22 feet down into an orchard. I pulled steering wheel left and back tire caught the over embankment. I gave it gas to get out and then lost control of car. I started serving left, right, back and forth three times. I have tried to complain directly to the Hyundai dealer and went as far as the owner. I had issues with this Tucson from the day I paid cash for it on December 28th. I took it to the service team on January 9th 2012, days after purchase because I know there is something wrong when you drive this twitchy Tucson. They found nothing wrong with this vehicle or the alignment.
I took it to another service bay where the alignment was found to be out. I reported this and many other factors to the owner Kelowna Hyundai and was told that the deal made was fair and was given a credit for $109. I cannot in good faith resell the car myself, knowing how it handles and I want some resolution, such as my older 2004 Santa Fe back and to have all my money paid back that I had paid for this dangerous car, plus what I had to put into it to try to drive it as it would not even make it up my driveway. Hyundai sent me out with summer tires in the dead of winter on December 28th, 2011. I had three requests for a purchase:
1) AWD has to make it up a steep hill where I live and the salesman knows where I live. I purchased a Santa Fe in 2004 brand new form Mac. I had to park on the street for five days as it would not make it up the drive way; 2) Better gas millage as I just retired and wanted to down size to a better gas millage. I get less than I did in my Santa Fe and I am tracking this. Sales person told me I would see between 200 and 300 km more per tank. No way is this happening; 3) Room for my three large dogs to be taken in the car. I cannot fit them in. I was told that it was only a slight size difference; 4) I was told by a salesperson when I returned to have the car reinspected that if I purchased Kop Insurance and I had 30 days to make a change or refund. My salesman said he would look after me. I had never heard back from him and went in again two weeks later. Nothing was done. I was told car was working perfectly.
I feel fortunate that I am able to write this letter body intact and not my 78-year old father who would be informing Hyundai about my death or tragic event with a team of lawyers. This is a dangerous vehicle. If you drive it under 60 km, you will be okay, however, this is not the speed limits on the highway where I have to drive to get to town every day. I have looked on internet and found the trouble I am having is well know for this vehicle.
Complaint: Steering - TL contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. While driving at 75 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle would sway from left to right. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that there was nothing wrong with it. The current is 2,633 and failure mileage was 4,100 updated on 7/16/10 and 07/22/10. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2010 Tucson vehicles manufactured from February 27, 2010, through April 17, 2010 for failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment for the photometry requirements of the rear reflector assemblies installed in the rear bumpers.
Complaint: Powertrain - I have had my Hyundai Tucson for about five months. About two months after owning the car, it made a loud clunk and lurched forward like I got hit from behind or like I hit an animal. I pulled over to see if I did but nothing was there. This happened about three times before I took it to the dealer. They checked it and said everything checked out fine. They reset the transmission. They told me the transmission learns your patterns and something might have gotten confused. It's been about two months now since they fixed the problem but this morning it happened again and it slammed so hard it made my son and I lurch forward and the seat belts locked. It is very scary when it happens. I have an appointment this week to get it serviced again. We will see what they say this time. I am very concerned about the safety of the car when this happens.
This also happens to the Tucson when I drive it and I was again told by the service department that it was my front seat car mat. I do not have a front car mat down as none came with the car. I did place a small back seat car mat down. It does not move, has sharp plastic on back and does not go anywhere near gas peddle. What I see is Hyundai sent me out with summer tires, an alignment problem in a car with blind spot problems in the middle of winter. That is irresponsible. I thought car salesmen had moved onto upselling rather than misleading people. (Tires, radio, fuel mileage, size. ) I was also told eye to eye that my Sirius radio would be transferred over to the Tucson at no charge. Not true. New package at $190 more per year! As for the fuel mileage, yes winter add slicker roads will affect mileage, 4 cyc vs 6 cyc difference. I think not, except see attached. It appears they are nearly the same! But check for yourself.Santa Fe 4wd a-6 2.4/4 20/25 $2,437 a-6 3.5/6 20/26 $2,437, Tucson 4wd a-6 2.4/4 21/28 $2,233 M-6 2.4/4 20/27 $2,437 (this is a government report).
This is also the most uncomfortable car I have ever driven. I have had a car since the age of 15. I am 50 now. This one is the worst in all my years of driving. I have swapped out the head rests from the Santa Fe. They obviously do not fit properly. I suffer chronic migraines, documented by my neurologist. I have told salesperson this as well that my head continuously bangs again the head rest. I was told to turn them around, tried this and it is worse. They did not do everything they should have or could have to ensure my safety or satisfaction. I have sent three people to Hyundai and they all walked out with new SUVs. All told I had asked for help with a newer Santa Fe with better gas mileage with an understanding that it would be smaller. I have a car that handles so badly my family or my friends refuse to ride in it.
The owner commented on his award winning service department but this department had failed to find a simple alignment issue. Do you think I would ever have anyone or any other person I know take their vehicle to Hyundai service dept? No. The bus service in Houston, TX was award winning. The metrics were number of breakdowns, timeliness, and one other. Why? Because nobody used. They didn't go anywhere useful. They drove freeways and didn't have to stop. So yes, they won an award. Award winning from who? What was the placement and how many others won the award? The fact remains I am not safe nor am I a satisfied customer. I would ask you to respond in kind to my request for help or resolution. I cannot afford to have this Tucson that is not drivable and replace it. I am asking for a resolution to this matter.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2012
I bought a brand new 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and unknown to me, it had an engine oil leak when I picked it up new at the dealer. You could image my surprise when I got it home and noticed oil on my driveway and garage floor. I immediately took it back to the dealer for repairs.
The repairs did not take. I've had a second engine oil leak and a third engine oil leak and now a forth engine oil leak. None of the repairs corrected the problem. However the most astonishing thing about this lousy situation is that the vehicle only has 5200 miles on it. I've complained to the dealer, to Hyundai's Complaint Center and to the Regional District Manager, asking for a new replacement vehicle or a refund, all to no avail.
It seems to me that Hyundai could care less about standing behind their product. Every reputable manufacture I've bought a product from would replace it at no charge if it were flawed on delivery. Not Hyundai! So this sorry tale continues; more oil on the driveway and garage floor, more wasted time taking the vehicle to the dealer for repairs and a wife who refuses to have anything to do with the Santa Fe (I bought the car for her).
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2011
I decided to trade my 05 Nissan for an 08 Santa Fe. This was probably the worst decision I ever made. I had the car for a day and the transmission failed. It took a month and two transmissions later to get my car back. Once I had it back, the brakes still were not fixed. The car failed inspection due to a turning light and now there scratches all over the vehicle. After one day, the brakes got fixed, the scratches got buffed out. For the most part they were taking care until I filled out a review about my experience.
When all this that was communicated with them, then I was informed I shouldn't ask them for any help regarding the scratches on my car from them, that it's up to me. I know I should not have given a bad review. the scratches were not there before service. Now I'm stuck with a car with more body damage than my old one. I'm told I bought used, pretty much deal with it and they're done with me. Well, I'm not. I just want the damage done fixed, that's all, nothing more.
