“Rear trailing arm corroded and busted while in motion. Caused rear end to collapse and fishtail. Passenger side snapped, drivers side is very corroded. Just purchased this car a couple weeks ago, had no idea these parts were unstable.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 30, 2019 at 211,312 miles
“The rear end of my santa fe has rusted through and the back wheels will not track in a straight line. Hyundai had a recall nr 09v123000 in 4/16/2009 to fix this exact problem but according to hyundai customer assistance, this recall does not apply to me because my santa fe wasn't purchased or registered in a specific state. My grandson was driving the car and nearly wrecked.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 27, 2019 at 100,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2003 Santa FE peaked in 2004, with 30 filed that year. Owners had filed 4 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 09V123000 in April 2009; 41 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 2 so far.
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs14V435000
Filed Jul 18, 2014271,773 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Apr 16, 200983,355 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module04V131000
Filed Mar 16, 200417,401 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Filed Dec 18, 2003249,309 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. 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."
Risk. THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy. 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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2003 Santa FE.
REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILUREEngineering analysis EA08023Closed
Opened Oct 28, 2008Closed Apr 17, 2009Led to recall 09V123000suspension
In a letter dated april 14, 2009, hyundai-kia america technical center, inc (hyundai) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall of approximately 85,000 model year (my) 2001 through 2003 hyundai santa fe vehicles manufactured prior to january 27, 2003, that are registered and operated in the following 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.hyundai is recalling …
Technical service bulletins
90 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Santa FE. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 17transmission 17equipment 9electrical system 9throttle and acceleration 6body and frame 5tires 4brakes 4
This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 1, 2024WA
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.
Steering
Filed May 17, 2024MN
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
Engine
Filed Mar 26, 2023FL
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.
Wheels › Hub
Filed Jul 26, 2021190,000 milesWA
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.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 17, 2020147,263 milesND
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,
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 19, 2020142,000 milesIN
THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. IT WAS GARAGE KEPT AND DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 150,000 MILES ON IT.
WheelsCrash
Filed Jun 12, 2020150,000 milesNH
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
Suspension
Filed Nov 30, 2019211,312 milesMI
REAR TRAILING ARM CORRODED AND BUSTED WHILE IN MOTION. CAUSED REAR END TO COLLAPSE AND FISHTAIL. PASSENGER SIDE SNAPPED, DRIVERS SIDE IS VERY CORRODED. JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, HAD NO IDEA THESE PARTS WERE UNSTABLE.
Suspension
Filed Nov 27, 2019100,000 milesFL
THE REAR END OF MY SANTA FE HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE BACK WHEELS WILL NOT TRACK IN A STRAIGHT LINE. HYUNDAI HAD A RECALL NR 09V123000 IN 4/16/2009 TO FIX THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE, THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO ME BECAUSE MY SANTA FE WASN'T PURCHASED OR REGISTERED IN A SPECIFIC STATE. MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND NEARLY WRECKED. HYUNDAI WOULDN'T EVEN OFFER A TOW INTO A DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT THE PROBLEM.
