Santa Fe (SM)

The 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe has accumulated 1,316 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Exterior, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

The 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

The 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,316 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

The 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe has 1,316 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

Before buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Exterior, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.