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2011
I own 2 Hyundai vehicles. Both were taken in for problems that were not resolved the first time they went into the dealership. I have a 2001 Elantra (approx 87,000 miles) and a 2009 Santa Fe (approx 17,500 miles). I have had to have tires replaced twice on the Elantra and tire pressure won't hold on the Santa Fe. Both vehicles have recently gone into the service shop for various issues and I needed to take them back a second time for the same issues in less than two weeks. Only once was I offered a loaner vehicle. I have to drive approximately 30 miles round trip using both vehicles in order to drop off and pick up one. Not only is this inconvenient, but also time consuming.
I realize all parts are not lifetime guarantee but to have to replace brake shoes because there is rust(?) on the calipers causing them to not function properly, therefore burning up the shoes. This issue occurred on the Santa Fe with less than 18,000 miles. I guess what Hyundai is saying is that I'll be replacing brake shoes at least every 18,000 miles. No one bothers to test drive this car the first time I brought it in saying that there was a burning smell coming from the car when I drove it . They certainly won't smell anything driving it from the parking lot into the shop, a matter of a few hundred feet, so I got to drive it a little more only to do more damage. Thanks, Hyundai service department.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2011
I traded my 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe in for a 2011 Santa Fe Limited on May 5, 2011. I have now taken my 2011 Santa Fe into my local Hyundai dealer four times for the same problem of hesitating on acceleration or deceleration. The first time was the very next day after I purchased the vehicle. The team at the local dealership had bent over backwards trying to duplicate the problem without any success. The hesitating only happens in city traffic which is extremely dangerous. I have never had any problem on the open highway.
I now have over 8300 miles on the Santa Fe and continue to fear for my life when making turns or trying to get out of the way of traffic. I experienced this in some form almost every time I drove the vehicle. I was put in touch with the regional Hyundai rep to ask what the next steps should be. But I wanted Hyundai to buy back my Sante Fe or replace it with one that we were not afraid to drive. It scared my wife to the point that she would never get back in the SUV. This was my 7th Hyundai vehicle and my third Santa Fe.
My wife still drives a 2006 Sonata but not for long. I have never had a vehicle perform like this and I cannot continue to drive under these circumstances. As far as I'm concerned, this Santa Fe is a lemon. The regional rep was totally useless and failed to take any action other than refer me back to the local dealer. Driver beware, you should fear for your life when driving the new Santa Fe. I will never purchase another vehicle from Hyundai and I would recommend the same action to everyone considering it. Loyalty to Hyundai meant nothing to them. If it had been your family in the vehicle and barely able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic, then you would feel like I do, betrayed by Hyundai. Buyer beware!
Today, I got rid of my 2011 Santa Fe for a 2012 Toyota Highlander. Oh yea, they sold my Santa Fe back to the local Hyundai Dealer.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2011
Let me start by saying that I have purchased at least 9 Hyundai vehicles since 2000. I have always been extremely pleased. Here is the issue at hand. On 2-06-08, I purchased a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe from Mountaineer Hyundai in Beckley, WV. During this sale, I purchased debt cancellation insurance for $375. This was added in the purchase amount and financed for 75 months through Wachovia dealer service. In August 2011, I decided to trade in the Santa Fe for a newer model. As is customary for me, I called my auto insurance to see what vehicles had the best rates and also called the debt cancellation insurance to see how much of a refund I would receive after trading in the Santa Fe.
At this time, I was informed by the debt cancellation insurance company that the premium on that contract had never been paid. So, in fact, I had no policy that would cover me in case of a loss. I then contacted the Hyundai dealership and was told that since they had changed owners, they were not responsible for this problem and they hated that I was out of the money. At this point, I did go ahead and trade in the vehicle but I traded at the Nissan dealership. My question is this. Who is responsible for this? I paid for a service/product that I never received, if I had been in an accident and had a total loss, I would not have been covered and it was financed so it costs a lot more than $375. I have tried to figure out how to get my money back but no one takes responsibility for this.
I am filing a consumer complaint with the Office of the Attorney General in WV, which I know will have no effect, but at least it is on record. Over the years, dozens of family and friends have purchased Hyundai vehicles on my recommendation and now that will stop. I will from this point on, tell everyone the facts that have occurred up to this point and your future response or lack thereof to this letter. I also feel that it is my responsibility to inform the community that they need to check on their own contracts to see if their premium was paid. I know you personally didn't have a hand in this misrepresentation but you must stand behind the people who you choose to represent your product.
I am so very upset and disappointed over this situation. My wife had to quit her job due to a disability and I just keep thinking of how that money would have came in handy. Again, I'm very disappointed.
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2011
I bought a Sonata and Santa Fe and both so far needed new transmission, water pump starter, and now the speedometer does not work. And I noticed the oil light never goes on even when there is no oil. Should a 5-year old car have so much wrong? I will never buy another Hyundai and will let everyone I know.
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2011
Airbag light on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is on, meaning airbag does not work. After researching this failure, it seems that this is a too common occurrence. Recall needed?
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2011
My 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe had issues with door seals; they were cut too short and they were replaced free of charge. The power steering mounts were loose and the fluid leaked out onto the serpentine belt. IT was fixed free of charge. The thing that bothers me the most is that at 16,000 miles and two years old, I was told my brake calipers were corroded and sticking, overheating my discs. I asked when they could fix them and they said it wasn't covered on their warranty and I would have to pay. What good is a bumper to bumper warranty when substandard materials are used and not covered. My guess is that these are not the only brakes on these vehicles that were made with cheap materials that fail and corrode at two years of driving under 16,000 miles. Sooner or later, someone will be injured or killed because of it. These should be recalled before that happens. My daughter has a 2011 Hyundai Genesis and and I looked under the the chassis and sure enough, not only were the brakes the same material but the tie-rods and stabilizer arms were aluminum. It obviously is a cheaper, lighter material but its life is worth a higher profit to stockholders.
These cheaper materials that fail at two years should be replaced on recalls before someone pays the ultimate price if it hasn't already happened. My previous car was a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder and I had that vehicle 6 years and never had a problem with the brakes, so to say that it is the snow, salt and driving conditions is absurd and an outright lie. If they can make brakes that withstand the weather here, why can't Hyundai? Looking at some of the other complaints apparently Santa Fe's aren't the only vehicles with the substandard aluminum brakes.
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2011
Customer service for Hyundai is rude and has no interest in creating goodwill with customers. I called because my 2002 Santa Fe had its crank position sensor shorting out. They had a recall on some Santa Fes but not on the VIN I owned. If you own a 2002 model, get it checked out because the car died while my daughter was driving down the road. This is a very dangerous position to be in. Total cost is $1,4010 (from dealer for repair).
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2011
Hyundai Santa Fé 2007 Sun Visors fall off while driving. It was very dangerous!