Tires
Filed Sep 5, 2019HI
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.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 1, 2019143,887 milesNY
SUB FRAME WAS REPLACED DUE TO HIDDEN ROTTING OF INTERNAL MOUNTING STRUCTURE SEPARATION OF SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, CAUSING POOR CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND TIRE WEAR IN AUG. 2013. UNDER BODY WAS EXPOSED TO CORROSIVE WATER IN JULY, 2017 ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND HAS TURNED THE STEEL TO " CRACKERS " RUST CONDITION AND MADE IT UNSAFE TO BE ROAD WORTHY DUE TO POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF SUB FRAME AT BODY MOUNTS.. ALL REPAIRS WHERE AT MY EXPENSE. I FOUND SOME RECALLS TO LATE ON THE COMPUTER. I`M IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE UNIT. I KEPT ALL RECORDS OF REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE SINCE I PURCHASED IT USED. THE POWER TRAIN IS IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER. I`M NOT TO COMPUTER SAVEY ! I HAVE A FAX MECHINE. THANK YOU.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 25, 2019174,000 milesPA
IN LATE AUGUST MY CAR WAS DUE FOR INSPECTION, SO I DROVE IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS GOOD TO GO EXCEPT WHAT I BELIEVE WAS THE FRONT ROCKER ARM(COULD BE WRONG) WAS RUSTED BUT WAS DO FOR A FREE RECALL BECAUSE OF RUST ISSUES. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND HAVE IT DONE FOR FREE, AND HE KEPT TELLING ME NOT TO LET THEM TRICK ME INTO PAYING FOR IT LIKE DEALERS TEND TO DO, SO HE HIGHLIGHTED ON THE RECALL THE LINES WHICH READS "ALL PARTS AND PROCEDURES WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE" SO I DRIVE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY IT SHOULDNT TAKE MORE THAN A COUPLE DAYS, BUT MONTHS STARTED GOING BY WITH NO WORD FROM THEM AND ANYTIME I CALLED TO CHECK UP ON THE CARS STATUS, THEY WOULD LIE TO ME AND SAY "THE PART JUST ARRIVED AND WE'RE WORKIN ON ITNOW" BUT THEY TOLD ME THIS LIKE 6 TIMES, SO I ASKED THEM TO RETURN THE CAR UNTIL PARTS ARRIVED, THEY REFUSED AND CLAIMED LEGAL REASONS. THEN THEY DID RANDOMLY CONTACT MY SICK MOTHER AND TRY TO GET HER TO PAY 2400 DOLLARS! BEFORE THEY WOULD BEGIN WORK, EXPLAINING THEY WOULD BREAK SO MUCH STUFF IN THE PROCESS THAT IT WOULD COST 2400 FOR THE FREE RECALL, BUT 2 MECHANICS INCLUDING THE 1 THAT SENT ME ASSURED ME THAT WAS A LIE, AND THAT THE ONLY THING THEY SHOULD HAVE TO TOUCH DURING THE PROCEDURE IS BOLTS. SO I CALL THEM BACK AND ASK WHATS GOING ON WITH MY CAR AND FINALLY SOMEONE COMES CLEAN SAYING THAT WHILE THEY HAD MY CAR, THEY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, SO THEY START TELLING ME THEY NEED TO WORK
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 2, 20191 milesNY
BREAKS LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING BAD SMELL CAR WONT MOVE
Suspension
Filed Dec 18, 2018173,079 milesNJ
I CAN HEAR A STRONG RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE WHEN I COME TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP
Steering
Filed Nov 19, 2018100,000 milesOH
"TAKATA RECALL" MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S GONNA FALL OFF ALL THE LUG NUTS ARE TIGHT
Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2018181,000 milesIA
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/RET
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 15, 2018181,000 milesIA
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
Suspension
Filed Jul 29, 2018108,000 milesOH
CURRENTLY THERE IS A NOISE UP FRONT OF THE CAR AND IN THE REAR A FRIEND THAT WAS RIDING IN MY CAR INDICATED THAT IT MAY BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT WITH HYUNDAI ABOUT A SUBFRAME RUST CORROSION ISSUE. THE NOISE HAS BECOME QUITE NOTICEABLE HE BELIEVES MIGHT CERTAINLY BE RELATED
Air Bags
Filed Jul 4, 2018CO
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.
