If you’re looking to tow with your Hyundai Santa Fe, you might have hit a few bumps along the way. From struggling with heavy loads to dealing with transmission issues and sagging suspensions, towing can be a hassle.
But don’t worry; there are ways to tackle these challenges head-on. Let’s dive into some of the most common towing problems Santa Fe owners face and how you can get back on the road safely and confidently.
1. Limited Towing Capacity
While the Santa Fe is advertised as being able to tow between 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, many owners, particularly those with models equipped with the 2.4L inline-4 engine (2015-2018), have found it difficult to reach the upper end of this range in real-world situations.
Towing more than 2,500 pounds can cause the engine to struggle, particularly on hills, as it strains to maintain speed and experiences high RPMs. This significantly reduces performance and can put a strain on the drivetrain.
The issue lies in the engine’s capability and the 6-speed automatic transmission found in pre-2019 models, which can overheat or reduce power output when the towing capacity is pushed to its limits.
Drivers who regularly tow heavy loads find that models with the 3.3L V6 engine or the newer turbocharged engines perform much better and can handle higher weights more comfortably.
2. Transmission Overheating
Transmission overheating is a notable concern for Santa Fe models between 2013 and 2018. When towing heavy trailers on long journeys or climbing steep inclines, the transmission can overheat, triggering a warning light.
The standard cooling system is adequate for normal driving but often struggles under the strain of towing. The issue becomes particularly noticeable when towing loads near the vehicle’s maximum capacity, which results in fluid degradation and potential damage to the transmission.
To deal with this, some owners have installed aftermarket transmission coolers, which provide better heat management.
This reduces the chances of overheating by supplementing the factory system. If installing a cooler isn’t feasible, reducing the weight of your trailer or shortening your towing distance can also help prevent the transmission from overheating.
3. Rear Suspension Sagging
Many owners of Santa Fe models from 2016 to 2020 have reported rear suspension sagging when towing heavier loads. Hyundai’s focus on comfort led to a rear suspension design with softer springs, which makes the Santa Fe ride smoothly but sacrifices stability when towing.
Sagging can result in uneven weight distribution, affecting handling and steering control, especially at higher speeds or on winding roads. The lower rear end can also cause headlight misalignment, impairing visibility at night.
Some owners have used a weight distribution hitch to balance the load across the vehicle to counteract sagging effectively.
Others opt for heavy-duty springs or airlift kits, which add support to the suspension when towing. These upgrades make for a more stable ride and reduce the risk of sagging under heavy loads.
4. Brake Fade and Stopping Distance
Towing puts significant strain on Santa Fe’s braking system, and many owners, particularly those without their own braking system, experience brake fade and longer stopping distances when pulling a trailer.
The standard brakes are designed for normal driving, so when towing heavy loads, they tend to overheat and lose stopping power quickly. This creates a safety issue, especially during downhill descents or emergency braking situations.
A practical solution is to install an aftermarket trailer brake controller, which provides more stopping power when towing trailers over 1,500 pounds.
Upgrading Santa Fe’s brake pads and rotors to high-performance components also helps to manage the extra heat produced when towing, ensuring better braking performance and reducing the risk of brake fade.
5. Hitch Compatibility Issues
Hitch compatibility can be problematic for Santa Fe models produced between 2015 and 2019. The unique design of the rear bumper and frame can make finding an aftermarket hitch that fits appropriately tricky.
Many available hitches tend to reduce the vehicle’s ground clearance, leading to scraping over speed bumps or uneven terrain, which can be annoying for those who tow frequently.
Using Hyundai’s OEM hitch is often the best way to avoid these issues, as it’s designed explicitly for Santa Fe’s frame and offers a better fit without compromising clearance.
Also, adjustable height hitches can help maintain proper ground clearance while ensuring secure towing, particularly for owners who tow on varying terrains.
6. Engine Overheating on Inclines
Models from 2017 to 2020 are prone to engine overheating when towing on long, steep inclines. The engine temperature can spike when pulling heavy loads, mainly due to the extra strain on the cooling system.
The radiator and fan are designed to handle normal conditions but struggle to keep up when the vehicle tows uphill. The engine works harder in these situations, increasing RPMs and generating more heat.
To prevent overheating, many owners have installed auxiliary cooling fans to assist the radiator in maintaining optimal temperature.
Also, reducing speed when towing on long inclines is an effective way to lessen the load on the engine, helping it stay within a safe temperature range.
Conclusion
Towing with a Hyundai Santa Fe is possible, but awareness of these potential issues can help you prepare and make necessary adjustments for a safer towing experience.
Knowing the limits of towing capacity, ensuring proper cooling, and upgrading components like brakes and suspension can make a significant difference when you’re on the road with a trailer.
By tackling these known concerns, you can maximize Santa Fe’s towing capabilities and have a more enjoyable and reliable towing journey.