NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
308 reports125,000 miles · Jul 27, 2012
SteeringStructureSuspension
THE RIGHT FRONT ROCKER ARM RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO NO LONGER BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED. THE LOWER SUPPORT ARM IS NO LONGER FASTENED TO THE FRONT SUPPORT FRAME. THIS CAUSED THE ALIGNMENT TO BE OFF, IMPROPER AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR (REPLACED TIRES WELL BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP). HYUNDAI HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PRO…
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THE RIGHT FRONT ROCKER ARM RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO NO LONGER BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED. THE LOWER SUPPORT ARM IS NO LONGER FASTENED TO THE FRONT SUPPORT FRAME. THIS CAUSED THE ALIGNMENT TO BE OFF, IMPROPER AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR (REPLACED TIRES WELL BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP). HYUNDAI HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON OTHER MODELS (FRONT SUB-FRAME) BUT NOT ON SANTA FE'S (ONLY REAR TRAILING ARM WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL). WHEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES IN MULTIPLE VEHICLES FOR THE SAME REASON, BUT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, ALL LOCATIONS SHOULD BE CHECKED AND NOT ONLY THE ONLY THAT IS PROMINENT. A 5 MINUTE ADDITIONAL INSPECTION VS. THE ULTIMATE WORSE CASE SCENARIO OF A DEATH, SEEMS LIKE A NO BRAINER. HYUNDAI KNEW THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO ADDRESS IT. THIS HAS NOW COST US ALMOST $3000 IN REPAIRS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. THE MECHANIC THAT FOUND THE PROBLEM WILL NOT LET THE VEHICLE BE DRIVEN FROM HIS SHOP, AS IT IS TOO DANGEROUS. THE WORST PART IS IF THAT IF THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING OVER THE HIGHWAY, IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SEVERE CRASH, WHICH AS YOU KNOW COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. HYUNDAI WAS NOT INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHEN WE CONTACTED THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468038
120,000 miles · Jul 24, 2012
Suspension
DRIVING DOWN THE ROADWAY AT 45 MPH AND VEHICLE THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND MAKING THUMPING SOUNDS. THE STEERING WAS PULLING THE VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROADWAY. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAR CAN NOT BE FIXED DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM RUSTING AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHI…
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROADWAY AT 45 MPH AND VEHICLE THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND MAKING THUMPING SOUNDS. THE STEERING WAS PULLING THE VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROADWAY. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAR CAN NOT BE FIXED DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM RUSTING AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467231
80,000 miles · Jul 16, 2012
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY; HOWEVER FAILED TO REDUCE SPEED AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED O…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY; HOWEVER FAILED TO REDUCE SPEED AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END BUMPER AND WAS NOT TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10465779
91,000 miles · May 31, 2012
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD FLUCTUATE ON AND OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ONLY REMAIN ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE CONTACT ADDED MORE BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD FLUCTUATE ON AND OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ONLY REMAIN ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE CONTACT ADDED MORE BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ABS CONTROL UNIT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V131000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE ), BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10460133
188,987 miles · May 14, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WHEN THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE BATTERY AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WHEN THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE BATTERY AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OR RECALLS AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE INSPECTED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED BECAUSE OF THE COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,987.
NHTSA ODI #10458470
85,000 miles · Apr 17, 2012
Air Bags
THE AIR BAG ILLUSTRATION LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS AGO, AT FIRST IT GOES ON AND OFF, BUT FINALLY IT STAYED ON A MONTH AFTER THAT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR A MECHANIC TO RUN A DIAGNOSIS TEST, HE COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODE. I ASKED THE DEALER IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG, THEY SAID NO AND WANT TO CHARGE ME $99 …
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THE AIR BAG ILLUSTRATION LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS AGO, AT FIRST IT GOES ON AND OFF, BUT FINALLY IT STAYED ON A MONTH AFTER THAT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR A MECHANIC TO RUN A DIAGNOSIS TEST, HE COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODE. I ASKED THE DEALER IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG, THEY SAID NO AND WANT TO CHARGE ME $99 FOR DIAGNOSIS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10455475
85,000 miles · Feb 21, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE SUB FRAME. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT FAILED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10448779
500 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIRBAG AND TENSION WIRES WERE RESET NUMEROUS TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIRBAG AND TENSION WIRES WERE RESET NUMEROUS TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
NHTSA ODI #10442195
105,000 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE LEAK FROM THE RUSTED GAS TANK, SHE WAS FORCED TO GET RID OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10440400
153,000 miles · Dec 1, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE BEING REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE BEING REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS ASSISTING THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 153,000.