Air Bags
Filed May 6, 2018CO
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 4, 201853,521 milesOH
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.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 15, 2018IL
I WAS DRIVING AN I CAME YO A STOP AN BEGAN TO TURN UP A SIDE BLOCK WEN I HEARD SOMETHING LIKE IT WAS METAL IN MERSL SCRAPPING SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AN HAD TO CALL MY MECHANIC TO COME SEE WHAT WAS THAT AWFUL NOISE HE LAYER SHOWD UP LIFTED MY CAR IN THE AIR WHICH HE FOUND A LOT OF CORROSION AN RUST AN MY LOWER ARM CONTROL AN SUB FRAME NEEDING TO BE REPLACED UNDERNEATH MY CAR THATS WHY MY STEERING WHEEL WAS FREEWHEELING
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 6, 2018UT
CAR HAS CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END. MECHANIC SAID IT'S THE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS GOING IN AND OUT OF THE SUBFRAME AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING SUBFRAME. SAID CAR IS "UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION." THERE IS A RECALL IN "SALT-BELT" STATES. NOT SURE IT THEY CONSIDER UTAH A SALT-BELT STATE, BUT SALT IS USED HERE EXTENSIVELY IN THE WINTER.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 4, 2017165,000 milesIL
MY AIRBAGS WERE DEFECTIVE. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT MULTIPLE BODILY INJURING, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED. I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I OVERSHOT A TURN AND HIT A POLL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR FLIPPED AND WAS TOTALED. AGAIN, NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAGS. I FEEL AS THOUGH THESE SHOULD HAVE WORKED PROPERLY AND THAT I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT ANY WORSE, AS MORE SERIOUS INJURIES COULD HAVE THEN OCCURRED.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 4, 2017165,000 milesIL
MY AIRBAGS WERE DEFECTIVE. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT MULTIPLE BODILY INJURING, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED. I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I OVERSHOT A TURN AND HIT A POLL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR FLIPPED AND WAS TOTALED. AGAIN, NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAGS. I FEEL AS THOUGH THESE SHOULD HAVE WORKED PROPERLY AND THAT I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT ANY WORSE, AS MORE SERIOUS INJURIES COULD HAVE THEN OCCURRED. IF NEEDED, I HAVE MORE PICTURES; HOWEVER, DUE TO THE FILE SIZE ALLOWED, I HAVE LIMITED IT TO KEY PICTURE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Engine
Filed Apr 7, 201789,000 milesMO
ENGINE DIED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE IN OPERATION ON A CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT, APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MILES PER HOUR AND ON HIWAY GOING APPROX. 60 MPH TWICE. WE NO LONGER DRIVE IT ON A HIWAY. REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 2017145,960 milesIN
WAS DRIVING DOWN PENDLETON PIKE GOING SOUTH TURN ON 38TH STREET GOING WEST,THEIR WAS BIG LOUD POP I THOUGH I BLEW A TIRE OVER SEEN THE AIR BAG HAD EXPLODED ON THE PASSENGER SEAT THIS HAPPENED ON 2/13/2017 MY NAME IS [XXX] EMAIL [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air Bags
Filed Feb 15, 20172 milesIN
ON 2/13 2017 MY AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED, WHICH ALL AIR NO GOOD. CALL HYN DEALER TOLD ME 2500 DOLLARS TO FIX NO ACCIDENT JUST DRIVING. I THOUGHT I BLUE A TIRE AND IT WAS MY PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG MY NAME IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jan 13, 2017IL
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
Suspension
Filed Jan 4, 2017220,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V435000 (SUSPENSION). WITHOUT WARNING, THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO ADDRESS THE RECALL REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 31, 2016150,000 milesCA
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
Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2016PA
NEVER HAD ACCIDENT AIR BAG LIGHT JUST CAME ON NO REASON JUST STARTED IT UP NOT MOVING.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 11, 201667,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE AT A COMPLETED STOP, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING;, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2016102,000 milesNV
MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED ON. I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF HYUNDAI SANTA FE OWNERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING A LITTLE AFTER REACHING 100K MILES.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 16, 201672,000 milesPA
