Clutch went at 80000 km.
We were very happy with our 2 yr old Santa Fe until the clutch failed and needed replacement. When we queried why this was the case, asking if it was covered by the warranty, we were given to understand it must be the poor quality of our driving, and had to pay a 1400 Euro bill. We have since heard that several other Santa Fe's have had clutch problems which have been repaired under warranty's, so we feel doubly cheated. Why doesn't Hyundai have a more consistent approach? We are taking this further.
I have a 2002 Santa Fe and last year (Aug 2003) the clutch was replaced because it was burned out, mind you I bought this in Oct 2001 and didn't drive it for 6 months, was out of the country, and less than a year later, this month today to be exact I'm being told that my clutch may be worn out again and that it's not covered under warranty for any longer than 12,000 miles or one year, I've exceeded the 12,000 miles. Needless to say I'm not paying to have it replaced and I'm selling that vehicle. I had a huge battle with the repair shop last year and eventually sent a certified letter to the owner and they paid half and I paid the other half of the parts (191.00). I am very angry.
I bought the first Santa Fe to come to our area in May 2001. I really liked my car, but it has had one problem after another. Within months of buying the car the electrical failed and had to be replaced. With in the next 2 years the front end was replaced twice, it is on it's 4th rack and pinion. Now at 3 years the front end seals are going the transmisson makes noise and the transfer case has what appear to be hairline fractures and the seal leaks. It has been in the shop about 10 times any where from 1 week to 4 weeks. The service was not good and they have misrepresented the problems and repairs a number of times. I really liked my car, but I would consider it a lemon and disappointed that the company was not more responsive.
I also drive a Santa Fe, it is now coming up on 18months old, the typical problems you all experience,
the seatbelt on the passenger and the repeatedly slipping clutch, it has been happening since day one, but today the car just collapsed, this morning on the way to work at 8am when it was due to go in for repair at 9.30am,
the car wouldn't move and I could smell an electrical burning from the engine,
we have also experienced difficulties with the doors locking and unlocking repeatedly and the front driver side window falling out of allignment,
obviously we spoke to the reseller after the first problems with the clutch after one week and I won't be entirely pleased if we have to pay for a replacement,
admittedly our reseller here in Northern Ireland was freely handing out courtesy cars, 8 in all,
2 Nissan Micra's
2 Nissan Almeria's
1 Hyundai Terracan
1 Mitsubishi Space-star
2 Peugeot 406.
It was almost like he was giving us test drives for a replacement car, Pity though
because it is a very nice jeep,
I own a 2001 Santa Fe and in the most part have been happy with the vehicle. The problem that keeps occurring is that the ignition key will from time to time not turn in the ignition which has resulted in a few tows. I have spoken to the dealer and they have said that it was a frozen lock (doubtful) or I must not be turning the steering wheel properly to unlock the ignition. I have had the vehicle tested for problems, but computer monitor codes don't identify any problems. Anybody out there who may know what is causing the problem or has had similar experiences?
I purchased a santa fe 12 months ago, and ws pretty pleased with it. Until last week when it cut out in the middle of the road. This happen three times on the same day. I got it serviced and was told that it was dirty diesel in the tank, which took the lining off the inside of the tank. I was wondering has anyone had any problems with the lining on the tanks of any of this range.
Thank god for the Internet!!! Until now I thought I was the only one with a clutch problem. I bought my Santa Fe in January 2004. Last August (2005) I had to replace the clutch. They made it sound like it was my fault so I had to pay 250pounds (parts and labour). Yesterday I changed my clutch again!!! I took it in to have the second gear replaced and they told me that the clutch needed replacing too (again). the service manager was new and had no idea I had it replaced last August. Turns out the clutch was a big disaster on my model so Hyundai issued a replacement part and instructed the dealerships to replace it for FREE. The first time I changed the clutch they installed the same defective clutch the car came with. This time is the updated version. Let's hope it performs better.
I also drive a Santa Fe and the clutch needs to be replaced again. I suspect I also have the defective clutch the previous posting mentioned. where do I get more info?
