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 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (6%)

$500 - $999 (31%)

$100 - $499 (34%)

< $100 (24%)

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Chart based on 96 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

Engine not specified

Hyundai Santa Fe in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2013 - Dec 2013
Jun 2013

147000 mi

US $800
Mass Air Flow Sensor 
Aug 2013

148100 mi
Mass Air Flow Sensor 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Wyoming, United States
Oct 2009 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

75000 mi

US $754
Crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. Timing belt replaced. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Nevada, United States
Feb 2010 - Apr 2010
Apr 2010

105000 mi

US $500
Engine failure. Unable to drive above 40 mph 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

turbocharged 111hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual AWD

Hyundai Santa Fe in Great Britain
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

68000 mi

£368
new injector 
Nov 2010

82000 mi

£350
no. 3 diesel injector was replaced  the abs system is playing up, both front reluctor rings are cracked due to corrosion on the constant velocity joints. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Great Britain
Oct 2011 - Sep 2014
Sep 2013

143000 mi
The power steering fluid on the car was leaking. A logal garage did a temporary repair with rubber hose, to get me home. Did a permanent repair by replacing the corroded pipe, the following week. 
Apr 2014

150000 mi
I currently have a problem with the Key fob not operating to lock the vehicle, although unlocking is okay. I have ordered a new micro-switch and fob body, and I intend to try to do the repair at work here. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

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

Hyundai Santa Fe in Texas, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2015
May 2013

124300 mi

US $2000
transmission failure 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Illinois, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
Dec 2008

66000 mi

US $5
Passenger side brake/tail light burned out. Replaced bulb successfully.  
Jan 2009

68000 mi

US $680
Fuel vapor recovery systems fault. Replace all parts of system. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in New York, United States
Apr 2011 - Mar 2012
May 2011

65000 mi

US $450
Broken crankshaft pulley 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Texas, United States
Oct 2008 - Sep 2013
Jan 2010

88000 mi

US $260
Was leaking radiator fluid, needed cabin filter changed. Extended warranty paid for new radiator hose and rental car. Two tail lights not burning. 
Jan 2011

72000 mi

US $820
Replaced timing and accessory belts. Repaired leaking upper coolant hose housing. 
Sep 2011

80000 mi

US $800
Replaced broken seat belt buckle. Took five days to get buckle.  
Hyundai Santa Fe in Illinois, United States
Mar 2012 - Dec 2013
Mar 2013

159000 mi

US $800
exhaust system, hole in pipes at converter. replaced converter and pipes back to muffler. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Illinois, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

82000 mi

US $775
noise from engine 
Aug 2010

84000 mi

US $750
Engine noise  

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

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

Hyundai Santa Fe in South Carolina, United States
Jun 2013 - Sep 2014
Jul 2013

92700 mi

US $500
Coolant leaking, radiator hoses and thermostat replaced. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2019
Jul 2016

128300 mi

US $200
Replaced rear shocks due to rusted seals causing leakage of fluid. Replaced front struts due to one being busted. 
Dec 2016

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. 
May 2017

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. 
Jun 2017

134000 mi

US $55
Started getting very poor gas mileage, hesitation, rough idle, severe engine shaking. No Check Engine Light. But scan with Actron shows code of P1159 Variable Induction System. I have had this code before in the past and had to remove the intake to clean it. This time I have tried 2 times using a 3M Fuel System Cleaning kit. The vehicle is running much better now but occasionally set the code still. If it does not clear up soon I will pull the intake and clean. While its off I will replace the spark plugs a second time. 
Oct 2017

140540 mi

US $102
Replaced failed coil pack that was shorting out during damp weather. Also replaced the other two since they would probably fail soon. 
Nov 2017

140000 mi

US $35
Replaced rear lift gate and rear window gas supports. Both sets would not hold up gate during cold weather and would fall closed. Became a safety hazard as it hit me in the head a few times. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Massachusetts, United States
May 2011 - Dec 2011
Jun 2011

75000 mi

US $165
Noticed a noise shortly after having the timing belt done. The pulley cracked and it took forever for the shop to find the problem. After 9 days got it back. Les's Auto Palme Ma. only charged me for parts-he did a tune-up too. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Ohio, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

85000 mi

US $550
The heater was blowing cold air, thought it may be the thermostat or the heater unit. Found the problem to be sensors and the repair was made. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2018
Mar 2017

64000 mi

US $30
Exhaust section between catalytic converter and muffler was broken. 
Jul 2017

65000 mi

US $100
Starter failure. Replaced starter. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Maryland, United States
Dec 2008 - Sep 2012
Sep 2009

106000 mi

US $2500
Leaks in low & high pressure lines. Also replace rack & pinion. 
Jun 2010

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. 
Mar 2011

142000 mi

US $230
Pressure valve in fuel tank. 
Jan 2012

153000 mi

US $500
The car starts then stalls. They replaced several parts but I think it was more of a "let's see if this helps." The problem eventually seemed to go away. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Virginia, United States
Nov 2012 - Nov 2013
Dec 2012

65000 mi

US $20
Replaced both brake light bulbs 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

