Two problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2001 Santa Fe.
I have had to replace the ball joints twice. The first time was seven years ago at about 40,000 miles and recently in June 2016 at 84,000 miles. Since it is a unique suspension without alignment adjustments, the design could be causing unusual stress on the ball joints.
The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 25-30 mph on a gravel road during rainy weather conditions the rear passenger side tire came off. The contact drove onto the emergency lane. He called the dealer where he purchased the vehicle and it was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was pre-owned and purchased in April 2010. The contact stated that the dealer put the wrong lug nuts on the tire. After the lug nuts were replaced a week later the ball joints on the passenger and driver side failed. He also stated that the trailing arms on the rear driver's side were covered with rust and broke in half. Most of the repairs were made to the vehicle. The body shop is repairing tire failure and the rear fender. The failure mileage was 121,000 the current mileage was unknown. Updated 01/06/11. Updated 02/28/11.