2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Recalls & Safety Issues
Official recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and safety issues from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
VIN Decoder
As an Amazon Associate, ForCar.org earns from qualifying purchases.
All Recalls
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 salt 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.
NHTSA 14V435000HYUNDAI 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.
NHTSA 09V123000CERTAIN 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."
NHTSA 03V520000ON 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.
NHTSA 04V131000Where to Find VIN for Recall Check
To check for recalls on your 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Recall Verification
Each character in your 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe 17-digit VIN helps identify specific recalls affecting your vehicle. Learn how the VIN structure works for accurate recall lookup.
How to Check 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Recalls in 3 Steps
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
Enter VIN in Checker
Input your VIN into our free recall checker tool above to search NHTSA database for safety recalls, TSBs, and service campaigns specific to your vehicle.
Review & Schedule Repair
Check the recall details including affected components, consequences, and remedy. Contact your HYUNDAI dealer to schedule free recall repair appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe have?
The 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe currently has 4 recalls according to NHTSA records. All recall information is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.
Are 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe recalls free to fix?
Yes! All safety recalls for 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe vehicles must be repaired free of charge by authorized dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Contact your local HYUNDAI dealer to schedule a recall repair.
How do I check if my 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in our VIN decoder tool. The 17-character VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard visible through the windshield.
Where can I find my 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe VIN number?
Your 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
What should I do if my 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has a recall?
Contact your nearest HYUNDAI dealership immediately to schedule a free recall repair. Bring your vehicle registration or VIN number. All safety recalls must be fixed free of charge by the manufacturer, regardless of vehicle age or mileage.
Are NHTSA recalls mandatory to fix on 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?
While not legally required for vehicle owners to fix recalls, it's strongly recommended for safety. However, dealerships and manufacturers must offer free repairs for all official NHTSA recalls on 2003 HYUNDAI Santa Fe vehicles.