CarModelProblems.com

2001 Hyundai Santa FE Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 5.2× the fleet median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.
209Complaints
4Recalls
4Crashes
4Fires
2Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Suspension (18.2% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Suspension complaints here are 5.2× the median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Suspension38 · 18.2%RecalledRecall 14V435000 · Recall 09V123000
Suspension:rear29 · 13.9%RecalledRecall 14V435000 · Recall 09V123000
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline11 · 5.3%not available
Power Train:automatic Transmission11 · 5.3%not available
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine11 · 5.3%not available
Electrical System10 · 4.8%RecalledRecall 03V030000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION38 · 18.2%
SUSPENSION:REAR29 · 13.9%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE11 · 5.3%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION11 · 5.3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE11 · 5.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10 · 4.8%
STEERING10 · 4.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9 · 4.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY8 · 3.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR8 · 3.8%

Percentages are the share of the 209 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

NHTSA campaign 14V435000 · 2014 · reported 07/18/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 09V123000 · 2009 · reported 04/16/2009

IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:starter Assembly

NHTSA campaign 03V030000 · 2003 · reported 01/02/2003

A DAMAGED CPS CAPACITOR COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 03V520000 · 2003 · reported 12/18/2003

THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A SCREECHING SOUND THAT WAS FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BUMPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE SOON STALLED AND WOULD…”NHTSA complaint 10072040 — filed 08/19/2004 · SUSPENSION

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

2720091762011114201313720156102017452019632021362023

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE?

Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 38 of 209 NHTSA complaints (18.2%), followed by suspension:rear (29), engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline (11), power train:automatic transmission (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE have?

209 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V435000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.