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2006 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls and problems

The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe has 1 safety recall and 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
106
Crashes / fires
11 / 3
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Recall 14V-435: Suspension

Reported Jul 18, 2014 · 271,773 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 “salt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.

Risk: If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the coil spring, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.

2006 Hyundai Santa Fe problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags28
Vehicle Speed Control20
Suspension14
Service Brakes12
Exterior Lighting10
Electrical System10
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Power Train5
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Seat Belts5
Steering4

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 4
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,282 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust muffler detached and fell off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that upon arriving at the dealer, the dealer noticed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact was informed that the exhaust muffler had detached…
Air Bags · at 264,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 264,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 21, 2022
Gas tank rusted and started leak in june of 2000. Minor at first then worse. Extremely dangerous, luckily new caught fire or exploded. Manufacturer did not notify us of extened warranty,
Vehicle Speed Control · at 143,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began to accelerate without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact was able to pull over and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 118,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel tank was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Other Hyundai Santa Fe years

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Compare all Hyundai Santa Fe years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe: 14V-435 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Owners report air bags problems most often (28 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,282 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.