CarRecallDB

2004 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and problems

3 recalls and 303 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE.

3
recalls
303
owner complaints
32
complaints mentioning a crash
7
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Suspension: front, springs, coil springs

NHTSA campaign 14V435000 · reported July 18, 2014 · Hyundai Motor Company · 271,773 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 “salt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.
The risk
If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the coil spring, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 04V131000 · reported March 16, 2004 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY · 17,401 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5 liter v-6 engines, 4-wheel drive and antilock braking systems (ABS), if the brake pedal is depressed at speeds between 3 and 12 mph when the brake pad friction surfaces are wet, a vibration may occur between the brake discs and pads causing ABS sensor electronic signal noise to develop. At speeds below 5 mph, the ABS sensor signal noise may cause the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) to activate the ABS, extending the stopping distance.
The risk
If an extended stopping distance occurs, it could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the ABS ECU. Owner notification began on march 24, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 03V520000 · reported December 18, 2003 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY · 249,309 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
The risk
The tire pressure labels do not contain the information required by the standard.
The fix
Owners will be provided with a correct label and installation instructions. Owner notification began on october 29, 2003. Owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 6, 2023 · Power train · 37,000 miles · crash reported

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on six separate occasions, the vehicle had independently accelerated without warning. On one occasion, the vehicle had accelerated through a red light with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. On a separate occasion, the vehicle accelerated…

Oct 9, 2023 · Engine · fire reported

In transit, it began smoking and the engine light came on. After pulling to the side, flames erupted and it became fully engulfed, followed by a small explosion. The vehicle and it’s contents were a total loss.

Jun 1, 2023 · Service brakes · 150,000 miles · crash reported

The contact owned a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 25 MPH the braking system malfunctioned and when depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not reduce speed or stop causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, the rear…

Aug 25, 2021 · Service brakes · fire reported

driving in the rain hit brakes they locked up

Jun 10, 2021 · Fuel/propulsion system

This was a recall for hundai santa fe vehicles from 2001-2006. For unknown reasons I was not aware of recall. It was for 15 years or 150 miles. It is a danger as my car leaks gas. I am at 135,000 miles. But my car is a 2004. I purchased the vehicle in the last 2 years. I believe the recall should extend till the…

Santa FE model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 420944
2002 416592
2003 4308265
2004 3303327
2005 3216180
2006 1106113
2007 7684308

Across all years, the 2017 Santa FE has the most complaints (971). All Hyundai Santa FE years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on July 18, 2014 (Suspension: front, springs, coil springs). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE?
Owners have filed 303 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (69 complaints), followed by air bags (43).
How many 2004 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?
32 of 303 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 35 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 6, 2023.