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.

2003 Hyundai Santa FE

◆ Worse than typical

2003 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 308
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2003: 308 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	209
2002	165
2003	308
2004	303
2005	216
2006	106
2007	684
2008	541
2009	358
2010	259
2011	181
2012	353
2013	605
2014	493
2015	254
2016	236
2017	968
2018	109
2019	202
2020	213
2021	166
2022	199
2023	211
2024	153
2025	135
2026	38

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

19% · 58 reports

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-17

Also filed under Steering

Service brakes

14% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

14% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show 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, 2017-12-04

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, 2012-12-12

Power train

12% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

Structure

10% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2003Complaint volume 308 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2003-10-29Equipment03V520000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-03-24Service brakes, hydraulic04V131000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ABS ECU. Owner notification began on March 24, 2004. Owners should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2008-10-28Engineering analysisClosed 2009-04-17 Rear trailing arm corrosion failure
R

2009-07-17Suspension09V123000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-24Suspension14V435000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 58 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 43 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V520000 · Equipment
Recall 04V131000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 09V123000 · Suspension
Recall 14V435000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.