I am so sorry for all of your troubles, but I am so glad to hear about everyone else having the same problem.
I was heartsick when the dealership my car was towed to, said that the clutch replacement would probably not be covered by the warranty, and I would have to pay $900 or more.
I live in Texas and noticed most of these posts are European. I have contacted Hyundai USA, but they have not been helpful at all. Was there any resolution with anyone else? Are there strategies that I need to know?
Hi.
Pardon my vernacular: I'm being jerked around by Hyundai. Details here: http://www.ideomotor.info/hyundai.htm.
Cheers!
I have a used Hyundai 2001 Accent. Recently I just put my second Clutch in. It has only been one year eight months. I was traveling through the California desert to Nevada. The clutch on this car is certainly unreliable.Hyundai parts dealers need to take responsibily for some of the costs. This is very dangerous for people with children and elderly relatives and also very expansive.
I have a used Hyundai 2001 Accent. Recently I just put my second Clutch in. It has only been one year eight months. I was traveling through the California desert to Nevada. The clutch on this car is certainly unreliable.Hyundai parts dealers need to take responsibily for some of the costs. This is very dangerous for people with children and elderly relatives and also very expansive.
I too have experienced clutch problems with my 2002 Santa Fe. The clutch was first changed in 2004 after 30000 miles. Hyundai classed it as premature wear and tear and replaced it under warranty. Thumbs up Hyundai. Well it has gone again, but this time after 33000 miles. Hyundai have reported that there are no defects and I have had a huge battle between the garage and Hyundai regarding the repairs. Apparently the previous clutch was a known problem and when changed for the fist time a new upgraded clutch was put in which does not have the problem. I would argue this case as 85% of my mileage is on the UK motorway network. The garage eventually agreed to lower the labour rate by £5.00 and Hyundai discounted the parts by 50%. Still not happy with the result though as I have just had to pay the bill which was still a whopping £631.88 even after all the discounts have been applied. I am now trying to gain evidence regarding the parts that were used the first time the clutch was changed. Thumbs down to Hyundai I'm afraid.
I would be very interested in hearing from anyone that has a Hyundai Santa Fe, preferably a 2002, that has had clutch problems. I am having my car fixed tomorrow, 3/8/07 to the tune of $1200-$1300 and it is not covered under warranty. My car has 37,500 miles on it. Please answer back if you have had problems as I want to pursue this, but I need to see if it is all of their clutches that are defective. Thank you.
We also have a serious issue with a Hyundai 2003 Santa Fe.
Complete clutch and flywheel failure at 57,000 miles, requiring 2700 dollars in repairs. Both my wife and I have driven standard shift cars for more than 4 decades without a clutch failure so early...plus, the clutch obviously wore out at 40 thousand miles or so, since the fly wheel was hopelessly scored. There is obviously a problem with Hyundai clutches... there is a class action law suit on some Tiburon models. I am at a loss as to any recourse, but something should be done to make sure Hyundai doesn't get away with putting inadequate clutches in their cars. Another class action suit? Lemon Law? What can we do. I liked the car and the dealership, but this is a serious defect... if the clutch needs replacing again in another 30,000 miles the car is becoming prohibitively expensive.
I have 2002 Santa Fe. The clutch failed suddenly just after the first 3000 miles. The dealer replaced it under warranty. Well, the clutch started failing after another 4000 miles. This time the dealer denied warranty coverage and blamed my driving habits. They told me that I had to pay $1100 to fix that. Even though I told them that I did not want their defective clutch, they still charged me $500 for their labor. I decided to fight and contacted the BBB. Eventually I got my $500 back, but I still had to find a mechanic and replace the clutch at my own cost. The mechanic changed the clutch for $450, an after market product. The clutch is still good as of today after 40,000 miles. Another interesting thing is that after installing the new clutch the gas mileage increased from 20 to 25 (sometimes even 27-28.)
I will never buy a Hyundai car again. The company may make some good cars, but their business ethics really suck. They do whatever it takes to make money.