2007 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel/propulsion system is the leading concern among 683 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 30 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleFeb 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Campaign 20V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJul 25, 2012
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008. The occupant classification system (OCS) may need recalibration to accurately detect small statured adults.
Improper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the classification software free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 12V354000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 9, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 26, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 20, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
HYUNDAI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 11V472000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 15, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V122000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesSep 3, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. SOME CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY SEALED TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONTACT. THE MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN CIRCUIT BOARD CORROSION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.
A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER MODULE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS RECALL CONDUCTED BY HYUNDAI AFFECTING THE SAME TRAILER HITCH WIRING COMPONENTS CONCERNING HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1. (PLEASE SEE 08E016). OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR TRAILER HITCH REPAIRED UNDER THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED HARNESS INSTALLED. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 08E055000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 19, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 88,943 MY 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P235/60R18 TIRES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE BLACK CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE CENTER PILLAR, INCORRECTLY LISTS THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR).
OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
HYUNDAI WILL MAIL CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABELS ALONG WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 08V272000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesFeb 7, 2008
THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL 08E-055. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1 COULD CAUSE HEAT RELATED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE.
EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AREA AND MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 08E016000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageAug 31, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WALL THICKNESS OF THE RIGHT FORWARD BAFFLE OF THE FUEL TANK MAY BE BELOW SPECIFICATIONS.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. ALL VEHICLES ARE EITHER STILL AT THE MANUFACTURING PLANT OR IN DEALERSHIPS. NO VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CONSUMERS.
Campaign 06V317000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
85 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2011
ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT COST OF $375 AT ONLY 18,500 MILES.. ROTORS SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACING AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO RUST FROM SALT ON ROADS. HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS VEHICLES PRIOR AND DRIVEN ON SAME ROADS AND NEVER NEEDED ROTOR REPLACEMENT SO EARLY. INTERNET IS FILLED WITH HYUNDAI OWNERS WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. HYUNDAI USES INFERIOR PARTS AND IS AWARE OF THESE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS BUT DOES NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM HYUNDAI'S DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS OR PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE PAYING FOR EXPENSIVE BRAKE WORK AT EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGES. WILL NEVER BUY A HYUNDAI AGAIN!! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Aug 13, 2011
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE; FRONT RIGHT TIRE LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS 5 MPH TO 70 MPH FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED TO ENSURE THAT IT IS NOT A PARTICULAR TIRE. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT THE SUV, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATES ALL RECALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED, BUT OUR PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. MY WIFE DID AN 800 MILE TRIP LAST MONTH WITH NO PROBLEMS, THE FOLLOWING WEEK SHE COMPLAINED IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN ONE WEEK. THE ESC OFF LIGHT HAS TURNED ON IN CONJUNCTION WITH THESE EVENTS, HOWEVER THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THE ESC OFF LIGHT WILL TURN ON, BUT NO INCIDENTS WITH THE TIRE LOCKING HAS OCCURRED. IN THE CASES OF HIGHER SPEEDS 50+ THE TIRE WILL LOCK, SPEEDS WILL DECREASE, OF COURSE WITH THE TIRE DRAGGING THE CAR PULLS. I WILL SWERVE THE CAR BACK AND FORTH TO SEE IF THE TIRE WILL UNLOCK. ONCE I WAS IN AN HOV LANE IT ALMOST BROUGHT US TO A STOP WITH NO SHOULDERS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. ONCE AT LOW SPEED (5 MPH) COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE TIRE LOCKED UP AND DID NOT RELEASE BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, MY WIFE STATED THAT SHE HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET IT TO RELEASE. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, I CAN NOT GET IT TO FAIL ON DEMAND, OR KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT TO DO SO. IN THE EVENT FOR THE ESC OFF LIGHT, BUMPY ROADS WILL TRIGGER THAT, FOR EXAMPLE A PARTICULAR HIGHWAY IN LAS VEGAS WAS WIDENED THE WIDENED AREA IS NOT A VERY SMOOTH RIDE. 30 SECONDS INTO THE AREA THE ESC OFF LIGHT WILL APPEAR. THAT I CAN REPLICATE. BUT THE TIRE HAS NEVER STOPPED ROTATING IN THIS SECTION. ONCE ON RURAL HIGHWAY IN ARIZONA, ONCE IN HOV LANE IN LAS VEGAS, DOZENS OF TIMES ON LOCAL STREETS, 8 TIMES ON HIGHWAYS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. MY WIFE AND I ARE ALERT WHILE DRIVING, THERE ARE NO WARNINGS WHEN THIS WILL OCCUR, HOWEVER ONCE IT DOES OCCUR WE ARE ABLE TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO THE TIRE DRAGGING/PULLING (NOT SPINNING) HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE NO ACCIDENTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Electric, Aug 12, 2011
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Aug 6, 2011, crash
WHILE WAITING TO CROSS A RAILROAD CROSSING THE TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME STARTED MOVING. THE FIRST CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED CAUSING THE 2ND CAR TO HIT IT. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT MY CAR SURGED AHEAD INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING MUCH DAMAGE OF THAT CAR AND CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE, (UNDRIVABLE) TO MY CAR. POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT TAKE,. I SREPPED ON MY BRAKES HARD YET I SURGED FORWARD VERY FAST. ABOUT THREE MONTHS EARLIER I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM COMMING OUT OF A STORE PARKING LOT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. I APPLIED MY BRAKE ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR KEEP GOING FORWARD ALMOST ENTERING ON COMING TRAFFIC. I COULD ONLY ASSUME WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE MY FOOD HIT THE ACCELERATOR ON THE DOWN PUSH. I FEEL THE SAME THING HAPPENED DURING THE AUG. 4, 2011 ACCIDENT. I WONDER IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER INCIDENTS LIKE THIS, I WEAR A SIZE 11 EEE SHOE WHICH IS PETTY WIDE, THE ONLY REASON I COULD SEE FOR HITTING BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 27, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING AND SQUEALING NOISE UPON ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE OVERHEATED BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY RESURFACED BOTH FRONT AND REAR ROTORS. ALSO, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED TWO YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 2/21/12 *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 13, 2011
HYDRAULIC BRAKE PROBLEMS ON HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2007. REAR BRAKES ON DRIVERS SIDE CALIPER SIEGE CAUSING TO WARE OUT BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR. REPLACE THEM ONCE ALREADY. CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER THEY SAID IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE REAR LEFT CALIPER AND NO ONE CAN HELP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SLIDE PLATE AND BRAKE PADS FROZE AND REMAINED ON THE ROTORS, AS A RESULT. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,200. UPDATED 07/21/11 *BF UPDATED 3/20/12 *CN
Service brakes, Electric, Apr 16, 2011
OUR 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE KEEPS HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS - SEIZING, UNEVEN WEAR OF PADS, ETC. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACES THE PADS WHICH CONTINUE TO WEAR OUT OR WEAR VERY UNEVENLY EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES (APPROX 5,000). OUR UNDERSTANDING FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WE HIRED IS THAT THE CALIPERS AND THE SLIDER BRACKETS ARE POORLY MACHINED (EDMONDS ALSO REPORTS THE SAME PROBLEMS); THESE ARE THE REAL REASON THE BRAKE PADS WEAR UNEVENLY AND CONSTANTLY NEEDING REPLACING EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL OF ALL OF THESE CARS. OTHER MODEL YEARS ARE ALREADY UNDER RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Dec 18, 2010
THIS COMPLAINT REFERS TO THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM IN THE SANTA FE. WHILE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INTACT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A CERTIFIED HYUNDAI REPAIR CENTER THAT THE CLOCK SPRING AND THE JUNCTION BOX HAVE FAILED. GIVEN THE PREMATURE NATURE OF THIS FAILURE I BELIEVE THAT THIS SYSTEM IS FLAWED AND REPRESENTS A WIDESPREAD HAZARD TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. IN ADDITION, ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS AND THE SWAY BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 70,000 MILES DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR WHICH RENDERED THEM UNSAFE (ACCORDING TO THE AFOREMENTIONED CENTER).
