2002 Hyundai Santa Fe: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 171 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has 171 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 171
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components (struts, springs, control arms) for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, brake, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components (struts, springs, control arms) for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, brake, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe are concentrated in suspension failures, which account for a substantial portion of the total. Engine problems and brake system issues also appear frequently. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.
- Suspension failures are the most reported component, with 60 complaints.
- Engine problems and brake system issues are also common, with 25 and 21 complaints respectively.
- There are 4 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints for this model year.
- Suspension failures, including potential issues with struts, springs, or control arms.
- Engine problems, which may involve stalling, knocking, or failure to start.
- Brake system issues, such as premature wear or reduced braking performance.
All 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 60 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 25 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The starter motor housing bottom ear bracket that holds the bolt to the transmission has broken off on 3 different starters in the same exact spot on all 3.
While dragging the trash can back to the house, I was approaching fence in front of the house, at a slow speed, as I applied the brakes the car started to accelerate. Pressing down harder on the brakes ,it felt like stepping on a brick, with no braking taking place the car acc…
I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND FELT THE CAR FEEL AS IF IT WAS FLOATING. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR FEELS LIKE THE TIRE CAME OFF AND IT HAD. RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT IN THE REAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE…
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS CLIENT WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SHE EXPERIENCED WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS A FLAT TIRE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE CLIENT BEGAN TO PULL OVER, THE ENTIRE PASSENGER'S SID…
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS SHARPLY JERKING TO THE RIGHT ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP IT SOUNDS AS IF THE CAR IF GOING TO FALL INTO PEICES IM A DISABLED MOM WITH ONE ONE THE WAY I CAN'T DRIVE FOR FEAR IM GOING TO LOSE THE WHEEL AND CRASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF HIS REAR BRAKES, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR TRAILING ARMS LOCATED BY THE COIL SPRINGS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION)…
THIS SANTA FE HAS A REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM THAT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAS ALSO DISINTEGRATED THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY, WHEEL HUB, EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AND SPRING. I CHECKED THE WEBSITE FOR A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, BUT THIS VI…
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON AT LEAST LEFT SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS BOLTED.. PREVIOUSLY REAR TRAILING ARM RUSTED THROUGH.
WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED, THE TENSION ON THE WHEEL GOES AWAY. THE FRONT TIRES WEAR FASTER THEN UNSEAL.
BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTING OUT DUE TO SALT ROADWAYS
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND MY 2.4L ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND IT WAS TOWED HOME THE TIMING BELT IS CHEWED UP. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF THESE ENGINES THE 2.4L
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. FOX ANN ARBOR HYUNDAI (LOCAT…
RIGHT SIDE MAIN FRAME RUSTED THREW. CAN NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. CAR FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES THE CAR IS TOTALED AND NOT COVERED BY CAR INSURANCE !!!
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE ABS ACTIVATES ON DRY GROUND AND FEELS LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT STOP. CAR HAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN WITH A COMPUTER ATTACHED TO MAIN COMPUTER AND ALL WHEEL SENSORS ARE WORKING. AT THIS TIME NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I THINK ONE DAY THE BRAKES WILL F…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD AIR TO THE FOUR TIRES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN IND…
AT LOW SPEEDS THE BRAKES LOCK UP AND THE CAR GOES INTO A JERKING MOTION WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE GOING INTO A STORE PARKING LOT. THE CAR IS HARD TO STEER AND STOP AND THE BRAKES MUST BE DEPRESSED HARDER THAN NORMALLY REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR GETS WET …
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO MY TRACKING NUMBER 11092056. I FOUND THAT YOU HAVE ASSIGNED A CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WHICH IS 09V-123000 HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 090. I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS SETTLEMENT SINCE I WORKED IN OHIO FOR 30 YEARS WHICH IS A SALTBELT STATE.
TOOK MY CAR IN TO A GARAGE FOR PARTS AND LABOR TOTALING 874.00 BEFORE LEAVING I WAS TOLD THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS TERRIBLY RUSTED OUT AND TO GET RID OF THE CAR QUICKLY. I ASKED TO SEE AND TOOK A COUPLE OF PICTURES.AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL FOR THIS.THERE …
THE BELT THAT RUNS THE ALTERNATER HAS BROKEN TWICE AND CONTINUOUSLY IS SQUEALING IT WONT KEEP SPEED WHEN GOING UP HILL AND WONT LET BATTERY CHARGE CORRECTLY TO KEEP RUNNING WILL STOP WHEN IT IS BEING RAN
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 171 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (60 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (25 complaints). #3: Brake System (21 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 171 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.