2003 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 308 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 26 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model Year 2001-2006 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2000, through February 15, 2006, that are registered and operated, or which were originally sold and registered, in the following 20 salt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire.
If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the coil spring, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.
Campaign 14V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 83,355 MY 2001-2003 SANTA FE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM STEEL. OWNERS MAY SEE OR FEEL SLIGHT TO MODERATE CHANGES IN VEHICLE OPERATION WHICH WILL INCREASE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED. THESE CHANGES INCLUDE A LOWERING OF VEHICLE HEIGHT THAT CAN LEAD TO TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. OWNERS MAY ALSO NOTICE A CREAKING SOUND.
IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS FOR INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE REPLACED. REAR TRAILING ARMS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE DRAINAGE HOLES ADDED AND WILL BE TREATED WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. INSPECTION, TREATMENT AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT NO COST TO OWNERS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleMar 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES, 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS), IF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 3 AND 12 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PAD FRICTION SURFACES ARE WET, A VIBRATION MAY OCCUR BETWEEN THE BRAKE DISCS AND PADS CAUSING ABS SENSOR ELECTRONIC SIGNAL NOISE TO DEVELOP. AT SPEEDS BELOW 5 MPH, THE ABS SENSOR SIGNAL NOISE MAY CAUSE THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO ACTIVATE THE ABS, EXTENDING THE STOPPING DISTANCE.
IF AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V131000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsDec 18, 2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V520000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Engine, Sep 24, 2014
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
Power train, Electrical system, May 7, 2014
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
Power train, Mar 11, 2014
3 TIMES THIS HAPPENED ON SAID DAY. DRIVING ON FREEWAY. WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON CAR LURCHED FORWARD JERKING ALL THREE OF US. A COUPLE DAYS LATER SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE GREEN. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AGAIN. TOSSING ME BACK CAUSING MY FOOT TO COME OFF THE BRAKE! LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET MY FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE BEFORE I MOVED TOO MANY FEET INTO THE CROSSWALK. I SPOKE TO BEAVERTON HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THIS... I MENTIONED IT WAS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND ON THE HYUNDAI FORUM. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THEIR FORUM THEREFORE THEY DON'T LOOK AT IT... I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 10 YEARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THROUGH THE YEARS I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR BUT IT IS GETTING WORSE AND SCARIER!! *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Aug 20, 2013
THE PASSENGER FROM SUB FRAME BROKE DROPPING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BENDING THE WHEEL OUT. THIS WAS AT BIG O TIRES CHECKING ALIGNMENT. I SEE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS MATTER COVERING 2001-2003 SANTAFE'S. THE FRONT SUB FRAME MUST BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Oct 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE INTO GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Power train, Jul 29, 2011
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
Power train, May 5, 2011
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
Power train, Jan 8, 2011
FROM TIME TO TIME, MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JERKS VIOLENTLY WHILE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. SOMETIMES THIS OCCURS WHILE TRAVELING AT A STEADY SPEED (AROUND 40 MPH) AND SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS JUST AFTER I RESUME ACCELERATION AFTER LIFTING OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR (COASTING). I REALLY HAVE TO 'BABY' THE ACCELERATOR ALL OF THE TIME OR THIS WOULD HAPPEN MUCH MORE OFTEN. THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM HERE, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE HARM TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. UNFORTUNATELY, I KNOW THAT NOTHING WILL EVER BE DONE TO CORRECT OR ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. *LN
Power train, Nov 13, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTE FE AND I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2004. MY FIRST ENCOUNTER STARTED AROUND 37,000 MILES,THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIP/HESITATE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE DEALER COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM THREE SEPARATE TIMES. I TOLERATED THE NUISANCE FOR ABOUT A YR UNTIL ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION 'GOT STUCK'! I HAD TO DRIVE HOME IN FIRST GEAR FOR 15 MILES! THE DEALER COULDN'T RE-ENACT IT, BUT DEFINITELY CHARGED ME $1800 TO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION, AMONGST VARIOUS OTHER 'PART REPLACEMENTS'. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO 'DISAPPEAR' FOR ABOUT 4 MTHS AND IT STARTED AGAIN! TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK, SKIP AND MISS NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I WAS GOING, BUT THEN DISAPPEAR.. IT WAS MOODY AND INTERMITTENT, NOT CONSTANT AND DANGEROUS. THE DEALER STILL COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM! THEN ONE DAY I PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND IT JERKED BACK HARD!! MY HEAD WAS CLOSE TO HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT SOON REALIZED THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT BEGAN TO SQUEAL AND WHINE! THE SERPENTINE BELT AND THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY WERE REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE CORRECTED. JUST TWO MONTHS LATER, I WAS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY, AGAIN, WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING! I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO SCHOOL AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE TRANNY DIDN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR, AGAIN, AND IT JERKED A FEW SECONDS AFTER IT SLIPPED. I HAD TO CREEP MY WAY HOME BY DRIVING ABOUT 500-750 FT AND THEN THE TRANNY SLIPPED AND VIOLENTLY JERKED, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE A FEW TIMES AND THEN TRIED AGAIN. EVER SINCE I BEGAN TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING ONLINE AND FOLLOWING THE LARGE AMOUNT OF SIMILAR AND WORSE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM SURPRISED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND FURTHER LOOKED INTO. PLEASE, RESEARCH THIS.. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM, PLEASE. *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD; THE DUPLICATE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN HE SHIFTS TO REVERSE GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THEN RESTARTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT INDICATE ANY ERROR CODES. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THREE TIMES AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IF THERE WERE NO CODES, HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE REPAIR EXPENSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,546.
