One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has been reported for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2004 Santa Fe.
Engine- defective short block engine car is back in shop now for the 5th time for the same problem. Check engine light on, loud rattling noises coming from engine. Dealer informed me it's a defective factory engine. Brand new short block engine replaced twice and car now back in shop for same problem. No longer feel safe in this vehicle, as twice I had to be towed to dealer b/c of engine failure and I had my 2 yr old son with me. In reviewing this website, I see countless numerous and similar complaints! the engine is the heart of a car so how many new hearts is Hyundai willing to put in this one car? it cost more to fix this problem than to just accept the loss and properly compensate me! repairs are as follows: new short block engine installed; return car same day b/c engine felt "loose"; told it was the sway bar links- installed same day; car still felt loose, next day check engine light on- car returned. This time told it was strut top needed to be replaced- done. Picked up car, 2 days later back in shop for same initial loud engine noise and check engine light on again. Told same problem with short block engine to be defective. Ordered brand new short block engine and replaced again! picked up car after repair and again, same day, brought the car back b/c check engine light on again! car presently still in shop and I'm forced to contact an attorney b/c the Hyundai's consumer affairs states as long as the dealer keeps fixing the problem, they are not interested in offering me any compensation. How much more money are they willing to give this dealer before they realize this car is not worth another $6,500 repair bill?.