2001 Hyundai Santa Fe: sudden loss of power

Filed Feb 5, 2009 · Acceleration · 120,295 miles · VA

I am writing in regards to a problem with a 2001 hyundai santa fe. I borrowed the car from my girlfriend to run an errand. Being 6 foot tall and having a size 13 foot I must say the car wasn't very comfortable even with the drivers seat all the way back. It seemed to respond and handle smoothly but as I eased on the brake to slow for a railroad crossing, the toe of my work boot became wedged between the brake pedal and the accelerator. The vehicle suddenly launched like a rocket and my impulse was to press on the brake pedal with my free (left) foot. This only depressed the accelerator further to the floor and the car continued to speed out of control. It went from 30 MPH to nearly 90 MPH in a very short period of time and in a moment of clarity I reached for the ignition key. I switched the ignition off losing all power steering and braking capabilities but was able to bring the vehicle to a stop without incident. At this point I was able to free my right foot from it's trapped position between the two control pedals and sat in a state of shock. It was 2 days later that I really came back to a somewhat logical state of mind and decided to do some research and hopefully alert other drivers to this potential deadly problem. Much to my horror, I find that I'm not the first one to experience this and being mechanical myself can see that these cars are not designed by 6 foot engineers with size 13 boots. I found a similar complaint on the aboutautomobile.com forum while searching the 2001 santa fe ( complaint number 754795) and agree that these vehicles have a serious design flaw in the proximity of the brake / accelerator pedal configuration. For a person of my stature, they can be potential death traps !

Filed May 30, 2006 · Engine · 58,000 miles · NJ

On may 7th my car was towed into the maxon dealership with complaints of clunking noise under the hood and lost of power. The service on my vehicle was completed on may 9th. I was told that I needed to replace my driver belts and a computerized problem was the cause of power. On may 28th (memorial day weekend) while coming home from virginia I suddenly lost steering power on interstate 95 in maryland. I had my three children in the car along with my cousin and her daughter. We were all very scared! My car was then towed to the hyundai dealership in laurel, md. I received a call from the service advisor who advised me that when my driver belts were replaced they were too tight which in turn cracked my pulley and damage my power steering pump. He advised me that the both will have to be repaired and that a tensioner will be added. I contacted maxon hyundai, who simply stated " the repairs will be done under my warranty" end of story. We and my family could have lost our lives in an instant because of the technicians error and for maxon to not recognize that error is a major problem. I was not offered to be reimbursed for the original repairs made, nor did they offer to reimbursed for the cost of the rental, nor did they offer to bring my car from maryland to new jersey, they offered me nothing. My car has been to them on numerous occasions and always seem to go back within two months for the same problem. Do the owners of maxon realize how precious a life is? My life and the lives of my children were spared this time, but what happens to their next customer where they decide to cut corners?

Filed May 24, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 12,000 miles · PA

While driving vehicle suddenly lost power and idled. Dealership serviced vehicle 5 times and replaced ignition coil, mass air flow sensor, and 2 other components. But the failure still recurred. Also, vehicle was serviced 3 times for brake failure. Brake pads and rotors were replaced twice. But grinding continued.

Filed May 8, 2004 · Engine · 25,545 miles · MD

On june 12th the vehicle started to rattle and proceeded to shake. The vehicle would not accelerate but instead decelerated on 695 towards towson. The vehicle was drifting at 25 MPH. I then proceeded to the nearest exit which was bel air road. I proceeded onto this exit when my vehicle shut off losing all power. At this time my dashboard lights were on. I had no power but my vehicle was still in gear and I safely stopped my vehicle in a shopping plaza. Engine failure new engine placed into my vehicle. *ak july 5th the vehicle was taken back to thompson hyundai by my father. The mileage out was 25,593. Thompson hyundai forgot to screw down the engine properly resulting in loud noises from the engine. I placed another call to thompson asking for documentation of the service rendered. I then noticed another screw which was not secure on the engine. In addition, I would be bringing the vehicle back to get the documentation and to get the steering checked. Thompson never wrote up a service slip for the screws. July 8th the vehicle broke down. The vehicle was towed into thompson again. I placed a call to thompson and spoke with gary welch. Gary states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. we cant find anything wrong with you vehicle. Hyundai representative paid my vehicle payment for the month my car was in service.

Filed May 8, 2004 · Engine · 60,510 miles · MD

On june 12th the vehicle started to rattle and proceeded to shake. The vehicle would not accelerate but instead decelerated on 695 towards towson. The vehicle was drifting at 25 MPH. I then proceeded to the nearest exit which was bel air road. I proceeded onto this exit when my vehicle shut off losing all power. At this time my dashboard lights were on. I had no power but my vehicle was still in gear and I safely stopped my vehicle in a shopping plaza. Engine failure new engine placed into my vehicle july 5th the vehicle was taken back to thompson hyundai by my father. The mileage out was 25,593. Thompson hyundai forgot to screw down the engine properly resulting in loud noises from the engine. I placed another call to thompson asking for documentation of the service rendered. I then noticed another screw which was not secure on the engine. In addition, I would be bringing the vehicle back to get the documentation and to get the steering checked. Thompson never wrote up a service slip for the screws. July 8th the vehicle broke down. The vehicle was towed into thompson again. I placed a call to thompson and spoke with gary welch. Gary states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. we cant find anything wrong with you vehicle. Hyundai representative paid my vehicle payment for the month my car was in service. April 1, 2004 the vehicle was towed in after stopping on 695 toward essex 2 miles before the 95 north exit to new york in the left hand lane. The vehicle jerked and proceeded to slow at a rapid speed. Warranty claim submitted.

Filed Oct 14, 2002 · Electrical · FL

Vehicle dash brake and alternator lights come on when vehicle splashes through water puddles. On all occasions I also lose power steering constrol. The dealer's response to the problem reported is simply not to splash water while going over puddles. This is very difficult to do during thunder storms for which tampa bay is well known. Water is obviously getting into the alternator and wetting the power steering system. On one occasion I lost power steering as I was negotiating a right turn. Very dangerous situation. Mr

Filed Aug 23, 2002 · Engine · PR

Engine hesitates. Dealer changed spark plugs twice, oxygen sensor and transmission computer. After replacement vehicle began to overheat and stalled out losing power. Vehicle has been at dealership 15 times and they are still not able to find the problem.

Filed Jun 7, 2002 · Electrical · IL

While driving and without any notice will lose power, and consumer can no longe accelerate vehicle. Contacted dealer.

Filed Feb 27, 2002 · Engine · UT

While traveling on interstate vehicle lost power without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.