2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Santa Fe 2004

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe repairs by problem area

Engine (35%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (10%)

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Chart based on 113 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe.

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (11%)

$1000 - $2499 (22%)

$500 - $999 (22%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (44%)

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Chart based on 9 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

124300 mi

US $2000
transmission failure 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

131000 mi

US $65
4WD is binding severely when backing up and turning or turning going forward. Dealership says it might be Viscous Coupler but its a couple of thousand to replace. Have not repaired yet. Replaced 4wd computer but didn't solve issue. 
133000 mi Due to the binding 4wd system I attempted to diagnose before, I have now removed the rear end coupler and drive shaft, thus turning this vehicle into a FWD. I made a plate to cover the vacant hole in the differential. I believe the coupler is bad in some way so I will try to repair or replace if I can find one at a junk yard since the dealer want $1065 for the part. 
128000 mi

US $3500
After repeatedly having the vehicle in for evaluation for a transmission "thunk" when cold, it finally failed. AFTER the warranty ran out. 
103000 mi

US $1800
lost 4and 5th gear,plus reverse,dealer wouldnt warranty.replaced with used tranny from 2005 santa fe with 20,000miles. 
104000 mi

US $600
loud clunking noise in drivetrain,hyundai dealer said was tranny just replaced,used tran under warranty.took 2nd shop,replaced transfer case.still not fixed.unplugged rear differential myself.runs fine in front drve. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

46500 mi

C $750
Car wouldn't stay running after start. Dealer indicated that the crankshaft RPM sensor failed. Repaired under warranty. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

86000 mi Rear differential wearing leading to driveline play and noise at highway speeds. 
144000 mi Clunk in the driveshaft turned out to be a failing transfer case coupling. Vehicle sold rather than face very expensive repair. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.