1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,020 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Hyundai Santa Fe drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments

problem #9

Jun 032017

Santa Fe

  • 189,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had purchased this auto in May 2017. From a used car dealership. They had gotten the auto from a auto auction. When I purchased the auto - I purchased as is- no warranty- I test drove auto- had inspected- no major problems at that time. Had auto for a week- broke down- problems::::: very slow acceleration, shifting gears and jerking of the auto, very fast idling when stopping- I am writing to you because :::::after purchasing auto::::- can not drive. I have had 3 estimates- no one really knows what is wrong with the auto or diagnose the auto properly. I am unable to drive since I purchased the auto. It just sits, and when I think the problem is fixed, then it stops running. Some say it is the :::::catalytic converters - it has 3 that needs replaced.::::::: I reported in my residence better business bureau - complaint resolution and to the attorney general office- both said they not not resolve :::: the dealership- does not want to mediate - or take back the auto. I could not afford to file a claim- in small claims court- and did not know if it would be worth my time. ::::::::: I know the auto is 2005 and has 189,000 now- but I feel that I have a auto now that is a safety hazard- if I am able to get the auto running - and it jerks around- and stops in traffic - it could cause me to have a accident. It is unsafe to have the auto on road at all.. it is also a environmental problem due to the unsafe catalytic converters- they get hot and can catch on fire.:::::::::: I can not find mechanics that want to work with the converters................. I paid 3,000 for the auto- it will cost this or more to actually fix the auto............. I am writing to the NHTSA- to get any feedback from you. Sincerely, M- very frustrated driver

- Ashville, OH, USA

problem #8

Dec 122017

Santa Fe

  • 139,000 miles
Vehicle had been accelerating on its own while driving low speeds and on the highway. There were moments when it lurched itself forward quite violently, more so after transmission had time to warm up. Have also experienced moments of deceleration without cause. Its as if the vehicle cannot properly shift gears. Check engine light came on. This happened over the course of a couple of weeks. Had vehicle looked over by mechanic but they could not replicate the issue. Vehicle is parked until another mechanic can look at it. It is by no means safe to drive until problem is fixed.

- Taos, NM, USA

problem #7

Jul 262017

Santa Fe

  • 171,000 miles
I was driving coming up to a turn, took the left turn, and accelerated like a normally do, the car's rpms went up to about 5 thousand rpms. I heard a pop like noise and the rpms just started dropping and there was no restriction on the gas pedal (felt like I was pushing air). The vehicle then just rolled once it was at about 10 mph rpms went under 1 thousand and the vehicle died. When I tried to restart it it was just crank and crank, doesn't even sound like it wants to turn over. Please help.

- Melrose, WI, USA

problem #6

Jan 212016

Santa Fe

  • 96,052 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In the past 2 months this has happened more and more frequently. When stopped at a red light, the car will suddenly surge forward. I must throw it into neutral to stop it. Even when I am in park it will suddenly act like I am giving it gas when I am not. It is very scary and happening much more frequently.

- North Arlington, NJ, USA

problem #5

Jan 202014

Santa Fe

  • 13,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving 40 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked. The failure recurred, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.

- Keasbey, NJ, USA

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problem #4

May 012014

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle jerked and the contact would have to depress the brake pedal firmly in order to stop the vehicle. The failures occurred on numerous occasions. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Troutville , VA, USA

problem #3

Nov 132013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 119,131 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Started engine. Placed the automatic transmission selection into reverse. The engine immediately had an unintended acceleration to perhaps 2500 RPM. Operator immediately applied very heavy pressure on the brake pedal to stop any rear direction movement. Operator immediately moved the shift lever back to the park position, shut off the ignition and restarted the vehicle. After restarting, everything was back to normal. This had also occurred one other time in September, 2013 under the same circumstances. Operator initially assumed that perhaps his foot had moved to the right and was depressing both the accelerator and the brake at the same time, but when attempting to see if this could be done, operator could not replicate. It is assumed the throttle sensor locator may be faulty. Very disturbing when this happens and could easily result in property or personal damage..

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #2

Jun 102007

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving less than 20 mph, the vehicle accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred intermittently while slowing down and attempting to brake. The contact thought that he may have been depressing both the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously, but this was not the case. The failure began to occur more frequently. While slowing down to come to a stop, the vehicle jolted forward and accelerated loudly. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 31,000. Updated 12/11/08 the consumer stated when the transmission was in drive, his foot was off the gas pedal the vehicle moved slowly. Once he depressed the brake pedal to stop, the engine surged. Updated 12/11/08.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

problem #1

Jan 312006

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
When 2005 Santa Fe accelerator pedal is depressed it has a delayed reaction. ***** the consumer stated when the delayed acceleration occurred it caused the tires to spin on wet or snow covered pavement. The starter had to turn over much longer than it should before the engine starts. The brakes would catch as if something in the braking system was loose, there was a grinding/rubbing sound when the brakes were partially applied. The consumer believed there was a power steering fluid leak.

- Elgin, IL, USA

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