2009 Hyundai Santa FE Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 359 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the body and structure of the 2009 Hyundai Santa FE, 4% of the 359 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,750 miles. 5 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.
“The paint on our vehicle keeps bubbling up and peeling off causing the exterior metal on the car to rust in those spots. This has been a recurring problem with the vehicle since 2012 and is occurring in multiple random spots on the vehicle. We have seen multiple other same make and model vehicles with this same problem. We called the local Hyundai dealership who recommended a body shop to fix the paint issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10874049, filed 2016-06, 50,000 miles“I was attempting to parallel park between two cars and as I was about to cut the wheel to the left to finish the park, my vehicle suddenly accelerated (without my doing) into the car behind me. I had no time to compensate and ultimately crushed the right headlight/frame of the car behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #10628033, filed 2014-08, 57,500 miles“At around 4:50 pm on august 11, 2015, my wife was driving our 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe limited 2wd 4 door wagon north-bound on second avenue, through the intersection of second avenue and foothill boulevard in upland, california. While crossing the intersection the Hyundai Santa Fe was struck by a car entering the intersection from the west. The impact to the Hyundai Santa Fe by the other car was severe enough to cause the Hyundai Santa Fe to be a total loss. Additionally, my wife suffered soft tissue injuries to her hip, shoulder, back and right temple (head). …”
NHTSA complaint #10749621, filed 2015-08, 70,333 miles“Entered horseshoe casino parking garage and turned into parking level. As I followed ford taurus, Hyundai engine changed from normal speed to a roaring acceleration in an instance. I couldn't brake it to a stop and it rammed the rear end of the taurus. Damage to the sante fe was limited to front bumper damage while the back end of the taurus was driven forward and torn up. My husband thought the cruise might have gone on; but, he decided the acceleration was too rapid for the cruise. He was in the passenger seat. We drove home without any further trouble.”
NHTSA complaint #10557661, filed 2013-12, 90,000 miles“After routine inspection, engine cradle is rusted through and will not pass inspection. Car has 54,000 miles. #1 cochran took pictures and submitted them to Hyundai, said they never saw anything like this for a 2009 Santa Fe and thought Hyundai would replace the subframe. Hyundai declined replacement of subframe. Hyundai has pictures that were taken by #1 cochran.”
NHTSA complaint #10939996, filed 2017-01, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235566Apr 24, 2023Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid…
- 10110931Mar 14, 2017In some areas, a vehicle's underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road salt usage. As a precautionary measure, cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 3% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 9 | 4% |
| 2019 | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 3% |
| 2015 | 9 | 4% |
| 2014 | 20 | 4% |
| 2013 | 23 | 4% |
| 2012 | 8 | 2% |
| 2011 | 10 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 5% |
| 2009 | 14 | 4% |
| 2008 | 20 | 4% |
| 2007 | 18 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 4% |
| 2003 | 30 | 10% |
| 2002 | 17 | 10% |
| 2001 | 19 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2009 Hyundai Santa FE
127 complaintsEngine
60 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSuspension
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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