73000 mi

US $296
Replaced throttle position sensor 
Hyundai Santa Fe in New York, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

103000 mi

US $1800
lost 4and 5th gear,plus reverse,dealer wouldnt warranty.replaced with used tranny from 2005 santa fe with 20,000miles. 
May 2010

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. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Oregon, United States
Oct 2008 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

116000 mi

US $500
cleaner fluid for windshield was not working 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

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

Hyundai Santa Fe in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

140000 mi

US $90
Driver side window would not go up and down normally. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2006 - May 2016
Jan 2006

46500 mi

C $750
Car wouldn't stay running after start. Dealer indicated that the crankshaft RPM sensor failed. Repaired under warranty. 
Jan 2012

74400 mi

C $500
I thought it was a transmission problem, turned out that a coupling on the power steering separated and power steering fluid went low, resulting in violent lurching of the wheel when turning. 
Oct 2012

79360 mi

C $40
Loud banging/clunking from rear when reversing, once per wheel revolution. Other mechanics couldn't find a problem. Parking brake was sticking - plate had shifted. Diagnosed by pulling parking brake going forward, resulted in loud squeal. 
Jul 2014

88660 mi

C $711
A/C compressor magnetic clutch melted. Replaced with used compressor which leaked all coolant within a week. Replaced with second used part which leaked in the shop. A/C out of service. 
Mar 2015

89280 mi

C $336
Corroded power steering line was leaking. Power steering system went dry within 15 minutes. Replaced a high pressure power steering system line. 
Oct 2015

90100 mi

C $216
Passenger rear brake line failed due to corrosion. 
Apr 2016

91140 mi

C $420
Power steering fluid leaking, reservoir went low, pump started to cavitate. Main line from cooler cracked and leaking. Replaced. 
May 2016

92318 mi
Heat shield came loose, making lots of noise. A mechanic removed it at no charge. Fuel tank leaking. Replacement would cost too much for this old of a car. Retired. Car is currently on sale "as is". AC never fixed. Backed out of driveway, leaving a trail of gasoline. Checked and found a slow gas leak. Fuel tank had rusted out, $1100 to replace. I declined to repair it and will replace the car instead - too many surprises now. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2009 - Jun 2022
Apr 2010

55800 mi

C $380
Power steering hoses replaced fluid topped up 
Jun 2013

68200 mi

C $285
Check engine light came on. Diagnosed as a O2 sensor. The sensor was replaced. The mechanic also adjust the serpentine belt to eliminate the squealing noise 
Sep 2013

69440 mi

C $375
Loss of brakes was diagnosed as a leaky brake line. The brake line needed to be replaced and the brake fluid replaced 
Oct 2013

69840 mi

C $940
The alternator died and the battery was not able to be fully recharge. Apparently as the alternator got worst it weakened the battery and shortened it's life 
Jan 2014

71600 mi

C $113
The alternator replaced in Oct. was deemed defective and replaced again. The alternator tensioned was also replaced ($$) 
Sep 2016

88040 mi

C $950
Power steering hose leaking, replaced The engine serpentine belt was noisy. The belt was replaced Engine warning light came on. The vehicle wheel sensor was replaced 
Nov 2021

83080 mi

C $380
Replaced starter 
Jun 2022

84940 mi

C $600
Front brakes we replaced 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Florida, United States
May 2010 - Dec 2016
Jul 2011

67000 mi

US $250
Rack and pinion, Power steering pump and lines. Front end alignment 
Jul 2013

79500 mi

US $4500
Some seals leaked into system 
Dec 2015

97000 mi

US $800
Power steering pump 
Nov 2016

102300 mi

US $890
Ignition coil 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Arizona, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2018
Oct 2016

83200 mi

US $400
new steering rack 
Dec 2017

90000 mi

US $800
Timing belt, and replaced timing belt cover 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Maryland, United States
May 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2009

57000 mi

US $55
Cruise control stopped working. The dealer stated that it worked fine, no problem. Problem was, in Dec, our 5 year warranty will expire. Still not working. 
Dec 2009

60500 mi

US $860
Our Santa Fe is a 6 cylinder engine, one was misfiring, car sounded like a motor boat.  
Jan 2010

67500 mi

US $327
Car sounds like motorboat again. gaskets, engine, tune electronic ignition, remove/replace intake manifold-upper. spark plug wires, platinum plug, ignition wires, coil, pcv valve, positive crankcase valve. cruise control still not working!  engine light on, stalls out. Pressure test on cooling system, H/C coolant leak, possible antifreeze leak as well. 
Mar 2010

70000 mi

US $280
antifreeze problem, leaking. Leak found in car. Replaced pan. 
May 2011

86000 mi

US $260
Antifreeze still leaking, ended up having to replace hose that connects from engine to antifreeze 
Jun 2011

89900 mi

US $20
car makes pinging sound when turning left, engine sounds like cans be dragged along bottom of car, nothing found, cleaned & added conditioner to power steering unit. they believe this is the prob. same issue as yesterday, car makes way more noise  
Hyundai Santa Fe in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2010 - Dec 2013
Jul 2012

