2004 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The base engine was a 2.4-liter inline-four that produced 155 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine was a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Santa Fe was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and dated interior.

Engine

2.4L Inline-Four

Intake Manifold Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, engine overheating, misfires, and rough idle. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

Timing Belt Tensioner Failure Description/Symptoms: Knocking or ticking noises from the engine, engine overheating, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the timing belt tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

No Issues Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Slipping Description/Symptoms: The transmission fails to engage gears properly, resulting in slipping and loss of power. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Rear Suspension Bushing Failure Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle, especially over bumps. Solution: Replace the rear suspension bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, dashboard warning lights, and a dead battery. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ Recalls: None Found

Starter Failure Description/Symptoms: The engine fails to start or cranks slowly. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Exterior

Sunroof Leak Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the vehicle through the sunroof. Solution: Replace the sunroof seal or adjust the sunroof alignment. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ Recalls: None Found

Interior

Dashboard Cracking Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop on the dashboard, especially in the area around the defrost vents. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+ Recalls: None Found

Other

Fuel Pump Failure Description/Symptoms: The engine stalls or hesitates when accelerating. Solution: Replace the fuel pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+ Recalls: None Found

Brake Rotor Warping Description/Symptoms: The brakes pulsate or vibrate when applied. Solution: Resurface or replace the brake rotors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe has a number of potential issues to watch out for, including intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt tensioner failure, transmission slipping, rear suspension bushing failure, alternator failure, starter failure, sunroof leak, dashboard cracking, fuel pump failure, and brake rotor warping. The severity of these issues can vary, but some of them can be quite costly to repair. As with any used vehicle, it is important to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed before purchasing a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe to identify any potential problems.