2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension5615.0%
- Brakes4311.5%
- Airbags4211.2%
- Body & structure308.0%
- Engine297.8%
- Electrical287.5%
- Transmission267.0%
- Driver assistance256.7%
- Visibility174.5%
- Fuel system174.5%
- Steering174.5%
- Other / unspecified154.0%
- Powertrain (other)102.7%
- Seat belts92.4%
- Interior & seats41.1%
- Tires & wheels30.8%
- Exterior lighting20.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver's side rear trailing arm lower broke again. Was driving all of a sudden felt it start fishtailing and pulled over and thank God I didn't crash
BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR A ALIGNMENT AND THEY DISCOVERED THE RUSTED AND CORRADIATED REAR LEFT TRAILING CONTROL ARM ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, I BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AFTER THAT TO GET A RECALL AND THE TOLD ME THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN ND AND THAT STATE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEY WILL DECLINE THE WORK, EVEN THOU MINN. IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR LIKE I LIVE ABOUT 1 MILE TO MN THEY STILL WOULDN'T EXCEPT THE RECALL, IT IS OBVIOUS THE PART THAT IS ON RECALL FITS MY CAR, WHEN LOOKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ARM THERE IS NO RUST OR CORROSION. THE DEALER STATES IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE ARM IS STARTING TO BEND ALSO. SO WHAT DO I DO NOW, IT WILL BE VERY COSTLY TO FIX,
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the ABS system activated, and there was an abnormal shuddering in the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
BREAKS LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING BAD SMELL CAR WONT MOVE
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON - I AM NOW ON MY THIRD REPAIR TO FIX THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. I LIKELY NEED TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS! SO COSTLY BUT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE SO HOW CAN I NOT? THIS IS A KNOWN AND ONGOING ISSUE AND HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE AND COVER THIS DEFECT.
AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON SO THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS? I REALLY DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE I NEVER RECEIVED A CAR FAX ON IT. THAT IS WHY I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. I KNOW THIS MIGHT BE BECAUSE OF THE MODULE HAVING TO BE REPLACED.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR A ALIGNMENT AND THEY DISCOVERED THE RUSTED AND CORRADIATED REAR LEFT TRAILING CONTROL ARM ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, I BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AFTER THAT TO GET A RECALL AND THE TOLD ME THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN ND AND THAT STATE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEY WILL DECLINE THE WORK, EVEN THOU MINN. IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR LIKE I LIVE ABOUT 1 MILE TO MN THEY STILL WOULDN'T EXCEPT THE RECALL, IT IS OBVIOUS THE PART THAT IS ON RECALL FITS MY CAR, WHEN LOOKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ARM THERE IS NO RUST OR CORROSION. THE DEALER STATES IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE ARM IS STARTING TO BEND ALSO. SO WHAT DO I DO NOW, IT WILL BE VERY COSTLY TO FIX,
THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. IT WAS GARAGE KEPT AND DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 150,000 MILES ON IT.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Bought a set of duralast gold wrists a801116 asks since the day i put them in i had to replace parts whole charging a problem that turned out to be from the wires. Cause it was causing arcing in every one of the cylinders.
