2004 Hyundai Santa Fe

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, organized by category and engine/transmission configuration, following your requested format.

The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular compact SUV known for its affordability and practicality. Engine options included a 2.4L inline-4 cylinder engine producing approximately 149 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7L V6 engine producing around 173 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L V6 Engine producing around 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual (depending on the engine). Some owners appreciated the Santa Fe’s spacious interior and comfortable ride, while others found the fuel economy and some aspects of the build quality to be lacking.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4 Cylinder

• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Potential for timing belt failure if not replaced according to the maintenance schedule (typically around 60,000 miles). Failure can result in severe engine damage, including bent valves and piston damage.
  • Solution: Regular timing belt replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on location and any collateral damage)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common as the engine ages, often from the valve cover gasket or front crankshaft seal.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.4L, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and other seals are common with age.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, or a check engine light with a code related to the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Solution: Replacing the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the other engines, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and other seals are common with age.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, clunking noises, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the engine mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift. Can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn solenoids, or internal damage.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush (if caught early), solenoid replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (flush) - $2000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially during acceleration, or a delayed engagement of the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut and Shock Absorber Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll in corners, and clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on whether you replace all four or just the front/rear)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working, or work intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacing the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads inaccurately, either showing empty when the tank is full or vice versa.
  • Solution: Replacing the fuel sending unit in the fuel tank.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust, especially on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and lower body panels.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the severity. $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can develop cracks due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, while generally reliable for its age, is prone to certain issues. Engine oil leaks and timing belt concerns are common, with costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the severity. Transmission problems, if they arise, can be costly to address. Suspension components like struts and sway bar links also tend to wear out over time. Rust is a concern, especially in areas with harsh winters. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the vehicle’s maintenance history and driving conditions.