Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.
303Complaints
3Recalls
32Crashes
7Fires
35Injured
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 (15.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Suspension complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Suspension
48 · 15.8%
Recalled
Recall 14V435000
Vehicle Speed Control
36 · 11.9%
not available
—
Air Bags
36 · 11.9%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
25 · 8.3%
not available
—
Electrical System
16 · 5.3%
not available
—
Service Brakes
16 · 5.3%
Recalled
Recall 04V131000
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.
Percentages are the share of the 303 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.
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
IF AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark 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 40 MPH STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THIS WAS CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TRIED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE…”NHTSA complaint 10052042 — filed 02/19/2004 · SUSPENSION
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE?
Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 48 of 303 NHTSA complaints (15.8%), followed by vehicle speed control (36), air bags (36), fuel/propulsion system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE have?
303 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 32 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 35 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes — 3 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 2004 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.
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