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 11, 2010
AT THREE YEARS AND 63000 MILES ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT DUE TO WHAT THE DEALER DESCRIBES AS "NORMAL" WEAR. THERE IS NO SCORING ON ANY OF THE ROTORS IT IS OUT OF SPEC BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MEET MINIMUM THICKNESS REQUIREMENTS. IDENTIFIED THROUGH LOUD NOISE AND POOR BRAKING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 12, 2010
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ~36,000 MILES. REAR BRAKES COMPLETELY REPLACED IN MAY 2010. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, LOUD GRINDING BRAKE NOISE HEARD FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF 'BRAKE DUST' ON RIM OF REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DETERMINED CALIPER WAS SEIZED UP DUE TO RUST. THEY WILL NOT REMEDY VIA WARRANTY B/C THEY DETERMINE THAT IT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE. (SALT/ROAD DEBRIS BUILDUP). NEW BRAKE PADS/ROTORS WERE DAMAGED AS A RESULT. THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE RIM OF THE WHEEL GOT EXTREMELY HOT DURING USE. COULD THIS EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A TIRE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING? NOT SURE!? SEARCHING ONLINE RESULTS IN A LOT OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON BLOG/CAR SITES. SAME PROBLEM EVERYTIME: REAR DRIVER'S SIDE CALIPER IS STUCK RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO ROTORS AND PADS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 9, 2010
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. REAR BRAKES ( DRIVER SIDE ) CALIPER SIEGE, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAROUT OF BRAKE PADS ON LEFT SIDE. SOME ROTOR SCORING. REAR BRAKES REPLACED AND CALIPER LUBE AND CLEANED OF RUST. COST $153.58. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 16, 2010
DURING NORMAL DRIVING THE LEFT REAR DISC BRAKE BEGAN TO GRIND METAL ON METAL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY FOUND "THE PADS WERE SEIZED IN THE CALIPER BRACKETS DUE TO RUST". THE REAR PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. NO INDICATION WAS GIVEN THAT THE DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE PRE-MATURE FAILURE WAS FIXED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 17, 2010
THREE MAJOR COMPLAINTS. AT 18,000 MILES THE TOP SEAL OF THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 21,000 MILE THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPAIRED FOR STICKING AND PADS REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OWNER TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THE CAUSE WAS "PROBABLY FROM SALT USED TO TREAT ROAD SURFACES DURING SNOW REMOVAL". HYUNDAI REFUSED WARRANTY CLAIM AND WOULD NOT ADMIT IMPROPER MATERIALS USED FOR BRAKING SYSTEM. AT 27,000 MILES, MULTIPLE VISITS TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR OF INOPERATING TURN SIGNALS. PARTS REPLACED IN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR INCLUDE ELECTRICAL BOX IN STEERING COLUMN, ALL BULBS,FLASHER UNIT,GROUNDING POINTS FOR SYSTEM. PROBLEM RECURRING AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 14, 2010
R.R. BRAKES FROZEN BY RUST & CORROSION AT 26,00 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 18, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE VEHICLE CRASHED REAR END INTO A LOADING DOCK AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL REAR BODY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. UPDATED 07/19/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED. UPDATED 07/21/10*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 8, 2010
WITH ONLY 21,132 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER STUCK RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING WHEN PADS WORE OUT. BRAKES WERE INSPECTED LESS THAN 3000 MILES PRIOR TO LOSS OF BRAKING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 24, 2010
TOOK CAR IN FOR ISSUE UNRELATED TO BRAKES DURING COURTESY INSPECTION FOUND REAR BRAKES NEED REPAIR. SCORES PER WHEEL WHERE ARE AS FOLLOWS LF 10 RF 10 LR2 RR 8. THE VARIANCE SEEMS TO INDICATE AN ISSUE AND A BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 16, 2010
BACK DRIVER SIDE CALIPER OVERHEATED ON A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 32,000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKE PADS WERE RUINED AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ONE DAY 3/15/2010. I DROVE OVER 200 MILES BEFORE I HEARD THE LOUD DRONING SOUND OF THE BRAKES. EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT ENGAGED THE CALIPER WAS STILL PRESSING AGAINST THE BRAKE PAD. SMOKE COMING FROM THE WHEEL AS WELL AS RESIDUE ON THE RIMS.THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY AS PER HYUNDAIS INSTRUCTIONS. THE COST WILL BE #300.00-$400.00 AND THEY SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY RUST WHICH THEY SAID THEY SAW IN OTHER SANTA FE'S. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AS THE TIRE COULD CATCH FIRE AND EXPLODE CAUSING A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT. HYUNDAI DOESN'T SEE A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND WILL NOT WARRANTY THIS ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 1, 2010
REAR BRAKE PROBLEM IN A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTE FE VEHICLE WITH 29K MILEAGE. LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING HIGH PITCH SQUEALING/SCRAPING NOISE AND HOT WHEEL HUB. MULTIPLE OTHER CUSTOMERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE ON WEBSITE FORUM @HYUNDAI SANTE FE CARSPACE AUTOMOTIVE FORUM. MANY WITH MUCH LOWER MILEAGE CLAIMS. MY DEALER INSPECTED AND SAID NOTHING COULD BE FOUND WRONG. ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS POINTS TO REAR BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY RUSTS FROM SALT CORROSION AND CAUSES THE CALIPER TO STICK ON THE BRAKE WHILE DRIVING WITH FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. PROBLEM RESURFACED 50 DAYS LATER. WAITING FOR MY APPOINTMENT TO HAVE DEALER LOOK AT THE ISSUE READDRESS THE PROBLEM. HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SAFETY BULLETIN 08-BR-002 DATED 12/2008 CALLS FOR CLEANING AND GREASING THE PAD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE CALIPER CARRIER TO RECTIFY THE CAUSE. THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF MATERIAL DEFECT OF RUSTING ON REAR BRAKE CALIPERS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 17, 2009
I HAVE A 2007 SANTA FE WITH 33K MILES, ON WHICH THE REAR RIGHT BRAKES WORE THROUGH "METAL TO METAL" AND I WAS TOLD THE OTHER SIDE WAS JUST AS BAD & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS SEEMED TO BE INCREDIBLE SHORT LIFESPAN SO I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE 60% LIFE REMAINING ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. HYUNDAI SAID THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR, AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I THINK ITS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THERE WAS NO WARNING UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE CRUNCHING METAL TO METAL AND COMPLETELY GONE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS AND PADS, AT AN ASTRONOMICAL $480! BUT AS I'D HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED IN AND LIVE IN A REMOTE AREA, IT WOULD HAVE COST ME AS MUCH TO TOW IT ELSEWHERE AND GET IT FIXED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 11, 2009
MY 2007 HYUNDAI SATA FE, WITH 15,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER-HAS SQUEALING REAR BRAKES. DEALER SAYS,THERE IS A CORROSION PROBLEM IN THE CALIPERS,AND THEY HAVE TO BE CLEANED OUT EVERY 8,000 THOUSAND MILES,AT A COST OF $90.DOLLARS WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. I BELIEVE POOR QUALITY METAL IS BEING USED IN THE BRAKE PARTS , A VERY DANGEROUS PRACTICE ! I GOT NO SATISFACTION FROM HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA, CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CNTR. ,TO PAY FOR THIS SO CALLED "BRAKE SERVICE". I, PAID FOR IT, MYSELF, PROBABLY LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER HYUNDAI OWNER'S. PLEASE,MAKE THEM RECALL THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES, AND INSTALL QUALITY BRAKE PARTS,AND SAVE THE OWNER'S FROM THE COST OF UNNECESSARY SERVICE, ON REAR BRAKES. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 20, 2009
I JUST HAD TO HAVE MY REAR BRAKES COMPLETELY DONE AT A COST OF 500 DOLLARS. I HEARD NO NOISE, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES EXCEPT THE FACT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON. I DRIVE 95% HIGHWAY AND CONSEQUENTLY VERY RARELY USE MY BRAKES. I ALSO HAD TO HAVE A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DONE AND NOW MY REAR ALIGNMENT IS OUT OF WHACK. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES SEIZED UP AND BECAME EXTREMELY HOT. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY PRIOR ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED AND THERE WAS RUST BUILD UP ON THE ROTORS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,282 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2009
PROBLEM WITH CALIPERS ON VEHICLE STICKING AND NOT RELEASING THE BRAKES FROM THE ROTOR, CAUSING THE ROTOR AND TIRE RIM TO REACH TEMPERATURES OVER 300 DEGREES. *TR