2006 Hyundai Santa FE Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,156miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE, 5% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,156 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I was traveling on I-295 and approximately half mile from the exit I needed, my battery light, brake light came on. When I neared the off ramp and slowed down to 60 MPH, I started to turn the steering wheel and it was unresponsive and I had lost power steering. I was able to slow down adequately, and with both hands continually fighting with the steering, I managed to get the vehicle to an area safely where I could contact my mechanic and have it towed to their premises. …”
NHTSA complaint #10417312, filed 2011-08, 52,312 miles“I bought a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe on june 22, 2006 . In july 2006 I took a trip to san antonio, texas. While I was out there, my engine light came on and went off a few days later. After a few months when it came back on I took it to ray bryant service center where I bought the vehicle. They checked it and got the light to go off. As I was on my way home the light came back. Every time I brought it back the light would come back on and is still on. Sometimes as I'm driving it feels like it loses power . …”
NHTSA complaint #10650168, filed 2014-10“The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon start-up, the vehicle would continuously stall. The dealer made repairs to the master cylinder but the repair did not correct the failure. The contact had to continuously attempt to start the engine before it would power on and all of the warning lights would illuminate on the warning panel. On a separate occasion while driving 20 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not engage. The vehicle proceeded to stall and crashed into a barrier. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10322912, filed 2010-03, 26,000 miles“Letter from senator schumer on behalf of constituent re 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe timing belt issues. The consumer was informed the timing belt and water pump needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10882220, filed 2016-06“2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. Consumer requests reimbursement for vehicle repairs for engine damage the consumer stated the engine light illuminated and the engine began knocking. The consumer took the vehicle to goodyear and the mechanic informed her the engine was covered in sludge and advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer the engine would need to be replaced due to the engine being neglected due to not having proper oil changes. The consumer stated she had proof of all the oil changes. Hyundai refused to honor the consumers warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10391934, filed 2011-03Related service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10190044Mar 30, 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance…
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10032908Oct 1, 2009Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may…
- 10030984Jul 1, 2009Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit…
- 10029229Apr 1, 2009Hyundai: mil on dtc p2135 or p0638 or cold engine rpm fluctuation- tps replacement & ecm update. Some vehicles may experience either slight engine rpm fluctuation at cold warm up…
- 10029106Apr 1, 2009Hyundai: radiator fan motor connector service part. Vehicles may exhibit an overheating engine and inoperative a/c.
- 10020878Dec 1, 2006Exhaust gas recirculation (egr) system diagnosis.
- 10021137Oct 1, 20063.3l & 3.8l timing chain tensioner - part update.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 23 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 2% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 9 | 3% |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 2% |
| 2007 | 19 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 22 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 14 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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