DT: WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE THE VEHICLE SURGED, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV ABOVE 6500 RPMS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF ON ITS OWN. HE REPORTED HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE ABOVE INCIDENT. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER.*AK
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe cruise control problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Crashes
5
Avg fix
$600
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
GAS PEDAL IS TO SENSITIVE. WHEELS SPIN WHEN YOU EXCELLERATE AT A SLOW SPEED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO COLUMBIA HYUNDIA 2 TIMES AND THERE ISENT ANYTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX IT. I LIVE IN OHIO AND WE GET LOTS OF SNOW IM AFRAID IM GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE ICE OR HAVE SOME REAREND ME. THERE IS NO WAY TO TAKE OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND NOT HAVE THE WHEELS SPIN AND THE VEHICLE TO FIS…
WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE 2005 SANTA FE ENGINE ROARED. *TS THE CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. WITH THE VEHICLE STILL IN REVERSE, THE CONSUMER CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBORS DECK CAUSING A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE DECK. THE CONSUMER HAD A LEFT FOOT ACCELERATOR INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AND WONDERED IF THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE ECU WAS REPLACED, AND THE FLOAT IN THE GAS TANK WAS REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. *AK
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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