133000 mi

US $1700
huge power steering fluid leak - ended up having to replace rack and pinion steering assemly and pump. Can't complain though as this is the first major repair I've had on the car - ever. 
Mar 2013

140000 mi

US $1600
part of cam shaft alignment, timing belt, water pump and oil pan replacement/repairs - total of all $1600 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

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

Hyundai Santa Fe in Massachusetts, United States
May 2010 - Apr 2013
Sep 2011

82000 mi

US $800
Alternator failure, along with drained battery resulting from the aforementioned failure. The alternator and battery were replaced. 
Apr 2012

92000 mi

US $523
The entire rear brake system was worn out, and needed replacement. My front pads were also worn due to compensating for the bad rear breaks. 
Aug 2012

97700 mi

US $214
Bearing was damaged from normal driving, and required replacement. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Illinois, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2013
Sep 2011

74000 mi

US $1000
Power steering pump leak, replaced. Leak caused timing belt cover to warp and contact the drive pulleys, cover replaced. TB done at same time, cost not included in above price. 
Jun 2013

86000 mi
Rear differential wearing leading to driveline play and noise at highway speeds. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Sep 2014
Jan 2010

65100 mi

C $500
Alternator replacement 
Jun 2011

79360 mi

C $388
Alternator under lifetime warranty, battery replaced. 
Dec 2011

83080 mi

C $135
Replace alternator for 3rd time (4th alternator) 
Apr 2013

90200 mi

C $898
Master Brake Cylinder was shot. Required either rebuild or new. Couldn't get a good rebuild, had to go with new. Found during replacement of rotors and pads, front and back. 
Nov 2013

96080 mi

C $251
Power Steering cooling pipe sprung a leak and had to be replaced. Most of the amount was labour 
Jan 2014

96600 mi

C $821
Replacement of pulleys for timing belt, both matched sets were damaged and had to be replaced 
Sep 2014

102920 mi

C $3000
front Calipers replaced Fuel Tank rusted and leaking Driver's side tie rod Ball joint had play, needs to be replaced Oil pan leaking and needs to be replaced 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2008

35000 mi
Car wouldn't start. Got it to start then stalled when put into drive. Check engine light on. Towed to dealer. Need crankshaft sensor replacement. Covered by warranty. 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Oregon, United States
Oct 2006 - Sep 2010
Jan 2006

22153 mi
Radio replaced due to faulty sound controls (i.e. bass and treble resetting to maximum even when turned down). 
Sep 2007

74000 mi

US $136
Replaced serpentine belt tensioner due to faulty bearings wearing down the timing cover. 
Dec 2008

105000 mi

US $850
Tailgate lock actuator failed when operated via power locks/remote keyless entry. Required manual locking and unlocking of tailgate with key and would prevent alarm system from arming. 
Jul 2009

125000 mi

US $5
Power steering fluid is boiling over out of the reservoir tank. New cap has not stopped the leak. Appointment to inspect the steering system is being made. 
Aug 2009

126000 mi

US $435
Power steering fluid was boiling over out of reservoir. Dealership discovered clogged filter in tank and replaced tank assembly. Leak no longer present. 
Sep 2009

128000 mi

US $400
Noticed groaning rear suspension when going over bumps and during flexing movements (i.e. waves in roadway). Dealer diagnosed as left rear control arm bushings worn. Bushing and control arm assembly replaced, noise disappeared. 
Aug 2010

144000 mi

US $270
Alternator replaced in December, 2008 failed again. Replaced with a new alternator. 
Sep 2010

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 4dr SUV

138-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Hyundai Santa Fe in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2009 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014 The timing belt broke on this vehicle while my wife was driving it. The belt was not due for replacement for at least another 5,000 miles. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr SUV

138-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Hyundai Santa Fe in Missouri, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

99000 mi

US $800
crankshaft position sensor, O2 sensors, ECM, plugs, plug wires, camshaft position sensor, misfire sensor, temperature coolant switch coil packs crankshaft position sensor, O2 sensors, ECM, plugs, plug wires, coil packs, camshaft position sensor, misfire sensor, temperature coolant switch 
Hyundai Santa Fe in Maine, United States
May 2013 - Jul 2013
Jun 2013

136000 mi

US $800
Leaking A/C hoses replaced, A/C compressor replaced and recharge. 
Jul 2013

136000 mi

US $120
Return A/C hose split, slowly leaking refrigerant. Part was ordered and they even ate the labor so we only paid for the replaced part. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Hyundai Santa Fe in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2011 - Oct 2011
Jun 2011

81000 mi

US $595
fr rt coil spring snapped n punctured my tire. Found out there was a class lawsuit for 01-03 Sante Fe's for the exact same problem n Hyundai would not cover mine. I have the coil spring n pictures plan on goig to lawyer who red this one 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-door

3-cylinder automatic 2WD

Hyundai Santa Fe in Alabama, United States
Jul 2012 - Aug 2012
Aug 2012

68000 mi

US $290
A/C stopped working. Bought remanufactored one from Amazon and had a repair shop install it and charge it. The a/c still does not get cold and there is a loud buzzing noise when it is on. 

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2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Repair Histories

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.