I WAS IN A MINOR ACCIDENT WHEN THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. I COULD NOT STOP THE SUV AND RAN INTO A GUARDRAIL . I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS. OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED. THE DEALERSHIP IN BEAVER FALLS, PA HAS DONE NOTHING FOR THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN AND THEY SAID THAT MY MODEL IS NOT AFFECTED WHICH I FIND THAT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE. I AM SELLING THE CAR BUT I ALSO WANT TO LET SOMEONE KNOW THAT I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALER IN THE MORNING TO GET THE COIL RECALLS DONE. IF THE DEALER DECIDES NOT TO DO THAT EITHER AND WITH THE AIR BAG PROBLEM SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR MAYBE KILLED DRIVING THIS CAR AND I JUST WANT TO DO MY PART AND I DO NOT WANT A LAW SUIT ON MY SHOULDERS. I WILL GIVE THEM ONE MORE CHANCE TO DO THE RIGHT THING. I HAVE NOT DROVE THE CAR SINCE I HAD THE ACCIDENT AND WANT TO SELL IT AND TO DO SO I AM HAVING IT INSPECTED TOO. ALL THE WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME I HAD THE ACCIDENT ! I GUESS IT MUST BE TO EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND A LIFE DOES NOT MATTER ANYMORE TO ANYONE IN THIS SICK WORLD.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 3, 2016110,000 milesMA
RANDOM UNINTENDED GRADUAL ACELLERATION. HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. FEELS LIKE WHEN YOU RESUME CRUISE CONTROL TO A HIGHER SPEED. EXCEPT IT DOESN"T STOP AND CONTINUES ACELLERATING. THOUGH IT MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL AT ALL. PUMPING THE GAS PEDAL ONCE STOPS THE ACELLERATION. ALTHOUGH LAST TIME IT TOOK 2 TRIES. CAN LIVE WITH IT. SO FAR ANYWAY. BUT DON'T WANT TO SELL IT WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IS NO HELP. HAPPENS MAYBE 3 OR 4 TIMES A WEEK (100 MILES).
Suspension
Filed Apr 26, 2016134,000 milesPA
FRONT SUSPENSION RUSTING THROUGH - DISCOVERED BY MECHANIC
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 18, 2016110,094 milesAZ
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS NOW. THIS NOW MAKES 3 YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE AC CONDENSER. DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE OIL COOLANT FILTER AND THE TWO PIPING THAT RUN IN BETWEEN THE OIL COOLANT FILTER AND THE AC CONDENSER CAUSES IT TO RUB AGAINST THE AC CONDENSER AND OVERTIME PUNCTURE IT AND PUT A HOLE THROUGH THE CONDENSER.
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 7, 201669,995 milesIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE K-FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,995.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 12, 2016OH
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
Suspension
Filed Dec 9, 2015193,574 milesVT
WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AT MY DAUGHTER'S, I WAS ON A SIDE ROAD WITH NO TRAFFIC. A LARGE BANG AND THE TIRE POPPED. WHEN I HAD A MECHANIC COME LOOK AT IT, HE SAID THE SPRING HAD BROKE AND WENT INTO THE TIRE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN HER DRIVEWAY. I HAVE OWNED VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I WAS LOOKING UP COST AND FOUND THE RECALL. I AM SO GLAD THIS WAS NOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING OR HAD MY GRANDKIDS IN THE CAR.
Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Dec 7, 201574,900 milesPA
MY WIFES VEHICLE IS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH APPROX. 75,000 MILES ON IT. WE'VE PURCHASED IT NEW. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, SHE BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP AND IT SUDDENLY STARTED LURCHING FORWARD. SHE WAS ABLE TO ARREST IT IN 10-12 FEET. NO DAMAGE OCCURRED. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE SAME RESULTS. THEN, SIX WEEKS AGO, AS SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND ROLLING A FEW MILES AN HOUR IN REVERSE, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME, AFTER DOING A UNCONTROLLED DONUT IN THE STREET SHE HIT A NEIGHBORS GARAGE AND A UTILITY POLE BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED, IN SPITE OF HER FRANTICALLY BRAKING. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE STREET AT THAT TIME. DAMAGE TO THE GARAGE WAS $2300.+ AND THE CAR WAS ANOTHER $1925.+. TWO WEEKS AGO, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER STOPPING IN TRAFFIC. THIS TIME SHE HIT THE BACK OF A PICK-UP TRUCK. NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK, BUT $1710+ TO HER FRONT END. EACH ACCIDENT COST US $250 IN DEDUCTIBLE. THE CAR IS BEING REPAIRED RIGHT NOW AND WE WILL TRADE IT IN AS SOON AS IT IS FIXED.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 23, 2015130,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SPARE TIRE RACK LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION AND COULD NO LONGER SECURE THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 25, 201574,000 milesMO
