2003 Hyundai Santa FE Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 14%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,150miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE, 14% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,150 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was in a minor accident when the braking system failed on my 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. I could not stop the SUV and ran into a guardrail . I could have been hurt or killed because of this. Others could have been hurt or killed. The dealership in beaver falls, pa has done nothing for the problem and I have brought it in and they said that my model is not affected which I find that very hard to believe. I am selling the car but I also want to let someone know that I am taking it to the dealer in the morning to get the coil recalls done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10874737, filed 2016-06, 72,000 miles“The brakes failed as I was backing out of my driveway. This vehicle was purchased and used by my son in the metro new york - new jersey area. It is involved in the Hyundai recall campaign #124 because of a concern with corrosion since it was operated in 'the salt belt' for many years. (I obtained the vehicle from him and it has been in florida for the past few years.) I believe that the same corrosion from road salt attacked the brake lines on the vehicle and caused this failure. This could have resulted in serious injury or death had I been on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10653464, filed 2014-11, 93,294 miles“2003 Hyundai sante fe gls - drove through a 2 inch deep puddle. Lost power steering, battery light and brake light flashed then a rubber burning smell started. Drove the car for two additional days after the repair shop couldn't find anything. Then driving home from work, airbag light turned on, brake light turned on battery light turned on, all analog instruments failed, tach failed, braking became inconsistent and engine started missing. I drove directly to repair shop, as I made my final turn into the repair shop the power steering failed then the car shutoff. …”
NHTSA complaint #10513108, filed 2013-05, 112,000 miles“2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. Left front outer brake pad friction material fell out and was found on ground. Serviced front brakes and found 3 of 4 pads friction material broken away from steel backer. Same condition found on rear pads. Front pads had approx 20% friction material left and rear has approx 50%. Backer plates heavily rusted indicating parting of friction material occurred some time ago. I lucked out by not having to strongly apply the brakes after the pad fell out and before I discovered it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230862, filed 2008-06, 50,300 miles“I had new brake pads and rotors put on my car last year 2012 because the brake shoe fell off on the drivers side. I began to have a scrapping noise in march 2013 and then on approximately march 22, 2013 when I was returning from the doctor's office my car seized when I was at a stop. It would not move forward and I could not turn. Two guys came to assist me to push me to the side of the road and the car would not budge. I had my car towed to goodyear in schenectady. I needed to replace my brake pads, rotors, and pistons. The repair cost $476.00. The car is now making a scrapping noise again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508315, filed 2013-04, 103,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V131000Mar 16, 2004On 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…Covers: Hyundai Santa FE 2003–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10019637Mar 1, 2006Abs pump self-check noise.
- 10015864Jun 1, 2005Abs pump self check noise. Also included: 2003-2005 model xg and 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005 model santa fe.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 4 | 3% |
| 2024 | 13 | 8% |
| 2023 | 27 | 13% |
| 2022 | 11 | 5% |
| 2021 | 6 | 4% |
| 2020 | 11 | 5% |
| 2019 | 11 | 5% |
| 2018 | 19 | 17% |
| 2017 | 59 | 6% |
| 2016 | 17 | 7% |
| 2015 | 29 | 11% |
| 2014 | 58 | 12% |
| 2013 | 63 | 10% |
| 2012 | 29 | 8% |
| 2011 | 22 | 12% |
| 2010 | 12 | 5% |
| 2009 | 50 | 14% |
| 2008 | 29 | 5% |
| 2007 | 87 | 13% |
| 2006 | 17 | 16% |
| 2005 | 33 | 15% |
| 2004 | 43 | 14% |
| 2003 | 43 | 14% |
| 2002 | 21 | 13% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE
56 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsWheels
13 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology