2003 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls and problems
The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 safety recalls and 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
Recall 14V-435: Suspension
Problem: 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 Âsalt 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 09V-123: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-131: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the ABS ECU. Owner notification began on march 24, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Recall 03V-520: Equipment
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 58 | |
| Air Bags | 42 | |
| Power Train | 36 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 32 | |
| Structure | 30 | |
| Electrical System | 28 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 24 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 21 | |
| Steering | 18 | |
| Visibility | 18 | |
| Wheels | 13 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 20
- Structure › Body — 15
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 11
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
- Air Bags › Frontal — 5
- Suspension › Rear — 5
- Visibility › Windshield — 4
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe: 14V-435 (suspension), 09V-123 (suspension), 04V-131 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-520 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Owners report suspension problems most often (58 reports), followed by air bags (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.