Hyundai Santa FE Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 436 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Hyundai Santa FE across 22 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (76). The words owners use most often: “coil spring” (17% of reports).
- 436suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $1,200typical repair cost reported by owners
- 25%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Coil spring: mentioned in 76 of 436 complaints (17%)
- Trailing arm: mentioned in 40 of 436 complaints (9%)
- Lower control: mentioned in 24 of 436 complaints (6%)
- Heard loud: mentioned in 23 of 436 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the Hyundai Santa FE at $1,200, and half of them between $770 and $2,400.
Based on 13 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2019), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 337 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 436 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 5 an injury.
Hyundai Santa FE suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Santa FE | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2025 Santa FE | 3 | 2% | 11,000 |
| 2022 Santa FE | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2020 Santa FE | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2019 Santa FE | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2017 Santa FE | 10 | 1% | 20,000 |
| 2016 Santa FE | 2 | 1% | 30,700 |
| 2015 Santa FE | 2 | 1% | 25 |
| 2014 Santa FE | 6 | 1% | 17,900 |
| 2013 Santa FE | 23 | 4% | 11,100 |
| 2012 Santa FE | 14 | 4% | 99,694 |
| 2011 Santa FE | 16 | 9% | 53,000 |
| 2010 Santa FE | 14 | 5% | 76,000 |
| 2009 Santa FE | 7 | 2% | 88,703 |
| 2008 Santa FE | 11 | 2% | 80,000 |
| 2007 Santa FE | 30 | 4% | 78,838 |
| 2006 Santa FE | 13 | 12% | 83,801 |
| 2005 Santa FE | 21 | 10% | 85,650 |
| 2004 Santa FE | 69 | 23% | 91,315 |
| 2003 Santa FE | 56 | 18% | 120,000 |
| 2002 Santa FE | 59 | 36% | 133,500 |
| 2001 Santa FE | 76 | 36% | 120,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Suspension:front:springs:coil springs
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 Âsalt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the coil spring, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.
Suspension:rear
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: Hyundai is recalling 83,355 my 2001-2003 santa fe vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Road salt applied in these jurisdictions during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the rear trailing arms, which could lead to thinning or perforation of the rear trailing arm steel. Owners may see or feel slight to moderate changes in vehicle operation which will increase if the vehicle is not repaired. These changes include a lowering of vehicle height that can lead to tire misalignment and steering pull. Owners may also notice a creaking sound.
Risk: If the corrosion is allowed to progress, the rear trailing arm may fracture while driving, thereby increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear trailing arms for internal corrosion damage. If specified levels of corrosion damage are found, the rear trailing arms will be replaced. Rear trailing arms that do not require replacement will have drainage holes added and will be treated with rust-proofing material to arrest the corrosion process. Inspection, treatment and replacement procedures will be conducted at no cost to owners. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact the hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My truck began emitting a strong oil odor on XXX. I took it to Amato in [XXX], where I was told the oil pan was leaking. They replaced the oil pan, and I paid for the inspection as well. About an hour after picking up my truck, the checkâengine light came on. I returned to the dealership, and…
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX]) was brought to Herb Chambers Hyundai of [XXX], in December 2023 to address the Underbody Corrosion Recall/Campaign (9A0). The dealer performed the preventative service. However, the remedy completely failed because the frame was already severely structurally…
I left work and my car pulled back I looked at my dash I just saw all the lights on indicators telling me I may stop or not I was so scared I live 45 mins from my job and this isnât the first incident after the second day I bought this brand new car my low oil light came on and the dip stick was…
Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a…
The vehicle intermittently fails to reverse properly, hesitates, jerks, and at times locks despite no obstruction present. This occurs during normal use and creates a serious safety concern, particularly when backing out of parking spaces or into traffic. In addition, the vehicle exhibits ongoing…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Santa FEs have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 436 owner complaints about suspension for the Hyundai Santa FE. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Santa FE suspension?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the Hyundai Santa FE?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,200 (half paid between $770 and $2,400), from 13 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Hyundai Santa FE?
The most frequent phrase is “coil spring”, in 76 of 436 complaints, followed by “trailing arm” (40).
Other Hyundai Santa FE problems
- Engine problems (2,428)
- Power Train problems (933)
- Electrical System problems (851)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (756)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (588)
- Air Bags problems (506)
- Service Brakes problems (439)
- Steering problems (408)
See all Hyundai Santa FE problems.