2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, 180K MILES, 2ND OWNER. CUSTOMER STATES: FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK ONTO GROUND; SAFETY CONCERN & FIRE HAZARD. UNABLE TO PARK IN GARAGE/DRIVEWAY. FUEL LIGHT ON; LOW FUEL LEVEL. FILLED WITH $7.00 IN GAS ($2.70/GAL). AFTER FUELING, FUEL GAUGE HASN'T MOVED. ADDED MORE FUEL & SET GAS STATION FUEL NOZZLE TO AUTO STOP WHEN FULL. GAUGE SAYS 3/4 TANK (NORMALLY WOULD READ FULL TANK).THEN DROVE 12 MILES NO ISSUES. PARKED ON RESIDENTIAL STREET FOR 1-2 DAYS. SEARCHED ONLINE FOUND 'WARRANTY EXTENSION' ON FUEL TANK. DRIVING TO CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER, 15 MILES AWAY. DROVE 5 MILES ON INTERSTATE, LOSING POWER. PULLED OFF AT NEAREST EXIT, DIED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, OVER INTERSTATE BRIDGE. OIL, BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ETC. ON. CARS BEHIND ME MAD, HONKING, RUSH HOUR. GOT IT STARTED, NOWHERE SAFE TO PULL OVER, LANE IEADS ME TO INTERSTATE, NOW HEADED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION TOWARDS HOME. LOST POWER, DIED AGAIN, <1 MILE FROM HOME ON EXIT RAMP. LET SIT 4-5 HRS. DARK;11PM. RESTARTED, DROVE FEW FEET, DIED. DARK OUTSIDE. PUT IN NEUTRAL, ROLL BACKWARDS, STEER ONTO SHOULDER FOR SAFETY. DOT/SHERIFF TAGGED CAR NEXT A.M. CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS & WAS ADVISED TO TOW TO DEALER. I DID. HYUNDAI STATING OUTSIDE OF MILAGE ALLOWANCE & NOT COVERED. WHY IS THIS NOT A SAFETY RECALL? THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD! EVEN WHEN PARKED! FUEL LEAKS/ISSUES PUT THE PUBLIC AT RISK! NOT SAFE PARKING IN MY GARAGE/DRIVEWAY, PUBLIC/RESIDENTIAL STREETS, NEIGHBORHOODS, SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES/RETAIL PROPERTIES, LET ALONE DRIVING. WHAT IF A CIGARETTE IS TOSSED BY A PASSERBY, ROLLS UNDER A LEAKING FUEL TANK & LEADS TO FIRE, DAMAGES, INJURIES AND/OR DEATH(S) TO THOSE IN/AROUND VEHICLE? THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY! IT'S A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD! MILEAGE SHOULDN'T MATTER (SEE LEXUS RECALL, JUNE 2018; CBS NEWS). CUST=SINGLE MOM & FT COLLEGE STUDENT=THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. PLEASE ADVISE.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON SO THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS? I REALLY DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE I NEVER RECEIVED A CAR FAX ON IT. THAT IS WHY I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. I KNOW THIS MIGHT BE BECAUSE OF THE MODULE HAVING TO BE REPLACED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED IN ADDITION, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 03/16/17*LJ *CN
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR JERKS VIOLENTLY WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED EVEN THOUGH IT HAS NEW SHOCKS, STRUTS, AND FRONT DRIVE AXLES. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO SEEMS TO ENGAGE SUDDENLY WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM COMPLETE STOP. REGULAR MAINT. AND TRANSMISSION INSPECTION PERFORMED. *TR
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IN DECEMBER 2008. THE VEHICLE OPERATED WELL FOR SIX MONTHS. SUDDENLY, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ONE DAY, THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR TWO MONTHS, THEN RETURNED MORE VIOLENTLY WITH THE VEHICLE TURNING OFF WHILE AT STOPS AND DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, EVEN AT 35 TO 40 MPH. I NOTICED THE RPM'S DROP SUDDENLY WHEN THE CAR JERKS. HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON, AND NEITHER DO ANY OTHER INDICATORS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE PAID TO GET THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND COILS REPAIRED ON THE CAR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. AFTER ALMOST THREE YEARS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE, WHICH I AM STILL PAYING OFF TO THE FINANCE COMPANY, THE CAR STILL JERKS WHILE DRIVING EVEN AT 30 MPH WITHIN IN A 2 MILE RADIUS OF MY HOME. I HAVE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SLOWLY, WITHOUT ACCELERATING AND SUDDEN STOPS TO KEEP THE JERKING TO A MINIMUM. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI USA ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE I NO LONGER HAVE THE WARRANTY, SINCE I AM THE SECOND OWNER. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP CANNOT PINPOINT THE PROBLEM AND NEITHER CAN OTHER MECHANIC SHOPS. I AM PRACTICALLY PAYING FOR A CAR THAT DOESN'T WORK! I HAVE SEEN THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND HAVE HEARD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN CANADA ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON THE CAR JERKING, BUT NOT IN THE UNITED STATES. I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM HERE IN THE U.S. BEFORE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OCCURS, SUCH AS WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE TO THE HIGHEST RATE OF SPEED, ON IT'S OWN, AND I HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO STOP AN ACCIDENT FROM HAPPENING. THIS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE, ALMOST FATALLY INJURING SEVERAL PEDESTRIANS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND IT WAS SO UNSAFE DUE TO THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM THEY WOULDN'T EVEN DRIVE IT ! I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER TWICE BEFORE THEY COULD EVEN FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. $1,753.11 FOR A VEHICLE THAT WAS GARAGED AND ONLY DRIVEN IN THE WINTER. 53,567 MILES ON IT. FOR A PART THAT REGULATES YOUR SPEED? THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS IS REPORTED - THERE WAS A CASE IN JAPAN WHERE PEOPLE ACTUALLY DIED - AFTER GOING TO COURT THEY SAID IT WAS DRIVER ERROR - STEPPING ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. I HIGHLY DOUBT IT NOW - THERE ARE MANY MORE CASES AND REPAIRS LIKE THIS ONE - SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO A LITTLE RESEARCH. I FOR ONE WOULD LIKE A LITTLE HELP - I'M 73 YEARS OLD AND BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW - IT'S ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF - THE DEALER HAS THE RECORDS.
THE PAINT IS DETERIORATING, MY FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AND MY CAR WON'T START. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND STILL WON'T START. I ALSO HAVE A BREAK LEAK THAT I'VE TRIED TO FIX A FEW TIMES
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ROLL UP THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW, THE WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL UP AND CURVED. THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE WINDOW. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD ONTO THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACTUATOR IN THE DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VISOR ON THE VEHICLE BROKE FROM THE ARM AND FELL DOWN. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VISOR WAS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, 180K MILES, 2ND OWNER. CUSTOMER STATES: FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK ONTO GROUND; SAFETY CONCERN & FIRE HAZARD. UNABLE TO PARK IN GARAGE/DRIVEWAY. FUEL LIGHT ON; LOW FUEL LEVEL. FILLED WITH $7.00 IN GAS ($2.70/GAL). AFTER FUELING, FUEL GAUGE HASN'T MOVED. ADDED MORE FUEL & SET GAS STATION FUEL NOZZLE TO AUTO STOP WHEN FULL. GAUGE SAYS 3/4 TANK (NORMALLY WOULD READ FULL TANK).THEN DROVE 12 MILES NO ISSUES. PARKED ON RESIDENTIAL STREET FOR 1-2 DAYS. SEARCHED ONLINE FOUND 'WARRANTY EXTENSION' ON FUEL TANK. DRIVING TO CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER, 15 MILES AWAY. DROVE 5 MILES ON INTERSTATE, LOSING POWER. PULLED OFF AT NEAREST EXIT, DIED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, OVER INTERSTATE BRIDGE. OIL, BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ETC. ON. CARS BEHIND ME MAD, HONKING, RUSH HOUR. GOT IT STARTED, NOWHERE SAFE TO PULL OVER, LANE IEADS ME TO INTERSTATE, NOW HEADED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION TOWARDS HOME. LOST POWER, DIED AGAIN, <1 MILE FROM HOME ON EXIT RAMP. LET SIT 4-5 HRS. DARK;11PM. RESTARTED, DROVE FEW FEET, DIED. DARK OUTSIDE. PUT IN NEUTRAL, ROLL BACKWARDS, STEER ONTO SHOULDER FOR SAFETY. DOT/SHERIFF TAGGED CAR NEXT A.M. CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS & WAS ADVISED TO TOW TO DEALER. I DID. HYUNDAI STATING OUTSIDE OF MILAGE ALLOWANCE & NOT COVERED. WHY IS THIS NOT A SAFETY RECALL? THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD! EVEN WHEN PARKED! FUEL LEAKS/ISSUES PUT THE PUBLIC AT RISK! NOT SAFE PARKING IN MY GARAGE/DRIVEWAY, PUBLIC/RESIDENTIAL STREETS, NEIGHBORHOODS, SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES/RETAIL PROPERTIES, LET ALONE DRIVING. WHAT IF A CIGARETTE IS TOSSED BY A PASSERBY, ROLLS UNDER A LEAKING FUEL TANK & LEADS TO FIRE, DAMAGES, INJURIES AND/OR DEATH(S) TO THOSE IN/AROUND VEHICLE? THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY! IT'S A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD! MILEAGE SHOULDN'T MATTER (SEE LEXUS RECALL, JUNE 2018; CBS NEWS). CUST=SINGLE MOM & FT COLLEGE STUDENT=THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. PLEASE ADVISE.