Hyundai doesn't want to replace them free of charge because it's out of guarantee, a 4-year-old car! They are defective and this is not an isolated issue. Many many customers are having the same problem. You just have to Google it to see. Actually, they have already recalled Sonatas for this same problem, but not yet Santa Fé. So the customer has to pay for it! This part is over 100 dollars each plus installation. I've never heard of something like that happening to any other car. I have a Toyota Corolla 2001 and visors are perfect!
The Hyundai Customer Connect 800 number staff is there but not really to listen to the customer and offer a solution for you, they are very happy to tell you that you are out of guarantee and that they cannot help you any further and that it is their "final decision" quoting the second supervisor I talked to. She did not want to transfer the call to her supervisor, but finally did. Then I got a so so answer. Basically, they want me to go to the dealership spend the money then I need to fax some documentation to them and they will see if they can reimburse us the money. They call it "Possible Good Will Consideration" but I have no guarantee that they will reimburse the money. It was unbelievable. Why customers have to pay for a problem caused by the maker of the car.
Driving with bright sun facing you is not fun and it's very dangerous! You can easily get into a car crash and not being able to drive the Santa Fé, until this is resolved. I had out-of-pocket money in very hard financial times when it's not your fault. It is so unfair.
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2011
I have a 2007 Santa Fe. My airbag light came on. I took it to dealer, they told me that it was in the steering wheel and it would cost me $399.99 to get it fixed. Mind you I have 70k on my vehicle but I did buy their extended warranty which I was told at the time of the purchase would cover anything that my original warranty would not. That was a lie. It did not. What I do not understand, if it is in the steering wheel, then why is this not covered. To me that is a manufacturing defect. That is not something, that is on the outside. This is "in" the steering wheel.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2011
I took my 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, 61,000 miles, in to the Dave Edwards Hyundai because the airbag sensor light was on. They told me that there was no recall on this (even though Hyundai corporate told me that there was). They told me that the seat belt buckle was the problem, and it cost me $500 to fix it. After 2-3 days, the light came back on. This time they told me that the technician didn't reset the module. After less than a week, the light came back on again.
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2011
My wife has a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe and it has only 30,000 miles on it. The tires needed to be replaced at under 20,000 miles. The left valve cover gasket was replaced at about 27,000 miles. The pan gasket was replaced at just under 30,000 miles and now at 30,000 the generator was replaced. All these were under warranty at the dealer but a well made vehicle should not have required the above repairs at the mileage stated. I would suggest that my wife not purchase another Hyundai.
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2011
I bought a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe brand new. At 26,000 miles, I had to change the breaks. At 30,000 miles, the tires were so worn out even with rotating them. Also, the TPMS light came on and is still on. At 35,000 miles, I had faulty fuel level sensor light up and check engine light is on. I'm very, very disappointed and will never buy Hyundai again. The car has only 37,000 miles on it right now.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2011
I had taken our 2009 Santa Fe to the local dealer for what we thought was something that needed to be addressed. We first noticed that every time we turned the AC on, we would get a musty smell through the vents. The dealer did duplicate the problem, but had told us that there was nothing wrong and the evaporator drain was clear, and that for a $100.00 they can possibly fix the problem. This was no guarantee that they could fix the problem.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2011
I'm a Fleet Manager for a global company which I'm not at liberty to divulge. I have four 2009 Hyundai Tucson and five 2005 Santa Fe within my fleet. I discovered that both of these models share the same problems such as the A/C not working properly and worst of all, transmission problems on both standard and automatic. So I did my homework, and found out that they had recalls on transmission-related components and needless to say, once these components break, so does the transmission. Currently, I have one of our Santa Fe parked in our local dealership, waiting for a transmission for over four months now. I was advised that Hyundai has an "International Back Order", on all Hyundai Parts out of Korea. I advised my company never to buy Hyundai anything ever again.
After spending over $20,000.00 on parts and labor, I caution anyone from buying Hyundai vehicles.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2011
My Santa Fe Limited Edition 2009's door panel on the inside driver side was peeling (top). I notified Hyundai parts department and a replacement door panel was ordered. Upon installing the panel, when I arrived home, I noticed the door panel did not match with the other door panels in my Santa Fe Limited. I immediately called Hyundai to inform them of this. I was told that the proper door panel would be ordered. I received a call from Hyundai informing me that they were unable to get me the proper door panel for my Santa Fe Limited Edition.
Reviewed Sept. 28, 2011
I purchased a 2010 Santa Fe GL 3.5L AWD in March 2010. Two weeks into my purchase, I brought my Santa Fe to Burlington Hyundai to inspect. They changed a part of my muffler. When service was done, I started my vehicle, and I found out that it had the same noise that I thought they had fixed. I eventually gave up, as I was being met with response that "we can't duplicate the problem".
On May 2010, I was running an errand when I came to make a right hand turn, and my vehicle started "bucking", almost like a horse, going fast, going slow and almost stalling out. I coasted into the gas station, where I called roadside assistance. I sat for an hour waiting, and I decided to fill up my gas tank, the tank took 52 liters, so this confirmed that I didn't run out of gas. I started my vehicle to move it to a more accessible place for the tow truck, and it ran fine. I drove it to the dealership in Burlington. At this time, they reset the adaptive learning on my truck. I reported this incident to Hyundai Canada, the representative I spoke with assured me that they would call Burlington Hyundai, and work with their technicians to help resolve the problem. I never received a return call from either party to know the outcome.
In the winter of 2010, I was concerned. I was stopped to make a right hand turn when my truck jumped forward, even though I was applying the brakes. It almost sent me into the oncoming traffic. I brought the car to Burlington Hyundai, and of course, they couldn't duplicate the problem. After several service visits, I was continuously told that they could not duplicate the problem. I began researching the Internet to see if anyone else have problems. That was when I found the technical service bulletin (TSB) on my vehicle. I emailed every email address I could find on Burlington Hyundai's website. I called another dealership in St. Catharine’s, where I spoke with their service manager. He confirmed the TSB.
After my emails to Burlington Hyundai, which included links to TSB’s, I finally got a call from the service manager. He did not admit to any problem with the Santa Fe, until I mentioned that I spoke with the service manager from St. Catharine’s. He finally admitted to the TSB, and told me if there was another problem they will change my transmission. I decided to take my vehicle to Hyundai of Oakville for service. The symptoms are always the same; loud clunk on a cold start, often it is a loud bang, my vehicle actually moves forward, hard shifting between second-third gears, and most recent event was a delay in acceleration.
I was changing lanes, when I pulled out into the lane. My truck didn't accelerate; I stepped on the gas harder and it finally jerked into gear. I was almost accidentally hit by another vehicle. Hyundai of Oakville has asked for my patience. They have encountered another Santa Fe with similar problems to mine, and they are investigating. The problem with my new truck is still unresolved 1and a half year later. I fear for my family's safety. I don't trust my Santa Fe, and I fear an accident will be the result to the above problems.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2011
On Thursday, 04 Aug 11, I had my 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe inspected and was told that my car failed due to extreme wear on my tires--only on the inner edge, the rest of each tire was fine. I was surprised because I only had 35,000 miles on them. I was told, "We see this all the time, you know? New England Roads." I bought this car brand new and this is the second problem I have had with it.
