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.
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
Visibility, Jul 7, 2011
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO ACCELERATE, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES WHERE NUMEROUS REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Structure, Jun 23, 2011
THIS VEHICLE HAS 124,350 MILES AND LOOKS TO BE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION YET HAS UNDERLYING PROBLEMS THAT HAS GONE UNDETECTED UNTIL VERY RECENTLY. ONE IS THE FRONT FRAME RAIL ATTACHMENT TO UNDERSIDE (FLOORBOARD) OF BODY ON PASSENGER SIDE WHICH IS HEAVILY RUSTED AND ONE LARGE AREA IS HOLED. ALSO THE METAL SHIELD OVER THE BOTTOM OF FUEL TANK IS NEARLY COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND FELL DOWN ONTO REAR ROTATING DRIVE SHAFT. I FEEL BOTH OF THESE ISSUES SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I ALSO FEEL BOTH COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY IF THE REMAINING STEEL ATTACHMENTS TEAR AWAY DUE TO SEVERE SECTION LOSS OF COMPONENTS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTEN AND CORRODED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
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
Suspension, Apr 1, 2011
I DRIVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, DRIVEN IN MD, 136K MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT HANDLING RIGHT IN THE CAR, IT WOULD PULL BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS, IT WAS WORSE IN WET CONDITIONS. I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE HYUNDAI DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND ASKED FOR THEM TO LOOK INTO THE STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM. THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT MY FRONT CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED INTO THE SUB-FRAME OF MY CAR. WHAT OCCURRED IS WHAT THE NHTSA ID # 09V123000 RECALL WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX. I HAD THE RECALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS AGO. I THINK HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS PART BASED ON THE TIME THAT ELAPSED BETWEEN INITIALLY ADDRESSING THE RECALL AND TODAY. FAILURE TO FIX THIS MALFUNCTION WOULD MOST LIKELY RESULT IN A CRASH OR OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Mar 29, 2011
2003 - HYUNDAI SANTA FE - MARCH 29, 2011. THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING BROKE ON MY SANTA FE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. LUCKLY I WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE ROAD. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I MAY NOT BE HERE TODAY. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS, STRUTS, AND FOUR NEW TIRES FOR THE ENTIRE COST OF $1300. I WOULD LIKE HYUNDAI TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR COST SINCE IT WAS THERE DEFECTED SPRING THAT BROKE.
Suspension, Mar 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT LOSS IN THE STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE HYUNDAI CORROSION CLASS ACTION AT A COST OF $ 2100. UPDATED 08/04/11
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2011
PURCHASED AS A USED VEHICLE WITH 30,000 MI. IN 2008 FROM A DEALERSHIP WITH OWNERS MANUAL MISSING. ON 8-1-2010 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THE VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON A BRIDGE ON A BUSY ROADWAY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. OTHER VEHICLES IN THE AREA HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION CAUSING A IMMEDIATE HAZARDOUS CONDITION. UPON HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR GARAGE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE TIMING BELT THAT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL AND MAKE OF VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED CHANGING OF THE TIMING BELT WAS TO BE 60,000 MILES, THUS TELLING ME THE BELT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED IN 2007 AT THE 60,000 MILE MARK. AS YOU CAN SEE, I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2008 WILL 30,000 MILES ON IT (NO OWNERS MANUAL). I WAS TOLD I WAS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT MOTOR, WHICH OF COURSE WAS A USED MOTOR BECAUSE THEY REDESIGNED THE 3.5 LITER ENGINE IN 2005 WHEN THIS PROBLEM WAS EVIDENT AND THOSE ENGINES WOULD NOT FIT MY 2003. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL THEN ON THIS FOR ENGINE FAILURE AT THAT TIME? THEY HAD REPLACED THE BELT WITH A NEW DESIGN TIMING CHAIN FOR THE NEWER VEHICLES. WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER REPAIR, ANOTHER 2003 SANTA FE WAS ALSO IN FOR THE SAME ISSUE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT THE POSSIBILITY WAS THERE. A MINUTE EARLIER, I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A STEEP GRADE PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. THIS LOOKS LIKE AN INHERENT PROBLEM FOR THE HYUNDAI 3.5 LITER ENGINE, THEY HAD TO GET MY REPLACEMENT ENGINE FROM TEXAS. WERE USED CAR BUYERS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI 3.5 LITER ENGINE MODELS PRIOR TO 2006? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY VIOLATION. THE VEHICLE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING! HOW ABOUT HYUNDAI REIMBURSING ME $4000.00?
