10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 109,900 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The subframe is rusted through. It was garage kept and doesn't even have 150,000 miles on it.
- Lake Station, IN, USA
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
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
- Chicago, IL, USA
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
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.
- Taylorville, IL, USA
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.
- Taylorville, IL, USA
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
- Sacramento, CA, USA
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.
- Green Fork, IN, USA
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.
- Channahon, IL, USA
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.
- Ballwin, MO, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated the front end of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
- Elkins, WV, USA
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
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
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that there was an overpowering fuel smell in the interior cabin. The contact also stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the fuel tank and fuel lines were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,350.
- Uniontown, OH, USA
- Fargo, ND, USA