Six problems related to electrical system 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.
The SUV stalls while driving. This has happened multiple time. While driving, driving slow, taking a u turn. The battery, alternator, starter, power steering pump, water pump, rack and pinion, timing belt, serpentine belt, idler pulley, harmonic balancer, front axles, shocks, struts, some sensors, spark plugs/wires, gaskets, and many other parts are replaced in the last year. Don't know what is wrong but it is scary when it stalls suddenly.
For the past month, car has problems starting. Usually, it does not start for the first time or it has a slow start. In addition, theres an occurrence that it did not start at all, which had to be towed to the dealer where in they reprogrammed the module. Will wait and check if this fixes the problem because the car starts slowly that morning.
While being in park - engine will surge - rpms jump to about 6,000 and accelerates like it wants to go. I will put car in drive and rpms come down but still wants to accelerate. This same thing happens even at stop sign - with foot on brake. Car unintentionally accelerates on its on once foot comes off brake. Check engine light may or may not be on. Very scary situation and almost scared to drive it. This happens every now and then but lately it has been going on for several days. Noticed the problem about 3 months ago.
My 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe had a very bad odor like wires were burning in the vehicle. When that occurred my power door locks would not work and my rear wiper would not work. The smell was so bad I had to lower all the windows so I would not pass out. I stop to check if there was a fire. I took it to the dealer who said they could not find any problem, because it did not occur when they checked it. I was told to bring the car back immediately when it happens again. I was wondering if there were any similar problems with 2001 Santa Fe's.
In Dec 04, Jan 05 and Feb 05, my 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe v-6, experienced arcing of spark plug wires, requiring the wires to be replaced by dealer 3 separate times.
Nar 05/21/2003 with out notification the consumers purchased the vehicle branded as a lemon. Problems occurred with the transmission, air conditioner compressor, headlight dimmers, and electrical system was faulty. They're requesting the dealership to buy back the vehicle.