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
308 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Sep 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CONCERN. THE CONTACT HAD NO EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
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
Suspension, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE RIGHT AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND EXPOSED, CAUSING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE LOUD NOISE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine, Sep 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITH OUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WITHIN 2 TO 3 SECONDS THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AND OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,100.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WOBBLE BACK AND FORTH. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME AND CONTROL ARM WERE RUSTED TO THE POINT OF A POTENTIAL FRACTURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2014
WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE DURING THE COLD MONTH OF DECEMBER I HEARD A LOUD BANG NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AS I WAS MOVING THE NOISE CONTINUED AS I GOT ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUV WAS LOWER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOUD NOISE THAT GOT WORSE IF I TURNED THE WHEEL. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED AND WAS EMBEDED INTO THE TIRE. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE COIL SPRING WITH A GOOD/USED ONE WHICH WAS STILL VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 7, 2014, fire
2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. *JB
Steering, Wheels, Jul 22, 2014
JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE TO VEHICLE ON 7/15/2014 DURING THE WEEK DRIVING TO WORK FRIDAY 7/18/2014 I LOST SOME OF MY STEERING THE TIRES SQUEAK ON THE TURNS UNDERNEATH ON THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME ROTTED AT THE STABILIZER,BOLTS.PICTURES TAKEN . . *TR
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2014
I CALLED HYUNDAI AFTER HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY REAR TIRE AND JUST PURCHASING 4 BRAND NEW TIRES. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOOKED BENT AND AFTER NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY IT APPEARED THIS WAY I LOOKED UP RECALLS. I WAS GIVEN A RECALL CHAMPAGNE #090 BY HYUNDAI AND TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS COVED FOR REPAIR. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE (UNSAFELY) DROVE IT 10-15 MPH TO THE LOCATION TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATE THE DEALER CONTACTS ME AND SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE IS READY FOR PICK UP. I ASK MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT IT AND FIND OUT THAT THEY DID THE FRONT FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND NEVER EVEN LOOKED AT THE BACK! THE DEALER CLAIMS THE CHAMPAGNE # 090 IS FOR THE FRONT AND THE BACK FRAME IS NOT COVERED. I WENT BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI IT WAS COVERED BUT THEY NEVER CALLED THE DEALER DIRECTLY. I WAS THEN TOLD BY HYUNDAI I HAD TO WAIT FOR THE REGIONAL OFFICE TO CONTACT ME. I LITERALLY WAITED TILL DECEMBER 16. 2013 AND STILL ENDED UP WITH NO HELP FROM HYUNDAI. I DID RESEARCH AND EVEN BEING TOLD AFTERWARDS THAT HYUNDAI GAVE ME A INCORRECT CHAMPAGNE # I STILL SHOULD OF HAD THE REAR SUB FRAME REPAIRED AND ANY PARTS WHICH IT CAUSED OTHER DAMAGES, FOR EXAMPLE; THE BUSHINGS AND A NEW REAR TIRE. I ALSO HAVE PROOF THAT ALL 2003 HYUNDAI SANTAFE VEHICLES MADE FROM JAN 2003 THROUGH JUNE 2003, WHICH COVERS MY VEHICLE. ANY HELP FROM YOUR COMPANY IS MUCH APPRECIATED SINCE MY TWIN BOYS WHO ARE IN COLLEGE WAS USING THIS VEHICLE. *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 20, 2014
KEPT SMELLING GAS IN THE CAR, BROUGHT IT TO DEALER. THEY SAID GAS TANK RUSTED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, GAS STARTED LEAKING OUT. CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO, SORRY, ETC. WARRANTY IS UP. THIS IS THE SECOND RUST PROBLEM WITH CAR. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR SUBFRAME RECALL, CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO HAD FRONT END FIXED BECAUSE OF LEAKING STRUTS. I FEEL THAT A RUSTED GAS TANK IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND IS DUE TO A DEFECT. NOW THE CAR IS AGAIN UNSAFE TO DRIVE, SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY LEAKING GAS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2014
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED. THREE BLOCKS FROM THE MECHANIC, WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. THE E-BRAKE WAS APPLIED. VEHICLE KEPT LURCHING FORWARD AGAINST THE RESTRAINT, THEN DIED. TEN MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE STARTED AND WAS RETURNED TO MECHANIC TO AVOID ACCIDENT OR INJURY. NO CAUSE HAS YET BEEN FOUND. APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *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
Suspension, Structure, Apr 3, 2014
MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED SEVERAL YEARS AGO FOR RUST IN THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION. IT WAS APPARENTLY FIXED BY HYUNDAI JUST PUTTING A UNDERCOAT PAINTING TO THE SUSPENSION, MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR IS SHOWING RUST SPOTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. I THINK HYUNDAI SHOULD HAD REPLACE THE PARTS WITH NEW AND RUST PROOF PARTS INSTEAD OF JUST PUTTING UNDERCOAT PAINTING. I KNOW MY VEHICLE IS 11 YEARS OLD, BUT I HAVE KEPT IT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH ALL SERVICE DONE AT THE DEALER. *TR
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, Structure, Feb 24, 2014
HIT A NASTY POTHOLE AND KNOCKED THE ALIGNMENT OUT ON MY SANTE FE, OR SO I THOUGHT. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE PUT IT ON THE LIFT TO CHECK THE FRONT END. HE FOUND THE RIGHT SIDE SUB FRAME WAS ROTTED AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PULLING OUT OF THE FRAME. CALLED HYUNDAI 800 #. "SORRY YOUR CAR IS NOT COVERED". THIS IS NUTS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 10, 2014
RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAS CORROSION DAMAGE SHOWING IN RUSTED BROKEN FRAME. DESCRIPTION IS SIMILAR TO HYUNDAI RECALL NO 091. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 20, 2013
I OWN A 2003 SANTA FE AND JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE CARRIAGE CORROSION PROBLEMS WITH THE 2001-2003 HYUNDAI AND SUBSEQUENT RECALL IN THE "SNOW BELT" STATES. I LIVE IN KANSAS, WHERE THEY TREAT THE LOCAL HIGHWAYS IN THE WINTER WITH SALT AND OTHER CORROSIVES. WHY ISN'T KANSAS INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? HAS HYUNDAI INCLUDED VEHICLES IN THIS STATE FOR THE RECALL? THE LITTLE TRUCK HAS BEEN TERRIFIC, WITH NOTHING GOING WRONG UNTIL NOW. THE GARAGE I TAKE MY VEHICLES TO WOULD NOT ALLOW MY DAUGHTER TO GET BACK INTO THE SANTA FE, FEARING THAT SHE WOULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THANK GOODNESS FOR SMALL FAVORS! I WILL GIVE HIS CONTACT INFORMATION UPON RESPONSE FROM YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 9, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 40 TO 45 MILES AN HOUR ON A BUSY ROAD. I HAD MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN SHUT OFF ON ME. THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO START SO I SAT THERE WITH THEM PRAYING I WOULDN'T GET HIT. AFTER A WHILE IT STARTED UP AGAIN AND I WENT MAYBE TWO FEET AND IT DIED AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO ROLL INTO AN EMPTY GARAGE AND I CALLED MY HUSBAND. THERE WAS AN AUTO ZONE NEAR BY SO HE GOT A MACHINE WHICH SAID WHAT WAS WRONG. IT SAID IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. MY CAR IS NOW BEING FIXED AT A HYUNDAI DEALER. I WENT ON LINE FOR RECALLS AND I FOUND ONE THAT SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM BUT NOT FOR MY VEHICLE. IF IT WAS ON ONE VEHICLE YEAR WHY WOULDN'T MY YEAR BE COVERED. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING ALL OF A SUDDEN ON A MAIN RD. LIKE I WAS ON. WE HAVE KEPT UP WITH ALL THE RECALLS THAT THEY SEND US. *TR
Suspension, Sep 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,760.
Exterior lighting, Sep 5, 2013
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
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 31, 2013
FUELING CAR TAKES AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME. IT IS AS IF THERE IS A BLOCKAGE IN THE TANK FILLER PIPE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THIS IS CAUSED BY AN AGING CHARCOAL FILTER WITHIN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NO EXPLANATION, NOR SUGGESTIONS FOR A FIX. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 22, 2013
2003 HYUNDAI SANTE FE GLS - DROVE THROUGH A 2 INCH DEEP PUDDLE. LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHED THEN A RUBBER BURNING SMELL STARTED. DROVE THE CAR FOR TWO ADDITIONAL DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR SHOP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THEN DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON, BRAKE LIGHT TURNED ON BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON, ALL ANALOG INSTRUMENTS FAILED, TACH FAILED, BRAKING BECAME INCONSISTENT AND ENGINE STARTED MISSING. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO REPAIR SHOP, AS I MADE MY FINAL TURN INTO THE REPAIR SHOP THE POWER STEERING FAILED THEN THE CAR SHUTOFF. EARLY REPORT FROM MECHANIC IS A FAILED ALTERNATOR - MY THIRD ONE IN THE LAST YEAR. I THINK I HAVE A LARGER ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, FANS FLUCTUATE IN SPEED FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND EVERY TIME IT RAINS I GET FLASHING BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS. LOSING THE POWER STEERING TWICE IN THREE DAYS IS A LITTLE UNSETTLING... *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
Service brakes, Apr 30, 2013
AT SLOW SPEEDS, WHILE LIGHTLY APPLYING BRAKES, ABS CAUSES CHATTER AND EXTENDS STOPPING DISTANCE. *TR
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL IN THE INTERIOR CABIN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINES WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,350.