1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,054 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Hyundai Santa Fe suspension problems

suspension problem

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Nov 052014

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign id number: 14V435000 (suspension) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to repair the vehicle. The dealer was unable to confirm when the part would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Ashby, MA, USA

problem #24

Jun 032014

Santa Fe

  • 106,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the front driver's side strut spring fractured which caused the spring to cut into the front driver's side tire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the front driver's side strut and the front driver's side tire were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred on the front passenger's side and the vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14V435000 (suspension), however the remedy was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

- Great Barrington , MA, USA

problem #23

Oct 072014

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V435000 (suspension); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Groton , MA, USA

problem #22

Sep 222014

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Hoboken, NJ, USA

problem #21

Sep 222014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 62,450 miles
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.

- Canton, IL, USA

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problem #20

Sep 032014

Santa Fe

  • 160,000 miles
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.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #19

Dec 152013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Lancaster, NY, USA

problem #18

Oct 212013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 200,000 miles
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.

- Bloomingburg , NY, USA

problem #17

Apr 032014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
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.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

problem #16

Feb 162014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
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.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #15

Jan 102014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Right front lower control arms has corrosion damage showing in rusted broken frame. Description is similar to Hyundai recall no 091.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #14

Nov 012013

Santa Fe 4WD 6-cyl

  • 175,000 miles
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.

- Park City, KS, USA

problem #13

Sep 252013

Santa Fe

  • 105,760 miles
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.

- Isle, MN, USA

problem #12

Aug 202013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 201,000 miles
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.

- Shelbyville, KY, USA

problem #11

Mar 012010

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
A couple of years ago, I saw the recall on the rear suspension on 03 Hyundai Santa Fe. So I went to two dealers around my area and asked them to check the condition. One of them did not even responded to my question and returned the car, and another one said they are fine and not need to be either treated or replaced. Then a few days ago, just web surfing the web and found the symptoms of the problem of the rear tailing arms recall. My car has all that symptoms right now, but Hyundai is telling me that my vehicle is not equipped with the faulty trailing arms, and my vehicle is not qualify for the recall. My car swing when I make turns weirdly. It feels like you have a loose trailer in the back. Also the height of the car had been lowered, and also when I go over a speed bump, I hear creaking sound. I have replaced the front struts, strut mounts, and rear shocks so they are not coming from those.

- Abington, PA, USA

problem #10

Jan 172013

Santa Fe

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to have NHTSA campaign id number: 09V123000 (suspension: Rear) performed for rust on the trailing arms. The contact stated that the recall repair worked for the rear passenger side but was informed by a private mechanic that it appeared that the dealer did not repair the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact was also informed that the vehicle could not be driven because the rear wheel and frame of the vehicle was completely rusted. The failure mileage and current mileages were 120,000. The VIN was not available.

- South Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #9

Dec 222012

Santa Fe

  • 128,010 miles
I purchased a used 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe for my son which he took to college. During winter break, I tool it to a local Hyundai dealer to have a complete tune-up, as well as check a creaking sound in the lower left rear and a "pop" sound when decelerating. The dealer informed me the lower rear left trailing arm is bad and needs to replaced asap for safety reasons at around $500. I checked online and discovered there was a recall on trailing arms for this year, contacted Hyundai - who promptly told me it was not covered as I am not in a "road salt" state. This is a known problem which Hyundai admits, and I feel all of the trailing arms have fatigue issues from these years due to inferior materials. I feel Hyundai should step up and cover the cost, no matter what state we live in, as it is a major safety issue they are well aware of. We have plenty of rain, flooded streets and "salt air" here in Florida!

- Ocoee, FL, USA

problem #8

Jul 272012

Santa Fe

  • 125,000 miles
The right front rocker arm rusted out causing the right front wheel to no longer be properly supported. The lower support arm is no longer fastened to the front support frame. This caused the alignment to be off, improper and excessive tire wear (replaced tires well before the warranty was up). Hyundai had a recall for this problem on other models (front sub-frame) but not on Santa Fe's (only rear trailing arm was included in the recall). When experiencing issues in multiple vehicles for the same reason, but different locations, all locations should be checked and not only the only that is prominent. A 5 minute additional inspection vs. The ultimate worse case scenario of a death, seems like a no brainer. Hyundai knew this could be a problem and refused to address it. This has now cost us almost $3000 in repairs that could have been avoided. The mechanic that found the problem will not let the vehicle be driven from his shop, as it is too dangerous. The worst part is if that if this failure had occurred while traveling over the highway, it could have resulted in a severe crash, which as you know could result in serious injury or death. Hyundai was not interested in hearing about the problem when we contacted them.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #7

Jul 212012

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
Driving down the roadway at 45 mph and vehicle the front end of the car was shaking and making thumping sounds. The steering was pulling the vehicle all over the roadway. I had to have the truck towed to the garage. The mechanic stated that the car can not be fixed due to the control arm rusting away from the body of the vehicle.

- Sevenvalleys, PA, USA

problem #6

Nov 282011

Santa Fe

  • 153,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the brakes were being repaired at an independent repair shop when he was informed that the front suspension system was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to an authorized dealer for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was assisting the contact. The failure and the current mileages were 153,000.

- Paulsboro, NJ, USA

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