2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
539
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
177 complaints
Large leak detected P0455
Feb 22, 2024
The fuel tank level sensor failed and yes can be inspected. Check engine light goes on and fuel says empty with little yellow light .My mechanic checked my car and told me it was the fuel tank level sensor. Check engine light goes on and the fuel needle goes up and down to empty. When I fill the tank, the check engine light goes off and the needle rises to full. When the gas reaches a certain level the check engine light goes on and fuel needle drops to empty . It will go up and down. This first occurred October 2022.
Nov 07, 2022
THE FUEL GAGE KEEPS MARKING THE WRONG LEVEL OF GAS. FIRST IT WENT CRAZY GOING UP AND DOWN. AFTER SENSORS WERE CHANGED, IT STAYED AT HALF OF TANK EVEN WHEN FULL. NOW THE FUEL SYSTEM WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN BECAUSE WHEN IT REACHES A CERTAIN GAS LEVEL, THE CHECK ENGINE SHOWS UP. ITS RANDOM ISSUES AND ALL HAVE TO DO WITH THE PUMP, AND SENSORS. BEEN TRYING TO FIX THIS FOR 2 YEARS AND REPLACING THE SYSTEM SEEMS TO WORK FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THEN THE ISSUES SHOW UP AGAIN.
May 14, 2021
FUEL GAGE DOES NOT WORK. FILL UP CAR WITH GAS AND THE TANK SHOWS EMPTY FOR DAYS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. GETTING NEW SYSTEM DOES NOT FIX THIS ISSUE. EACH DAY YOU GET IN THE CAR IT WILL SHOW A DIFFERENT AND INACCURATE READYING. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS.
Apr 16, 2021
FUEL GAUGE FAILED. THE FUEL TANK WOULD BE FULL BUT THE GAUGE READ 1/4 TANK, (RAN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE) CONTACTED HYUNDAI, THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO SOLUTION AS FAR AS RECALL, THEY STATED THE FIX WOULD COST APPROX. $600.00 WITH PARTS AND LABOR. I CHECKED THIS ISSUE ON LINE AND THIS DEFECT IN THE "FUEL SENSORS" HAS BEEN GOING ON FROM APPROX. 2007 TO 2015 EFFECTING THOUSANDS OF HYUNDAI SANTA FE'S. MY QUESTION IS, WHY HASN'T "THE HYUNDAI MOTOR CO." CORRECTED THIS SAFETY PROBLEM OR ISSUED A RECALL? THEY EXPECT CUSTOMER LOYALTY BUT IT APPEARS THE LOYALTY GOES ONLY ONE WAY. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH MY 2008 SANTA FE BUT NOW I'M WONDERING HOW MANY OTHER SAFETY ISSUES ARE BEING COVERED UP. I WAS AT MY HYUNDAI DEALER JUST PRIOR TO THE FUEL SENSOR ISSUE LOOKING AT THE NEW PALISADE LIMITED" BUT NOW I'LL LOOK ELSEWHERE [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Jan 02, 2021
+ 172 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
56 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V472000 (AIR BAGS) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,580.
Aug 03, 2020
CAMPAIGN 103 RECALL. I HAVE THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 SANTA FE BUT NEVER RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE.
Jul 25, 2019
AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT TO COME ON. VEHICLE WAS MADE APRIL OF 2008 THERE IS AN EXISTING RECALL FOR VEHICLES MADE IN MARCH OF 2008 FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE
Jun 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (BENTLEY HYUNDAI, 3805 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35816) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000.
Oct 16, 2017
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DESIGN FLAW WITH AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE PROPELLANT THE DEPLOYS THE AIRBAG THE CONTAINED A CHEMICAL THAT LEFT THE CONSUMER WITH TWO SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON THE ARM. UPDATED 09/18/2017*JS *JS
Sep 18, 2017
+ 51 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
41 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to display an accurate current fuel level. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the fuel lines replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Jan 24, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL AFTER THE TANK WAS FILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE HYUNDAI (440 PLAINVIEW RD, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED AND THE FUEL SENSOR AND THE PURGE FLOW VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS THREE TIMES SINCE MARCH OF 2015 AND WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SYMPTOMS RETURNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND KEPT REFERRING THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000. *TT
Jun 29, 2018
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAIL. THE GAS GAUGE DROPS FROM FULL TO 1/4 TANK TO 3/4 TANK. THE "RANGE" DISPLAY WILL GO FROM EMPTY TO 300 MILES LEFT TO 79 MILES LEFT. ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT WILL SAY YOUR FULL AND YOU ARE EMPTY IT WILL SAY YOUR EMPTY AND YOU ARE FULL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE YOU ARE IN MOTION ON ANY ROADWAY AT ANY SPEED AND ALSO WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. UPDATED 12/16/15.*JB
Nov 04, 2015
FUEL GAUGE (FUEL LEVEL SENSOR) IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. WHETHER EMPTY OR FULL, FUEL GAUGE IS CONSTANTLY FLUCTUATED UP AND DOWN.AND RANGE MILEAGE KEEPS CHANGING. *TR
Jan 03, 2015
FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM. GAS TANK DOES NOT REGISTER FULL AND SOMETIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BECAUSE OF A FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM. HAD A HALF A TANK OF GAS TODAY; FILLED IT UP AND FOR 15 MILES (AT LEAST) AFTER THAT IT READ EMPTY AND THE FUEL LIGHT WAS ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS SUPPOSE TO INDICATE REAL PROBLEMS -- NOW I DON'T KNOW WHEN TO TRUST IT. PLEASE MAKE HYUNDAI RECALL THIS PART AND MAKE THIS REPAIR. *TR
Dec 22, 2014
+ 36 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
33 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact stated that he shifted into neutral(N) to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that two unknown sensors and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
May 02, 2023
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN MY VEHICLE PICKED UP 65 MPH. I WAS PUSHING ON MY BRAKES WHICH DIDN'T DO ANYTHING, AS I WAS APPROACHING MY EXIT I HAD MY FOOT HOLDING THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY WHICH THEN SLOWED THE CAR DOWN ENOUGH. I GOT OFF THE EXIT AND WAS MET WITH A RED LIGHT AND MY CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO SLAM INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. I THREW MY CAR IN PARK AND IT STARTED SMOKING SO I TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF. FRIGHTENING SITUATION AS I HAD MY INFANT TWINS. MAY 7 2021
May 09, 2021
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK PEDAL WHEN THE CAR INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP. LUCKILY THERE WAS A FENCE TO HOLD ME UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE REVVED AND TOOK OFF EVEN WHEN FOOT WAS APPLIED TO BREAK WITH FORCE. I SEE MANY OTHER CASES OF THIS AND YET STILL NO RECALL. HYUNDAI TAKES ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. MY SITUATION WAS A LUCKY ONE AND STILL TERRIFYING. PEOPLE COULD REALLLY GET HURT.
Feb 07, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATION STOPS. HAVE TO TRY TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART. THEN ITS FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN 4 DAYS. NO RECALL BUT MANY OTHERS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. ON A SIDE STREET, AT AN INTERSECTION, WHILE DRIVING 45,ON A BUSY HWY, AT A STOP SIGN. ONCE TURNING AT A LIGHT.
May 01, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK UNDERNEATH THE CARPET, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UNCONTROLLABLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE DOWN BY USING HER LEFT FOOT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HER RIGHT FOOT TO MOVE THE CARPET FROM UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Jun 27, 2018
+ 28 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
20 complaints
My speedometer has stopped working, I had the sensor replaced and fuses checked but it is still not working
Aug 07, 2025
TL* THE CONTACT 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN IT WAS RAINING (THREE TIMES ON THE SAME DAY). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER BENTLEY HYUNDAI, 3805 UNIVERSITY DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35816, UNDER A CAMPAIGN GENERATED BY THE MANUFACTURER DECEMBER 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT NUMBER: [XXX] WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE WENT TO PICK UP VEHICLE DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. ONE WEEK LATER VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER. ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Jan 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DICK SMITH HYUNDAI (825 CONGAREE RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607, (864) 284-7777) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 15714282. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Oct 01, 2019
2008 SANTA FE GAS GAUGE NOT READING PROPERLY. WHEN I FILL UP THE CAR AND THE GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY. AND CONSTANTLY FLUCTUATES. I HAVE TO CALCULATE HOW MANY MILES I DRIVE IN ORDER TO KNOW WHEN TO FILL UP AGAIN.
Jul 17, 2019
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND UNFUNCTIONAL OR INFUNCTIOMAL GAS GAUGE
Mar 17, 2019
+ 15 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
14 complaints
I had a recall on the oil leak and took care of it to dealership in Weston Fl they had car for 2 days pick car up. I replaced to alternator because it was full oil prior to me taking it to the dealership. Now a few months later there is still a leak and it’s leaking on my alternator, again same place they said they fix. I have the paperwork. I am having smoking issues that they said was fixed it, but looks like the put glue on it.
Mar 22, 2025
Vehicle has stalled couple of times while driving. One on the service road just about to merge on the highway 1604 North after taking left turn from the Potranco road about a year ago. Steering got locked and engine died, I managed to pull over to the right shoulder into the parking lot of Med Clinic. After couple tries, I was able to get it going. There is occasional check engine light on that goes off after some time of driving and not sure if this is related to stalling of engine. There is a history of oil leak under the hood. I received recall service notice for leaking cylinder head gasket which outlined same issues that I encountered before and took vehicle to the dealership. It was kept for 2 days for service and was returned to me. There is still sign of wetted oil on the parts. There is no sign that I could see of opening and taking parts apart for the so-called completed service, dust and debris seem to be untouched. I have a doubt that service evert took place. I filed a complaint with the Hyundai Motors requesting independent assessment if gasket was actually changed. They sent an acknowledgement of receiving the complaint, but no one has contacted me.
Jan 04, 2024
Head on impact rear ending a truck. Engine locked melted head gaskets and destroyed radiator
Nov 07, 2022
CAR CUTSOFF WHILE DRIVING
Feb 06, 2020
TURNING LEFT THRU AN INTERSECTION TH E CAR STALLED, LEAVING US WITH NO BRAKES AND VERY LITTLE STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.
Aug 09, 2019
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
13 complaints
THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSORS WENT BAD. THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED GLITCHING AND GOING UP AND DOWN RANDOMLY. AFTER 1-2 MONTHS IT WAS SHOWING EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. I CHANGED THE SENSORS AND THE FUEL GAUGE WENT TO THE MIDDLE EVEN WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SENSORS AND THE FUEL PUMP TO GET IT FIXED.
Jan 06, 2020
THE GAS GUAGE IN THIS VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING OVER A YEAR AGO AND WE HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHEN WE KEEP OUR GAS GUAGE FILLED IN THIS VEHICLE ALL THE TIME CAUSING A DANGER TO OURSELVES AND OUR CHILDREN SOMEDAY SOMEBODY IS GOING TO HIT US DUE TO THIS ISSUE KEEPS HAPPENING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND THE ROAD AND INTERSTATE. IT CONSTANTLY KEEPS SHOWING US EMPTY WHEN WE ARE NOT. I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS THAT THIS HAPPENS WITH MANY OF THESE VEHICLES AND IT HAS YET TO BE RECALLED.
Dec 29, 2019
FUEL SENDING SENSOR IS ERRATIC CAUSING CHK ENGINE CODE P0464. UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO BE FIX.
Feb 20, 2019
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED....INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE CAUSING OWNERS TO NOT KNOW WHEN THE CARS FUEL TANK IS LOW, AND SOMETIMES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING.
Sep 05, 2018
THE ISSUE STARTED SHORTLY AFTER MY VEHICLE SURPASSED 60,000 MILES. UPON TURNING ON THE ENGINE, THE GAS GAUGE LIGHT IS ON AND THE FUEL TANK IS DISPLAYED AS EMPTY. THE GAS GAUGE ON OCCASION ALSO SPORADICALLY FLUCTUATES UP AND DOWN, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH GASOLINE IS IN THE TANK.
Jan 23, 2017
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
11 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of underneath the vehicle, he observed excessive corrosion on the subframe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the excessive corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 205,000.
Feb 28, 2024
Car is unsafe to drive due to rusted out frame. The car has less than 100,000 miles on it.
Aug 28, 2023
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE- The car goes to the dealer every 6 months for the grease and oil and then the New York State Inspection every November. That car has been up on the lifts numerous times since 2008 and I am now just being informed the undercarriage - driver side frame was rotted. I don't think the frame could have rotted out since my last inspection in November of 2022. I found the recall was from 2017 campaign #947.I was never notified of this recall, I feel Hyundai has put me as risk to be involved in an accident if the undercarriage falls out. If it was a warranty job back in 2017 I would have been covered as I had a 10 year warranty which would have expired November 2018. Hyundai should repair the vehicle at no cost to me as I was never notified of of the recall for service campaign 947 and I would have been covered under the 1O year warranty . This was negligence on Hyundai's behalf I might not have this problem if the service campaign #947 was performed in 2017 / 2018. If they knew the campaign was out there it should have been completed with one my New York State Inspections in November of of 2017 or 2018. This question goes to Hyundai- on the invoice it states LIFETIME OIL CHANGES - why was I charged $19.98? I asked the service advisor and his was reply was we got bought out and no more free oil changes. Not a good answer - I should be grandfathered in and refunded the $21.55.
Jun 20, 2023
I noticed a Crack in the lower part of the windshield on the driver's side. I was told by Safelite there was rust around the windshield and they would not replace the windshield unless the rust was repaired.
May 25, 2022
FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTING SEVERELY. LAST INSPECTION WAS MARGINAL. INSPECTOR SAID IT PROBABLY WON'T PASS INSPECTION AT THE NEXT INTERVAL TIME. *TR
May 09, 2020
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
9 complaints
REAR BRAKE LOCK ATLOW ( 21,000) MILES ROTOR GROOVED, EXCESSIVE HEAT POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD, OUT OF CONTROL STEERING HYUNDAI SAYS THE BRAKE SLIDES MUST BE LUBRICATED..HOWEVER, THEIR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE DOES NOT MENTION LUBRICATION OF BRAKE SLIDES AS PART OF SCHEDULE. *TR
Jan 14, 2011
WE HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. SEVERAL TIMES NOW IT HAD UNEXPECTED BRAKE FAILURES. LAST TIME ON DECEMBER 19 2010. I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR IN THE INTERSECTION ON RED LIGHT. THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ENTERED THE INTERSECTION. SECOND TIME I HIT THE PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. THEN WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I TRIED TO PARK AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THERE WERE SIMILAR PROBLEMS ALSO IN 2009. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I DRIVE MY CAR IN SCHOOL ZONES. AND THIS THING HAPPENED IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT TOO. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. *TR
Dec 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH A NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS VERY HOT AND SMELLED AS IF IT WAS BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPERS WERE COVERED WITH RUST. HE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,731.
Jul 06, 2010
I HAVE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE ON 2 OCCASIONS. I TOOK MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010. THE BRAKES WERE CHECKED COMPLETELY, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON SEVERAL TEST DRIVES. THE SERVICE TECH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEREFORE NOTHING WAS REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE FIRST OCCASION OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, FEBRUARY 24TH, I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, AS I APPROACHED THE DRIVEWAY I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PAD, AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND I COASTED PAST THE DRIVEWAY. WENT UP TURNED AROUND, WITH NO BRAKE PROBLEM. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28TH, AS I PULLED INTO THE CHURCH PARKING LOT, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND TURN TO PARK, AS I HIT THE BRAKE, MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND I AGAIN COASTED PAST WHERE I WANTED TO TURN. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE WALKING OR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. AND, I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR. *TR
Mar 01, 2010
THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 SANTA FE SEEM TO RUST EXCESSIVELY. I HAD LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY LAST SUMMER WHEN THE CALIPERS FROZE REQUIRING A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB. LATELY THE ROTORS ARE RUSTING SO BAD EACH NIGHT THAT THE BRAKES ALMOST FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST MILE OR SO OF DRIVING. *TR
Feb 24, 2010
+ 4 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaints
vehicle had a recall in 2017 recall#947 to perform underbody corrision prevent service. in April of 2022 vehicle was taken to a service shop for a oil change at that point the tech sent pictures of the frame that was rotted and suggested bringing the vehicle to the dealer for them to inspect. Vehicle was taken to Sansone Auto Mall in Avenel N.J. on April 22,2022 at such time pictures of rotted frame was sent to Hyundai and dealer infomed me that vehicle was unsafe to drive.Two weeks have gone by with no response from Hyundai or dealer after numerous calls. What can I do?
May 06, 2022
I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR! I HAVE CHANGED THE REAR BREAKS ROATORS AND CALIPTERS AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN THE 5 YEARS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR!! NOW MY REAR WHEELS ARE STARTING TO LOCK UP! VERY UNSAFE! I LOVE THIS CAR BUT ITS GETTING VERY COSTLY I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND I WAS ON A STATE HWY
Mar 09, 2021
DRIVING UP HILL PUT GAS PEDAL TO FLOOR TO PICK UP SPEED AND ACCELERTOR PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR. TRIED TO STOP USING BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKE. COULD NOT STOP VAR; THREW IT INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO STOP; TOOK TO DEALER BUT NO PROBLEM FOUND. INCIDENT OCCURRED 5/6/18
May 14, 2018
UNDER THE HOOD LATCH INOPERATIVE. I PULLED THE INSIDE LATCH TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE ENGINE AND THE HOOD WAS FREE TO OPEN. THE LATCH UNDER THE HOOD DID NOT SPRING BACK TO PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL INTERLOCK. THIS WAS OBSERVED IN THE GARAGE WHILE STATIONARY.
Mar 10, 2018
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FILLED UP WITH GAS THE FUEL GAUGE GOES TO ZERO AND THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CODES GENERATED ARE P2067, P0463 AND P0464. AT SOME POINT THE GAUGE BEGINS WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN BUT THE ACCURACY OF THE GAUGE IS IN QUESTION. THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THE VEHICLE COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AT ANY TIME LEAVING THE USER STRANDED IN BAD WEATHER OR IN A DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATION. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED, JUDGING FROM SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THE PARTS USED FOR THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATION ARE UNRELIABLE AND A RECALL IS NEEDED TO RESOLVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THE PROBLEM OCCURS AT FILL UP AND DRIVING HAS NO EFFECT ON THIS ISSUE AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS BUT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES ON. .
Mar 13, 2017
+ 3 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
WITH ONLY A LITTLE OVER 113,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN, WITHOUT WARNING, MAKING A JET ENGINE TYPE WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING, AND A NOTICEABLE WHIRRING NOISE WITH A FAIRLY ROUGH "WIND DOWN" OF THE TRANSMISSION WHEN DECELERATING. NO INDICATIONS OF A AN IMPENDING FAILURE WERE NOTED PRIOR TO THE TRANSMISSION SYMPTOMS BEING NOTED. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THESE WERE THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS NOTED AS A RESULT OF A RECALL OF NEARLY 6000 2010 HYUNDAI VEHICLES, WHICH REQUIRED A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. THE 2008 SANTA FE IN THIS CASE HAS THE SAME OR VERY SIMILAR TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE CONFIGURATION, AND AT LEAST ONE OTHER 2008 OWNER HAS COMPLAINED OF THIS SITUATION. IN ADDITION, IN DISCUSSING THIS WITH THE HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE MANAGER, HE STATED THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THERE ARE VERY FEW, IF ANY, IN STOCK AND HAVE TO COME FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN ATLANTA DUE TO THE DEMAND FOR REPLACEMENTS (LATEST ESTIMATE IS 10 DAYS TO 2 WEEKS JUST TO GET THE PARTS!). NOW, HYUNDAI HAS BEEN "GRACIOUS" IN AGREEING TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE COST (SO NICE, CONSIDERING IT ONLY HAS 113K MILES ON IT BEFORE IT FAILED), BUT I BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT THE CAMPAIGN 102 RECALL ACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2010 SANTA FE VEHICLES NEEDS TO BE FURTHER EXAMINED, AND I BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT IT WILL BE FOUND THAT THE SAME CONDITIONS, NEED FOR RECALL AND KIT INSTALLATION, ETC. FORGET THE YEAR MODELS WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE FOCAL POINT - FOCUS ON THE TRANSMISSION PARTS AND MODEL NUMBERS, AND SIMILAR CONFIGURATIONS, PLEASE! THE HYUNDAI DEALER HAS PROVIDED HYUNDAI WITH PART NUMBERS, DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION, TECHNICIAN OBSERVATIONS, ETC. NO VISIBLE DAMAGE (HENCE NO PHOTOS) WAS DISCERNIBLE ON MY (THE OWNER'S) PART. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN COLORADO SPRINGS (PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN BROKEN ARROW, OK).
Jan 14, 2020
THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. VERY HARD TO SHIFT AND WHEN I FINALLY GOT IT INTO "DRIVE", THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE. UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD. IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE, BUT NOT DRIVE. SHIFTER BECOMES HARDER TO MOVE AFTER ATTEMPTING TO MOVE IT SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.
Mar 19, 2018
HYUNDAI'S SLAVE CYLINDER IS A FAULTY PART KNOWN ABOUT ONLINE AND IN MECHANIC SHOPS. IT HAS FAILED TWICE IN 65,000 MILES AND CAUSED ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. IT RECENTLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING AS THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO TURN AND SHIFTED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. THE CLUTCH WAS DAMAGED BY THIS PART AND WE HAD A $2,000 BILL. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CLUTCH PRIOR TO THIS AND THE DEALERSHIP EVEN INFORMED US IT WAS DAMAGED BY THE SLAVE CYLINDER. HYUNDAI DOESN'T CONSIDER THE SLAVE CYLINDER "PART OF THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY" AND IS DENYING OUR CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
Jun 03, 2017
THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A SPEED SENSITIVE "WHIRRING" SOUND WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED. WE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE NOISE, BUT DID NOT GO AWAY WHEN NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS THE DRIVE BELT RUBBING AGAINST THE COVER, BUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY FOUND NO EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE BELT, AND NO INDICATION OF CONTACT WITH THE COVER. THE NOISE IS ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, AND IS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 102 WHICH APPLIES TO 2010 MODELS. I PLAN TO START A FIGHT WITH HYUNDAI OVER THIS REPAIR AS THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE THE SAME ON THE 2008 MODELS AS THE 2010.
May 27, 2015
I WENT TO PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE AND IT GOT STUCK AND WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE OR ANY OTHER GEAR FOR THAT MATTER. THE WHOLE SHIFTER IS NOW BEING REMOVED. *TR
Dec 27, 2013
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
7 complaints
I took the car to get this recall done: Hyundai has decided to conduct a service campaign to inspect (and if necessary replace) the alternator and replace the front valve cover gasket on certain 2007-2009 model year Santa Fe vehicles. The recall was done, replacing the gasket and alternator. 2 years later the car started to stall in the middle of traffic. I returned to the dealer, dealer inspected and reported "oil found on the new alternator and oil leak found on the real valve cover gasket". I have been going back and forth on the phone with Hyundai costumer care. They said they will not redo the recall. It was not done correctly and slowly leak again. the vehicle now cut off everyday specially when i stop and go at short drives. It has also cut off in traffic. making it very dangerous. But Hyundai is telling me nothing for them to do.
Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an undisclosed recall repair, and the contact was informed that the valve cover gasket, and the alternator were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Jul 24, 2025
Brought 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe to Carlsbad Hyundai dealership on 12/22/23 for Service Campaign 976, due to oil leaking from the front cylinder bank’s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. If the vehicle is continually driven without recharging the battery, the engine will eventually shut off, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealership said the vehicle needed to be fixed but they needed to order parts and that it would take 2-3 wks. It has now been over 6 months. I have called the dealership and Hyundai America multiple times all to no avail.
Jul 03, 2024
In October 2021 the alternator failed due to an oil leak from the valve cover gasket. I paid the local Hyundai dealer to replace the alternator and they also said the battery was damaged because of the failed alternator so I paid for a new battery as well. The dealer never mentioned the recall on this vehicle for the leaking valve cover and did not disclose that the leak was known to cause alternator failure. I later learned of the recall and had the valve cover repair performed under the recall. However, Hyundai has refused to reimburse me for the alternator repair that I had already previously paid for, and likewise have refused to reimburse me for the battery. Clearly the problem was due to the known defect that resulted in the recall, so I am obviously entitled to compensation for the out if pocket repair expenses. Please advise me how to proceed.
Jun 01, 2024
LEAKING VALVE COVER IS ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK DOWN ONTO THE ALTERNATOR. CAR BE STATIONARY OR RUNNING. MOST NOTABLE WHEN CAR ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Feb 27, 2019
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
7 complaints
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND MY ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON. AS SOON AS IT CAME ON MY BRAKES GOT TOUCHY, MY ENTIRE CAR STARTED SHAKING LIKE CRAZY, & MY CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 20-25 MILES. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES REALLY HARD BC I WAS AFRAID THAT I WAS GOING TO HIT ANOTHER CAR.
Sep 11, 2020
WHILE ON A HIGHWAY RUNNING AT 75 MPH MY "ESC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AT THE SAME TIME. AS SOON AS THESE LIGHTS TURN ON I CAN NO LONGER ACCELERATE AND MY VEHICLE SLOWLY COMES TO A STOP. DURING THIS TIME, EVERYTHING ELSE INCLUDING BRAKES, SIGNAL LIGHTS, RADIO AND ALL OTHER FEATURES SEEM TO BE FUNCTIONAL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL WHICH DOES NOTHING. WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP AND I PUT IT INTO PARK, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO HICCUP A LITTLE BIT AS IT SITS UNTIL I TURN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF AND RESTART IT. AFTER DOING SO, THE VEHICLE ACTS COMPLETELY NORMAL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. IT HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A MECHANICAL ISSUE. THIS IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SO THAT IS WHY I AM FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS ON HERE THAT HAVE FILED THIS EXACT COMPLAINT AND THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
Apr 29, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET (APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH), MY CAR SUDDENLY DISPLAYED THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AS WELL AS THE "ECS OFF" INDICATOR AND AT THAT SAME TIME, I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND MY CAR SLOWED TO A STOP. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED WITH THE SAME RESULTS. WHEN I RESTARTED, THE "ECS" INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER LIT, BUT THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT REMAINED ON UNTIL THE DECELERATION OCCURRED AGAIN AND THEN BOTH LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. WHEN I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES SO I THOUGHT IT WAS BEST TO FILE A COMPLAINT.
Aug 04, 2016
WHEN I AM DRIVING, BOTH FREEWAY AND CITY DRIVING, THE CAR WILL STUTTER SLIGHTLY AND THEN THE ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I LOSE ACCELERATION AND HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN MY CAR OFF, WAIT A MINUTE OR TWO, AND THEN RESTART THE CAR. THE ESC OFF LIGHT GOES AWAY AND I ONCE AGAIN HAVE ACCELERATION BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. THE PROBLEM OFTEN REPEATS ITSELF DURING THE SAME TRIP, SOMETIMES 30 MINUTES LATER, SOMETIMES JUST 2 MINUTES LATER. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WAS REPLACED DURING THE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V122 WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING. A FEW MONTHS AGO THIS STARTED AGAIN, IT IS ALL THE SAME ISSUES AS I HAD BEFORE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WAS REPLACED DURING THE LAST RECALL. BECAUSE I LOSE ACCELERATION WITH NO WARNING AND QUICKLY FALL TO 20MPH AND BELOW, I HAVE TO QUICKLY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DO MY BEST TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WHICH IS DIFFICULT WHEN YOU ARE LOSING MOMENTUM.
Jun 20, 2016
I HAD MY SANTA FE SERVICED ON 04/05/16 FOR FUEL GAUGE SENSOR,WAS NOT READING APPROPRIATE GAS LEVEL. I HAVE ONLY 72000MILES AND SOMTHING LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.I WAS TOLD THAT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE CAR,WHICH I DON'T BELIEVE.WE OWNED 8 CARS BEFORE SANT FE AND IT NEVER HAPPENED. IT IS A SPENDY REPAIR OF $388.99 MARTA
Apr 10, 2016
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
TOOK MY CAR TO A TWO MECHANICS WHO BOTH SAID THERE IS A GAS LEAK IN THE EVAPORATOR OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. I READ ONLINE THAT THIS ISSUE IS COMMON WITH SANTA FES AND I BELIEVE THE COMPANY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND GET THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE FIXED.
Mar 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE ROUTINELY INSPECTED FOR EMISSIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE DETAILS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,129.
Aug 31, 2016
I ALSO HAD THE FUEL SENSOR GO OUT AND HAD IT FIXED. AND I HAD TO HAVE MY ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE. ONCE WHEN IT WENT OUT AND AGAIN IN 9 MONTHS DUE TO RECALL FOR A FUEL GASKET COVER DEFAULT. SO I PAID THE FIRST TIME OUT OF POCKET $700 ONLY TO FIND OUT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE DEFAULT. LYNDA
Nov 04, 2015
I WAS DRIVING TO A STOP LIGHT ON A DOWN HILL SLOPE WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR TURNED OFF. ALL AT ONCE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, AND I COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO RE-START. I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND AT THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION I TRIED TO RESTART MY CAR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER I TRIED AGAIN AND IT STARTED BUT IT WOULDN'T LET ME ACCELERATE ALMOST AT ALL (THROUGH AN INTERSECTION!). THERE WAS ALSO A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, AFRAID IF I WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE, TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED ABOUT FIVE MINUTES, RESTARTED IT, SUCCESSFULLY. I LET IT IDLE FOR A WHILE UNSURE WHAT ELSE TO DO. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO OTHER INCIDENT. THE CLICKING WAS OFF AND ON THE ENTIRE DRIVE HOME BUT HAS SINCE GOTTEN QUIETER. *TR
Jan 30, 2015
UPON TURNING THE ENGINE ON, MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY WHEN I KNEW THERE WAS MORE GAS THAN THAT. THEN IT STARTED TO FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN . I CHECKED MY RANGE INDICATOR AND IT WAS BLINKING THE WORD "RANGE" (WHICH NORMALLY DOESN'T) AND THE NUMBERS WERE DASHES ONLY. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT SHOWED QUARTER TANK THEN EMPTY AND BACK TO SOME GAS. THE RANGE INDICATOR STARTED GOING UP AND DOWN IN NUMBERS AS WELL. I PUT GAS IN JUST TO SEE IF IT HELPED BUT DIDN'T, SHOWING ABOUT 30 MILES FLUCTUATION IN THE RANGE INDICATOR. I CHECKED SOME FORUMS AND APPARENTLY IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR SANTA FES 2008 RIGHT AS THEY REACH 60,000 MILES (AS THE WARRANTIES END AND IT COSTS OVER $600 TO REPAIR!). IT IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL , AS IT POSES A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM IF A CAR RUNS OUT OF GAS ON A HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE DUE TO THE FAULTY GAS FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR! *TR
Nov 05, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT AXLE AND FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Nov 03, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND WHEEL BEARING SEIZED AND WERE UNUSUALLY WORN. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,644.
Jun 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING AND VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPLING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS BENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Jun 13, 2011
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED HAS A VIBRATION BETWEEN 40 - 60 MPH AND HYUNDAI HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES. THEY HAVE ELIMINATED THE TIRES AS BEING INVOLVED WITH THE PROBLEM. TIRES AND WHEELS HAVE BEEN REBALANCED A NUMBER OF TIMES INCLUDING PUTTING ON A NEW SET OF TIRES WITH THE SAME VIBRATION. MOST IMPORTANT THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN OBSERVED BY THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS MYSELF ON THREE OTHER BRAND NEW 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE'S. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 1,400 MILES. I AM IN TOUCH WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUT NO RESOLUTION AT THIS POINT. *TR
Apr 29, 2008
SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
WHEN TRYING TO UNBUCKLE THE SEATBELT IT STICKS AND YOU CAN'T GET OUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING AND PRESSING AND WIGGLING REALLY FIRM SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO RELEASE I'M SCARED I WON'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT ONE DAY OR WHAT IF I WRECK AND CAN'T GET OUT !!
Aug 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED A TWO YEAR OLD CHILD WAS SEATED IN A FORWARD FACING CHILD RESTRAINT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CHILD WAS ABLE TO REACH FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT AND WRAP IT AROUND HIS NECK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT FROM THE CHILD'S NECK WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CHILD WAS UNINJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
May 22, 2012
THE BACK SEAT (PASSENGER SIDE) SEAT BELT - THE CONNECTION IN THE SEAT, ALWAYS GOES DOWN IN THE OPENING AND IS VERY HARD TO GET UP, I DO THINK THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, SINCE SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T GET IT OUT TO CLIP THE SEAT BELT INTO. THE HOLE WHERE THE CONNECTION IS, IS TOO BIG, AND WHEN YOU TRY TO CONNECT THE SEAT BELT INTO IT, IT GOES DOWN. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES, AND THEY TAKE IT OUT. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CORP., BUT WAS TOLD MY SANTA FE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. THE DEALERSHIP, ALSO CLAIMS THE SAME THING EVERY TIME I AM THERE. I WAS JUST THERE ON 2/29/2012, AND WAS TOLD THAT MAYBE I SHOULD TRY GIRLS HAIR BAND AND GET A BIG ONE A WRAP IT AROUND A FEW TIMES, AND THAT SHOULD HOLD IT UP. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO A SOLUTION THAT MIGHT MAKE THEM CORRECT IT. ALSO I KNOW OF 3 OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON THERE CARS. *TR
Mar 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE WHICH CONNECTS INTO THE LOCK MECHANISM WOULD TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR CAUSING DIFFICULTY TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Aug 09, 2011
STEERING
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND TURNED TO THE LEFT ON ITS OWN. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BLOCK. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT FUNCTION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED RICART HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 4255 S HAMILTON RD, #180, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6251) AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jul 10, 2019
LOST POWER STEERING, WITHOUT WARNING. LUCKILY I WAS GOING SLOW CROSSING AN INTERSECTION, AND STOPING. AFTER THAT IT WAS A LOSING TUG OF WAR WITH THE STEERING. MECHANIC FOUND RACK LINES RUSTED AND LEAKING. IF I WAS TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, I MAY HAVE LOST CONTROL. VERY DANGEROUS! PLEASE HELP PREVENT AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH.
Aug 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ UPDATED 11/12/2014 *JS
Jul 23, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY WHEN ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY PERFORMED A FOUR WHEEL BALANCING ON THE VEHICLE THREE SEPARATE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO MORE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
May 11, 2009
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE. ALSO, WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND OR FROM THIRD TO FOURTH GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PURGE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,432.
Mar 14, 2017
AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AS THE ENGINE COMPUTER ENTERED "LIMP HOME" MODE. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR HAD NO EFFECT. DIAGNOSED AS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILURE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES, WITH AN ENGINE RESTART CLEARING THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. WHILE THESE INCIDENTS DID NOT RESULT IN A CRASH, THEY COULD EASILY HAVE, DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.
Jul 07, 2015
MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 ( FORCED LIMITED POWER) OR DTC P0638 (POWER MANAGEMENT). *TR
Sep 15, 2014
THROTTLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AND WAS STUCK WIDE OPEN. COULD NOT GET THE THROTTLE TO DISENGAGE. I TRIED TAPPING THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES AND THIS DID NOTHING. MANAGED TO HOLD BOTH FEET ON BRAKE AND DOWNSHIFT INTO LOW. I GOT VEHICLE ONTO SHOULDER AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN FULL THROTTLE. I SHOVED IT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE KEY OFF. THE ENGINE DID NOT DISENGAGE UNTIL THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF. VERY BAD FOR TRANSMISSION TO SHOVE IT INTO PARK BUT I HAD NO OTHER OPTIONS. VERY SCARY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND FILED A REPORT BUT THEY HAVE NOT CALLED ME BACK YET WITH REPAIR OPTIONS. *TR
Apr 09, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
WAS TURNING IN TO MY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND CAR JUST CUT OUT AND STALLED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. THANK GOODNESS NO CARS WERE COMING TOWARD ME. PUT IT IN TO PARK AND IT STARTED BACK UP. VERY DANGEROUS!!! HAS HAPPENED A DOZEN MORE TIMES SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT. *TR
Aug 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ESC, CHECK ENGINE AND AWD WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH AN EXTREME LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
May 31, 2011
ON 12/26/2010,MY HUSBAND AND 2 CHILDREN WERE RETURNING FROM NJ TO CT VIA THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY, NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AND THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE. FOUR TIMES DURING THAT TRIP, OUR HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. EACH TIME THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED THERE WAS NO PRECIPITATING EVENT, JUST A SUDDEN AND RANDOM LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED BY THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH. HE HAD TO COAST THRU TRAFFIC, FIND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN TO REGAIN POWER. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN MERIDEN CT AND THEY INTERROGATED THE COMPUTER. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD US THEY REPLACED THE TPS (THROTTLE POSITION) SENSOR. WE DID SOME AMATEUR RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF RESEARCHING, CAME ACROSS DOZENS OF SANTA FE OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME EVENT. WE ARE WONDERING WHY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THE SANTA FE MODELS THAT ARE AFFECTED. WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PROPER AUTHORITIES ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION SO THAT NECESSARY ACTION CAN BE TAKEN. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT THE DRIVERS NEAR US ALL FOUR TIMES WERE PAYING ATTENTION AND DIDN'T RAM US FROM BEHIND. THESE ARE HEAVILY TRAVELED ROADS WITH MANY TRUCKS, TRACTOR TRAILERS AND CARS, ALL TRAVELLING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND SOMETIMES FOLLOWING CLOSELY. THIS IS A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY FOR ANOTHER FAMILY WHO ISN'T AS LUCKY.
Jan 03, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 80MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, THE STEERING FAILED, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE UNTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE FAILURE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DID NOT PRODUCE A FAILURE CODE, THEREFORE THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS. ON JUNE 8, 2010 WHILE REVERSING FROM THE DRIVE WAY THE FAILURE RE-OCCURRED. THE GEAR DID NOT RELEASE FROM REVERSE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE GARAGE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 541 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,817.
Jun 11, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
4 complaints
(2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE) THE VEHICLE GAS GAUGE IS STICKING ON EMPTY AFTER FILLING IT UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER 1/4 TANK OF GAS HAS BEEN CONSUMED THE GAS GAUGE WILL READ NORMAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO GO OFF. THERE HAS NOT BEEN A LOSS IN POWER TO THE ENGINE OR ANY OTHER INDICATORS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE CAN BE REPRODUCED EVERY TIME AFTER FILL UP. THE TANK DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ON EMPTY TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN TSB'S FOR THE 2007 MODEL BUT NOTHING YET FOR THE 2008. *JS
May 17, 2014
ONCE MY CAR HAS GONE 200 MILES ON A TANK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW COMPLETELY EMPTY AND THEN CHANGE TO MORE THAN 1/4 TANK AND BACK. ONCE THE TANK IS REFILLED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND THEN COMES BACK ON AND ACTS THE SAME AFTER AGAIN GOING 200 MILES. THE DEALER SAID THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD TO 60000 OR 5 YEARS ON THE FUEL SENSOR BUT READING ONLINE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT A LOT OF HYUNDAI SANTA FE OWNERS ARE HAVING AFTER REACHING 60000 MILES. I HAD THE CHECK ENGINE CODE CHECKED AND IT LISTED P0 464 - FUEL LEVEL SENSOR A CIRCUIT INTERMITTENT. WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS PART HYUNDAI SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST. *TR
Apr 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT WAS PROVIDING ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL READINGS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 02/27/14*LJ
Jan 23, 2014
ON 5/15/13 I HAD MY STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACED PER RECALL CAMPAIGN 110. THE FOLLOWING DAY, I NOTICED COLD ENGINE FLUCTUATION AND SURGING. THIS HAS HAPPENED REGULARLY, WITH THE ENGINE SOMETIMES FLUCTUATING UP TO NEARLY 2000RPM WHILE THE CAR IS IN PARK. GRADUALLY, THE ISSUE PROGRESSED TO DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING AND A SHAKING/HESITATION FEELING WHILE DOWNSHIFTING THAT FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO STALL OUT, BUT IT DOES NOT. THIS BEGAN 6/20/13. ALSO ON 6/20/13 MY CHECK ENGINE DASH LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, EVEN THOUGH I HAD NOT SHUT THE ESC OFF. ADDITIONALLY, THE AWD SYSTEM LIGHT WAS FLASHING. UPON RESTART, ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO GRISMER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THEY FOUND ERROR CODES: C1513, C1611, P1295, P2106, AND P2135. I REVISITED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER (VOSS HYUNDAI) AND THEY STATE THAT THEY BELIEVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IS WORKING PROPERLY AND THAT THE THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY REFUSED TO COVER THIS COST DUE TO BEING OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD BY GRISMER THAT THE TPS ISSUE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING ALSO RELATES DIRECTLY TO SERVICE BULLETIN #TSB-09-FL-003-1. *TR
Jun 21, 2013
TIRES
4 complaints
KUMHO SOLUS KR-21 TIRES ARE MISSING DATE OF MANUFACTURE ON THE DOT LINE. *TR
Nov 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGHLY AT 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW TIRE. A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED ON MARCH 15, 2009, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SHAKING WHEN IN MOTION. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PUT IN TOUCH WITH A DISTRICT MANAGER AND GIVEN A CASE NUMBER, BUT THE DISTRICT MANAGER DID NOT ASSIST. BRIDGESTONE REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A STORE IN SYRACUSE, NY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. IT WOULD COST $194.36 TO BALANCE THE WHEELS. BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE OUT OF BALANCE. ON MARCH 28, 2009, THE CONTACT ADDED UNDERCOATING, WHICH THE DEALER STATED MAY HAVE CAUSED HARMONIC VIBRATIONS. THE TIRE INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,100 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19.
May 06, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T 693 TIRES, SIZE LT225/75R16. WITHIN ONE MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR LESS. THE DEALER FOUND A DEFECT IN THE FRONT TIRE WHERE THE STEEL BELTS HAD BEGUN TO UNRAVEL; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FRONT TIRE DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE AND BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE REAR TIRE WAS PLUGGED BECAUSE THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE TIRE. FIRESTONE CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE TIRE, BUT THE CONTACT WOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE ESTIMATED $130 REPAIR COST. THE REAR TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME BRAND, BUT A DIFFERENT MODEL (TURANZA). HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER (04T018000 TIRES:TREAD/BELT) STATING THAT THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE BEING RECALLED DUE TO INCORRECT WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WOULD NOT APPLY TO HIM BECAUSE THE CONTACT ALREADY PURCHASED THE TIRES FROM FIRESTONE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Aug 22, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2008 -AWD -HYUNDAI SANTA FE IN APRIL 2008... THE PROBLEM IS WITH MY "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) "... SINCE THE VERY FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP THE "TPMS" MALFUNCTION LIGHT GOES ON.. INFACT THE FIRST DAY THE DEALERSHIP RE-SET THE '"TPMS" TWICE... I NOW HAVE ABOUT 500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE "TPMS" WILL MALFUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY... IT WILL STAY-ON FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS THEN GO OFF FOR A DAY OR TWO... *TR
May 20, 2008
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
FOR PAST 2 YEARS MY FUEL TANK WILL SENDER IT'S FULL WHEN IT'S BEEN LOW AND ONLY TOO 5 GALS IN A 19 GAL. TANK. I HAVE READ OVER MANY TIMES COMPLAINTS THAT THE GAS GAUGE DOESN'T WORK?? I'VE BEEN QUOTED $425 TO REPAIR IT? IT'S A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE LIMITED. THE CHK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON MY MECHANIC USED THE CAR DETECTOR SYSTEM. IT STATES FUEL CAP ISSUES. I REPLACED THAT $70 LATER IT NOT WORKING. I'VE DEALT WITH THIS FOR TOO MANY YEARS
Dec 11, 2019
THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND IS NOT ACCURATE. AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE MAY SHOW "EMPTY", AND IT RISES AND FALLS VERY QUICKLY. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT, TURNING, OR WHEN PARKED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON. THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS LEFT IN THE TANK. THIS FAULTY FUEL GAUGE COULD LEAVE ANY SANTA FE MOTORIST AND THEIR PASSENGERS STRANDED IN A DANGEROUS AREA(E.G. BUSY HIGHWAY) OR CONDITION(E.G. BLIZZARD OR HEAT WAVE IN ARIZONA). PLEASE INITIATE A RECALL TO HAVE THIS FIXED. PER ONLINE SOURCES, MANY SANTA FE OWNERS IN THIS YEAR RANGE HAVE THIS SAME BROKEN FUEL GAUGE.
Mar 12, 2019
OVER THE LAST YEAR, OUR HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS DEVELOPED A VERY TROUBLING STALLING PROBLEM THAT HAS ONLY INCREASED IN FREQUENCY. THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING REGARDLESS OF SPEED, OFTEN SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SAME TRIP REGARDLESS OF DISTANCE TRAVELED. IT STALLS ON LOCAL, LOW-SPEED ROADS AS WELL AS FREEWAY DRIVING. WHEN IT STALLS, ALL STEERING IS LOST. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AMONG HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS AND DEALERSHIPS AND YET I AM NOT ABLE TO LOCATE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY HYUNDAI. I DID CONTACT THEM. TODAY, I RECEIVED A RESPONSE INDICATING THAT HYUNDAI HAS NO EXPLANATION FOR THE ISSUE AND WILL OFFER NO ASSISTANCE TO REPAIR IT. THEIR ONLY SUGGESTION WAS THAT I CONTACT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. AS I INDICATED, THIS IS A PROBLEM KNOWN TO HYUNDAI, SOME OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND DEALERSHIPS. SINCE NHTSA IS THE AGENCY OVERSEEING ISSUES OF THIS TYPE, I WOULD RESPECTFULLY REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS STALLING ISSUE BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS.
Jul 11, 2017
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY, GOING UP AND DOWN BUT NEVER PASSING ONE HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON ALL THE TIME. THE MECHANIC SAID THE SEATS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN OUT TO GET TO THE SENSOR, THAT IT WAS PROBABLY BAD AND WOULD NEED A NEW ONE. I TRIED TO ESTIMATE HOW MUCH GAS I HAD IN THE TANK BY USING THE ODOMETER AND RESETTING AT 0 FOR A GAS FILLUP TILL I GOT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. THE TANK WOULD KICK THE GAS BACK AT HALF A TANK SO I WAS GETTING ONLY 8 GALLONS IN. ON TUESDAY I RAN OUT OF GAS ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55, WHICH WAS DANGEROUS, AS THERE WAS A TRUCK BEHIND ME AND HE HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID HITTING ME WHEN MY CAR DIED. I WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CHECKED BYTAKING THE SEATS OUT AND PUTTING IN A NEW SENSOR. HE FILLED THE GAS TANK UP (19.9 GALLONS) AND YET WITH THE NEW SENSOR IN, THE GAUGE STILL READS ONLY HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. SOMETHING ELSE IS WRONG AND I SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR RESOLVED EFFECTIVELY. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? ARE WE SURE SOMEONE HAS NOT ALREADY? *TR
May 07, 2015
THE FUEL GAUGE ON DASH HAS BEGUN FLUCTUATING WILDLY EVEN WITH FULL TANK OF GAS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT YET BUT BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ I AM ANTICIPATING A PROBLEM CODE COMING SOON. MY RESEARCH IS POINTING TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, ONLY THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY APPEARS TO BE AVAILABLE AND AS SUCH, IT IS HIGHLY COSTLY TO CORRECT. HYUNDAI SHOULD PROVIDE A RECALL FOR THIS DUE TO THE HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS ALSO BEEN NOTED THAT THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLES TO STALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY CREATING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MYSELF. WHEN THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND IT BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE FOR A CURRENT LIST OF MANY OTHER SANTA FE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2008/HYUNDAI/SANTA+FE/FUEL+SYSTEM. *TR
Dec 21, 2013
MY FUEL GAUGE IS VERY ERRATIC ;WE NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL WE HAVE.IT FLUCTUATES FROM FULL TO EMPTY AT WILL CAUSING US TO TRY TO JUDGE BY THE MILES DRIVEN OR FILL UP EVERY FEW DAYS. I WOULD HATE TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON AN INTERSTATE IN MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE OF A MISCALCULATION ON THE MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE COMPANY SEEMS AWARE OF IT. *TR
Jun 25, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
My suv was involved in a Roll Over accident. The front driver tire blew out causing the driver to hit the curb which caused the SUV to roll 4 times. The driver was ejected from the vehicle while wearing a seat belt and not one air bag deployed. Major safety issues
Jun 14, 2025
ON 9/26/2017 AT 3:55 P.M. I WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING ON HWY 97 IN CALIFORNIA AT APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH. NO MORE THAN 10 MILES OUTSIDE THE CITY OF WEED. I HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OR BLEW A TIRE. THE CAR FIRST WENT LEFT AND THEN RIGHT. THE BREAKS FELT AS THOUGH THEY LOCKED. WHEN THE CAR HIT AN ASPHALT CURB IT WENT AIRBORNE (THERE WERE NO GUARD RAILS) AND WENT INTO A SMALL EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BUT LANDED UPRIGHT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I ALSO BELIEVE THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO WHEN A CRASH OCCURS. I SAY THAT BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE MY HEAD HIT THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE AND I RECEIVED A LARGE HEMATOMA. INITIALLY I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE THE ROOF HAD CAVED IN. WHEN I SAW THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY IT WAS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROOF THAT HAD CAVED IN. WHAT ALSO MAKES ME BELIEVE THERE IS A SEATBELT ISSUE IS I WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER IN 1985 AND DID NOT SUFFER ANY HEAD INJURIES AS THE SEAT BELT KEPT ME TIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.
Oct 05, 2017
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty charging. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while driving on the highway. The vehicle was able to be jump-started. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic had inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was oil leaking onto the spark plugs. The contact stated that the vehicle was chugging while driving. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was leaking onto the alternator and onto other unknown parts. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the alternator under Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The contact stated after driving 7-8 minutes after picking up the vehicle from the dealer, the contact noticed an abnormal odor and smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled into a gas station and parked the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The contact stated she drove to the nearby residence of a friend instead because she needed to report to work. The contact stated upon opening the hood and starting the vehicle the following day, the contact noticed flames in the engine compartment. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the fire had occurred due to an old oil leak; however, the contact stated there was also a noticeable new oil leak under the hood. The dealer later informed the contact that the starter had failed, and that the fire had not caused any further damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Apr 18, 2025
WHEN TRYING TO PARK THE CAR, THE CAR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN PARK. THEREFORE, YOU CANNOT TURN YOUR CAR COMPLETELY OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED 6 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 3 YEARS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Mar 01, 2012
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
Rusted out subframe, less than 95k miles. No “salt belt” treatment offered to this vehicle. Vehicle in Ohio since bought. Took to dealer for engine recall, found $1200 subframe replacement bill. Car was garage stored all of the time.
Dec 04, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while reversing out of his driveway at 1 MPH, the front end on the passenger’s side of the vehicle collapsed almost causing the wheel to detach. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the control arm and ball joint had shattered. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the arrival of the replacement part. The manufacturer was contacted and provided the contact a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Repaired at cost of $1666.67 at Napelton Hyundai 3703 Northlake BLVD Lake Park Florida 33403. The car had a faulty fuel gauge which could NOT be repaired after 3 attempts. Car also experienced loss of power brakes and power steering while driving on the highway.
Nov 29, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
be guessed ABS malfunction, on 11/03/2022 on highway in bumper-to-bumper situation.speed around 40 Mph. the car front Suddenly hit braking hard, I had followed immediately hitting the braking hard but at some point became lost brake and collied at the car front, this a second time, I had another very similar situation years ago but avoided collision
Feb 14, 2023
VEHICLE IS STATIONARY...I PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE A FEW YEARS AGO AND HAVE RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS .KEY WILL NOT TURN WHILE IN PARK REQUIRING THE NEED TO PUSH IN SHIFT LOCK RELEASE BUTTON , MOVING TO NEUTRAL SO THE KEY WILL TURN AND START THE VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE EXACT PROBLEMS, BUT WHEN I ENTER MY VIN# THER IS NO RECALL LISTED. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THIS RECALL WAS FIXED BY DEALER BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, AND IF SO, THE PROBLEM IS BACK CAN I STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FREE UNDER THIS RECALL ? THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Apr 29, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
ON HIGHWAY, CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE CAUSING ME TO SLOW TO 50 MPH AND NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH SPEED IF TRAFFIC. PULLED OVER, DASH LIGHTS FLASHED AND CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF VALVE COVER GASKET ALL OVER THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE CAR TO MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERABLE.
Mar 04, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON I-95, THE CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THEN ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MAKE IT TO THE ROAD SIDE. DEALER DIAGNOSED A DEFECTIVE VALVE COVER GASKET ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK WHICH DRIPPED ON AND INTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING IT TO FAIL. SECOND IDENTICAL FAILURE ON VEHICLE IN TWO YEARS. V-6, AUTOMATIC, 2WD. FOUND MANUFACTURER JUST ISSUED A RECALL ON VERACRUZ MODEL WHICH SHARES THE SAME PLATFORM FOR IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS AND FAILURES. *TR
Aug 20, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR DRIVERS AIRBAG. EXPERIENCING HIGH RESISTANCE CODE. RECALL 11V472000 COVERED SOME 2008 MODELS BUT NOT MINE. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER STARTING VEHICLE ON 08/03/2020
Aug 05, 2020
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM TWO RECALLS: (1) STOP LAMP SWITCH AND (2) PODS RECALIBRATION. I WAS INFORMED THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD HAD COME ON AND STAYED ON AFTER THE RECALIBRATION OF THE PODS. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PODS SYSTEM OR AN AIR WARNING LIGHT IN THE DASH PRIOR TO THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD HYUNDAI WOULD PAY TO EITHER REPLACE THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONER OR THE ENTIRE SEAT. THEY DID NOT ALLOW ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND RENTED ME A CAR FOR 4 DAYS. REPLACING THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT LESS THAN A YEAR LATER (4-15-14) THE AIR LIGHT HAS COME ON AND NOW THEY TELL ME THAT IT'S THE SCALE IN THE SEAT AND THE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $2400+. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS WERE NOT AFFECTED -- ONLY THE PASSENGER'S AND I WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE SERVICE TECH QUICKLY RETURNED THE CAR AND WE DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY PAPERWORK RESULTING FROM THE INSPECTION. MY HUSBAND AND I DID NOT ELECT TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT THIS TIME WHILE WE RESEARCH THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY HUSBAND AND I DID NOTICE THAT THE PODS "OFF" LIGHT TURNS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT WHICH IS CONFUSING SINCE THE ADVISOR SAID THE SCALE ISN'T WORKING. NOW WE ARE LEFT WITH A 6-YEAR-OLD CAR THAT HAS AN EXPENSIVE SAFETY ISSUE. WE CAN'T SELL IT TO A PRIVATE PARTY BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AND THE TRADE-IN VALUE HAS DRAMATICALLY DECLINED. *TR
Apr 19, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
THIS MORNING (11/11/18) I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS ON HIGHWAY I-290 EASTBOUND APPROX. 60 MPH, WHEN OUR CAR HAS STARTED ACCELERATING WITHOUT ME PRESSING DOWN GAS PEDAL. I HIT THE BRAKES, HOWEVER CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW IT DOWN WAS TO PUT IT ON NEUTRAL (I WAS ALREADY SPEEDING OVER 80MPH). WHEN I DID IT, RPM WERE AT 7000 PER MIN. AND DIDN'T GO DOWN A BIT. I PULLED OVER AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN STARTED BACK , ENGINE WAS WORKING AT NORMAL LEVEL RPM'S AND REACTED TO GAS PEDAL MOVEMENT. I'VE DECIDED TO CONTINUE DRIVE TO OUR DESTINATION. AFTER FEW MINUTES OF DRIVE, IT HAPPENS AGAIN! THIS ACCELERATIONS WERE UNINTENDED BY ME AND PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT AND EVEN DEATH. MY WIFE IS DRIVING THIS CAR DAILY AND SHE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT IF IT WOULD HAPPENED TO HER. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
Nov 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR
Apr 18, 2013
STEERING,ENGINE
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO A INTERSECTING ROAD WHEN I ENCOUNTERED LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. AFTER ALMOST HITTING A CAR I GOT IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE HAD JUST SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. IT CRANKED RIGHT BACK UP AND I DROVE IT HOME BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
Aug 07, 2018
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STALLED TWICE TODAY. IT ALSO STALLED ON THE SAME DAY TWICE LAST WEEK. THIS HAPPENED EACH TIME I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT OR WANTED TO MAKE A TURN. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING CEASED WORKING, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER EACH OCCURRENCE, I SWITCHED MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, PUSHED THE TRANSAXLE TO PARK AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE STALLING IS OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF POWER (POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TOO), COMPLETE FAILURE TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
Jul 11, 2018
AIR BAGS,SEATS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PLAZA HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 2740 NOSTRAND AVE STE A BROOKLYN, NY 11210) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 10473827. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. ...UPDATED 10/19/17 *BF
Aug 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,500. UPDATED 06/18/13*LJ UPDATED 06/21/2013 *JS
May 10, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDIA SANTA FE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR PROVIDED FALSE READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Oct 18, 2016
SAFETY ISSUE: FAILURE OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT PERMANENTLY TURNS ON THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WHICH DENIES THE USE OF THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" FOR OTHER SERIOUS CONDITIONS. MANY CONSUMERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THESE UNITS COST BETWEEN $800 TO $1200 TO FIX SO MOST DRIVERS DO NOT FIX IT AND INSTEAD USE THE ODOMETER READING TO DETERMINE WHEN FUEL IS NEEDED. UNFORTUNATELY, DRIVING WITH THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ON AT ALL TIMES PREVENTS THE DRIVER FROM SEEING THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ILLUMINATE WHEN A SERIOUS CONDITION EXISTS. THEREFORE, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CONSUMER REPORTS ALREADY SENT TO NHTSA REGARDING FAILED FUEL SENDING UNITS, HYUNDAI SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX THESE UNITS.
Jul 14, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED AND WOULD NOT STOP ACCELERATING. CAR HAD TO BE THROWN INTO NEUTRAL AND KEY TURNED OFF. ALL FOUR BRAKES WERE BURNT UP. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR WAS THERE A CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUE ON THEIR DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE OTHER THAN THE RPM'S RISING EVEN THOUGH BRAKE WAS BEING APPLIED. SO THEY KNOW IT HAPPENED BUT JUST DON'T KNOW WHY. CALLED HYUNDAI TO DOCUMENT THIS AND THEIR ONLY RESPONSE WAS THERE WAS NO RECALL AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC STUDY. SURE - SPEND MORE MONEY WITH HYUNDAI FOR THEM TO TELL ME NOTHING. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF 30+ LIVES. *TR
Nov 13, 2014
6/25/14, ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL AT 65MPH. DEPRESSED THE THROTTLE PEDAL TO PASS A VEHICLE. THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES BUT KEPT ON INCREASING SPEED. DEPRESSED THROTTLE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO CHANGE. TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF, NO CHANGE. TURNED KEY TO ACC AND THEN BACK TO ON BUT NO CHANGE. TURNED KEY TO ACC AND WAITED SEVERAL SECONDS THEN BACK ON. THROTTLE PEDAL STARTED TO RESPOND. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED IF FLOOR MAT WAS JAMMING THROTTLE PEDAL. NO PROBLEM, NO JAMMING. PROBLEM REPEATED AGAIN. CONTINUED TO DESTINATION AND TRIED CRUISE CONTROL BUT IT WOULD NOT SET. TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF. SUV WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AT DESTINATION. ON RETURN TRIP THROTTLE AND CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE. 6/30/14, TOOK SUV TO RAY BRANDT HYUNDAI, THEY FOUND NO CODES SET AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS IF BOTH THE THROTTLE IS WIDE OPEN AND THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED THEN A CODE SHOULD BE SET.THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM! THE SITE BELOW DOCUMENTS 3 ADDITIONAL OCCURRENCES: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/HYUNDAI/SANTAFE/2008/ACCELERATOR-STUCK-PROBLEMS.PHP. *TR
Jun 30, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
9/19/12 VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN ALTERNATOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. 10/2/12 NEW BATTERY NEEDED DUE TO BEING WORN DOWN FROM BAD ALTERNATOR. 10/3/14 76,589 MILES VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN ALTERNATOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN!! NEW BATTERY NEEDED SINCE COULD NO LONGER HOLD A CHARGE. ALSO MULTIPLE TIMES THE LUMBAR SWITCH ON DRIVER'S SEAT REPLACED: 2/3/10, 3/15/11, 9/19/12, 1/19/13, 10/3/14. *TR
Oct 10, 2014
IN NOVEMBER 2010, VEHICLE AT EST. 29,000 MI. CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION. WAS ABLE TO PULL OF ON SIDE OF SHOULDER ON HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD NOT REGAIN ACCELERATION DESPITE BEING TURNED OFF, ETC. THROTTLE SENSOR CHANGED. MARCH 2011, VEHICLE AT EST. 31,000 MI. SAME PROBLEM. WHILE ON HIGHWAY, CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION. RPMS JUMPED HIGH, ENGINE ROARED IN RESPONSE BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AGAIN, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
Mar 07, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
BACK IN APRIL, MY SANTA FE ALSO HAD THE FUEL GAUGE ISSUE. IT ALSO BEGAN FLUCTUATING WILDLY AND THE RANGE COMPUTER WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS PART OF THE FUEL PUMP AND THAT I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THEM, WHO KNEW IT HAD TWO. IT COST ME $1,583.80 TO FIX. THEY TOLD ME IF I DIDN'T FIX IT, THE CAR COULD JUST LOSE POWER AND WE WOULD BE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL!!!! NOW, MY SANTA FE HAS THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS BACK IN 2011, WHICH I DEFINITELY RECEIVED LITERATURE FROM HYUNDAI ABOUT IT. YESTERDAY, THE DEALER FIRST TOLD ME THAT RECALL DIDN'T EXIST. THEN THEY TOLD ME IT DIDN'T APPLY TO MY MAKE OR MODEL, NOR DID IT APPLY TO MY VIN. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE $350 TO FIX THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. I REFUSED SINCE I KNOW THIS WAS RECALLED. I'M GOING TO TRY AND CONTACT THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF HYUNDAI ABOUT THIS. IN THE MEANTIME, I DON'T HAVE A DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THANKS HYUNDAI. STAY AWAY FROM HYUNDAI VEHICLES!!!! *TR
Nov 20, 2013
ON OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED WITH 45,391 MILES, VIN # [XXX], THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON WHEN IT WAS ABOUT 1 YEAR OLD. IT HAS NOW COME ON APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES.THE DEALER ALWAYS SAYS IT'S THE GAS CAP. WE HAVE TIGHTENED THE GAS CAP VARYING DEGREES AND IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW TIGHT IT IS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE REPLACED THE GAS CAP 3 TIMES OUT OF 10 TRIPS. WHETHER THAT IS TRUE OR NOT, I DON'T KNOW. ADDITIONALLY, THE RED "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I UNDERSTAND HYUNDAI HAS A HISTORY OF AIRBAG PROBLEMS AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU CAN FORCE THEM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 10, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESUMED UPON RESTARTING; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED EIGHT TIMES. IN ADDITION, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HESITATION WOULD FOLLOW. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED ON TWO OCCASIONS AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,099.
Jul 05, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT 70 MPH, HE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER REPLACED THE STOP LAMP SWITCH PER THE RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Apr 30, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
FAN KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. DEALER SAID THERE IS A "SHORT IN THE A/C CONTROL HEAD". *TR
Jan 25, 2013
SAFETY DEFECT WITH HORN ACTIVATION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL HORN PAD IS NEED TO ACTIVATE THE HORN. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN A POTENTIAL COLLISION /CLOSE CALL SITUATION OCCURRED. THE CENTRAL AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTAINS THE DRIVER AIR BAG INTEGRATED WITH THE HORN ACTIVATION SUBSYSTEM. THE MANUAL PRESSURE NEEDED TO ACTIVATE THE HORN IS WHAT I BELIEVE IS EXCESSIVE AND APPEARS TO BE GREATER AS YOU MOVE AWAY FROM THE CENTER OF THE HORN-PAD TO THE EDGE OF THE PAD. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT FIXING THIS BUT HE CLAIMS THIS IN NOT POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE ON THIS EQUIPMENT. I'VE COMPARED THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE NEEDED ON MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 AND THE SANTA FE REQUIRES MUCH MORE PRESSURE THAN THE RX300. BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE REQUESTED THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGERS TO DO SOMETHING TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE BUT THEY HAVE RESPONDED W/ THE COMMENT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. *TR
Jun 25, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS ALL FAILED AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED SEVERAL CITATIONS DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE BECAME WORSE UNTIL NO EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE OPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,600 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,640.
Apr 27, 2011
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. *NJ WHILE DRIVING ON AN UN-LIGHTED OR HILLY ROADWAY, THERE WAS A DISCERNABLE HORIZONTAL LINE BETWEEN THE LIGHTED ROADWAY AND DARKNESS. THE CONSUMER COULD SEE THE LINE ABOUT 3 FEET ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE. THE LINE ALSO EXTENDED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AT TIMES, THE LIGHTED ROADWAY WAS LESS THAN 30 FEET WHILE GOING UP AND DOWN THE HILLY ROAD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT 30 FEET OR LESS WAS TOO SHORT OF A LIGHTED LANE OF TRAVEL. A VISUAL INSPECTION, SHOWED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS MOUNTED TOO FAR BEHIND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE HOOD TO BLOCK THE LOW BEAM REFLECTING UP. *JB
Sep 29, 2008
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
Seem like it burns oil quick
Jul 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal the cruise control briefly failed to disengage. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The Electronic Power Control (EPC) and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the stop lamp switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.
Jan 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
My car has a recall, and the dealership is unable to fix it. There is also an issue with the oem control module that they are unable to get the part and unable to fix this because they do not have the correct software.
Mar 25, 2024
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
Reference Number: 11520065 This is a follow up to a previously submitted incident involving this same vehicle. My first submission was May, 2023, This vehicle experienced the exact same hazardous condition on February 26, 2024. on I-75 south. After driving on an interstate highway for about 1 hour, I noticed a traffic backup and proceeded to slow down as the traffic was nearly stopped. As I slowed my car down to nearly a complete stop, the engine suddenly surged forward with high rpm's as though the accelerator was pushed to the floor. I immediately pressed on the brake pedal as hard as I could to stop the car from surging forward and then quickly decided to put the transmission into neutral so I would not hit the car in front of me. The car eventually stopped surging and may have stalled. I finally got the car to move again by turning off the ignition and restarting it. I continued on my way and did not have a similar situation for the rest of my 30 minute highway trip. Like all the times before, the floor mat was NOT involved in this sudden acceleration. Last year when I took this car to a Hyundai dealer for inspection, they could not replicate this condition. They said that I needed a new fuel level sensor in my gas tank and a new fuel pump--neither of which I agreed to because first, the gas gauge has no relation to my surging and second, the fuel pump must be working or else I could not drive the car. This surging has occurred perhaps 7 times since I have owned this car since 2008. It is frightening to know that it could happen again with personal injuries or property damage. This condition rarely happens in city driving, but has happened at least 3 times in city driving. Seems like this situation would warrant a manufacturer recall.
Mar 14, 2024
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
Valve cover leak or head gasket leak
Jan 18, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
i change the oil on 4/18/2023 in walmart i park the car in my house i used on 04/23/2023 on i-75 southbound the oil light came out and them smoke star on the car fallow by fire me and daugther an husband where on the suv was tereffied
Jun 10, 2023
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
The rear and drive unit is having issues loud popping sound when driving this is a major safety concern, and seems to be a huge problem across the board as I’ve been reading about on Hyundai forums
Mar 29, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
The sunvisors for passenger and driver are defective. I have had the car since 2013 and have had to replace both visors at LEAST once a year, if not more frequently. The visor will suddenly break, swing down, impairing vision of the driver while the car is in motion, including highway speeds. I have been hit in the head several times when it breaks & swings while driving -- I am going to have a wreck eventually if Huydai does not address this defect in their visors & it is clearly a defect (check YouTube for all the hacks in how to attempt to fix it).
Nov 11, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V936000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 12V354000 (Air Bags). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that the brake lamp switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving, the TPMS, passenger seat belt, and the ESC warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Sep 13, 2022
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
PRIOR TO CONTACTING NHTSA WE CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND INFORMED THEM THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND WE CAN SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR IN THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE CAR IS ON A LIFT (THIS WAS POINTED OUT TO US BY A THIRD PARTY REPAIR SHOP AND NOT THE DEALER). IT APPEARS THAT HYUNDAI MAY BE CONCEALING DATA FROM NHTSA REGARDING CORROSION PROBLEMS ON ITS VEHICLES. WHAT IS CLEAR IS THAT HYUNDAI IS SHIRKING ITS SAFETY OBLIGATIONS AND WILL NOT COVER CORROSION, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT IS FUNCTIONAL OR SAFETY, IF THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. BASED ON PRIOR DEALINGS WITH NHTSA I KNOW THAT RECALLS ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD IF VEHICLE SAFETY IS IN QUESTION. WHEN WE CONTACTED HYUNDAI, THEIR EXCUSE FOR WHY THE VEHICLE HAD A MASSIVE HOLE IN THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS THAT THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN PRIMARILY IN ILLINOIS AND ILLINOIS USES SALT ON THE ROADS IN WINTER. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN, MORE THAN HALF OF THE VEHICLES IN THE US ARE DRIVEN ON ROADS THAT ARE SALTED IN THE WINTER. THIS EXCUSE IS SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE AND PERHAPS NHTSA NEEDS TO PROHIBIT HYUNDAI FROM SELLING VEHICLES IN THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE US IF THIS IS GOING TO BE HYUNDAI'S ATTITUDE. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER.
Dec 12, 2020
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
I WAS BACKING UP TO TURN AROUND AND AS I WAS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL I HEARD AND FELT VERY LOUD PULSING THUMPS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I GOT OUT AND SAW MY DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS LEANING OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE ARM BROKE OF FROM MY WHEEL ALSO I FOUND OUT WHEN I HAD IT REPAIRED THE AXEL ALSO BROKE!! GOOD THING I WASN'T ON A HIGHWAY OR DRIVING I OR OTHERS MIGHT HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE!!!
Nov 16, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE FUEL SENSOR STOPPED WORKING. PAY TO FIX IT BUT ONLY LASTED 1 MONTH AND THAN STOP WORKING AGAIN. ELECTRICAL. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY HEARD A WHINING NOISE AND THEN THE CAR STARTING STALLING. WON'T TURN ON
Oct 09, 2020
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
GOING DOWN INTERSTATE AT 70 MILES AN HOUR AND CAR SHUT OFF PUT CAR IN NUTRAL AND RESTARTED . THEN THE NEXT DAY DRIVING TO WORK AND CAR CUT OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING DID SAME AND RESTARTED . WENT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THIS HAS BEN A PROBLEM IN THESE CARS FOR YEARS AND AM AFRAID FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN S LIVES
Oct 30, 2019
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING ISSUES WITH KEY FOB NOT WORKING - GAS GAUGE NOT ACCURATE NEXT CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ON ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POINTING TO BAD FUEL PUMP SENSOR UNITS - I'VE RESEARCHED THIS AND THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE - MY CAR HAS ONLY 70 K MILES ON IT AND HUYNDAI REFUSES TO DO FIX AS THIS IS NOT A RECALL AND CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY - I SAY THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE AND HUYNDAI SHOULD COVER THIS AS A RECALL - VEHICLE IS NOW UNSAFE AND CAN SHUT OFF AT ANY TIME DURING DRIVING.... SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE MULTIPLE REPORTED COMPLAINTS AND CALLS FOR RECALL BUT HUYNDAI WILL NOT OFFER RECALL - SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE HUYNDAI DOES NOT CARE - EXAMPLE OF SAME COMPLAINT FILED BY ANOTHER PERSON ON THIS SAME ISSUE ATTACHED - MULTIPLE ISSUES LISTED AT THIS SITE : HTTPS://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/CONSUMER-COMPLAINT/2008/HYUNDAI/SANTA-FE/11141800. YOU CAN SEE ALL THE INSTANCES THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES ! *TT *TR
Aug 20, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHILE DRIVING STALLS, TRUCK IS NO LONGER ON WHILE DRIVING. POWER STEERING AND CONTROL OVER STEERING WHEEL IS LOSS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING QUITE FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING. HAPPEN TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHICH, SCARED ME TO DEATH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON STAY FOR A FEW DAYS THEN TURNS OFF. MY FUEL GAGE K DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. I CAN FILL MY TANK UP ON FULL, THEN IT WILL DROP TO THE E LINE LIKE THERE IS NO GAS. THE YELLOW LIGHT COMES ON. NOT SAFE BECAUSE NOW I DON'T KNOW IF MY TRUCK IS FULL OR REALLY EMPTY. WHY HAVEN'T THERE BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THESE ISSUES ESPECIALLY SINCE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL.
Sep 10, 2018
PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN WARMED UP FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES, THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ESC SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 10 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN JAMESVILLE, WI WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Apr 25, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READS AS EMPTY, REGARDLESS OF MOVEMENT OR AMOUNT OF GAS IN TANK, LEAVING DRIVER TO RUN OUT OF GAS IN UNDESIRABLE PLACES. REPAIR IS APPROX 600-800 DOLLARS. MANY COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE RECALLED. HAS TO DO WITH THE FUEL SENDING SENSOR OR SOMETHING I WAS TOLD.
Mar 19, 2018
STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
PEELING PAINT ON ROOF GAS TANK DOESN'T REGISTER IF TANK IS EMPTY OR FULL.
Sep 21, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
I ACTUALLY HAVE 2 ISSUES OCCURRING. ONE OF THESE WAS DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED BY A PREVIOUS RECALL (CAMPAIGN 105/110 - FIXED /CLOSED JUN 23, 2014). HOWEVER, MY ESC OFF LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT ARE AGAIN LIGHTING UP. I HAVE (LUCKILY) NOT YET HAD LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OR CONTROL. THE SECOND ISSUE IS IN REGARDS TO CAMPAIGN 936. I'VE HAD THE FRONT ENGINE VALVE GASKET COVER FIXED, ALONG WITH MY ALTERNATOR REPLACED (AFTER MY HUSBAND AND I DID IT OURSELVES AFTER LOSING ALL POWER ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD BEFORE BARELY COASTING INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO SORT OF PARK OUT OF THE WAY). WE CHANGED MY OIL THIS WEEKEND, HAVE HAD NO OTHER WORK DONE ON THE CAR SINCE (EXCEPT OIL CHANGES) AND MY HUSBAND NOTICED THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS AGAIN COVERED IN OIL. BETWEEN THE 2 ISSUES, IT IS MOST LIKELY A MATTER OF DAYS (IF I'M LUCKY) BEFORE MY CAR LOSES POWER IN SOME FORM AND I AM POTENTIALLY IN A WRECK WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO "RE-FIX" THE FIRST 2 CAMPAIGNS THAT SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN FIXED, BUT FOR JUST THE VALVE GASKET WORK, IT WOULD BE AT LEAST $500, NOT INCLUDING THE ALTERNATOR THAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED WHEN THE CAR DOES GO OUT. APPARENTLY THE GASKET THAT IS LEAKING THIS TIME ISN'T THE FRONT ONE, IT IS THE REAR ONE. MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON THIS ARE THAT IF THE FRONT ONE IS FAULTY, THEN IT'S NOT A STRETCH TO GET TO THE REAR ONE BEING FAULTY. MY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP EVEN WARNED ME WHEN REPLACING THE FRONT ONE THAT MY REAR ONE WOULD MOST LIKELY NEED TO BE DONE TOO (FOR $500+). IF THE DEALERSHIPS KNOW, IT MAKES ME WONDER WHY THE RECALL DIDN'T INCLUDE BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS OR A NEW ONE HASN'T BEEN ISSUED FOR THE REAR ONE. HOPEFULLY, BOTH OF THESE ISSUES CAN BE RE-ADDRESSED. THE DATE BELOW IS OF FIRST WARNING LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS COME ON FROM PARK OR WHILE DRIVING.
Jul 25, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY CAR HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES THIS PAST WEEK WITHOUT WARNING OR INDICATION THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG. THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STOP AND LOSE POWER COMPLETELY WHILE I ANXIOUSLY TRY TO RESTART IT. IT HAS PUT ME AT RISK WITH OTHER DRIVERS WHERE I'VE HAD TO PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND HOPE VEHICLES ARE ABLE TO STOP IN TIME SO THEY DON'T HIT ME. I'VE TAKEN IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE HELPING ME. I FOUND INFORMATION ONLINE ABOUT HYUNDAI GETTING SLAPPED WITH A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS I'M REPORTING, BUT THE SUIT APPEARS TO ONLY COVER 2010-2012 MODELS, MINE IS 2008. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Jun 09, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
1) FUEL TANK GAUGE IS INACCURATE. STARTS TO DROP RAPIDLY AFTER DRIVING 75-100 MILES AND EMPTY FUEL TANK LIGHT COMES ON AFTER ~125-150 MILES. WHEN I REFILL THE TANK, IT IS ONLY HALF EMPTY. NORMALLY, CAR WILL DRIVE 270-320 MILES BEFORE EMPTY. 2) CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WRONG WITH THE CAR(HAVE HAD IT CHECKED.) 3) ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF; SOMETIMES AT THE SAME TIME AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SOMETIMES BY ITSELF. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED, NO PROBLEM; AND RESET. GOES ON - OFF AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER. THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN OCCURRING OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS, APPROXIMATELY.
May 24, 2017
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. NO BRAKES, NO STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO A DRIVEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART . ABOUT 1 HOUR LATER THE SAME THING, ONLY THIS TIME I WAS MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN ACROSS A VERY BUSY CITY STREET.. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND WILL PROBABLY SELL THE CAR & TELL THE NEW OWNERS ABOUT MY ISSUE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A GARAGE, AS THE CLOSEST HYUNDAI SHOP TO ME IS AN HOUR AWAY. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THAT FAR.
May 17, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE AT A STOP IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. ALTHOUGH MY FOOT WAS PLANTED HARD ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED RACING, AND IT FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS GOING TO PUSH HIS CAR DOWN THE STREET! I SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. LUCKILY THERE WAS ONLY $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR, AND NO ONE WAS HURT. I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWED NO MALFUNCTION, AND IT HAD TO BE DRIVER ERROR. THREE MONTHS LATER, IT DID IT AGAIN TO A LESSER DEGREE, IN AN OPEN AREA. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AGAIN, AND IT WAS FINE UNTIL YESTERDAY. IT HAS BEEN 4 MONTHS SINCE THAT LAST INCIDENT, BUT THIS ONE EVEN WAS WORSE THAN THE FIRST. ONLY THING IS, NOW I KNOW TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE, SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE CAR OFF AS FAST AS I CAN. THIS ONE FRIGHTENED ME SO BADLY, I WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN. IT IS GOING TO SIT AT THE DEALER UNTIL THEY FIND OUT WHAT TO DO. I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE DRIVE IT, SELL IT OR EVEN TRADE IT IN UNTIL I KNOW IT IS SAFE! EVERY TIME IT HAPPENED, THE CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET, STATIONARY, AND HEADING STRAIGHT. THE ENGINE REVS UP SO LOUD, IT SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE! YESTERDAY I COULD TELL THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR STOPPED NEXT TO ME HEARD IT AND LOOKED AT ME! I HAVE OWNED THIS SANTA FE SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW, AND PEOPLE TELL ME IT LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR. I KEEP UP WITH THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND ALWAYS TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. UNTIL LAST JULY, IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR. THE ACCIDENT I HAD WITH IT WAS THE ONLY ACCIDENT I HAVE HAD IN 50 YEARS OF DRIVING! PLEASE GIVE ME SOME IDEAS ON WHAT TO TELL THE DEALER TO REPLACE, REPAIR OR DISCONNECT. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
Mar 02, 2017
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED BEHAVING ERRATICALLY AT 75000 MILES. THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CAN SUDDENLY DROP TO EMPTY, THEN COME BACK TO 1/2 FULL AND THEN TO EMPTY. IT CANNOT SHOW FUEL LEVEL PROPERLY. THIS IS SERIOUS HAZARD ISSUE AS OWNER CANNOT CORRECTLY TELL FUEL LEVEL WHILE DRIVING. OWNER HAS 10YEAR 100K POWER CHAIN WARRANTY BUT HYUNDAI DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS THEY CLAIMED THIS IS NOT PART OF POWER CHAIN. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Dec 12, 2016
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE FROM ITS SOCKET WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VISOR HUNG BY THE WIRE FOR THE LIGHT. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT. IT IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I WAS ABLE TO JURY RIG IT BACK - VERY SIMPLE AND EASY; HOWEVER THEIR NEGLECT OF THIS IS DANGEROUS.
Nov 18, 2016
STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILED AND, DUE TO THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE ROAD DIVIDER. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED SHOULDER AND BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL BEARINGS ON THE FRONT AXLE WERE WORN OUT. THE TIE RODS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ESC AND ABS SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Oct 28, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
OUR GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY, AND THE FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON, ALL THE TIME. THIS OCCURS EVEN AFTER WE FILL THE CAR UP. THIS OCCURS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR RUNNING. WE HAVE TO TRACK OUR FUEL LEVEL BY KEEPING TRACK OF THE MILEAGE. ALSO, IF WE TURN THE CAR OFF WHEN FUELING, IT WILL NOT TURN BACK ON. WE HAVE TO TRY OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL IT TURNS ON. WE HAVE FOUND THAT IF WE LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING WHILE FUELING, IT USUALLY STAYS RUNNING; HOWEVER, A LOT OF TIMES, THE CAR STOPS RUNNING AND THEN, WE STRUGGLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN. THIS IS OUR 2ND SANTA FE (OUR FIRST WAS A 2004, WITH WHICH WE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM). IF HYUNDAI DOESN'T DO SOMETHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THIS WILL BE OUR LAST HYUNDAI. THIS IS DANGEROUS ON MANY LEVELS, AND AS WE ALL CAN SEE, THERE ARE CURRENTLY ABOUT 350 OTHER 2008 SANTA FE OWNERS WHO HAVE POSTED ON THIS SITE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT, AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. ALSO, I NOTICED SOMEONE ELSE MENTIONED THEY CHANGE LOW BEAMS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. WE TOO, ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WE HAVE CHANGED MORE HEADLAMPS IN THIS CAR THAN WE HAVE IN ALL OF OUR CARS COMBINED OVER 40 YEARS.
Sep 10, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATES. CAR LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLS.
Aug 30, 2016
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
HYUNDAI DEALER SAID MY BALL JOINTS WERE BAD, $750.00 FOR REPAIRS, HYUNDAI HAS RECALL I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. DRIVERS AIR BAG ILLUMINATED, GOING IN FOR REPAIR FRIDAY COST UNKNOWN. AGAIN I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT RECALL. I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT RECALLS.
Jul 05, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO DISENGAGE AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A BURNING ODOR WAS NOTICED. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE IDLING FOR AWHILE AND THE SMOKE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNITS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Jun 20, 2016
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN DRIVER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE THAT SPLIT IN HALF. ALSO, WATER SOLVENT CONTAINER SPLIT DUE TO COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES. CONSUMER UNABLE TO ADD WASHER FLUID. *SMD
Jun 07, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
AFTER 141,000 MILES THE ENGINE THREW A ROD, I HAD HEARD A CLICKING NOISE FOR A WHILE BUT WAS ASSURED IT WAS A NORMAL ENGINE SOUND AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER. I CHANGE MY OIL REGULARLY AND HAVE MY SLIPS, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF I AM HAVING TO REPLACE APPROXIMATELY ONE LOW BEAM HEADLAMP PER MONTH.
May 20, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BECAME EXCESSIVELY HOT. THE PASSENGER OBSERVED THAT THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO HER HANDS AND BUTTOCKS BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,002.
Feb 22, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AND YOU HIT THE BREAKS, THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STALL, OR IF YOU USE THE HIGH OR LOW BREAMS THE RADIO SHUTS OFF AND THE GPS TURNS ON OR YOU LOSES IT ALL, WHILE ON HIGH WAY WAY IF YOU USE YOUR HIGH OR LOW BEAMS THE ENGINE STARTS TO STALL THEN KEEPS GOING CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND YOU HAVE TO BREAK QUICKLY TO AVOID HITTING YOU AS YOU LOOSE ALL POWER FOR A MATTER OF SECONDS THIS HAPPEN WHILE MOVING OR PARKED, I MHAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW ALTERNATORS IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM CONIINUES
Feb 22, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN FAULTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND OFF AFTER REPLACING WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A BAD BATTERY ONE MONTH AGO. ONE WEEK AGO WHILE DRIVING, ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD CAME ON (BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ESC...), ENGINE STARTED TO REV, ELECTRICAL AND POWER STEERING FAILED, AND CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED HOME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING NOW. ISSUE IS FROM A FAILING/FAILED ALTERNATOR CAUSED BY OIL LEAK FROM FRONT VALVE COVER. THIS PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO ISSUES WITH '06-'12 VERACRUZ, RECALL #121.
Sep 24, 2015
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN GOING UP A VERY STEEP GRADE. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK SO THAT I COULD TURN MY CAR OFF. I HAD TO LAY ON THE BRAKE WITH ALL MY WEIGHT TO KEEP FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS INTO CARS BEHIND ME. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER A MINUTE, WHICH FELT LIKE MUCH LONGER, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON. THE SECOND TIME I LOST ALL POWER, WAS A COUPLE MONTHS LATER. I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A CURVY HILLY ROAD. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER, ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, OR APPLY THE BRAKES. THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME AND I WAS TERRIFIED I WOULD END UP OFF THE ROAD OR HEADING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO MAKE IT UP A HILL. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. BOTH TIMES MY INFANT WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THANK GOODNESS BOTH OF US WERE UNHARMED, BECAUSE WE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN HURT OR HURT OTHERS. I WAS IN A SEVERAL THOUSAND POUND VEHICLE WHICH WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AS I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT. THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK IT WAS A BIG DEAL AND SAID I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR. LUCKILY, I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH COVERED THE ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT.
Sep 15, 2015
STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN MY HYUNDAI SANTAFE THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOULEVARD STREET AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. I WAS VERY FRIGHTENED DURING THE INCIDENT THAT SOMEONE WAS GOING TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP AGAIN BEFORE I GOT HOME. I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND FOLLOWED MY HUSBAND IN ANOTHER VEHICLE AS HE DROVE THE FAULTY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE TECH REP WE SPOKE WITH AT THE DEALER CASUALLY SAID THE THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR WAS BAD AND IF WE WANTED IT REPAIRED IT WOULD COST ABOUT $400. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THEY WOULD LET ME LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP WITH THIS MALFUNCTIONING PART. THE SYMPTOMS ARE THE SAME AS THE GENERAL MOTORS IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI SANTAFE. WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE? WHERE ARE THE RECALLS? IS IT GOING TO TAKE MANY DEATHS AND 10 YEARS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM LIKE GM IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM? DOES SOMEBODY HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY? HYUNDAI MANAGEMENT REFUSES TO DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM. I SINCERELY HOPE I CAN APPEAL TO YOUR SENSIBILITY AND FORCE THIS KOREAN COMPANY TO ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Aug 20, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY SANTA FE AWD 2008 WAS BOUGHT IN JUNE 2009 AND NOW HAS ~99K MILEAGE. I HAD FOUR OR FIVE SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH MY SANTA FE STARTING ON 4/21/15, WHICH LED TO SIGNIFICANT POWER LOSS AND SPEED LOSS OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AT ~25 MPH. SUDDENLY I FELT THE CAR LOST THE POWER AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I STEPPED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THE CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE (THE SPEED DROPPED TO ~10 MPH). I SAW 3 SYSTEM INDICATOR/WARNING LIGHTS ON: THE ESC OFF(ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS HAD A STEADY LIGHT AND THE AWD SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE CAR, WAITED ~1 MINUTE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, BUT THE OTHER LIGHTS WENT OUT. THEN I DROVE THE CAR TO CONTINUE TO MY JOB. THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MY WAY HOME. THE SAME SCENARIO EXCEPT THAT I WAS DRIVING AT ~40 MPH AT THE TIME. THE SUDDEN POWER LOSS CAUSED THE CAR SPEED QUICKLY DROPPED TO ~10 MPH AND PROBABLY LED THE CAR BEHIND MINE TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID A CRASH. AGAIN, I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON. THE OTHER TIMES I WAS ON THE CRESENT CITY CONNECTION (BRIDGE) IN THE CENTER LANE. I HAD TO WORK MY WAY OVER TWO LANES TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO RESTART TO CONTINUE ON MY WAY TO OR FROM WORK. AFTER THE 5TH TIME, I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND AN ARTICLE STATING THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS ON THE TSB (TECHNICAL SAFETY BULLETIN). MAYBE SOMEONE SOMEWHERE SHOULD BE AWARE OF MORE THAN ONE VEHICLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.......
Jul 28, 2015
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET KEEP LEAKING OIL ON TO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR TO GO OUT . THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPEN THE CORE OF THE ALTERNATOR BURNED .I HAVE REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR 3 TIMES AND VALVE COVER GASKET TWICE. HYUNDAI HAVE A RECALL ON THE VERACRUZ FOR THIS SOME ISSUES BUT WILL NOT RECALL THE SANTA FE FOR THIS ISSUES .
Jul 27, 2015
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE FIRST TIME I CAME OUT TO START MY CAR AND LOOKED UP, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED. I WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE STARTER. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AND APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER, I NOTICED A BRUSHING SOUND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. OVER TIME IT BECAME MORE OFTEN. I RETURNED THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO THE INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT THE NOISE. IN THE MEAN TIME I TOOK TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE STARTER AND TO TAKE IT BACK AND HAVE IT REPLACED. I RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT DEALER AND THEY REPLACED, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD IT WASN'T CATCHING. TWO WEEKS LATER IT STARTED THE SAME BRUSHING SOUND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT AND IN THE MEAN TIME THE CAR WHILE WARMING UP HAD A BURNT SMELL. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP PUT THE CAR ON A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND PUT A NEW STARTER IN. MY CAR WAS HELD FOR 5 DAYS. THEY TOLD ME OIL HAD LEAKED FROM THE STARTER AND THAT WAS WHERE THE SMOKE CAME FROM AND THE BRUNT SMELL. WITHIN A WEEK THE CAR WHEN STARTED HAD THE BRUSHING SOUND AGAIN. I TRIED TO RECORD THE SOUND AND AFTER I STARTED 4 TIMES IT STARTED TO SMOKE AND WOULDN'T START. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. *TR
Jan 25, 2015
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE GAS GAUGE HAS NOT BEEN WORKING FOR OVER 2 YEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON MOST OF THE TIME BUT WILL GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WE TRACK GAS USAGE WITH THE TRIP ODOMETER (20 MILES PER GALLON X 17 GAL TANK=340 MILES DRIVEN) BUT FILL UP AROUND 275 MILES DRIVEN. BUT THIS IS NOT A RELIABLE WAY TO TRACK FUEL AND IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN-WE RAN OUT OF GAS-UNFORTUNATELY ON THE TOLLWAY. NOW WE WANT TO FIX IT. WE HAVE HAD ESTIMATES RANGING FROM $400-$800 TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THINK THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT HYUNDAI HAS INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. WE TAKE CARE OF OUR CARS-REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND PARKED IN A GARAGE. (ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE SENSOR AFTER 2 YEARS AND BOTH HVAC MODE DOOR ACTUATORS AFTER 4 YEARS. THE WINDOW WASHER FLUID RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING).
Jan 06, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE BECOMES ERRATIC AND DOES NOT INDICATE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL IN GAS TANK. RECENTLY "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON AND DIAGNOSIS BY MECHANIC WAS "FUEL LEVEL SENSOR A, CIRCUIT INTERMITTENT". THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND SHOULD NOT OCCUR ON A VEHICLE AT THIS STAGE. I HAVE NOW BECOME AWARE THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON DEFECT IN THE HYUNDAI SANTA FE LINE OF VEHICLES. THIS DEFECT CAN CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF A DRIVER WERE TO UNKNOWINGLY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT A RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART(S) WOULD BE JUSTIFIED. I AM HOPING THAT YOUR AGENCY WILL LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE STEPS. THANK YOU. *TR
Jan 04, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WAS ON AN INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 65 MPH. WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THUS DEPRESSED THE THROTTLE PEDAL. THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES BUT KEPT ON INCREASING SPEED. DEPRESSED THROTTLE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO CHANGE. TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF, NO CHANGE. HAD TO PULL OVER, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK WITH BRAKE PRESSED AND TURNED KEY OFF. WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES THEN BACK ON, THROTTLE PEDAL STARTED TO RESPOND. SECOND INSTANCE, WAS ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO INTERSTATE FROM A RAMP, HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 65 MPH, THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN, AGAIN HAD TO PULLED OVER, PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, AND TURN OFF IGNITION . I CHECKED TO ENSURE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT INTERFERING THROTTLE PEDAL, IT WAS NOT. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED 4 TIMES NOW ON THIS VEHICLE ALL WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO EITHER PASS A VEHICLE OR MERGE ONTO AN INTERSTATE. ALL TIMES THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN ENGAGED. *TR
Aug 04, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
MY SANTA FE LIMITED AWD 2008 WAS BOUGHT AT THE END OF FEB 2009 AND NOW HAS ~44K MILEAGE. I HAD TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH MY SANTA FE TODAY (7/6/2014), WHICH LED TO SIGNIFICANT POWER LOSS AND SPEED LOSS OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AT ~45 MPH. SUDDENLY I FELT THE CAR LOST THE POWER AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I STEPPED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THE CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE (THE SPEED DROPPED TO ~20 MPH). I SAW 3 SYSTEM INDICATOR/WARNING LIGHTS ON: THE ESC OFF(ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS HAD A STEADY LIGHT AND THE AWD SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE CAR, WAITED ~1 MINUTE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, BUT THE OTHER LIGHTS WENT OUT. THEN I DROVE THE CAR TO CONTINUE MY GROCERY SHOPPING (SEVERAL STOPS, ~30 MILES IN TOTAL). THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MY WAY HOME. THE SAME SCENARIO EXCEPT THAT I WAS DRIVING AT ~40 MPH AND GOING UPHILL AT THE TIME. THE SUDDEN POWER LOSS CAUSED THE CAR SPEED QUICKLY DROPPED TO ~10 MPH AND PROBABLY LED THE CAR BEHIND MINE TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID A CRASH. AGAIN, I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON. AFTER GOT HOME SAFELY, I DID SOME SEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR INCIDENTS REPORTED ON HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUVS BEFORE (SEE THE ATTACHED LINKS BELOW). SO I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. THE LINK OF WEBSITES WITH SIMILAR INCIDENTS REPORTED: 1. HTTP://WWW.JUSTANSWER.COM/HYUNDAI/47Z2R-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-LIMITED-HI-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-AWD-2008.HTML 2. HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/9216/HYUNDAI/SANTA-FE/HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-ENGINE-PROBLEMS/P2 (ALTOSTEPH POST) 3. HTTP://WWW.HYUNDAIFORUM.COM/FORUM/HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-20/4WD-SYSTEM-WARNING-LIGHT-BLINKING-LOSS-POWER-12357/ *JS
Jul 07, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE DASH LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF A DOWN POUR, THE LIGHTS WENT DIM. THE TRACTION SYSTEM STARTED DETUNING THE ENGINE. ALL DASH LIGHTS ON. WE FIND THAT IT IS A LEAKY VALUE COVER GASKET. DRIPS ON THE ALTERNATOR AND CAUSES IT TO GO BAD. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "THEY ARE ALL STARTING TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT'S $700.00. IF I WAS THE ORGINAL OWNER HYUNDAI WOULD REPLACE THE GASKET, BUT I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE ALTENATOR. $600.00 UHGG!!! NOW FOR THE FUEL GUAGE. TWO SENSORS UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND GOOD AS NEW. $200.00. *TR
Jun 26, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR, I TOOK IT TO BE DIAGNOSED AND IT IS A FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. APPARENTLY HYUNDAI IS WELL AWARE OF THIS VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS ONLY SOLD TOGETHER, THEREFORE THIS IS A FIX THAT WILL COST AT LEAST $800 WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. SO NOW I JUST HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES, HAVING NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE OR IF ANY OTHER ENGINE ISSUES HAVE COME UP. SHAME ON HYUNDAI. *TR
Jun 06, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE 2008 SANTA FE TRAVELING BETWEEN 55& 60MPH ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF ACCELERATOR. I APPLIED BRAKES BUT DIFFICULT TO MAKE VEHICLE STOP. I THINK I SLOWED IT DOWN A LOT BUT DID NOT OR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STOP. IT WAS LIKE IDLE GOT STUCK ON HIGH! AFTER 20 SECONDS OR SO THE ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL & I PROCEEDED. IT WAS SCARY ! FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. I JUST HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE TO REPLACE TO HEADLIGHTS & MISSING SCREW UNDER FRONT SEAT. *TR
May 20, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE SANTA FE GAS GAUGE BEHAVES ERRATICALLY! AS YOU DRIVE, THE FUEL INDICATOR NEEDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN SO THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW ACCURATELY HOW MUCH FUEL REMAINS IN THE GAS TANK. THE NEEDLE MAY ALSO INDICATE A VERY LOW FUEL LEVEL BY ILLUMINATING THE "LOW FUEL" WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS DRIVE TIME GOES ON AS THE NEEDLE MOVEMENTS INCREASE THE LONGER TIME THE SUV IS DRIVEN AND THE VOLUME OF FUEL DECREASES IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO ILLUMINATE TO WARN OF A VEHICLE ENGINE / DRIVE-TRAIN PROBLEM. IN MY CASE I HAVE RESET THE CHECK ENGINE MANUALLY AND AFTER A NUMBER OF TRIPS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL REAPPEAR. THIS LOW FUEL WARNING CYCLE HAS BEEN REPEATED NUMEROUS TIMES AND MAY CAUSE A DRIVER TO BE DISTRACTED TO SEE THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT, WHEN IN FACT THERE MAY BE SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. I FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DISCONCERTING AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHETHER YOU MAY BE RUNNING OUT OF GASOLINE. *JS
Apr 28, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WAS SECOND VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVERRIDING BRAKE, AND HIT BACK OF VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHER DRIVER. HAD PEDESTRIANS BEEN IN FRONT, COULD EASILY HAVE RUN OVER THEM. MONTHS PRIOR, TWICE ON SAME DAY ENGINE POWER DIED WHILE DRIVING. HYUNDAI REPLACED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TR
Mar 31, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AT AROUND 67K MILES STARTED READING EMPTY AND THEN IT STARTED READING NORMAL AND THEN EMPTY. FINALLY IT HAS ONLY READ EMPTY FOR THE PAST COUPLE THOUSAND MILES. I WAS HOPING THAT IT WOULD FIX ITSELF WHICH IT NEVER DID. WISHFUL THINKING. I ENDED UP BRINGING MY SANTA FE INTO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM PLUS REPLACE THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES, AND PERFORM EXISTING RECALLS. THEY TOLD ME THAT ONE OF THE TWO FUEL PUMPS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK HAD FAILED. THE FUEL PUMP THAT FAILED WAS THE ONE WITH THE SENDING UNIT WHICH PROVIDES THE SIGNAL TO THE FUEL GAUGE. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE OTHER FUEL PUMP DID NOT FAIL AS MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE WILL STOP RUNNING. *TR
Feb 03, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
GAS GAUGE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. GAS TANK IS FULL AND IS REACTING WILDLY. DEALER SAYS IT'S A $650 FIX. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL !!! SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Dec 06, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
SEE ATTACHED EMAIL UPDATED 06/04/2013*LJ THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OSC) DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE SMALL-STATURED ADULTS, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEACTIVATE WHEN SUCH PERSON OCCUPY THE FRONT SEAT. ALSO, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE, AND A WHINING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION. *TR
May 30, 2013
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY 2008 SANTA FE LTD THAT SUFFERED A LOSS OF THE LEFT REAR QUARTER GLASS, INCLUDING THE FRAME MOLDING, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY A FEW DAYS AGO. THE GLASS COMPANY STATED THAT IT APPEARED TO HAVE ACTUALLY BREAK OFF OF THE BOLTS AND SIMPLY FLY OFF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY THING LEFT ON THE VEHICLE WAS THE URETHANE ADHESIVE, WHICH WAS STRETCHED OUT AROUND THE BACK OF THE QUARTER PANEL. ANOTHER INTERESTING NOTE IS THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER GLASS, IT APPEARS TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PHENOMENON, AND MAY COME OFF AT ANY TIME. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH INFORMED ME THAT MY AUTO IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE AT THIS TIME. CONSIDERING THAT MY AUTO INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE IS $500, I WAS FORCED TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OUT OF POCKET FOR $338.55. *TR
Apr 12, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
AS I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH GOING UP A HILL, MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND PUSHING THE BRAKES AT FULL PRESSURE ONLY SLOWED THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT STOP AND THE ENGINE REVVED. I WAS IN A PANIC BECAUSE VEHICLES WERE IN FRONT OF ME AND I ALMOST SLAMMED INTO THEM. I MANAGED TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND TRAVEL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO STOP MY VEHICLE. I FINALLY SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ALL THE WHILE PUSHING THE BRAKES AND GOT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SCARED IN MY LIFE AND FORTUNATELY DID NOT HIT ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO MY GARAGE BECAUSE I WAS TO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I AM AWAITING DIAGNOSIS.. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND THE GARAGE WAS CLOSED. THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AT UNTIL MONDAY. *TR
Jan 04, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THE ARE THREE LAYERS OF FLOOR COVERING ON THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST IS THE WALL TO WALL CARPET. THE SECOND IS A FLOOR MAT, MADE OF CARPET MATERIAL WHICH IS SECURELY ANCHORED TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE THIRD LAYER OF FLOOR COVERING IS A THICK RUBBER MAT. THE RUBBER MAT RESTS ATOP THE CARPETED FLOOR MAT UNANCHORED. IT SLIDES AROUND ON TOP OF THE CARPETED FLOOR MAT AND PREVENTS A SEVERE HAZARD BECAUSE IT OCCASIONALLY LODGES ITSELF UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE PEDAL TO JAM. THIS DANGER CAN BE EXTREME BECAUSE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL JAMS IN AN INTERMEDIATE THROTTLE SETTING, IT LENGTHENS THE STOPPING DISTANCE AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. *TR
Oct 24, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS BACKING UP AND AS I TURNED THE WHEEL THE CAR ENGAGED IN A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AS THE MOTOR STARTED TO REV. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT PLOWED THROUGH A BRICK WALL AT MY SCHOOL. *TR
Dec 11, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR BEGAN RACING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE CAR RACED FORWARD, ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD MY FEET ON THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING FORWARD CRASHING INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD AND DEMOLISHING THEIR LANDSCAPING BEFORE I MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF. I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT IT COULD HAVE ENDED MUCH DIFFERENTLY AS I CROSSED A MAIN HIGHWAY BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO REST. BECAUSE I HAVE FLOOR MATS OTHER THAN THOSE ISSUED BY HYUNDAI, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FLOOR MAT CAUSED THE GAS PEDAL TO BECOME STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. THIS IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED AND WOULD ALSO NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL. *KB
Sep 14, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE GAS MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE IS 14 MPG CITY DRIVING; TOTAL HIGHWAY DRIVING IS 18MPG AND COMBINED 15- 16 MPG. I AM A VERY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER AND HAVE DRIVEN FOR 47 YEARS. MY MILEAGE IS SO POOR I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CORP. REPEATEDLY ON THIS. I'VE SPOKEN ON A FEW OCCASIONS WITH THE CEO[XXX], AND CORRESPONDED WITH HIM AS WELL VIA EMAIL AFTER GETTING NO SATISFACTION/HELP FROM THE REGIONAL PERSON. THE CEO'S WIFE GREW UP IN MY AREA (LAKE OSWEGO, OR.) AND THAT IS WHY HE CALLED ME PERSONALLY. HOWEVER, THE BOTTOM LINE WAS NOTHING HAS HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF THIS CALL. HE OFFERED ME THE FOLLOWING: HE OFFERED TO EXCHANGE MY VEHICLE WHICH HAD ABOUT 8,000 MILES ON IT BY THE TIME HE GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME FOR A NEW 2009 SONATA FWD AND IT WAS THE OLD MODEL AS HYUNDAI WAS COMING OUT WITH A TOTALLY REVAMPED 2010 SONATA MODEL. I BOUGHT MY SANTA FE AWD BECAUSE I WANTED A SUV WITH AWD! IF I WANTED A SEDAN, I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ONE! I BEGGED HIM TO GIVE ME ANOTHER COMPARABLY EQUIPPED SANTA FE AS THEY COULD FIND NO REASON MECHANICALLY WHY MY MILEAGE WAS SO LOW AND I ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK IT MANUALLY IN ADDITION TO THE COMPUTER OUTPUT. SO, I REFUSED TO ACCEPT THIS OFFER AND I SPEND A HUGE AMOUNT ON GAS AND I LIVE ON A SMALL FIXED INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER SANTA FE! OTHERS I'VE QUESTIONED WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND EQUIPPED COMPARABLY GET 20 MPG OR MORE CITY DRIVING. READING HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT SO MANY ISSUES BROUGHT UP IS ABOMINABLE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SO LIVES AREN'T LOST AND PEOPLE AREN'T PAYING AT ALMOST $4/GALLON FOR ALL THIS GAS I HAVE TO KEEP BUYING IN MY CASE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING MAJOR WRONG WITH MY ENGINE OR SOMETHING THAT PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING THE MILEAGE I SHOULD. AS I SAID, I AM A VERY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER. PLEASE INTERVENE WITH THE MANUFACTURER ON ALL THESE MATTERS.THEY TRULY DON'T CARE ABOUT CONSUMERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 04, 2011
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 35,000 MILES ON IT. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AT 25 MILES/HR AND IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I TRIED TO BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND IT STOPPED. OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PRESSING LIGHTLY ON THE GAS AND AT OTHER TIMES WHILE LETTING UP ON THE BRAKE. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THER DEALER IN REISTERSTOWN, MARYLAND. THEY TESTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT AND INSIST THAT THE COMPUTER SAYS THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE AND THEY DROVE IT AND OF COURSE IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE THEY DROVE IT. I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING TO BE DONE. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THE CAR AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I SEE ONLINE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY HELP FROM THEIR DEALERS OR FROM HYUNDAI. *TR
Mar 03, 2011
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DRIVING ~10-15 MPH IN PUBLIC PARK, 2 KIDS IN CARSEATS IN BACK SEAT. WEATHER WAS RAINY. I HAD JUST TURNED ON THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER FOR DEFOG ABOUT 4-5 MINUTES PRIOR. SUDDEN LOUD "BOOM" AND REAR/BACK WINDOW EXPLODED, SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO OTHER PEOPLE OR CARS AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND I HAD NOT RECENTLY OPENED THE REAR HATCH/DOOR. *TR
Jun 09, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO MONTHS BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND DOOR LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY STATING THAT THEY HAVE TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO BE REPAIRED. THE PART WAS ORDERED, BUT IT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DOORS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNSUCCESSFULLY APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Dec 08, 2008
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR ITS FUEL ECONOMY AND WEIGHT CAPACITY TO TOW A TRAILER. AT THE DEALER, THE WEIGHT CAPACITY WAS LISTED AS 3,197 IN THE REAR AND 2,976 IN THE FRONT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER, WHICH DECREASED THE WEIGHT CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS MISLEADING SINCE HE BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD TOW A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WEIGHT AS DISCUSSED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND FEELS THAT HIS FAMILY'S LIVES COULD BE IN DANGER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB
Aug 21, 2008
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT HEARD A HIGH-PITCHED NOISE COMING FROM THE RADIO. SHE CALLED THE DEALER ON MARCH 4, 2008 AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. ONCE AT THE DEALER, THEY INSPECTED THE RADIO AND INFORMED HER THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER THE PART FOR THE REPAIR. ON MARCH 21, 2008, THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS. THE DEALER SENT HER A CERTIFIED LETTER, NOTIFYING HER TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. ON APRIL 18, 2008, THE CONTACT PICKED UP HER VEHICLE AND SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER CONCERNING A NEW RADIO FOR THE VEHICLE. ON JUNE 19, 2008, A NEW RADIO WAS INSTALLED, BUT IT ALSO MADE A NOISE. SHE CURRENTLY HAS TO MEET WITH A HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE RADIO AND DETERMINE WHETHER HYUNDAI WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,100.
Jun 24, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe have?
The 2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe currently has 539 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - HYUNDAI Santa Fe
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