2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, 180K MILES, 2ND OWNER. MY VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE FUEL TANK ONTO THE GROUND. I CAN'T EVEN PARK MY VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THE VEHICLE WAS ONE THAT HAS HAD A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE FUEL TANK, WHICH IS 15 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. MY FUEL LIGHT WAS ON INDICATING MY FUEL LEVEL WAS LOW. I LIVE 15 MILES AWAY FROM THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER SO I WAS TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER. I FILLED UP MY TANK WITH $7.00 OF GAS ($2.70/GAL). AFTER FUELING I GOT INTO MY CAR AND STARTED THE CAR. I NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE HAD NOT MOVED AFTER FUELING. I PROCEEDED TO FILL UP THE CAR UNTIL FULL. SINCE IT IS NOT SAFE BECAUSE I CAN SEE THE FILE LEAKING, I CANNOT PARK ON MY PROPERTY AND PARKED ON THE STREET, AS FAR AWAY FROM OTHER HOUSES. IT DID NOT FEEL SAFE ON A PUBLIC STREET, IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, JUST SITTING THERE BECAUSE THE POSSIBILITY OF IT CATCHING ON FIRE AND EXPLODING IN FLAMES. WHAT IF A DRIVER FLICKED OUT A CIGARETTE AND IT ROLLED UNDER MY VEHICLE, CATCHING IT AND ANYTHING AROUND IT ON FIRE? I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AFTER FILLING IT WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS. WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER. I PULLED OFF ONTO THE NEAREST EXIT AND IT DIED, OIL LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (ETC). CARS BEHIND ME WHERE HONKING DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN AND DECIDED TO TRY TO GET HOME AGAIN. VEHICLE LOST POWER AGAIN & DIED, THIS TIME NOT RESTARTING, EVEN AFTER SITTING 12 HOURS. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. HYUNDAI IS STATING I AM OUTSIDE OF THE MILES ALLOWANCE. WHY IS THIS NOT A MANDATORY RECALL? THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD' EVEN WHEN PARKED! TIME/MILEAGE SHOULDN'T MATTER. MANY OTHERS LIKE MINE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver's side rear trailing arm lower broke again. Was driving all of a sudden felt it start fishtailing and pulled over and thank God I didn't crash
"TAKATA RECALL" MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S GONNA FALL OFF ALL THE LUG NUTS ARE TIGHT
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE CALLS FOR A SWAY BAR N LINK IT DOES NOT HAVE ONE OR A PLACE TO PUT ONE FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP IT MAKES A REAL LOUD NOISE. I REPLACED BOTH SHOCKS. NOISE IS STILL THERE. THERE ARE 4 RECALLS ON THIS CAR. RECALL #03V030000, #14V435000,#09V123000,03V520000. IN MOTION *TR
I CAN HEAR A STRONG RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE WHEN I COME TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN JUNE OF 2014 WITH 62,450 MILES ON IT. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR WERE IN GREAT SHAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A HYUNDAI DEALER IN JULY FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE REAR SUSPENSION PER A RECALL. AT THAT TIME A COMPLETE INSPECTION WAS DONE, WITH ONLY A SMALL OIL LEAK FOUND ON ONE AXLE SHAFT. TWO MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL FOR A BROKEN SPRING. AT THIS TIME A SECOND INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED. THIS TIME SEVERAL ISSUES WERE FOUND FROM CORROSION INCLUDING LEAKING TRANSMISSION LINES, LEAKING ENGINE OIL PAN, LEAKING BOOTS AT THE FRONT DRIVE AXLES REQUIRING THEM BOTH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE HYUNDAI DEALER STATED HE HAD NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE WITH THIS LEVEL OF CORROSION. ALL COMPONENTS UNDER THE VEHICLE HAVE EXTENSIVE CORROSION WITH APPARENTLY A RAPID RATE OF DETERIORATION. THE VEHICLE IS USED ONLY ON-ROAD BEING DRIVEN BY OUR SON TO AND FROM COLLEGE. THE DEALER HAS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE RAPID DETERIORATION. ALL UNDER BODY COMPONENTS APPEAR TO BE VULNERABLE TO THIS HIGH LEVEL OF DETERIORATION. THE DEALER IS WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BUT