2003 Hyundai Santa FE Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 7%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,920miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE, 7% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,920 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About 3 months ago, my airbag light came on and was not gone off since. I wondered if this meant I had no airbag function, but now after reading these complaints I know it is not working. This problem combined with the engine that mysteriously and suddenly shuts down while driving on the interstate is not a good combination. I smell trouble.”
NHTSA complaint #10291679, filed 2009-11, 140,000 miles“On november 5, 2004 at approx 7:30 pm our 2003 Santa Fe with only approx 14,000 miles suddenly died in the middle of the road. All of the vehicle warning lights came on, the heater and radio began making strange noises, the headlamps failed, and the vehicle engine stopped running and would not start, leaving the vehicle in the middle of the road, stranding me and my pregnant wife, with no lights or flashers in the middle of the road on a cold night. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098377, filed 2004-11, 14,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Santa Fe lx 4wd with the 2.7l engine. Almost from the time I purchased the vehicle, it has been suffering from a sulfur smell. The dealer made one repair that seemed to last for about a week, unfortunately, the odour is back. The dealer claims that they cannot duplicate this concern, however, they only drive the vehicle 2 or 3 miles when I take it to them to be serviced. Funny how everyone except the dealer can smell this foul disgusting odor.”
NHTSA complaint #10030755, filed 2003-08, 300 miles“The vehicle for the last 3 years was not getting the gas mileage suggested by manufacturer. It was taken repeatedly to dealer where we were told, everything checked out just fine . All maintenance was done as required by dealer . As car became more sluggish and finally quit running altogether- we took it to an outside mechanic and learned that the catalytic converter had gone bad. I checked the internet and this is a common complaint with this vehicle- dealers are repairing transmissions and emission controls and customers are still complaining about bad gas mileage, sluggish vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10364324, filed 2010-11, 60,300 miles“I purchased a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 09/2007 with 78k mi. In may 2009 I took vehicle to dealership for oil change & asked them to check it out before I went on a road trip. I wasn't having any problems, just wanted to be sure everything was ok. Service tech recommended transmission flush, replacement of timing belt, & replacement of crank sensor. I agreed to recommendations because I want to drive a safe & reliable vehicle. Since may I have returned to service dept. At least 4 times because the vehicle now stalls while I'm driving, no warning, just quits. It starts back up after a few minutes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10284445, filed 2009-09, 81,203 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10190044Mar 30, 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance…
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10032908Oct 1, 2009Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may…
- 10030984Jul 1, 2009Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit…
- 10020878Dec 1, 2006Exhaust gas recirculation (egr) system diagnosis.
- 10017993Oct 1, 2005Diagnosing dtc p1159 ( variable intake target position).
- 10011111Aug 4, 2004Drivability conditions.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 23 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 2% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 9 | 3% |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 2% |
| 2007 | 19 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 22 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 14 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 16% |
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 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsWheels
13 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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