VehicleVerdict

2006 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is among the quieter years of the Santa Fe on NHTSA's books: 143 complaints (52% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (28), speed control (20), and brakes (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

143

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Santa Fe years?

Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted1,231 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 219 complaints2003: 390 complaints2004: 386 complaints2005: 300 complaints2006: 143 complaints2007: 981 complaints2008: 718 complaints2009: 506 complaints2010: 331 complaints2011: 268 complaints2012: 474 complaints2013: 806 complaints2014: 679 complaints2015: 331 complaints2016: 288 complaints2017: 1,231 complaints2018: 143 complaints2019: 268 complaints2020: 270 complaints2021: 236 complaints2022: 292 complaints2023: 307 complaints2024: 186 complaints2025: 170 complaints2026: 39 complaints
Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2820%
Speed Control2014%
Brakes1712%
Suspension1410%
Electrical System118%
Fuel System107%
Lighting107%
Engine86%
Seat Belts53%
Transmission53%
Steering43%
Body & Structure32%
Other32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%

Does the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V435000SuspensionJuly 18, 2014 · 271,773 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT WHILE GOING 25-30 MPH. THERE WAS PRIOR BRAKING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS, BUT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 27, 2006 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 4, 2021 · fire

“BRAKES FAILED TO APPLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME; SPEED LESS THAN 10 MPH; BRAKES "BUCKED" AND WOULD NOT RE-ENGAGE AND DID NOT STOP THE CAR IN TIME TO PREVENT ACCIDENT; APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED OFF IGNITION TO STOP PROCESS;…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 2, 2006 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPRING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BROKEN SPRING HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 30, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN OR THE VEHICLE IS TAKEN THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE PROBLEM COULD BE CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GETTING TOO WET FROM EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE WATER AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2010 · crash

2006 Hyundai Santa Fe — common questions

Is the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 143 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Santa Fe year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2006 Santa Fe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (28 complaints), speed control (20 complaints), brakes (17 complaints).

Does the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among Santa Fe years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.