At my last oil change, my rear brakes had to be ground, which cost me $95.00, because they were stuck in the open position. I never would have even thought of having brake problems because, at that time, I only had 30,166 miles on it. Again, I was told, "We see this all the time." The mechanic had my tires off, and on a checklist that I got that day, all four of my tires were okay; they don't need to be replaced. If some wear was not noticed at that time, I cannot imagine how my tires wore the way they did in less than 4,000 miles. I only drive 12 miles to work and the rest are highway miles.
If the mechanics see these kinds of problems all the time, isn't it possible for this to be a manufacturer's defect and not due to New England Roads, my failure to rotate them every other oil change, or alignment problem? These were the reasons given to me for how the tires got as bad as they did. I had them rotated at 21,659 miles and my tires and brakes were fine at the time, but that still doesn't explain the amount of wear on my tires in that one area. It seems that my tie rods and ball joints are passable.
This is my third Hyundai, but this is my first brand new. My first was an Elantra, and when I traded it in, I had over 80,000 miles on it. It never failed inspection for anything, I never changed the tires, and I drove 40 miles to work every day. The only thing I had to fix were my front brakes once. My second Hyundai was a 2005 Santa Fe. I bought it with 13,000 miles on it, and again, when I traded it in, I had more than 86,000 miles on it. It never failed inspection and I never had a problem with my brakes or tires. The only major thing I had done was the timing belt at 60,000 miles, and only because it was recommended, not necessary.
It is now 15 Sept 11 and my control arm is rattling. I am afraid to take it to the Hyundai dealer because I know that they will find a way to blame me for it and charge me.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2011
My 2007 Santa Fe has very opaque and faded headlight lens cover. I am told it is not covered under warranty. It is not a wear item. It should have the same warranty as the bumper to bumper or paint since it is exterior.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2011
I am very disappointed in Hyundai. My 2003 Hyundai Santa Fé has been running great and all of a sudden on my way to work, it sputtered and stalled out. It did start back up but as soon as I try to give a little gas, it would die. No knocking, rattling or anything. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealership, which is an hour away and they called me to tell me that the lower engine bearings were gone. I have called and emailed Hyundai USA and their warranty is not what it claims to be. I cannot afford to put $5700 in the car.
The Hyundai dealership told me that it had 94000 miles on it when I called them to check my mileage to call USA. When it got to another garage, I looked at the odometer it only has 92700 miles which is even lower than I thought. The motor is now knocking, which it wasn't before it went to the Hyundai dealership and sparks were coming off the wires, which were loose and not reconnected.
Everyone I spoke with said that it should have been under warranty and that it should have been a transferable warranty. Hyundai offers ten year, 100000 mile warrenty and that should be it. During the one phone call I received, I was told from one of the Hyundai representatives that Hyundai does stand behind its cars. She also said that they would research the issue and call the garage to see what can be done which they never even called.
I have taken great care of my car with regular oil changes, clean gas and regular maintenance and I bought it from a friend who also took great care of it.
This is ridiculous.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2011
I own a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe V6 in the "salt-belt" which recently began making a creaking noise upon beginning to move or stop. I took it in to the tire shop (8/10/11) to have them rotated and asked them to check everything and described my concerns.
When they called me an hour later, they informed me that the subframe and trailing arms were completely rusted and that the bolt holding everything in place was "rolling around" because it could no longer hold in place due to the corrosion. I was told to immediately stop driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. They also informed me that there is a recall concerning this issue and told me to call Hyundai to inquire.
When I called, I was told that, yes, there is a recall, but that they can not approve me for an inspection until after the judge rules on the settlement that is in place for these vehicles. After calling the Hyundai recall information line, I was told by Cindy that my vehicle does qualify and that would need to have it inspected by a Hyundai dealer. She even gave me the number for the Hyundai settlement center and told me where the closest Hyundai dealer was located. I was then informed that my next step would be to call the settlement center and get a case number in order to have the inspection and repairs covered by the Hyundai recall.
So I called the Hyundai Settlement Center. After spending several minutes explaining that I am unable to drive this vehicle due to the damage to the subframe and the danger it poses to myself and other drivers, Holly (ID no. **) told me that I would have to wait for the ruling on the settlement in order for Hyundai to cover any repair, including the inspection to see if my vehicle indeed has this corrosion.
At least the mechanic (Jim) running the service department at Kerry Hyundai in Florence, KY was much more helpful. Jim was dumbfounded at this answer and told me he would call them every day and "raise hell" since I was unable to use my vehicle and it would be parked on his dealership lot until they are able to inspect it.
Reviewed July 13, 2011
I had a 2009 Santa Fe. There was a grinding, clunking, snapping noise in the rear of the vehicle. I took it to my dealer, Fuccillo and had to pay $95 up front to find out if it was a warranty item. I was told it was the brakes which it was not. They had no interest in resolving the problem and by the way everything seems to be not covered by their warranty. After having a brake job done and the noise continuing I did not pursue further as I did not need the frustration. This past week my car was parked, in gear (it's a standard which is another very bad feature) with the parking brake engaged and on a not terribly steep hill.
After siting for a half hour to 45 minutes the car rolled backward, across a busy road, went over an embankment and flipped over....fortunately no one was injured but a good deal of property damage was done. The car is a total loss. It is felt due to circumstances the car jumped out of gear. The shifting pattern in the car has reverse in the same position as 1st gear with a collar that must be disengaged to put the car in reverse...very dangerous in itself as it sometimes did not come out of reverse or did not go into reverse.
Reviewed July 10, 2011
I have a 2003 Santa Fe purchased new - the air bag light has consistently been a problem. At least once a year, if not more, the automobile was taking to a dealership for repair. Again, after the warranty has expired the air bag light is once again on. I recently took my car to a different Hyundai dealership in San Diego and now will be charged to look at the air bag light. This is apparently a flaw in the Hyundai automobiles and feel I should not have to pay for a problem that has occurred year after year since purchasing the vehicle.
Reviewed July 5, 2011
On April 26, 2011, I was on my way to the dentist with my daughter. We were stopped for a red light. As the light turned green, I started to accelerate.
A moment into the acceleration, the car started to buck and it stalled out. I tried several times to start it and finally did but it was running very rough. We were on the main road so I pulled over to the side of the road where the car stalled and the engine light went on. I tried again to start the car but when it did start, it had limited power.
I had contacted my insurance company because I have free towing, but they would only tow the car to my home. I thought if I get it home, I will only have to call my mechanic to get it to his shop. So I decided to call my mechanic. He sent a tow truck to take us home and then brought it to his shop.
Two days later, my mechanic figured out what went wrong. He said that the catalytic converter's front and rear went bad at the same time. The sensors that monitor the converter shut down the car. Also when I tried to start the car, the timing belt jumped and put the car out of timing. The recommended replacement for those converters is 60,000 miles; my car had 47,636 miles on it.