Power train, Nov 18, 2009
I HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE STEERING OF MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR DURING A SNOW STORM I ACTUALLY RAN OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DOWN A SLIGHT SLOPE. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO MY REPAIR SHOP WHERE A CORRODED AND BENT TRAINING ARM WAS DISCOVERED AND REPLACED. I AM NOW IN THE MIDST OF A REBATE FROM THE COMPANY AS THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THAT PARTICULAR PART. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR THIS DEFECT I WAS TOLD THAT THE OTHER TRAILING ARM WAS NOT CORRODED ENOUGH TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WOULD BE SPRAYED TO PROTECT IT FROM FURTHER DAMAGE. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL WITH THIS REMEDY AS I AM NOW HEARING THE SAME NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE AS I HEARD FROM THE RIGHT SIDE WHEN THE PROBLEM BEGAN. WHY CAN'T THE COMPANY DO THE RIGHT THING FIX THESE PROBLEMS SO THAT THOSE OF US WHO DRIVE HYUNDAI PRODUCTS CAN FEEL SAFE. YOURS TRULY, MARIE E. ENWRIGHT *TR
Power train, Jul 2, 2009
SINCE BUYING MY CAR USED IN 2006, MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND VIOLENTLY JERKS. ON THE HIGHWAY IT SCARES ONE HALF TO DEATH. AND I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPING ALTOGETHER. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS SO INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT AN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, THAT I KNEW A DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. NOW THE VEHICLE WON'T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2009
MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2003, 4 CYLINDER, 2.4 LITER ENGINE STALLED 4 TIMES. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO SERVICE DIAGNOSED WITH CRANK PRECISION SENSOR. NO COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DOING RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THE 2001 AND 2002 WAS RECALLED FOR THIS MATTER. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MANY 2003'S ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO I FIND IT DISTURBING THAT HYUNDAI WONT COVER THIS BECAUSE IT IS AND ELECTRONIC PART BUT THE ENGINE CAN JUST STALL AT ANY MOMENT. BECAUSE IT WAS RECALLED 2YRS PRIOR SHOULD RAISE A RED FLAG. I WILL BE CALLING HYUNDAI CORP. THANK YOU SORAYA GARCIA *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2008
MY 2003 HYUANDAI SANTE FE STALLS ANYTIME THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR GETS HOT (AT LEAST THIS IS WHAT THE SERVICE MANAGER [MR. LABESE] AT JOHN AMATO AUTO - MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN EXPLAINS). I'VE HAD COUNTLESS CLOSE CALL VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TO BE REPAIRED ONLY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE STALL OVER AND OVER AGAIN EVEN AFTER THE PART ABOVE WAS REPLACED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND VERY UNSAFE I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY TO THIS POINT! *TR
Power train, May 27, 2008
LEAK IN THE TRANSFER CASE. *TR
Power train, Jan 21, 2008
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. THE VEHICLE JERKS WHEN CHANGING GEARS, ACTUALLY LURCHES FORWARD. I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THERE WAS A HUGE LIST. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DONE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 21, 2006
