KNOWN FAULTS · Hyundai

Hyundai Santa Fe (I) 2.0 CRDi common problems.

2000–2006 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Applies if: First-generation Santa Fe.

2.0 CRDi turbo, timing belt and front axle on the Santa Fe IKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Hyundai Santa Fe I (2.4 and 2.7 V6 petrol, 2.0 CRDi)
Period mentioned: 2000–2006
Symptoms: On the 2.0 CRDi, a big loss of power and weak pulling away; on petrol, broken timing belts and leaking fuel pumps on early cars. Front-axle play, hard shifts when towing and a handbrake that pulls to one side.
Possible cause described: On the 2.0 CRDi-VGT, the turbo’s variable-vane mechanism seizes and sometimes the turbo has to be replaced. The clutch is small for the car’s weight. Front-axle joints wear early and brake lines rust. There was a recall because the rear trailing arms could break from road-salt corrosion.
Check for the garage: Check that the turbo responds (load test and codes), when the belt was changed, the state of the brake lines and rear arms and whether the recall was done.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Variable-geometry turbo and glow plugs on the 2.0 CRDi (D4EA)Injection / turbo

Engine / equipment: 2.0 CRDi (D4EA): Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson, Trajet, Elantra and Sonata; Kia Sportage, Carens and Magentis
Period mentioned: Approx. 2001–2010
Symptoms: A big loss of power and weak pulling away (seized variable-geometry turbo); when cold, several attempts to start and rough running (glow plugs).
Possible cause described: On VGT versions the turbo’s variable-vane mechanism seizes and sometimes the turbo must be replaced (documented on the Santa Fe I). Faulty glow plugs cause poor cold starting (documented on the Sportage II). The timing belt must be changed after 6 years or 90,000–120,000 km depending on the model.
Check for the garage: Test the turbo under load and read boost codes; measure the glow plugs; check when the belt was changed.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.