7.9

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,253 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.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #3

Jul 212007

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Santa Fe brakes not included in the warranty. Customer states that the manufacturer tells him that brake repair or replacement is not included in the warranty. The consumer stated one of the brake pads separated along the bonding between the brake pad surface and the steel backing plate. Of the 4 brake pads, 3 were slightly worn. The dealer informed the consumer the pads had worn out, however the consumer disputed the claim and stated it was a failed component not due to normal wear.

- East Yaphank, NY, USA

problem #2

Aug 102005

Santa Fe 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,760 miles
My 28 month old 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe with 15,809 miles began making a screeching sound in the rear. The dealers service department found that the rear disc pads had corroded and frozen to the calipers, making them inoperative. The service department sand blasted the pads and calipers and lubricated them. My impression was that they knew what the problem was when I described it. They said the problem was normal for that vehicle and was not a defect and was thus not covered under the warranty.

- Chardon, OH, USA

problem #1

Aug 052003

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While applying the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced.

- Oakridge, OR, USA