NHTSA ODI #10437960
Official recalls
4Jul 18, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Apr 16, 2009
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Mar 16, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Dec 18, 2003
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE TIRE PRESSURE LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA08023 · Rear Trailing Arm Corrosion Failure
Opened Oct 28, 2008 · Closed Apr 17, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING 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.HYUNDAI IS RECALLING THE VEHICLES TO REMEDY A CONDITION WHERE INTERNAL CORROSION OF EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR TRAILING ARMS MAY RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE AFFECTED ARM WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE INSPECTED IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES USING A PROCEDURE DEVELOPED BY HYUNDAI TO MEASURE METAL THICKNESS.PARTS WITH PERFORATIONS FROM CORROSION OR WITH METAL BELOW THE SPECIFIED THICKNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED TRAILING ARMS.IF THE MINIMUM METAL THICKNESS IS MET, DRAINAGE HOLES AND AND RUST PROOFING MATERIAL WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING REAR TRAILING ARMS.ALTHOUGH NOT SUBJECT COMPONENTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION, HYUNDAI NOTED IT WOULD PERFORM A SIMILAR PROCEDURE FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAMES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT DATA REVEALED THAT 99% OF ALL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO TRAILING ARM CORROSION WERE FROM VEHICLES EITHER ORIGINALLY SOLD OR OPERATED IN SALTBELT STATES. SIMILARLY 92% OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE FROM VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR OPERATED IN SALTBELT STATES.ODI IDENTIFIED 30 REAR TRAILING ARM FRACTURE INCIDENTS THROUGH ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY INFORMATION AND CONSUMER INTERVIEWS.TWENTY-NINE (29) OF THE FRACTURE INCIDENTS INVOLVED VEHICLES IN STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.BASED ON HYUNDAI'S DECISION TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING 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.HYUNDAI IS RECALLING THE VEHICLES TO REMEDY A CONDITION WHERE INTERNAL CORROSION OF EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR TRAILING ARMS MAY RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE AFFECTED ARM WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE INSPECTED IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES USING A PROCEDURE DEVELOPED BY HYUNDAI TO MEASURE METAL THICKNESS.PARTS WITH PERFORATIONS FROM CORROSION OR WITH METAL BELOW THE SPECIFIED THICKNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED TRAILING ARMS.IF THE MINIMUM METAL THICKNESS IS MET, DRAINAGE HOLES AND AND RUST PROOFING MATERIAL WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING REAR TRAILING ARMS.ALTHOUGH NOT SUBJECT COMPONENTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION, HYUNDAI NOTED IT WOULD PERFORM A SIMILAR PROCEDURE FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAMES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT DATA REVEALED THAT 99% OF ALL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO TRAILING ARM CORROSION WERE FROM VEHICLES EITHER ORIGINALLY SOLD OR OPERATED IN SALTBELT STATES. SIMILARLY 92% OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE FROM VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR OPERATED IN SALTBELT STATES.ODI IDENTIFIED 30 REAR TRAILING ARM FRACTURE INCIDENTS THROUGH ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY INFORMATION AND CONSUMER INTERVIEWS.TWENTY-NINE (29) OF THE FRACTURE INCIDENTS INVOLVED VEHICLES IN STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.BASED ON HYUNDAI'S DECISION TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING 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.HYUNDAI IS RECALLING THE VEHICLES TO REMEDY A CONDITION WHERE INTERNAL CORROSION OF EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR TRAILING ARMS MAY RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE AFFECTED ARM WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE INSPECTED IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES USING A PROCEDURE DEVELOPED BY HYUNDAI TO MEASURE METAL THICKNESS.PARTS WITH PERFORATIONS FROM CORROSION OR WITH METAL BELOW THE SPECIFIED THICKNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED TRAILING ARMS.IF THE MINIMUM METAL THICKNESS IS MET, DRAINAGE HOLES AND AND RUST PROOFING MATERIAL WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING REAR TRAILING ARMS.ALTHOUGH NOT SUBJECT COMPONENTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION, HYUNDAI NOTED IT WOULD PERFORM A SIMILAR PROCEDURE FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAMES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT DATA REVEALED THAT 99% OF ALL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO TRAILING ARM CORROSION WERE FROM VEHICLES EITHER ORIGINALLY SOLD OR OPERATED IN SALTBELT STATES. SIMILARLY 92% OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE FROM VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR OPERATED IN SALTBELT STATES.ODI IDENTIFIED 30 REAR TRAILING ARM FRACTURE INCIDENTS THROUGH ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY INFORMATION AND CONSUMER INTERVIEWS.TWENTY-NINE (29) OF THE FRACTURE INCIDENTS INVOLVED VEHICLES IN STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.BASED ON HYUNDAI'S DECISION TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.