Lose Power Steering problems of the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe

Two problems related to lose power steering have been reported for the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2003 Santa Fe.

1 Lose Power Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2013

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. Early report from mechanic is a failed alternator - my third one in the last year. I think I have a larger electrical problem with the car, fans fluctuate in speed for the past couple of years and every time it rains I get flashing brake and battery lights. Losing the power steering twice in three days is a little unsettling. . . ## VIN failed ##.

2 Lose Power Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2010

Purchased as a used vehicle with 30,000 mi. In 2008 from a dealership with owners manual missing. On 8-1-2010 while driving home from work, the vehicle engine stopped running on a bridge on a busy roadway, causing the vehicle to lose power steering and power brakes. Other vehicles in the area had to take evasive action causing a immediate hazardous condition. Upon having the vehicle towed to a repair garage, it was determined that the cause of the catastrophic engine failure was the result of a defective timing belt that was a known issue for this model and make of vehicle. The manufacturer recommended changing of the timing belt was to be 60,000 miles, thus telling me the belt should have been changed in 2007 at the 60,000 mile mark. As you can see, I bought the vehicle in 2008 will 30,000 miles on it (no owners manual). I was told I was to be responsible for the cost of the replacement motor, which of course was a used motor because they redesigned the 3. 5 liter engine in 2005 when this problem was evident and those engines would not fit my 2003. Why was there not a recall then on this for engine failure at that time? they had replaced the belt with a new design timing chain for the newer vehicles. While my vehicle was under repair, another 2003 Santa Fe was also in for the same issue. Fortunately, I was not injured, but the possibility was there. A minute earlier, I was traveling down a steep grade prior to the engine failure. This looks like an inherent problem for the Hyundai 3. 5 liter engine, they had to get my replacement engine from texas. Were used car buyers aware of this problem with the Hyundai 3. 5 liter engine models prior to 2006? this is a serious safety violation. The vehicle engine failed without warning! how about Hyundai reimbursing me $4000. 00?.


Other Steering related problems of the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe



Safety Ratings of Santa Fe Cars
Fuel Economy of Santa Fe Vehicles
Santa Fe Service Bulletins
Santa Fe Safety Recalls
Santa Fe Defect Investigations