i know it's tranny fluid.. i know it's not leaking directly from the tranny.

 

The red spots in the bottom picture look like rust or red primer spots, both unrelated to the leaking fluid. Red dyed fluid in the snow means a tranny leak OR a power steering system leak. Check your power steering resevoir. If low, that would tend to confirm the power steering leak. Have your dealer check the lines from the power steering rack to the steering rack. The lines can develop leaks and the racks have seals that can fail. The tranny has lines that feed a cooler next to the radiator. It's possible that connectors along those lines may be leaking as well. From the top picture, it doesn't appear to be a large leak, hence my suspicion with the power steering. Also, never eat red or yellow snow.

 

took it in a seems like the transcooler is leaking.. warranty will not cover it, so i gotta up $450 to get a new one and installed....

Also turned out the transfercase is leaking... warranty will cover it, so that's good with a $250 deductible of course ... arrrgg... the santa fe is a good car. Been wanting once and now that i got one, it's causing headaches.. Might get everything fix and sell it. Gonna stick to Honda and Toyota.....

'sigh'.. even my first toyota 1990 celica with 160k miles on it was flawless......

 

How many miles are on the car?