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ARE SEPARATING FROM THE CHROME PLATING EXACTLY AS IN THE RECALL FOR, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V317000, DEALER WILL NOT CORRECT AS THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN OFFICIAL RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT, BUT THESE APPEAR TO BE THE SAME TYPE, STYLE, MAKE HANDLES AS THAT IN THE RECALL. HANDLES ARE SHARP AND WILL CUT PASSENGERS IF HANDLED IMPROPERLY. DICK DEAN OF BALLWIN MISSOURI (DEALER)SUGGESTED PLACEING TAPE OF THE HANDLES WHICH IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. FILING THIS FOR MY FATHER WHO OWNS THE VEHICLE. I OWNED THE SONATA IN THE RECALL AND KNOW FIRST HAND THESE ARE THE EXACT SAME HANDLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO OWN A 2004 SANTA FE WHERE THE PROBLEM HAS NOT STARTED TO OCCUR YET, BUT THEY TOO APPEAR TO BE THE SAME HANDLES.
Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2015140,000 milesFL
LEFT FRONT TRAILER ARM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING, TIRE CAME OFF VEHICLE. SUB FRAME RUSTED THROUGH. CAR USED TO BE KEPT IN ONE OF THE SALT BELT STATES. NO RECALL TO THIS PART ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, ONLY RECALL FOR COIL SPRING AND REAR TRAILER ARM.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 5, 2015130,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK FROM UNDERNEATH THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Suspension
Filed Jul 7, 2015151,000 milesIL
I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDENT IT STARTED MAKING A NOISE SO I PULLED OVER AND TH3N I FOUND OUT THE FRAME WAS DAMAGED
Suspension
Filed Jun 25, 2015180,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V123000 (SUSPENSION) IN OCTOBER OF 2009. THE SUSPENSION WAS TREATED WITH A RUST PROOFING MATERIAL TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. IN JUNE OF 2015, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO BE PULLING TO THE LEFT AND A CRUNCHING NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS TILTED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 2015118,867 milesTX
TODAY 6/17 I WAS DRIVING AT SPEED LIMIT, EVERYTHING WAS FINE JUST LIKE A REGULAR RAINY DAY, I WAS BRAKING LIKE A SHOULD WITH TIME AND DISTANCE. I COME TO A STOP LIGHT AND THEN CONTINUE, I STARTED TO FEEL THAT THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN BY ITSELF LIKE IF IT WAS BRAKING ON ITS OWN,AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, THE CAR WAS STUCK THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE ABS AND TCS OFF LIGHTS STAYED ON AND MY CAR WAS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL. I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 8/11/14 SANTA FE VIN#[XXX] YEAR 2003(ODOMETER READER 1100311) MODEL SANTA FE GLS/XL. THEY EVEN SOLD ME AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 24 MONTH. AT HUB HYUNDAI 17007 KATY FREEWAY, KATY, TX 77094. I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR MODEL. MY CAR WAS TOWED AND NOW SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH LOCKED BREAKS. I GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP WITH THIS ISSUE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 6, 2015155,000 milesCA
THE BRAKES DO NOT BRAKE PROPERLY AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE IS EXTENDED BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN IN EARLY MORNING.
Complaints 1-50 of 308, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Santa FE years to avoid. Owners filed 308 complaints, against about 227 for a typical Santa FE year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (15%).
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE?
The suspension: 45 of the 308 complaints (15%) are about it. The typical report comes at 120,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 18, 2014. The largest, 14V435000, covered 271,773 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2003 Hyundai Santa FE problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 80,000 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 120,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE?
Yes, once. EA08023 ("REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE") was opened Oct 28, 2008 and closed Apr 17, 2009.
Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE?
The manufacturer filed 90 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (17), the transmission (17) and the electrical system (9). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 18, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.