2002 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS review from North America

Bought the car used with 29k miles, 2 days later, I realized there was a crack in the windshield that ran 1/2 the length of the windshield. I didn't notice the crack when I bought it, because the wiper (when not in use) sat directly on the crack, and the rest of the crack ran down below the very darkly tinted area just above where the glass meets the seal near the hood. Took car to dealer, and was told that the crack wouldn't be covered by warranty. Was told by a mechanic that it was definitely a stress crack (and should be covered). Took it back to dealer, because stress cracks are supposed to be covered by warranty, Was then told that yes, it's a stress crack, but still they won't replace. I called Hyundai America and was told to tell the dealership to call them, that they would "OK" the replacement. The service manager from the dealer did not believe that I had spoken to Hyundai America, basically told me that I was lying, wouldn't call them himself, and wouldn't even look in warranty manual to see for himself that it was covered.

After 2 days of run around, they replaced windshield.

A few days later, Engine started making a ticking noise. Took it back to dealer, and was it was a "normal noise" But if the noise got louder, to bring it back. Noise got louder, took it back to dealer (now about 5 months into owning car) I had left my car there for the day, and couldn't pick it up till after work, The called me in the AM and was told again that it was a normal noise, a few hours later, got another call saying that 3 of 6 of their mechanics think the noise is normal, and the other 3 think there is something wrong with engine, and that a rep from Hyundai was coming out to look at my car, and was asked if I could leave my car for another day to have rep look at car. Left car overnight, and waited all the next day for a call back, I finally called myself early afternoon, and was told that the rep thought the noise was normal, and that nothing was going to be done at this time.

I just want my car fixed. The is obviously a problem, and 3 of 6 mechanics KNOW this. It seems that Hyundai is just stalling till my warranty is up, and THEN they will admit that something is wrong. I'm getting a ridiculous run around with the dealer. Maybe when my warranty runs out, they will take me seriously.

Besides the problems listed above, and the issues I've had the with dealership, I like the car. I just wish I didn't have to go through so much trouble to get something fixed.

I'm kinda just waiting for the next thing to break on the car... The next funny noise, the next problem the dealer won't fix or take me seriously about.

Overall I like Hyundai vehicles. I also have a 98 Elantra, which has 161K miles on it, and I've never had a problem with the car - Ever.

I have faith in Hyundai's, just not the people that work for Hyundai service.