THE DEALER STATED THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WHAT OR WHEN OTHER COMPONENTS COULD POSSIBLY FAIL, SUCH AS THE BRAKE LINES ETC. HYUNDAI WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE CONCERN BUT STATED THERE WAS NO ACTION THEY WOULD TAKE AT THIS TIME. THEY DID RELUCTANTLY AGREE TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE WITH THEM ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IGNITION KEY WAS REMOVED, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE GEAR WAS IN PARK BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION PIN CONTROLLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000. UPDATED 7/7/14*CN UPDATED 07/14/2014 *JS
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, A TRACTOR TRAILER COLLIDED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAINT THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS CHEST AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND SEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ UPDATED 03/22/16.*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK WHILE TRYING TO ATTACH A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCHING MECHANISM WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED IN ADDITION, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 03/16/17*LJ *CN
IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, THE DOOR LATCH CHROME PLATING IS SO THIN THAT IT WORE OUT AND CUT MY WIFE'S HAND AND MY HAND. THIS IS A DEFECT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE DEFECT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT THE MOST SERIOUS DEFECT BUT, QUOTED FROM CARS.COM "HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR 91,202 SONATA VEHICLES FROM THE 2002-03 MODEL YEARS, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. THE RECALL IS DUE TO A THIN CHROME PLATE ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE." WHEN WILL THE FIX MINE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side front wheel detached without warning. The wheel bearing and hub were replaced by the owner. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted nor informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
MICHELIN X RADIAL LT2 P225/70R16 101T TIRES WITH DOT NUMBERS AP4V 003X 2614, AP4V 003X 2714, AP4V 003X 2614,AND AP4V 003X 2114. ALL 4 TIRES INSTALLED 09/04/2014 @ 80,421 MILES. 08/31/2019 ODOMETER AT 97,528 MILES. 17,107 MILES ON 75,000 MILE WARRANTY TIRES. TIRE DRY ROT AND CRACKING FIRST NOTICED IN 2015 AND HAS PROGRESSED TO THE POINT WHERE A TIRE PROFESSIONAL HAS STATED THAT THE TIRES ARE NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE WITH ON 08/31/2019. THERE IS A NEED FOR A DETERMINATION ON WHAT SIZE OF SIDEWALL AND TREAD CRACKING THAT WILL CAUSE A SAFETY RISK AND WHEN A MANUFACTURER SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE FOR THESE DEFECTS. I HAVE TIRES FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER THAT ARE YEARS OLDER THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE SUN A LOT MORE THAT DO NOT HAVE DRY ROT CRACKING ON THE SIDEWALL OR IN THE TREAD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
VERY POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. CAR DEALER ADJUSTED HEADLAMPS. THIS HAD NO EFFECT. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH THIS STYLE HEADLAMP. *JB
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON FOR NO REASON IT HAS BEEN ON FOR 8MONTHS NOW AND NO FUSES ARE BLOWN AND NOW MY BRIGHT LIGHTS WONT WORK WHEN I FLIP THEM ON THE LIGHTS SHUT OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWNED A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND THE HEATED SEAT ELECTRICAL UNIT FAILED TO SHUT OFF AND THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE (LEATHER SEATS, DASHBOARD, ROOF OF THE CAR, ETC). THE CAR HAD TO BE TOTALED WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES ON IT AND HYUNDAI SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I WENT THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND FILED A TOTAL LOSS AND MY $25,000 CAR WAS SETTLED FOR $11,000. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .