2002 Hyundai Santa FE Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 10%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 151,246miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE, 10% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 151,246 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Took my car for an alignment and tires. Frame where the lower control arms bolt up has serious rust issues. I see in some notes that the rust and corrosion has been an issue for the Hyundai's. Is there any way I am eligible to get this repaired by Hyundai or at least at some discounted rate?”
NHTSA complaint #10475887, filed 2012-09, 160,022 miles“This is the second time we have a near serious accident with my wife driving the truck. 6/26/12 the left steering control arm broke off the total rusted out sub-frame causing the truck to steer dangerously into oncoming traffic. This was caused from the sub-frame being rusted through. This time on july 21 the right rear trailing arm, that secures the right wheel in position, broke off. Forcing the truck to swerve right almost carrying my wife and the truck into a ditch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10526174, filed 2013-07, 194,865 miles“Took vehicle in for a normal oil change, and when technician was under the car, he took some pictures of the frame in the front right corner by the front right tire. He was showing me the frame was rusting very, very badly. He warned us that if we hit a small pot hole/bump or the curb at even 5 MPH the frame could bust and we could crash. The steering would shake and made chugging feeling when trying to turn, was looked at and power steering looked to be fine and fluid was full. After july 7th it made it very hard to drive and not safe for our family.”
NHTSA complaint #10664149, filed 2014-12, 184,500 miles“I bought a used 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe with 71,500 mile, seemed in good condition when I paid for it, don't know much about the previous owner's maintenance history. About 1000 miles later this hiss/rattle sound came from the engine as I was driving it, I also noticed when making turns a rubbing sound came from the steering that got worse as the turning angles got more acute, and I began to notice a small leak of reddish fluid I thought may be transmission fluid (turns out to be powering steering fluid). …”
NHTSA complaint #10436020, filed 2011-11, 72,500 miles“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 but also during dry times. The ABS light has been coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #11100178, filed 2018-06, 148,200 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 8 | 7% |
| 2017 | 27 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 52 | 11% |
| 2013 | 95 | 16% |
| 2012 | 16 | 5% |
| 2011 | 20 | 11% |
| 2010 | 8 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 5% |
| 2008 | 14 | 3% |
| 2007 | 38 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 16 | 10% |
| 2001 | 13 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE
59 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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