2.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,065 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments

problem #9

Aug 232013

Santa Fe

  • 143,887 miles

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

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.

- Utica, NY, USA

problem #8

Sep 012018

Santa Fe

  • 174,000 miles
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 on my transmission before releasing the car. I said no, dont worry about the transmission, ill will have my guy work on that after the recall is complete. But they refused to work on the recall unless I paid them. They also refused to release the car, then a few months later I received a letter telling me to have my car towed, they R not fixing it. So now the car I drove there no longer works.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #7

Jan 022018

Santa Fe

  • miles
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.

- Sandy, UT, USA

problem #6

Apr 112016

Santa Fe

  • 110,094 miles

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

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.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #5

Sep 192014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 14,000 miles
I got a recall letter in the mail on Sept. 19, 2014. I call the people about the letter but no one got back to me about the recall. I need to know is my car in danger of hurting me or my family. I would like to know.

- Chicago, IL, USA

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problem #4

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 #3

Oct 272009

Santa Fe

  • 42,500 miles

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

Since the Hyundai Santa Fe 2003 had 1500 miles on it we were told the rotors had to be replaced because of rust. Since then we have had brakes and rotors replaced several times.transmission lost fluid because of rusted cooling line. Just replaced power steering lines because lost fluid due to rusted lines. Now we are losing brake fluid due to rust. Vehicle has 42500 miles..car purchased new in Aug. 2003.

- Carmel, NY, USA

problem #2

Jul 062005

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles
Car sporadically stalls - unpredictably

- Succasunna, NJ, USA

problem #1

Jan 202004

(reported on)

Santa Fe 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle reads different mileage than what its suppose to be. The vehicle locks itself. (keys on peg in the house and it locks. Per consumer)

- North Port, FL, USA

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