AT APPROXIMATELY 47,000 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN OCCASIONAL JUMP IN IDLE TO 3000 RPM+ WHILE IN PARK AND DRIVE AFTER THREE MINUTES OR SO OF OPERATION. WHILE IN DRIVE, VEHICLE LUNGES DANGEROUSLY FORWARD. WHEN THIS OCCURS, IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, AND RESTART TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE WILL SPUTTER AND REFUSE TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY FOR 30-60 SECONDS. VEHICLE ALSO STALLS OCCASIONALLY AFTER 3 MINUTES OR SO OF USE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO NAPELTON HYUNDAI, WEST PALM BEACH, FL ON NOV 30. CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CAMSHAFT SENSOR WERE REPLACED. BEFORE LEAVING DEALERSHIP WITH SERVICE MANAGER PRESENT AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN PARK, VEHICLE IDLE SUDDENLY SPIKED TO 4,200 RPM. I WAS TOLD DEALER WAS CLOSED, AND TO DRIVE IT HOME. ON DECEMBER 5, VEHICLE AGAIN STALLED AGAIN IN TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTION ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. AFTER RESTARTING, IT REFUSED TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY FOR 30-60 SECONDS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BACK TO NAPELTON HYUNDAI BECAUSE BOTH THE STALLING AND SUDDEN ACCELERATION ARE SERIOUS CONCERNS THAT MAKE THIS SANTA FE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AGREED FULLY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ON DEC 20 I WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. I WAS TOLD TO PICK IT UP AND DRIVE IT. I REFUSED TO DO SO. NAPELTON HAD OVER 20 DAYS TO DETECT AND CORRECT THESE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES, AND I WILL NOT DRIVE HYUNDAI'S FAILURE INTO AN ACCIDENT. A REVIEW OF NHTSA DEFECTS REPORTED FOR THIS SANTA FE FOR 2003-2005 MODEL YEARS REVEALS OVER 40 SIMILAR INCIDENTS, SOME INVOLVING COLLISION AND INJURY. THESE ARE CATEGORIZED UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT COMPONENTS INCLUDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL, OTHER, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND EQUIPMENT. PERHAPS THE SANTA FE'S CAN BE RECALLED BEFORE DEATHS RESULT. *NM
Power train, Nov 21, 2006
THIS VEHICLE (2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE) STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS JUST BE FOR THE WARRANTY EXPIRED (100,000 MILES), BUT WE WERE TOLD AT THE DEALER THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE POWER TRAIN SYSTEM. SO WE PAID TO HAVE SOME WORK DONE. BUT JUST TODAY WE WOKE UP AND WENT OUT TO USE THE VEHICLE, AND IT WILL NOT GO IN GEAR, WILL NOT IN NEUTRAL SO WE CAN MOVE IT OR PUSH IT. IT'S JUST LOCKED UP, (FLUID LEAVES ARE OK) IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN TO ANY ONE WITH THIS KIND OF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC IT COULD BE TRAFFIC PROBLEM. I DO KNOW OTHERS WHO OWN THIS KIND OF VEHICLE AND DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, BUT I ALSO KNOW OF ONE INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THEIRS. SO I'M JUST CONCERNED ON IF I AM THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM OR IF THEIR ARE OTHERS, AND WHY IF THEY OFFER A 100,000 MI. WARRANTY DOSE IT NOT COVER THE DRIVE TRAIN? THIS DOSE NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME. ONE VERY UNHAPPY VEHICLE OWNER. P.S. THIS VEHICLE IS REGISTERED TO MY WIFE, AND HER LLC. *JB
Power train, Oct 10, 2006
MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, STARTED TO SHIFT DIFFERENTLY. IT WOULD BUCK WHEN SHIFTING INTO A HIGHER GEAR, IF I ATTEMPTED TO GO UP A STEEP HILL, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE ALL POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER, THEY REPLACED A SENSOR, SAID THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FINE. I DROVE IT HOME ONLY TO HAVE IT STILL SHIFT WITH A BUCK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD, AFTER THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT, THAT IT WOULD NEED A $2800 TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. OF COURSE, BEING A SECOND OWNER, THE WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 60K.
