2002 Hyundai Santa FE structure problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Right side main frame rusted threw. Can not pass state inspection. Car for all practical purposes the car is totaled and not covered by car insurance !!!”
filed Oct 12, 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 hyundai santa fe. While driving various speeds, a loud squeaking noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.”
filed Mar 2, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Hyundai 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 rain, and industrial fallout. In rare…
23-BD-007H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
Structure problems in other Santa FE years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Santa FE | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 Santa FE | 5 | 4% |
| 2023 Santa FE | 6 | 3% |
| 2022 Santa FE | 5 | 3% |
| 2021 Santa FE | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 Santa FE | 8 | 4% |
| 2019 Santa FE | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 Santa FE | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 Santa FE | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 Santa FE | 6 | 3% |
| 2015 Santa FE | 9 | 4% |
| 2014 Santa FE | 20 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Hyundai Santa FE
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.