2004 Hyundai Santa FE Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 13%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,050miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Hyundai Santa FE, 13% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,050 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought an used 2004 Santa Fe in august from a dealer. Two weeks ago I started noticing a strong smell of gas around my vehicle and last week I began seeing a small discolored area on the cement in the garage. Mom checked my vehicle and found that the my fuel tank is leaking. The discoloration of the cement under my vehicle is in fact leaking gas. Tank is corroded and I will need a new tank installed.”
NHTSA complaint #11271416, filed 2019-10, 133,673 miles“Brought vehicle in to shop for front end noise. Found needed front brakes, pads, rotor, caliper. Repaired the items.the shop also noticed and stated has a fuel leak at the tank (should be a recall ). I don't find any recall here. Any suggestions? I'm not making a complaint, just need to know if this is a recall. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10948919, filed 2017-02, 71,417 miles“After pulling into traffic, I lifted my foot from the accelerator when I reached my desired speed. However, the vehicle continued to accelerate. I applied the brake, and the engine continued to rev for 1 or 2 seconds. There was no accident on this occasion, but it was terrifying, and I had my child in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10593533, filed 2014-05, 116,000 miles“Came home from vacation a found the contents of my fuel tank on the garage floor. Lucky there was no fire or explosion. I took it to the service garage and they informed me that the gas tank rusted through and along with the protective plates, all had to be replaced. Contacted Hyundai but they were not helpful.”
NHTSA complaint #10544270, filed 2013-09, 100,100 miles“I purchased the car used on aug. 10, 2012. I went to gas station on aug. 12, 2012 to fill it up with gas, and had trouble starting it afterward. I have had the same problem everytime I have put gas in it since, and it does not make a difference which gas station I go to, I have the same trouble. I even tried to leave it running one time and it ended up dying and had trouble restarting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10476897, filed 2012-09, 70,510 milesFuel 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 2004 Hyundai Santa FE
69 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsBrakes
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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