2003 Hyundai Santa FE
KMHSC81VP3U381625
Vehicle record for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE (VIN KMHSC81VP3U381625). Black, wagon / suv, diesel. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN KMHSC81VP3U381625
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2003 Hyundai Santa FE data →
What's a 2003 Hyundai Santa FE worth?
What comparable 2003 Hyundai Santa FE vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2003 Hyundai Santa FE costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE Closed
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARY…
NHTSA #EA08023 · Suspension · opened Oct 2008 · closed Apr 2009An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 88
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 88.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not suppl…
Bulletin DTN DL · Air Bags · Apr 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been iden…
Bulletin DTN DCS · Air Bags · Apr 2026This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…
Bulletin 25-BD-012H TSB · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2025This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated…
Bulletin 24-BD-001H · Visibility, Visibility/wiper · Feb 2024This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
Bulletin 23-EM-005H · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2023Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the…
Bulletin 23-BD-007H · Structure · Apr 2023This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…
Bulletin 23-BD-002H · Visibility · Jan 2023Follow 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 sub-assembly replacement.
Bulletin 22-EM-010H · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2022Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the less…
Bulletin 22-GI-006H · Tires · Jul 2022Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. ï· Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result…
Bulletin 21-AT-006H · Power Train · May 2021Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SANTA FE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs may be susceptible to corrosion. Over time, corrosion could cause the springs to fail, potentially damaging front tires and causing rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace coil springs as necessary. Addit…
Transport Canada #2014322 · Aug 2014Suspension
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), road salt may cause internal corrosion of the rear trailing arms, which could lead to thinning or perforation of the trailing arm steel. In time, the trailing arms may fracture, which could result in a loss of vehicle c…
Transport Canada #2009122 · Apr 2009Label
On certain vehicles, the wheel rims and the tire pressure labels do not comply with CMVSS 120. The rims do not contain the required markings and the tire pressure labels do not contain the rim size. Correction: Hyundai will provide owners with a corrected tire pressure label. Since the non-compliant wheel rims do not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Transport Canada #2003326 · Dec 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Hyundai Santa FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a series of crossover SUVs produced across five generations by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 2000. It is named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was introduced for the 2001 model year as Hyundai's first SUV. The Santa Fe was a milestone in the company's restructuring program of the late 1990s because the SUV was a hit with American buyers.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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 20 salt belt" states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesot…
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 124.
NHTSA Campaign #14V435000 · manufacturer #124 · 18/07/2014SUSPENSION:REAR
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, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDI…
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 REQUIRE REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE DRAINAGE HOLES ADDED AND WILL BE TREATED WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO
NHTSA Campaign #09V123000 · manufacturer #090 · 16/04/2009SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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 PAD FRICTION SURFACES ARE WET, A VIBRATION MAY OCCUR BETWEEN THE BRAKE DISCS AND PADS CAUSING ABS SENSOR ELECTRONIC SIGNAL NOISE TO DEVELOP. AT SPEEDS BELOW 5 MPH, THE ABS SENSOR SIGNAL NOISE MAY CAUSE…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
NHTSA Campaign #04V131000 · manufacturer #065 · 16/03/2004EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
NHTSA Campaign #03V520000 · manufacturer #064 · 18/12/2003Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 26 involved a crash 🔥 5 involved a fire 🚑 20 reported injuries
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 308
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the ABS system activated, and there was an abnormal shuddering in the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the …
NHTSA ODI #11623194STEERING,SUSPENSION
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 #11589298ENGINE
Bought a set of duralast gold wrists a801116 asks since the day i put them in i had to replace parts whole charging a problem that turned out to be from the wires. Cause it was causing arcing in every one of the cylinders.
NHTSA ODI #11513824WHEELS
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side front wheel detached without warning. The wheel bearing and hub were replaced by the owner. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted nor informed of the failure…
NHTSA ODI #11426465SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR A ALIGNMENT AND THEY DISCOVERED THE RUSTED AND CORRADIATED REAR LEFT TRAILING CONTROL ARM ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, I BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AFTER THAT TO GET A RECALL AND THE TOLD ME THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN ND AND THAT STATE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEY WILL DECLINE THE WORK, EVEN THOU MINN. IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR …
NHTSA ODI #11383941STRUCTURE
THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. IT WAS GARAGE KEPT AND DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 150,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11365190WHEELS
MY VEHICLE CALLS FOR A SWAY BAR N LINK IT DOES NOT HAVE ONE OR A PLACE TO PUT ONE FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP IT MAKES A REAL LOUD NOISE. I REPLACED BOTH SHOCKS. NOISE IS STILL THERE. THERE ARE 4 RECALLS ON THIS CAR. RECALL #03V030000, #14V435000,#09V123000,03V520000. IN MOTION *TR
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11328527SUSPENSION
REAR TRAILING ARM CORRODED AND BUSTED WHILE IN MOTION. CAUSED REAR END TO COLLAPSE AND FISHTAIL. PASSENGER SIDE SNAPPED, DRIVERS SIDE IS VERY CORRODED. JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, HAD NO IDEA THESE PARTS WERE UNSTABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11283039+ 300 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 2003 Hyundai Santa FE?
Comparable 2003 Hyundai Santa FE listings run roughly $850–$3,300, typically around $1,870 (from 100 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).
What fuel economy does the 2003 Hyundai Santa FE get?
The 2003 Hyundai Santa FE has U.S. EPA estimates of 17–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.