2004 Hyundai Santa Fe review from North America
"Hyundai Nightmare"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I've owned 2 Santa Fe's (2001 & 2004). Both had engine failures and had to have their small blocks replaced at around 60,000 miles. Both failed on the freeway. Both had all their regularly scheduled maintenance performed by the book. These 2 freeway failures placed me in very serious safety conditions.
The 2004 failed at night in the middle of the Arizona Desert - I was driving at 70 mph when the engine lost power and made a terrible noise. I end up getting towed over 150 miles to a Hyundai dealer. Small block failed (60,068 miles – 68 miles past the warranty). Hyundai initially refused to pay for any of the repair work; but, after a tremendous amount of effort on my part; they finally agreed to covered (only) 35% of the repair. My advise to consumers: Never buy Hyundai's again!!!
General comments?
Hyundai did not stand behind their cars.
There seems to be a serious problem with Hyundai engines - possible oil circulation as reported by the Orange County Register.
These failures placed me and my family in very serious safety positions.
I spent nearly 100 hours trying to get Hyundai to help cover the cost of repair and after all this they (only) covered 30%
Never buy Hyundai products!!
Recommended reviews
| A great vehicle for reasonable $$ |
|
| Super! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2004 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.7 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 0 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60086 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Avalon |
| Date of Entry | 28th October, 2009 |