2004 Hyundai Santa FE Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE, 4% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“My steering wheel stopped working one day while on the freeway(in motion). I took it to the mechanic, they fixed the problem not even a week later it started to mess up again. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11097837, filed 2018-05, 170,000 miles“For a long time I kept hearing this clunking type noise but we couldn't figure out what it was. Then on sun. Sept. 21, 2014 I noticed some extra play in the wheel. When I made a turn I had to turn the wheel twice as much as normal and then it locked and I had to really pull hard to get it back straight. We very carefully drove it to the auto shop only a mile away. They said my power steering line was ripped open. They said the bolt that attaches to the power steering gear rack sheared off of the subframe. I have pictures. …”
NHTSA complaint #10641129, filed 2014-10, 136,000 miles“Car shuts off while driving, losing power steering and brakes, while traveling at highway speed or braking down a windy canyon road. Problem includes intermittent jerking, jumping, hiccupping - whatever you want to call it, it's not safe to drive. First month, after brand-new ny dealership purchase, I replaced my throttle position sensor 3 times. Trouble with my current problem began at 4 years, well under 30,000 miles. For a year I had to fear for my life every time I drove, never knowing if this trip would kill me or other motorists. Why did I have to drive it? …”
NHTSA complaint #10731794, filed 2015-07, 28,000 miles“It had just rained and in some places on the city street there was standing water. The water was probably between 1 and 2 inches deep at the most. As I drove in the water no more than 30mph the steering without warning locked up. It stayed locked up for around 10 seconds. This is what almost caused a crash at the intersection. I could not budge the steering with both hands. Then after the 10 seconds give or take, there was a small squeal and the steering unlocked. This happens every time I drive in any standing water.”
NHTSA complaint #10464796, filed 2012-07, 56,700 miles“On 12/31/2012, the coil spring on my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe fractured and punctured the right front tire of the vehicle. I paid upwards of $2000 on 1/7/2013 to have this repaired. I have since traded in the vehicle and no longer own it. I recently received a recall notice from Hyundai USA describing the same coil spring fracture that I experienced a couple of years earlier. This recall is called 'campaign124' by Hyundai. Today (11/4/2014), I called to inquire about the possibility for some reimbursement for the repair I had performed after my incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652463, filed 2014-11, 160,000 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 2004 Hyundai Santa FE
69 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsBrakes
43 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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