2002 Hyundai Santa Fe

Introduction:

The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe is a compact SUV available with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The base engine is a 2.4L inline-four that produces 146 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine is a 2.7L V6 that produces 173 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe received praise for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price, but some owners have reported issues with its reliability.

Engine:

2.4L Inline-Four

• Intake Valve Sticking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace intake valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, difficulty starting, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7L V6

• Timing Belt Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from engine, loss of power, engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace timing belt tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, increased emissions.
  • Solution: Replace EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Control Module Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, no gear engagement, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace transmission control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, overheating, shuddering.
  • Solution: Replace torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension:

• Struts and Shocks Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn struts and shocks result in a rough ride, decreased handling, and increased braking distance.
  • Solution: Replace struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical:

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, dashboard lights flickering, battery drain.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies when car is parked, dashboard lights stay on.
  • Solution: Troubleshoot and repair electrical system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior:

• Front Bumper Paint Peeling:
  • Description/Symptoms: Paint on the front bumper peels and flakes off.
  • Solution: Repaint or replace front bumper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior:

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors lock or unlock without user input, touch panel on door handle doesn’t work.
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Trim Rattle:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or rattling dashboard trim produces a noise while driving.
  • Solution: Tighten or replace loose trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has some common issues, including problems with the engine, transmission, and suspension. The engine issues, such as intake valve sticking and timing belt tensioner failure, can be costly to repair. The transmission issues, such as transmission control module failure and torque converter clutch failure, can also be expensive to fix. The suspension issues, such as struts and shocks failure, are relatively common and can affect the ride quality and handling of the vehicle. Overall, the 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has some reliability concerns that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing one.