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 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn and there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact had to add air to the four tires and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the suspension and axle needed to be repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated there was a burning odor coming from the front intermittently as the steering wheel began shaking. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,807.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle auto accelerated without engaging the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The belt that runs the alternater has broken twice and continuously is squealing it wont keep speed when going up hill and wont let battery charge correctly to keep running will stop when it is being ran
Purchased "new" it took over six hours to deliver the vehicle on site. 1.)the "security system failed returned to jim ellis; "no correction" to date. 2.)several other defects existed: battery failed leaving me stranded at least twice, brakes ware quickly and repeatedly require repairs, heated seats on at "all" times, the temperature remains on "celsius" rather than on than "fereinheight" temperatures, clock won't set to current month,date, year. 3.)the 10 year;100 mile warranty is disregarded/minimized; from 24,000 miles. 4.) while in for defect review; the car has been returned to me from 2 dealerships with "dings" up and down the side; dents on corners(physical damage). In addition repairs weren't made and managers looked the "other way" and failed to return calls or respond to letters. …
On 6/17/14 my cars front right wheel fell off. I found two recalls on the internet for the front and rear suspension system. The car was towed/repaired for 782.00. In July 2014, Hyundai made an inspection of the work. I asked for reimbursement for the recall but was declined as not being within a campaign. Recently, the rear brakes, rotors, and caliper were replaced (for the second time). .afterward, a noise I heard became louder. On 8/11/16 the noise was diagnosed. It was found that new shocks were needed, and "rear passenger lower control arm is starting to rot from rust and cause noise." I was told to have it repaired by Hyundai. I bought the car from national auto sales in glassboro, nj. Hyundai apparently did not know I am the owner of the car, and I never received any recall notices from Hyundai. The vehicle has had engine and sensor problems and many others. …
When ever the under engine gets wet the car turns off and the brake light and oil lights come on. When it stops I can't turn the wheel and it locks up. I was driving on interstate in the rain and the car started jolting that the car was off then on then off then on again. I had no control of the car in the torrential rain going 60 miles an hour. Whenever it rains or if I go through a puddle of water this has happened again and again. When I took it to the auto dealer that I bought the car from, I was told that normally there is an engine undercover but there is not one on my car nor was there ever one put on by the manufacturer. Having no engine undercover causes the car to stall out whenever water is splashed up onto the engine. …
My 2002 Hyundai 2002 sante Fe has a 2-part catalytic converter. Hyundai has a warranty--required by federal law, I understand--that covers this for 8 years, 80,000 miles. My car is within that criteria. The second converter broke off, and neither now work. Hyundai and its dealer, marhofer Hyundai of cuyahoga falls, ohio, refuse to honor the warranty, because the main converter would work if the second, and an entirely new exhaust system, were installed. The car is undriveable, sounding like a truck and spewing exhaust. Another shop is replacing this, and the owner told me his vendor has just sold five of these converters/exhaust systems. The shop just put one in on a Hyundai sante Fe, and mine will make seven in a small city (akron) in a very short period of time. Yet Hyundai will do nothing, and marhofer wants $2,000 for the work. …
Purchased a new 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe 11/2001 with 11 miles on it. In 3/2007, the radiator needed to be replaced. In replacing it, 2 major safety defects were discovered - no safety/protective foam in the front bumper and the safety/crash bar was bent - I was told that the car must had been in a major accident. I took the car back to the original dealer and they accepted no responsibility - they said I must have done it. I have had no accidents or tickets and my driving record proves that. I purchased a vehicle history report, which showed no accident history. The only conclusion is that the defects were present at the time of sale. The car slipped through the cracks of the safety inspections.
Started my car, it didnt feel right, pulled out of my driveway and started to drive when the car started to stall but didnt and between 1 st and 2 nd gear the car was jerking. I pulled over shut car off and try it again, same thing. I drove for a few blocks seem to drive better after 2nd gear. So I drove it to the dealer to have it checked out. The check engine light was on. I was told there was a recall on the 2002 Santa Fe regarding the crankshaft position sensor which would cause a engine stall and the sensor would need to be replaced. But I was told that my 2002 Santa Fe did not make the recall list. Why wont they fix the problem that was recalled ? But they will fix it if I pay for it.
Engine complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, 15% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 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 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.