HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 620 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
620
Avg Mileage
117,994 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 21 years old, 68% of HYUNDAI SANTA FEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 620 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,994 miles.
How does the 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 117,994 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2003 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 1,002 | 29,234 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 1,279 | 35,189 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 2,285 | 43,694 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 3,459 | 52,064 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 4,595 | 61,527 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 7,907 | 67,815 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 5,704 | 76,900 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 4,992 | 88,159 mi |
| 2013 | 76% | 2,963 | 95,138 mi |
| 2012 | 74% | 6,090 | 103,389 mi |
| 2011 | 72% | 6,616 | 113,847 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 6,348 | 118,050 mi |
| 2009 | 73% | 1,368 | 112,515 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 1,527 | 121,485 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 2,446 | 126,098 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 2,452 | 115,781 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 1,436 | 122,489 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 1,054 | 119,124 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 620 | 117,994 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 254 | 114,308 mi |
| 2001 | 61% | 138 | 99,758 mi |
Checking a specific HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is a large car with a 2351cc petrol engine. 620 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 117,994 miles at 21 years old, HYUNDAI SANTA FE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Fuel Costs
The 2351cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI SANTA FEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
At 21 years old, the HYUNDAI SANTA FE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-1%) from 18,423 tests
- HONDA CR-V (2005) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 16,222 tests
- MERCEDES E (2005) 78% pass rate (+10%) from 8,269 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2005) 74% pass rate (+6%) from 7,453 tests