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND LEAKING FUEL. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THERE WAS FUEL ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE TYPE OF FAILURE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN STOPPED WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 03/08/11 *BF UPDATED 1/4/11 *CN
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
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 4, 2011
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
Seat belts, Jan 4, 2011
IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RECEIVER, FEMALE PART, HAS WORN OUT TWICE IN 99,000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, THE SECOND TIME I HAD TO PAY. I HAVE NEVER HAD A SEAT BELT RECEIVER WARE OUT BEFORE. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT NHTSA SHOULD ADDRESS. *TR
Parking brake, Dec 14, 2010
MY EMERGENCY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE ME AND MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Nov 21, 2010
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
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
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 7, 2010
THE VEHICLE FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS WAS NOT GETTING THE GAS MILEAGE SUGGESTED BY MANUFACTURER. IT WAS TAKEN REPEATEDLY TO DEALER WHERE WE WERE TOLD, "EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT JUST FINE". ALL MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AS REQUIRED BY DEALER". AS CAR BECAME MORE SLUGGISH AND FINALLY QUIT RUNNING ALTOGETHER- WE TOOK IT TO AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC AND LEARNED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD GONE BAD. I CHECKED THE INTERNET AND THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THIS VEHICLE- DEALERS ARE REPAIRING TRANSMISSIONS AND EMISSION CONTROLS AND CUSTOMERS ARE STILL COMPLAINING ABOUT BAD GAS MILEAGE, SLUGGISH VEHICLES. NOW THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED- THE CAR IS GETTING THE CORRECT GAS MILEAGE AND RUNNING BETTER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND AND THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,060.
Visibility, Sep 27, 2010
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR IS DEFECTIVE. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASE THE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT STAY UP IN THE UNUSED POSITION. FOR SEVERAL YEARS I HELD IT IN PLACE WITH VELCRO. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SWING IT OVER TO COVER THE SIDE WINDOW. RECENTLY THE ENTIRE PLASTIC CONNECTOR BROKE AND THE SUN VISOR DANGLED FROM THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER.THIS OCCURRED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. WE USED VELCRO AND DUCT TAPE IN AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE SUN VISOR FROM DANGLING. IT WAS NOT USABLE. WE HAVE NOW DISCONNECTED THE SUN VISOR FROM THE ELECTRICAL SOURCE AND REMOVED IT COMPLETELY. IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE DANGLING IN FRONT OF THE DRIVE. IT IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I DO NOT A MEANS TO BLOCK THE SUN FROM THE DRIVER. I NOTICED ON THE INTERNET THAT A NUMBER OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME HYUNDAI DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 6, 2010
2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE GS, FWD, 2.7L AUTOMATIC - BATTERY LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON IN WET WEATHER AND POWER STEERING IS LOST. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE TAKEN THEIR VEHICLES TO THE DEALER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE RECEIVED NO FIXES. LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT THEN DECIDED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAD ONLY OCCURRED ONE TIME. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,002.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2010
I HAVE EXPERIENCED MY 4TH INCIDENT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO YOU THREE TIMES BEFORE. I AM CONCERNED THAT I MAY INJURE MYSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I NOW DRIVE WITH MY HAND ON THE SHIFT LEVER AND PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHEN NEARING ANY POSSIBLE SITUATION WHERE I COULD HIT ANOTHER CAR OR A PEDESTRIAN. I AM BECOMING SO ADEPT AT THIS MANEUVER THAT LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AUTOMATICALLY. I WAS BADLY SHAKEN, BUT NOTHING SERIOUS HAPPENED. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO HYUNDAI AMERICA AND THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED. THEY HAVE INSPECTED THE PROBLEM AND CLAIM THAT THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD ALREADY BEEN DRIVING FOR A FEW HOURS, SO THE ENGINE WAS WARM. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND SHE WAS HEADED UP A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD, INCREASING IN SPEED AS SHE WAS CRESTING THE HILL. AS SHE HEADED DOWN, BRAKING, THE TACHOMETER CONTINUED TO WIDELY GO UP AND DOWN AND THE ENGINE WAS REVVING UP . ONCE SHE PULLED OVER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY DOWNLOADED A COMPUTER UPGRADE AND OVER THE NEXT 4-5 WEEKS ON OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT LOW SPEEDS. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 11/03/10 *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC ANTI-LOCKING BRAKE SYSTEM SHUTS ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WOULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V131000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 61000.