Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 through the contact's garage door upon entering the driveway. The air bags did not deploy and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed; the garage door was replaced after the crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000
As I approached a stop light and my car began to slow, it didn't shift all the way into first gear. While stopped at the light, it remained at a high RPM while the brake was pressed. When the light changed, and the gas pedal was pressed, my car "kicked" down into first and immediately back in to second. A few days later while at a stop light, my car died. After a few minutes, it started back up. After bringing it to the dealer (it had died on my three times at this point) to have it serviced, I was told that they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. They were able to "feel" the shifting issues when stopping but they couldn't tell me what was wrong with it. …
2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7 liter engine, high idles at 3,000 RPM on start up and never goes down even when engine reaches normal operating temperature, automatic transmission not even acting right since this problem started, this is a hazard and can cause an accident. The car shows no engine codes, or transmission codes, it has had lower intake, upper intake gaskets changed, iac motor changed, throttle position sensor changed, temperature sensor changed, cleaned throttle body bore where throttle plate closes, changed vacuum hoses, made sure throttle cable and cruise control cable were binding or holding throttle open, and none off these things have helped. …
We were behind a car going approximately 5 MPH in a parking lot waiting for the car ahead of us to turn into a lane and into a parking spot when our car - a Hyundai 2004 Santa Fe - suddenly accelerated once and then again hitting the car in front of us, twice. After we hit the car the first time we tried to brake but even though he had his foot on the brake the car accelerated again. We reported the accident to the insurance companies - took the SUV to the Hyundai dealership - reporting the incident to them - they did some kind of a test and told us there was nothing wrong with the car. When the car is in neutral the rpms race high - and since that accident I had the car in reverse and it started to accelerate forward again. We looked on the in internet and there are many of these same complaints so why is Hyundai denying this happens to the car?
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. While parked in the driveway, the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle knocked the contact down and rolled over her knees. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle restarted and was towed to a dealer, who stated that the emergency brake should have been engaged. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,300. ..updated 09/03/15 updated 11/02/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and the contact heard a popping noise. The contact crashed the vehicle into a telephone pole. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck, chest, and back that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound lot. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
On purchase of my vehicle, Hyundai sante Fe, the car has had troubles. I have had it back to the dealer multiple times since I purchased the car with the same complaint. When starting the car and pulling out from a stopped position the car hesitates 3 to 4 times before driving smoothl. It feels like the car is bucking or hesitating....I have had it to the dealer atleast 5 times since it's purchase. They can not duplicate the problem. I have told them specifically how to get the car to do the problem however they do not follow my instructions. The car needs to be pulled out of the parked position with force. (as if pulling into a high traffic area out of a parking spot) it occurs more offen when the car is cold, but also makes the same hesitation if the car is warm. However, never after the intial engagement while driving. …
My oil changing place thought I had a power steering fluid leak, so I took it to the dealer to check. The real problem was the front right axle boot was leaking badly (covered by the power train warranty), but they found that the right and left control arm bushings had collapsed and the sensors were frozen in place. After they fixed these, the mechanic took it for a test drive, and during the test drive, the right front coil snapped. I am told that I must now replace both left and right front coils and have the car re-aligned. The coils should be on recall, as obviously there is a defect in the manufacturing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving at 55 MPH, the gear shifter failed and the vehicle accelerated. The contact had to keep her foot on the brake pedal in order to avoid crashing. The check engine light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 02/12/16 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired.
Customer resolution to warranty coverage on the 2004 Santa Fe due to obvious defect and/or inherent problem regarding the clutch assembly. While driving the clutch snapped rendering the vehicle undrivable. The was no wringing of indication of a problem prior to this incident. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who refuse to repair the vehicle under warranty because he believed the failure was due to improper use by the consumer.
Transmission complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, 7% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, though it has 3 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 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.