repaired · 2016 Q1
Springs: coil springs
Risk. 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…
2006 Hyundai Santa FEProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 106 owner complaints about the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 14V-435 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Hyundai Santa FE has problems
106 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
28Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
20Vehicle speed control5 crash/fire/injury
13Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
9Exterior lighting
5Seat belts
5Engine and engine cooling
5Fuel system, gasoline
3112 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 28 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 20 | 5 |
| Suspension | 13 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 31 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2006 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other Santa FE year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Santa FE median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2006 Hyundai Santa FE safety ratings
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (20.3% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Santa FE owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated the vehicle…
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT GOES ON TO SHOW RESTRAINT SYSTEM OFF.. HOWEVER WHEN THERE IS NOBODY SITTING IN FRONT SEAT THE LIGHT GOES OUT AND IT SHOULD STAY ON
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON CONTINUOUSLY AFTER STARTING (LIGHT GOES OUT FOR 6" AT IGNITION TO ON). IT THROWS THE CODE B1448. I CAN RESET IT WITH MY SCANNER, BUT IT RETURNS AFTER A WEEK.
Own a 2006 Santa FE?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.