10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,490 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 body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments

problem #5

Nov 162014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles

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

750.00 dollars for part $500 to put it in passenger side dash cant Hyundai take pride and eat this bill safety problems with this big.

- South Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #4

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

problem #3

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 #2

Apr 282009

Santa Fe

  • miles
The interior door handles on my 2003 Hyundai sante fe have chipping/peeling paint. (the chrome paint) opening the door to get out the chrome paint is sharp like a razor and cuts my fingers and my child's fingers as it is happening on all four doors of the vehicle. It gets embedded into your finger somewhat like a splinter but much more difficult to remove and is very painful.

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

problem #1

Feb 192004

(reported on)

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
Consumer experiencing problems with windshield wiper blades, and has the impression that it is a common problem. The dealer told the consumer the wiper blades but be loosened from the windshield manually before they are turned on or they will not work. The dealer also told the consumer to try and find any loose nuts and re-tightened them, which the consumer did, which did not keep the wipers from stopping in the middle of operation. The consumer was not satisfied with the installation of the running boards and had them replaced at his own expense. The heater made a noise as if something was caught in the fan box.

- Feeding Hills, MA, USA

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