2003 Hyundai Santa FE Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE, 1% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear driver side door does not always unlock with the remote. The dealer and Hyundai refuse to give me a loaner so I can bring the vehicle back a ninth (9th) time to have it inspected for this and many other concerns so I am unable to have the concern addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10090607, filed 2004-09“The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. While opening the passenger side door, the contact's finger was gashed by the handle. He found a split in the chrome plating of the door handle. The dealer was unaware of this defect. The manufacturer stated that they would send a packet and check back within 4 - 6 weeks. The contact feels that the manufacturer is covering up the issue because they have not inspected similar models with the same construction. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10273181, filed 2009-06, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the air bag indicator remained illuminated in addition, the child safety locks failed to function properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was not notified, but the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v435000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 03/16/17”
NHTSA complaint #10945011, filed 2017-01Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE
56 complaintsBrakes
43 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 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