Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The suv stalls while driving. This has happened multiple time. While driving, driving slow, taking a u turn. The battery, alternator, starter, power steering pump, water pump, rack and pinion, timing belt, serpentine belt, idler pulley, harmonic balancer, front axles, shocks, struts, some sensors, spark plugs/wires, gaskets, and many other parts are replaced in the last year. Don't know what is wrong but it is scary when it stalls suddenly.
On June 12th the vehicle started to rattle and proceeded to shake. The vehicle would not accelerate but instead decelerated on 695 towards towson. The vehicle was drifting at 25 MPH. I then proceeded to the nearest exit which was bel air road. I proceeded onto this exit when my vehicle shut off losing all power. At this time my dashboard lights were on. I had no power but my vehicle was still in gear and I safely stopped my vehicle in a shopping plaza. Engine failure new engine placed into my vehicle. July 5th the vehicle was taken back to thompson Hyundai by my father. The mileage out was 25,593. Thompson Hyundai forgot to screw down the engine properly resulting in loud noises from the engine. I placed another call to thompson asking for documentation of the service rendered. I then noticed another screw which was not secure on the engine. …
On June 12th the vehicle started to rattle and proceeded to shake. The vehicle would not accelerate but instead decelerated on 695 towards towson. The vehicle was drifting at 25 MPH. I then proceeded to the nearest exit which was bel air road. I proceeded onto this exit when my vehicle shut off losing all power. At this time my dashboard lights were on. I had no power but my vehicle was still in gear and I safely stopped my vehicle in a shopping plaza. Engine failure new engine placed into my vehicle July 5th the vehicle was taken back to thompson Hyundai by my father. The mileage out was 25,593. Thompson Hyundai forgot to screw down the engine properly resulting in loud noises from the engine. I placed another call to thompson asking for documentation of the service rendered. I then noticed another screw which was not secure on the engine. …
Suspension /check engine light /lower ball joint: dealer replace @54,353 miles, lower arm in 2004 and 8/2006 replacement is needed I have taken my 2001 Santa Fe to dealer 8 plus times for check engine light and was told found tether on gas cap not letting cap close tight enough /moved tether and ran EVAP test and check out OK . I was told cap loose 8 plus times this problem is on going. Return to dealer for jerk transmission issues I have to push the accelerator pedal to the floor and it takes off slow and once gets power the car jerks starts as if the gears or not switching over. Dealer said do the pressure in gas cap and gas cap not closed tight enough eval test was done. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that both front coil springs fractured without warning and had been replaced by the dealer (Hyundai east, 11200 e central ave, wichita, ks 67206, [phone]). In addition, while driving at a low rate of speed, the rear lower control arm fractured on the driver's side. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact experienced a failure with the crankshaft sensor. The manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was not included in any recall campaigns. The vehicle continued to exhibit the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving uphill at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to shutter and failed to accelerate. The contact was alerted that the subframe was on fire. The contact immediately shut off the engine and exited the vehicle. An onlooker assisted with extinguishing the fire with water. The fire was extinguished by the time the firefighters arrived. Neither the fire department investigator nor the insurance investigator were able to identify the cause of the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
While being in park - engine will surge - rpms jump to about 6,000 and accelerates like it wants to go. I will put car in drive and rpms come down but still wants to accelerate. This same thing happens even at stop sign - with foot on brake. Car unintentionally accelerates on its on once foot comes off brake. Check engine light May or May not be on. Very scary situation and almost scared to drive it. This happens every now and then but lately it has been going on for several days. Noticed the problem about 3 months ago.
My 01 Hyundai Santa Fe downshifts while on the highway with a loud pop and decelerates the vehicle substantially causing a traffic/safety hazard. This is corrected momentarily when I stop and restart the engine as if it resets something, then of course when I get back on the highway it does it all over again. Other 01 Santa Fe owners suffer the same dangerous circumstances. Why not recall the vehicle to correct this issue? This is an accident waiting to happen.
Gas pump problem keeps clicking and I've replace many party but still like its full of gas but I be on empty.car also jerks like I've been rear ended while driving like it has transmission problems and I've replace transmission 2 times. Gears only work manual it's like the car has a mind of its own .also my tire flew off my car on the back and had to take to dealer ship and they was saying it's some problem they can't help .
Timing belt replaced in sept. 2003 under warranty. I paid for 3 days rental vehicle during this service. Timing belt discovered to be defective in February 2004, and was replaced again under warranty, but Hyundai refuses to pay for the 2 days rental car, claiming this is a warranty item and (no matter how many times they replace a defective part), they will not coverr a rental.
NHTSA investigations
Engine seizure
There is no summary currently available
Engine complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, 19% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.