2003 Hyundai Santa FE Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,675miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE, 6% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,675 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My wifes vehicle is a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe with approx. 75,000 miles on it. We've purchased it new. About a year ago, she brought the car to a stop and it suddenly started lurching forward. She was able to arrest it in 10-12 feet. No damage occurred. About two months later, the exact same thing happened with the same results. Then, six weeks ago, as she was backing out of the driveway, and rolling a few miles an hour in reverse, it happened again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10808737, filed 2015-12, 74,900 miles“The paint is deteriorating, my fuel pump had to be replaced and my car won't start. I replaced the alternator, battery, crankshaft sensor and still won't start. I also have a break leak that I've tried to fix a few times”
NHTSA complaint #10938908, filed 2016-12, 150,000 miles“2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, 180k miles, 2nd owner. My vehicle is leaking gas from the fuel tank onto the ground. I can't even park my vehicle in my garage or driveway due to the possibility that it will catch on fire. I searched online and found out the vehicle was one that has had a warranty extension on the fuel tank, which is 15 years or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. My fuel light was on indicating my fuel level was low. I live 15 miles away from the nearest Hyundai dealer so I was taking it in to have it inspected by a certified Hyundai dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11120216, filed 2018-08, 181,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Santa Fe lx 4wd with approx. 250 miles on it. Less than 2 months after purchase and with only 1,781 miles I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for a check engine light. They replaced a faulty vent valve.”
NHTSA complaint #10030762, filed 2003-08, 1,781 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014313Aug 1, 2004There are two currently available fuel tank specifications for the sm - 03 santa fe, depending upon production date.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 12 | 6% |
| 2022 | 33 | 16% |
| 2021 | 10 | 6% |
| 2020 | 17 | 8% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 4% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 32 | 6% |
| 2013 | 42 | 7% |
| 2012 | 12 | 3% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 19 | 7% |
| 2009 | 127 | 35% |
| 2008 | 273 | 50% |
| 2007 | 157 | 23% |
| 2006 | 9 | 8% |
| 2005 | 22 | 10% |
| 2004 | 40 | 13% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 13 | 6% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
21 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 31, 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