Anyway, the mechanic also said that he thought the car should be under warranty. So he contacted one of the dealerships near him in Huntington New York. (The dealership where the car was purchased went out of business.) Well, he called me back furious because the dealer's first question was, where did he purchase the car, and just didn't want to cooperate with him at all.
This was the only car we have, so I said to my mechanic, please just fix it and I will deal with the dealer later. My car is a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe, the dealership where I purchased it went out of business two years after that. After which, I reverted to my own mechanic because when I went to different dealers, they would hassle me about not buying the car there.
On May 11, I got my car back. The bill was over $4,000. On May 18, I called Hyundai and spoke to a women named Donnalynn, who processed a claim for me. She said she needed some paperwork, which included copies of my license, and the bill for my repairs. I faxed them back the next morning, May 19. Also on that date, I was told to bring my car to a Hyundai dealership in Hicksville NY and they verified that my car was repaired the way it was supposed to be.
On Friday, May 27, I had received a call from a Brandon from Hyundai. I was out so I called back and spoke to a Jerry and he proceeded to tell me that my claim was denied because the parts that were used were not genuine Hyundai parts. I asked him if they were aware of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. In it states that warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty.
Not only am I looking for the cost of repairs. We suffered all these time without a car, and we depended on our daughter to help us out. I also purchased an extension on my warranty for the amount of 2,200, which I feel I should be compensated for and the repair of the timing belt and all the needed parts that go with it. When I spoke to Jerry(no last name), I asked if they could send me a denial in writing. He said positively, "No, you just get a verbal."
I know it has been some time since this happened but between family pitfalls and waiting for lawyers, and some local politicians to help, well that is why I am a bit behind. I do appreciate you looking over this misfortune of mine.
Reviewed June 17, 2011
I purchased a 2010 Santa Fe and have experienced problems with the rear seatbelts and Bluetooth. I was carpooling 4 girls and had 3 in the backseat. The middle rear seat buckle came loose after I started driving. When my daughter tried to buckle it back in, the buckle fell into the hole. The girls could not get it out, so I had to pull over. It was dark and in not a very good part of town. I put 2 girls in one belt until I got to a better lighted area. I tried to get the buckle out but just could not. I had to call someone to come get one of the girls. I work in an ER so seatbelts are very important to me and that they are used correctly.
I have to keep pliers in my car now because it happens all the time. It happens with the middle rear seat and passenger side rear seat. I took it into Superior Hyundai which was a complete waste of time. They told me the vehicle was operating correctly. I would think a company would be embarrassed when their customers have to keep pliers in their car to pull out a seatbelt but I was wrong. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with.
This is my first and last Hyundai that I will every buy. My parents own 2 Sonatas and after this, you have lost them as customers. Also, don't believe the sales associate when they tell you that your phone will work with the Hyundai Bluetooth. We have Verizon and all 4 of our phones won't work with it. We have 2 Droids, an LG and Samsung, all smartphones. Buyers beware! Don't buy Hyundai, they don't stand behind their products and don't care that they have a safety issue with their seatbelts.
Reviewed May 30, 2011
I had been experiencing trouble with my Hyundai Santa Fe being slow to accelerate, the jump into speed, as well as when lifting my foot back off the accelerator, it would drag back quickly to a lower speed. Also, when I would put it into park, the RPM would soar unless or until I would hit the accelerator again to "kick" it out and back to normal. I also was backing from my driveway, slowly when my car suddenly accelerated and lunged me into the street. Yesterday, all of the above began to consistently happen.
I stopped at a Jiffy Lube to have them run a diagnostic (as well as oil change) and they confirmed it was the throttle sensor. I talked with someone in the waiting area before the diagnosis who had just bought a 2011 and was having the same issues (mine is a 2005 bought new in 2006). We both agreed we would check it out online and I confirmed what we both suspected, this has been a known issue and a recall item. However, when I made the appointment at the dealership, he denied any issue and said there were no notations for such a problem and especially not with my particular car or year. That is not true. I continue to read of issues on Edmund's, etc. I had to get my car fixed and spent over 200.00 on a known Hyundai issue and part. I will be calling the corporate offices tomorrow, as today is memorial day. Be careful, this could be a very serious situation.
Reviewed April 4, 2011
When I first got a car in 2008, it had a 1200 miles on it. A week after, my husband who was a transmission expert shared that this car was a liability. My husband tried continuously to tell Hyundai there was a problem with the car. He alerted them to the transmission being an issue and plausibility of something happening that will impact .They sent for a region representative. He told us do not worry about it we have over coverage.
An accident happened on February 27, 2011. Sudden, unintended acceleration of a 2007 Santa Fe Hyundai. This time on a private road, car engine revved up, all brake systems failed, could not shift into neutral and mechanism would not move. The driver need hold on the stirring wheel and ride it out. I saw main thoroughfare coming up, swerved into a gas station, wall had thought to swerve into street. It would have toppled the vehicle. I saw small park went across thoroughfare unto park area. The car was airborne and when it hit the ground, went on two wheels on the right hand side and then came down unto the 4. It stirred straight into a clearing between trees, sampling and dirt stopped vehicle. The seatbelt did not engage and 1 passenger has cracked skull. The near fatality might have been to a plausible number of children, parents, adults, cars and tractor trailers on main road.
The after result is the nervousness that rides in one's soul when on the road. There was over 20 witnesses to this event. This is an ongoing epidemic, my case has been ignored and other cases have been ignored. Isn't it time that this is reviewed before real fatalities become actualized? Thank You.
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2011
I have a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe with a subframe that has actually rusted, to the point of breaking, and have one bolt holding on my right front tire. I saw the article on your website and thought I should let someone know that I'm one of those owners and thank God, I didn't get into an accident with my two kids in the car! Estimated cost to fix is $3000.00 and that's a cost I can't afford.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2010
After repairs on my 2001 Santa Fe 4 cylinder were the positional sensor was replaced as well as the O2 sensor and the exhaust manifold crack welded, the car was in traffic with stop and go action (this is a manual transmission). All of a sudden, the shifter became stuck and the engine caught on fire, totaling the car. Mechanic says "not his fault." No fire insurance and now no car. A total loss.
Reviewed May 1, 2010
Took my 2008 Santa Fe for 30000 mile check up at Thomas Hyundai. They said all four rotors were excessively rusted and warranty doesn’t cover. I took for second opinion to Apple Valley Hyundai and they were shocked how rusted they are and some of the body welds up front of the vehicle was rusting as well. Told me to call Hyundai America. I did but basically they said it’s not their fault and I would have to cover everything. They don't handle or cover rust items. I’m afraid my rotors will break or something while driving it.
Reviewed April 19, 2010
I purchased my 2006 Santa Fe Hyundai in 2007 and my transmission failed in 2009. I take good care of my vehicle, I was not experiencing any problems and driving down the freeway, my car felt like it was slipping gears and failing. I took my care to AAMCO and it cost $4,500 to rebuild my transmission. Rebuild transmission on a 2006 Santa Fe and I could not afford this expense. I still owe $4,100 to GE Money Car Credit at an astronomical rate of 19%.
