2001 Hyundai Santa FE Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 209 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE, 3% of the 209 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When approaching a stop (<5mph) and braking, the car engages in unintended acceleration. The engine will tach to over 3000 RPM and if you are not hard on the brakes, the car will accelerate. At least one time the car had to be put into neutral and the ignition turned off to keep the car under control.”
NHTSA complaint #10462884, filed 2012-06, 113,000 miles“Gas pump problem keeps clicking and I've replace many party but still like its full of gas but I be on empty.car also jerks like I've been rear ended while driving like it has transmission problems and I've replace transmission 2 times. Gears only work manual it's like the car has a mind of its own .also my tire flew off my car on the back and had to take to dealer ship and they was saying it's some problem they can't help .”
NHTSA complaint #11325885, filed 2020-05“The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. On a second occasion, the vehicle stalled and all the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 163,000. Updated 03/24/15”
NHTSA complaint #10669329, filed 2014-12, 163,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. Djr”
NHTSA complaint #10637474, filed 2014-09, 55,000 miles“The suv stalls while driving. This has happened multiple time. While driving, driving slow, taking a u turn. The battery, alternator, starter, power steering pump, water pump, rack and pinion, timing belt, serpentine belt, idler pulley, harmonic balancer, front axles, shocks, struts, some sensors, spark plugs/wires, gaskets, and many other parts are replaced in the last year. Don't know what is wrong but it is scary when it stalls suddenly.”
NHTSA complaint #11474365, filed 2022-07Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 14 | 10% |
| 2024 | 13 | 8% |
| 2023 | 35 | 17% |
| 2022 | 54 | 27% |
| 2021 | 37 | 22% |
| 2020 | 81 | 37% |
| 2019 | 73 | 36% |
| 2018 | 54 | 50% |
| 2017 | 650 | 67% |
| 2016 | 151 | 64% |
| 2015 | 161 | 63% |
| 2014 | 274 | 56% |
| 2013 | 273 | 45% |
| 2012 | 228 | 64% |
| 2011 | 64 | 35% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 60 | 17% |
| 2008 | 60 | 11% |
| 2007 | 54 | 8% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 5% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE
76 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology