Hyundai Repair: 2004 Santa fe, rust damage, filter assembly

Question
Where is the fuel filter located and can it be replaced?

Answer
The fuel filter is part of the fuel pump assembly inside the fuel tank.  It can be replaced, but doing so reqires removing the left rear seat and removing the fuel pump through the access hole in the floor.  Once the fuel pump assembly is removed, you can then separate the filter assembly from the pump.

Note that I've seen a few instances where the screws holding the fuel pump retaining ring in place break from rust damage when they're attempted to be removed.  If this happens, you may need to replace the entire fuel tank.

In addition, your fuel filter is designed to be a long life fuel filter.  I'd expect that in most cases, it will last the life of the vehicle.