Power train, Aug 17, 2006
THE CLUTCH ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE (58,000 MILES)WENT OUT ON THE NJ TURNPIKE AT THE START OF A WEEK LONG FAMILY VACATION. MAXON HYUNDAI IN UNION, NJ CLAIMED THAT MY DRIVING HAD BURNED THE CLUTCH OUT (I HAVE BEEN DRIVING STICK FOR 12 YEARS AND MY PREVIOUS CAR- A SATURN- HAD OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ORIGINAL CLUTCH WHEN I SOLD IT) AND WHEN THE CLUTCH WENT IT DAMAGED THE FLY WHEEL. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE FLY WHEEL, THOUGH PART OF THE POWER TRAIN SUPPOSEDLY COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY, WAS NOT COVERED SINCE IT WAS MY FAULT THAT IT WAS DAMAGED. THEY FURTHER INDICATED THAT REPLACING THE CLUTCH AND PUTTING THE OLD FLY WHEEL ON WOULD JUST CAUSE ME TO BURN OUT ANOTHER CLUTCH LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE FLY WHEEL IS WHAT CAUSED THE CLUTCH TO GO IN THE FIRST PLACE. ANYWAY, I DID PAY FOR THE CLUTCH TO BE REPLACED BUT NOT THE FLYWHEEL AND THEN I TRADED IT IN ON A NEW SATURN VUE. I WAS OUTRAGED AT THE WAY I WAS TREATED BY BOTH THE DEALER AND BY HYUNDAI CORPORATE WHEN I CALLED THEM. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE ME AS I GOT A WHOLE $4,500 FOR THE VEHICLE THAT I PAID $17,000 FOR JUST 3 YEARS AGO AND THIS WAS AFTER I HAD TO PAY A REPAIR BILL OF $1600 AND PAY $500 FOR A RENTAL CAR SO THAT OUR VACATION WAS NOT RUINED. *NM
Power train, Jun 8, 2006
I OWN A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. IT BROKE DOWN ON APRIL 29TH, 2006. MY CAR WAS BROUGHT TO FUCILLO HYUNDAI IN SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK. MY CAR IMPROPERLY DIAGNOSED HERE AS HAVING A WORN CLUTCH. WHEN I DECLINED TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED AT THIS LOCATION AND TOOK IT TO OPITZ TRANSMISSION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FLYWHEEL WAS BROKEN AS WELL. I CONTACTED FUCCILLO, WHO DECLINED TO HAVE THE FLYWHEEL FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY AGREEMENT THAT CAME WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR. THIS WARRANTY AGREEMENT DOES NOT STATE THAT THE FLYWHEEL IS NOT COVERED. I ALSO CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA AND SPOKE WITH TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. ONE TOLD ME THE PART WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND SHOULD BE FIXED, ANOTHER TOLD ME THE PART WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE COST OF THE FLYWHEEL WAS $1276 PLUS TAX AND COULD ONLY BE ORDERED THROUGH A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I HAD MY CAR FIXED BY OPITZ TRANSMISSION IN SCHENECTADY, NY. OPITZ TRANSMISSION AGREES THAT THE FLYWHEEL WAS POORLY MADE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I HAVE CONTACTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THEY FORWARDED MY LETTER AND INFORMATION TO THE NYS MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY DIVISION, WHO IN TURN TOLD ME TO CONTACT THIS WEB SITE. I HAVE LETTERS, RECEIPTS, AND INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER THAT I WOULD LIKE TO FORWARD TO SOMEONE IN THIS DIVISION. *JB
Power train, May 18, 2006
GRINDING SOUND FROM TRANSMISSION OF 2003 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. *JB
Power train, Feb 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP AT 20 MPH THE CLUTCH FAILED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CHANGE GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED, HOWEVER NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Power train, Feb 17, 2006
ON MANY OCCASIONS OUR 2003 SANTA FE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND THEN VIOLENTLY JERKING OR CATCHING BACK INTO GEAR, CAUSING PASSENGERS TO BE SLAMMED FORWARD AND BACKWARD IN THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS AT ANYWHERE FROM 20-65 MPH AND HAPPENS RANDOMLY. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH THE EXACT SAME RESULTS - COULD NOT DUPLICATE COMPLAINT. *JB
Power train, Jan 6, 2006
BAD CLUTCH AFTER 39,000 MILES - DEALER SAID NOT COVERED AND NEVER SEEN DEFECT IN OVER THREE YEARS - CHECKED A WEB SITE WHERE THERE WERE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING EARLY CLUTCH FAILURES. *NM