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 | 681 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 357 |
| 2010 | 256 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 352 |
| 2013 | 604 |
| 2014 | 492 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 937 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 193 |
| 2021 | 162 |
| 2022 | 187 |
| 2023 | 199 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 116 |
| 2026 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: suspension — 45 distinct reports on file.
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
10% of complaints: air bags — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASH 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
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
8% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130116
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120716
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING IT SUDDENLY JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND ACCELERATED TO 55 MPH. AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030827
6% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY 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 (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 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 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.