2003 Hyundai Santa FE
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 683 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 358 |
| 2010 | 258 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 493 |
| 2015 | 254 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 957 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2022 | 196 |
| 2023 | 205 |
| 2024 | 140 |
| 2025 | 127 |
| 2026 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: suspension — 58 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
Show complaint excerpts
The driver's side rear trailing arm lower broke again. Was driving all of a sudden felt it start fishtailing and pulled over and thank God I didn't crash
NHTSA ODI report, 20240517
Also filed under STEERING
14% of complaints: service brakes — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: air bags — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY AIRBAGS WERE DEFECTIVE. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT MULTIPLE BODILY INJURING, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171204
Also filed under STRUCTURE and WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY TO HER BACK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121212
12% of complaints: power train — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
10% of complaints: structure — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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."
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.
Campaign 03V520000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V131000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE
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, M
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
Campaign 09V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 14V435000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (58 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V520000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V131000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V123000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V435000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.