Reviewed March 8, 2010
We purchased a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe in At San Tan Hyundai in late Jan 2010 and they were aware that we were going to drive to Florida which was the purpose of the purchase. We have had this car in Service 3 times since purchase due to the transmission slipping. We are now in Napleton Hyundai in West Palm Beach Florida and spending a lot of time in Service for this car. Now we still have to drive back to Arizona. This is unacceptable, and we are not happy with this car. Fix it!
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2010
I purchased a new 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, it has done 67,000 miles. Since purchase, I have had numerous electrical problems. A lower control arm replaced, a new transmission put in, a new power steering high pressure hose and today, a new power steering pump. Don't buy one of these.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2010
I just wanted to say that a recall is needed on the defective excessive front end under carriage rush on the Santa Fe's. I have a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe where my front was shaking very badly and my son-in-law determined that the excessive rush was the cause. I was able to take it to Ricart and they replaced it under warranty. This is a very dangerous problem and should be recalled or make the owners aware before the tire falls off. I was lucky the problem was caught beforehand. But the rust was more then fist size and was putting extreme strain and was about ready to break loose from the frame.
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2009
On September 12, 2006, I bought a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe because of the incredible warranty Hyundai offered. Prior to this, over the last 15 years, I always bought American - Plymouth, Chrysler, or Ford. I have owned or leased 8 vehicles in the last 15 years. On average, I have put 50,000 miles on each of these vehicles, being in sales. I never once had engine troubles with any of these vehicles, none of which offered Hyundai’s incredible warranty. I have always maintained my vehicles the same way, average oil changes approximately every 5,000 miles.
On July 25, 2009, I was driving the Santa Fe and the engine light came on. Within seconds, the Hyundai stalled out. I immediately brought it in to Rick Case Hyundai Plantation, FL. Jim ** had a multi-point inspection done and did some computer thing, and then it ran fine, but the engine light was still on. He said he could not perform some update and to bring it back next week. I brought it back. He had some ECM update? And the engine light went out, and it ran fine. Prior to this, in February of 2009, I was in Del Ray Beach, FL at Delray Hyundai and had a multi-point inspection performed along with the electric seat fixed. They found half-dozen things that needed to be done. But they never mentioned anything about engine oil, or that an oil change was required.
Going forward to October 10, 2009, once again, the engine light came on. I brought it back to Rick Case Hyundai Plantation, FL. Jim **, after some time, he came back and said that a sensor had oil build-up on it and that he could not fix it under warranty. It was a Saturday afternoon; I had a lot of things to do. He said it would cost around $100.00, so I gave him the go-ahead. But I inquired what this meant and how it could happen. He mentioned that possibly, whoever was doing my oil changes maybe wasn’t really doing them. I was having them done at Front End Performance in Davie, FL, where I had all my front end alignments done. (Keep in mind, I do spend a lot of time on the road, so front-end alignments, tire expenses are very important to me.) Now, Front End Performance has a good reputation, and I have no reason to believe they were ripping me off on something like an oil change. Their only flaw is that they are not computerized, just old-fashioned filing cabinets.
So, back to Jim ** and Rick Case Hyundai in Plantation, FL Oct. 2009. I asked him what I should do. He suggested an engine oil flush. I asked him if he could do it. He said no. That was a bit confusing, that a Hyundai Service dept. could not do what he suggested. But once again, it was a Saturday afternoon and I had stuff to do. So he changed the sensor. The light went out; it ran fine. Jim ** did add that there were other sensors (that were not as easy to get to) that would probably need changing down the road and that they would probably have to be replaced at some point. So, I made mental note that at some point, I guessed, the engine light would be coming back on, and I would have to have these other sensors changed out. Also, at that point, while driving down the road, a few blocks, I saw a Pennzoil JF Xpress Lube and went in and had an engine flush and oil change done, based upon Jim **’s suggestion. This was just minutes after I left Rick Case Hyundai, Plantation. The Santa Fe ran fine until December 12, two months later.
On December 12, 2009, I was driving up the Florida Turnpike, and the engine just quit. After several tries, I got it started, but I was unable to actually give it gas, without it stalling out again. I called Hyundai Roadside Assistance; they came by and towed it to the nearest Hyundai dealer who happened to be Coconut Creek Hyundai. It was late afternoon, so they called me on Monday, after looking at the vehicle, and asked me to try and find my oil change receipts. Unfortunately, I have moved twice since I purchased the vehicle, and sadly, also gone through two marriages. So there has been packing and moving, repacking, moving, putting stuff in boxes to make room for each consecutive wife, coupled with their moving and taking things out quite complicated and confusing to say the least. So, after 4 hours, I was able to find records of 4 oil changes within the period from Sept. 08 through Oct. 09. But, prior to that, God only knows at this point. I have looked to no avail.
In summation chronologically: Sept. 2008, oil change (Front End Performance); Feb. 2009, multi-point inspection (Delray Hyundai); April 2009, oil change (Front End Performance); June 2009, oil change (Front End Performance); July and Aug. 2009, engine light (Rick Case Plantation Hyundai); Oct. 2009, engine light (Rick Case Plantation Hyundai) / sensor replaced at which time oil flush request was refused by Jim ** (manager), and he told me other sensors would have to be replaced in the future; Dec.12, 2009, engine shut-off on the highway and vehicle was towed to Coconut Creek Hyundai.
December 14, 2009, I produced what records I could find, along with two oil change receipts I found in the glove box while the car was sitting there in the service bay of Coconut Creek Hyundai. I gave the above records to Coconut Creek Hyundai and was told the regional rep would review my info and make a decision. I have found out that the regional rep never actually personally reviewed the records but was given some of the info over the phone and made a decision that the engine would not be warrantied by Hyundai.
I retold the facts as stated above and spoke with Mike ** of Coconut Creek Hyundai. He replied that yes, he acknowledged the multi-point inspections done by both Delray Hyundai and Jim ** of Rick Case Hyundai and that he was not responsible for their negligence. I told him, “Look, these are my only recourse when having a problem with my Hyundai Santa Fe - I bring it to a Hyundai Dealership. In my mind, that is like bringing my vehicle to Hyundai themselves. You guys are their representation, the only representation that I would know to go to as Hyundai themselves.” He informed me that each dealership, though representing Hyundai, is owned and operated independently; if one or both of them were negligent, it was not his problem, because now I am dealing with Coconut Creek Hyundai. Needless to say, extreme frustration came on me.
So now, I am sort of caught between a rock and a hard place. To try and find further oil change records will be very difficult (though I have not stopped looking). I have researched engine oil sludge and found that it could be from a variety of problems from improper engine ventilation; car manufacturers have raised engine operating temperatures and increased exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Fuel mixtures have to run leaner, and leaner mixtures cause higher combustion temperatures. When nitrogen in the air is raised to higher temperatures, it is converted into new contaminant cocktails causing sludge. For more fuel economy, car manufacturers design engines for lower viscosity motor oils. Lighter oils tend to break down faster under urban driving conditions; when an engine is cold - due to frequent stopping, standing and starting - the cool cylinder wall acts as condensers for these combustion products. The water, soot, resins, acids, and lead salts condense and adhere to the oil films on the cold cylinder walls, and then work down past the pistons into the crankcase oil.
Faulty head gasket, allowing coolant to leak into oil system; unburned gasoline contaminating oil; inadequate oil circulation; oxides of nitrogen from emissions system contaminate oil; engine runs too cool in spots, causing condensation buildup inside crankcase; engine runs too hot in spots, causing oil to break down faster; seal on oil filler cap fails, allowing moisture to enter engine through valve cover; mechanical malfunctions; subtle malfunction, like a leak from your cooling system into your crankcase can create big problems for your engine. The resulting oil and coolant mixture reacts to form harmful deposits. An improperly operating cooling system will cause problems, too. If your thermostat sticks and does not allow coolant flow when needed, your engine will run either too cold or too hot.
You might not even notice the difference on your temp gauge (if you have one). Constant elevated temperatures promote oil thickening after thousands of miles. This can create sludge. While engine that operates too cold will form a "black sludge", a clogged or defective PCV valve can contribute to sludge formation. If this valve does not operate properly, harmful exhaust gases remain in the crankcase. These gases, which contain water, acids, soot, etc., promote sludge. Excessive amount of fuel due to leaky fuel injectors, malfunctioning choke mechanism, or failed oxygen sensor can also contribute to sludge formation. When your check engine (MIL) light comes on and stays on, have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic with proper computer diagnostic tool - the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light).
My opinion, un-mechanical as it is, says this should have been either picked up during multi-point inspections, or at worst, back in July when the engine light came on, at extreme worst. In October, Jim ** of Rick Case Hyundai should not have refused an oil flush and change, and the trouble could have been either stopped then or at least minimized rather than (Dec.12) a complete shut-down of the engine. I mean, what was he doing? Seriously? Simply to tell me other sensors would have to be replaced down the road was a complete failure on his part as a diagnosis.
So moving forward from Dec.14-15, they have quoted me $4,500.00 to replace the engine with a used engine. This would be out-of-pocket monies that I am really not convinced, to say the least, is my responsibility. So, since then, I asked their sales dept. if they would take it as a trade, but the best they have offered me is $9,000.00 as a trade. I did an Intelliprice Trade-In Appraisal prior to the engine sludge issue, and the very least I should get, now I said, once again, the very least I should get is $ 13,635.00, and I could get as high as $ 16,690.00. This is one of those stories that I can’t help but sense that if I could get a hold of Mr. Hyundai himself (right?), he would either warranty the engine or give me full book trade on a new Hyundai along with all of the other year-end specials and incentives.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2009
On July 3, 2009, my 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe broke down while I was on vacation. I was stranded on the freeway out of state with my granddaughter and it was a holiday weekend. When I contacted the closest Hyundai dealership, they said that they would be closed before I could get the car there and that they would not be able to look at it until the following week. Based on my circumstances, I contacted another shop that would take the car that day (although it was closing time, they agreed to wait until the tow truck arrived). As it turned out, the tension pulley that the timing belt is attached to broke causing the timing belt to break. Resulting damage was so severe that the entire motor had to be replaced.
After the repairs, totaling over $3000, were done, I wrote a 3-page letter to the Consumer Affairs department at Hyundai. They contacted me and basically said there was nothing that could be done. Their excuse was that I did not use genuine Hyundai parts when I had the regular 60,000-mile maintenance work done. In the letter I wrote to them, I did not ask for anything but just stated that I thought they should do something. They did not so much as apologize. Perhaps, they were afraid that I would take that as an admission of guilt. The attitude of the person I spoke with ticked me off so bad that I then called and asked for a supervisor. The supervisor assured me that she would look into the situation and call me back. I faxed her additional paperwork that she requested. I never heard back from her.
After waiting over two weeks, I called again and was told that the records reflected that she had left me a message telling me that Hyundai refused to do anything. I never received any such message. I purchased a Hyundai after a lot of research and because the warranty was one of the best available. The warranty is worthless if they refuse to honor it. The car had about 91,000 miles on at the time this all took place and was still under their supposedly 100,000-mile warranty. Totally worthless obviously. If anyone is thinking Hyundai, I encourage him or her to think again. A great warranty is not worth the paper that it is written on if the manufacture refuses to stand behind it.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2009
In my family, we have owned three Hyundais (an Elantra, a Santa Fe and a Tucson). On all three of them, we have had problems with the back brakes. The brakes are sticking on and wearing out the brake pads and rotors. When the cars are being manufactured, they are not greasing the calipers. When the brake pedal is pressed, the caliper squeezes the brake pads to the rotors causing the brakes to stop the car. I have paid for two of these vehicles to be fixed but I refuse to pay for the third. Hyundai is stating that at 7,000 miles, the car is supposed to be serviced to have the calipers greased. I feel this is a manufacturing defect and the consumer should not be held responsible to pay for the repair.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2009
A month ago, the rear of the car was making scary metal noise. I took it to the dealership a day after and hoping to have it looked at right away during my lunch time from work. The guy from the dealership told me that the appointment were all booked and to return two days later with an open appointment. I told him what happened to my car and he said there is nothing he can do at that minute. I asked if they have a car that I can drive so that I can leave my SUV there for them to take a look and he said there is no spare one I can use. It was 2 days before my road trip and the Santa Fe is the only car I have to commute. So I took it to Toronto anyway even with those loud noise making in the rear end.
From the inspection of an auto repair shop in Toronto, the man showed me the brake pad on the rear right was rubbing metal on metal. He was scared and surprised that the dealership man did not even take a look after I described the problem to him and to stop me from leaving the dealership. Anyway, the auto shop changed the rear brake pads for me on both sides and now the noises are gone. I called to the customer affair today and Terri told me there is nothing they can do because the brakes are "wear and tear," which is not covered after 1 year.
I used to think American cars are a lot worse than Korean or Japanese cars. Along with the advertisement of best warranty, I thought I made a very good choice of purchasing this new 2008 Santa Fe until this happened to me. I understand the brake pads are wear and tear items; however, does it even make sense to you that the brake pads could go down metal on metal after 1 year/23K mile of use? I had my Dodge Neon for 5 years before I purchased this Santa Fe. I'd never needed to change the brake pads for that vehicle.
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2009
Driving at a speed of about 15 miles while driving in a circle at a cul de sac, the front right end of my 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe suffered suspension failure resulting in the front passenger tire being at a 90 degree angle to the vehicle. The resulting damage was the need to replace the tie rod ends, the front right ball joint, replacement of the sway bar links, an alignment, a new brake hose and brake system flush, and a new tire in order for the vehicle to be operable again. Recommended by the mechanic who performed these repairs was the replacement of the front right strut assembly and CV shaft which I declined at the time.
