CarBrief

The 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe has 216 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and three recalls[2], including one for front coil springs that can break from road salt[3]. If you are shopping for one, ask whether each recall work was done.

216owner complaints[1]
3recalls[2]
17–20MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 216 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 18 mention a crash, none a fire, 14 an injury and 2 a death[1]. These are unverified reports sent in by owners, and one complaint can name more than one part. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

The biggest groups are:

Air bags. In a sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, 8 describe a passenger air bag warning light that stays on or a seat sensor that does not behave as expected[5]. Three describe a crash in which the owner says the air bags did not deploy, and two of those three look like the same report[5]. This sample cannot tell you how often either happens.

Speed control. In a sample of 12 complaints, 8 describe a delay or hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, followed by a sudden lurch or surge[6]. Four of the 12 name the 3.5L engine[6]. Owners also describe tires spinning on wet or snowy roads after the delay[6].

Suspension. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 10 describe a front coil spring that broke, and some say the broken end punctured a tire[8]. Two of the 12 look like the same report. This matches the subject of recall 14V435 below[3].

Brakes. In a sample of 12 complaints, 4 describe a vibrating or pulsing brake pedal or steering wheel, with rotors resurfaced[7]. Two describe the ABS engaging unexpectedly or the car being slow to stop[7].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Santa Fe[2]. Newest first:

Because the salt belt recall depends on where the car was sold or registered, ask the seller whether the spring work was done[3].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. All use regular fuel.

Version City / Highway / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[4] 18 / 24 / 20 $3,350
2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[15] 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[16] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd[17] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[18] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd[19] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2005 Santa Fe 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 20.3%[20].

Engine and size

EPA lists 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder and 3.5L 6-cylinder engines[4][16][17]. Sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All three listed versions share the same outside size: length 177 in, width 72 in, height 66 in and wheelbase 103 in[21][22][23]. Curb weight differs:

Version as listed Curb weight
FWD GL/GL V6[23] 3,494 lb
AWD /GL AWD/GLS[21] 3,752 lb
AWD /GLS 3.5 AWD[22] 3,946 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

2001: 209 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 165 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 308 complaints, 4 recalls2004: 303 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 216 complaints, 3 recalls21620052006: 106 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 684 complaints, 7 recalls20072008: 541 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 358 complaints, 2 recalls2010: 260 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 181 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 354 complaints, 1 recalls2013: 805 complaints, 7 recalls20132014: 657 complaints, 7 recalls2015: 339 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 306 complaints, 3 recalls20162017: 1,326 complaints, 7 recalls2018: 432 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 229 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 217 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 187 complaints, 8 recalls2022: 265 complaints, 8 recalls20222023: 290 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 191 complaints, 7 recalls2025: 238 complaints, 5 recalls20252026: 56 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Santa Fe model year. The 2005 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20012094
20021654
20033084
20043033
20052163
20061061
20076847
20085414
20093582
20102602
20111812
20123541
20138057
20146577
20153394
20163063
20171,3267
20184325
20192293
20202172
20211878
20222658
20232902
20241917
20252385
2026564

NHTSA shows 216 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2005 Santa Fe[2]. Nearby years look like this[2]:

Year Complaints Recalls
2001 209 4
2002 165 4
2003 308 4
2004 303 3
2005 216 3
2006 106 1

The 2005 model year has fewer complaints than 2003 and 2004, and more than 2001, 2002 and 2006[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat small differences with care.

Should you buy a used 2005 Santa Fe?

The record shows a few clear things to check. The front coil spring recall applies to this car if it was in a salt belt state, so ask for proof the inspection was done[3]. Make sure the two air bag recalls were handled too[13][14]. In the complaint samples we read, passenger air bag warning lights and delayed throttle response come up repeatedly[5][6]. Complaints are unverified, so none of this proves how your car will behave[1], but it is sensible to have the air bag light, throttle response and front springs checked before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Air bags has the most complaints at 74, followed by speed control at 44 and brakes at 32[5][6][7].
Does the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes, 3: front coil springs (14V435) and two air bag child classification recalls (05V450 and 05V527)[3][13][14].
What gas mileage does a 2005 Santa Fe get?
EPA combined ratings run from 17 MPG (4WD 3.5L) to 20 MPG (2WD 2.4L)[19][4].
Is the 2005 Santa Fe a safe SUV?
NHTSA rates its rollover resistance at 3 stars, with a 20.3% rollover risk[20]. It has 2 air bag recalls[13][14].
Is 2005 a good year for the Santa Fe?
It has fewer complaints (216) than 2003 (308) and 2004 (303) but more than 2006 (106)[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 216 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (18 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 14 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Santa Fe model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 14V435, filed July 18, 2014: Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 74 complaints name the air bags component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 44 complaints name the speed control component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,950). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 32 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,450). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 21 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 18 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 18 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 14 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 11 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 107,591). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 05V527, filed November 17, 2005: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 05V450, filed October 4, 2005: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Santa Fe 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Santa Fe 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV AWD /GL AWD/GLS: length 177 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,752 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV AWD /GLS 3.5 AWD: length 177 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,946 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV FWD GL/GL V6: length 177 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,494 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.