The repairs I did authorize resulted in $1,338.66 for parts and labor. The repairs that I declined at the time were quoted at $711.63 including parts and labor. I have documentation for all these repairs. I decided to submit this complaint after reading the article stating that similar problems had occurred to other drivers with the same vehicle as well as the Hyundai Sonata, which is supposedly built on the same frame. I asked my auto mechanic what could have caused this as I had not been in any accidents. His reply is that nothing should have caused that. I thank you for your time.
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2009
I am Cleo **, an injured party from a burned, new 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, VIN # **. As a disable vet with PTSD, I was traumatized when my vehicle just blew up while I was driving under the steering wheel. This vehicle was purchased with 50 miles and only had about 1,200 when the incident occurred. This is still under manufacturer warranty and should be replaced free of charge, plus my injuries should be compensated. The replacement vehicle purchased on 10/02/09 had the check engine light come on 2 days later and was discovered to have had a faulty ignition coil that was arc-in to the engine. I just retrieved it from the shop on 10/12/2009.
This could have been the cause of the other vehicle to burn up. I am being brushed aside by my insurance company Geico, as well as Edmond Hyundai in Oklahoma City. CarFacts.com indicates 6 issues related to the vehicle prior to the incident. Please work with me in good faith as I have been doing. This should be taken care of in the manner as stated in the warranty. Geico is telling me that my bodily injuries were not covered under bodily injury nor uninsured driver, but was not warned of full coverage not covering an insured driver from injuries.
Supervisors are not being made aware of my complaint and also my complaint that my vehicle was purchased at $23,000 and Geico only wants to refund $18,000. Plus I was charged for several insurances by Edmond Hyundai that made my vehicle skyrocket to over $26,049.50. This is outrageous and instead of being compensated, I am being raised prices for issues not my fault. I am paying for the company's mistakes. Hyundai Motor company has not even contacted me.
Reviewed Sept. 24, 2009
After the suspension went on my 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, swerving off and on the interstate, I called Hyundai and I asked if this has happened to anyone else. They said no. After some further investigation, she said "Oh yes, there is a recall and I would have to have it towed to a dealer for pictures." I was never notified. I am the original owner and have never moved or changed phone information. I am in sales and now have no car to work with. I am losing pay everyday and I will lose commission due to it being close to the end of the month.
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2009
I want to know if Hyundai have a recall on their 2001 Santa Fe. I am having trouble putting gas in my car. Every time I try to fill it up, the gas pump shut off like my tank is full. I have a 15.5 gallon tank and the pump keeps stopping. I have to stand there and keep putting gas in the gas tank and the pump keeps shutting off. I cannot fill it up. Also, gas from the pump keeps coming back on me and my clothes as I am trying to put gas in the tank and I just started. The fuel light comes on and I just put gas in my tank. Please help.
Reviewed Sept. 16, 2009
The engine failed due to a belt braking. The belt that broke had been replaced according to the maintenance booklet for the Hyundai Santa Fe. It was replaced before the time it should have been. Hyundai is not honoring the 100,000 mile or ten years due to the fact that they are saying the belt was not replaced with a Hyundai part. I have checked my warranty info and nowhere in there does it state that I had to use only Hyundai parts. It was done by a certified mechanic. They will not honor my warranty and now I am without a vehicle.
I live in Rhode Island and my Santa Fe broke down in Vermont. I had to get a ride home and now I have to go get my Hyundai in Vermont because I do not have $4,800.00 to have them fix it. The mechanic said that the Hyundai Corporate will not sell them a whole engine, but they will sell them the parts to fix it. They want me to pay $4,800.00 for parts! I have owned 6 Hyundais and I purchased them because of the warranty. Now they won't honor it. Why should I pay for the engine when the warranty is not over until 2013? I followed all the maintenance schedules and did all oil changes as scheduled by a certified mechanic. I feel that the Hyundai Corp should replace my engine according to the warranty.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2009
I purchased a 2007 Santa Fe from a Hyundai Dealership in Nov. 07. The car was fine for the first 4 months and then the airbag light came on and the dealer replaced the sensor. A month later, the airbag light came on again and, again, they replaced the sensor. They also replaced the grill on the front of my car as the paint was peeling off it. Two weeks later, my air conditioning was not working so they did a core charge and they also replaced another sensor relating to the outside temperature gauge.
Three months later, the airbag light was on again, so they replaced another sensor. At the same time, the car was shaking when the brakes were applied and the dealer said that there was abnormal wear so they replaced the pads and discs. Three months after that, the front end was banging and the dealer replaced both link assemblies as they were failing. One month after that, the airbag light was on again and, once more, they replaced the sensor. The next week, I got in my car and the windshield was cracked along the bottom from one side to the other.
Two months later, the airbag light was on again and I could not lock my car as the alarm would keep going off. So this time, they replaced the fuse box and wiring harness. They also discovered that my air conditioning was leaking in the ceiling of the truck so they had to run all new lines in the ceiling of the vehicle. They also replaced the gear shift as the vehicle was clunking when it was put into gear. They also replaced my temperature control unit in the dash of the vehicle.
I found a lot of complaints on the American NHTSA complaints page about 2007 Santa Fes. There are a lot of other people having the same problems that I am, from airbags to front suspension to broken windshields and faulty rear brakes. The scariest complaint was that a 2007 Santa Fe was involved in a rollover crash and none of the air bags deployed. I have wondered if the air bags would function properly with so many electrical issues on these vehicles. I am also upset that the chemical in the air conditioning has been leaking into the passenger compartment of my vehicle. These chemicals can be harmful to people.
I have contacted Hyundai consumer complaints and they refused to even extend my warranty. They said just keep taking it to the dealer until it is fixed. I don't have the time to continue dealing with this car and I also have no confidence in the reliability of this vehicle any longer. My warranty worksheets all say that all of the parts are faulty. Well, are they not still putting the same parts back on the car? As far as I am concerned this is a poorly built vehicle and Hyundai has no standard of quality control. I am going to sell this car (I feel bad for whoever buys it) and I will never, never, never ever buy a Hyundai product again.
Reviewed July 31, 2009
I bought a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Passenger side airbag does not register me. I am 5'3", 105 pounds. I talked to both dealers and they stated there is nothing they can do about it. They told me to restart the car and sit perfectly. I did that and it still does not work. So basically, sit like a statue even when you're driving on long trips? I told one dealership, Hyundai has a huge lawsuit coming when someone dies for airbag not deploying.
I'm currently waiting for a part for driver's side airbag because right now that is not working either! Also, my steering wheel makes a screechy electronic noise and both dealerships state it's a characteristic of the car? All this and the car were bought brand new back in March 2009. Oh yeah, the tires were all flat on the bottom but I did not have a problem getting them to replace them. What I don't understand is why Hyundai recalled the Elantra's for airbag problems but refused to do so for the Santa Fe after all the complaints? Are they waiting for someone to die first because of their stupidity?
Hyundai Santa Fe Company Information
- Company Name:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Website:
- www.hyundaiusa.com
