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
683 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 10, 2013
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP INTO THE SETTING SUN WHEN MY DRIVERS SIDE SIN VISOR FLOPPED DOWN IN FRONT OF ME. IT HAD BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE UPPER HOLDER EVIDENTLY AND WAS DANGLING BY THE TWO VANITY MIRROR WIRES. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE RAMP WITHOUT BEING HIT, BUT NOT SURE HOW. I NOTICE THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS LODGES FOR THIS EXACT SITUATION, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ORDERED. THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 7, 2013
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS OF AIRBAG RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THEY RECTIFIED THE RECALL ISSUE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS STILL ON, THE DEALER STATES I WILL NEED A NEW SEAT TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Dec 27, 2012
THE NUT THAT HOLDS ONE OF THE REAR LIFT GATE STRUTS TO THE BODY OF THE CAR CAME LOOSE AND WE BELIEVE DROPPED DOWN BEHIND THE BODY LINER AND POSSIBLY ONE OF THE REAR AIR BAGS. ANYWAY, THIS ALLOWED THE REAR LIFT GATE TO DROP AS IT WAS ONLY NOW BEING HELD UP BY ONE STRUT. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WOULD REQUIRE REMOVING THE BODY LINER AND AIR BAG TO GET INTO WHERE THE NUT "MAY" HAVE DROPPED TO IN ORDER TO SECURE IT AND RE-ATTACH IT TO THE BODY OF CAR, AT A COST OF $600. SINCE OUR CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY HYUNDAI DID NOT FEEL THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT, WE CONTENT THAT THIS WAS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MILEAGE, WEAR OR TEAR ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH BY THE WAY IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY NEVER SAW THE VEHICLE AND THEY NEVER WROTE ANY SERVICE REPORT ON IT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FIRST BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NO WAY THEY COULD GET INTO THE AREA AND DID NOT WANT TO TRY WORKING AROUND THE AIR BAG. HYUNDAI HAS ESTABLISHED A CASE # 4999075, AND AFTER OUR INITIAL E-MAILS, WE CALLED THEM AND THEY WERE TO GET BACK TO US WITH FURTHER UPDATE, BUT WE HAVE NOT HEARD ANOTHER WORD FROM THEM AND OUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THEM WAS ALMOST FOUR MONTHS AGO. WE JUST TODAY SENT ANOTHER E-MAIL TO THEIR CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER TO SEE IF WE CAN'T GET SOME RESOLUTION FROM THEM, AT NO COST TO US AS CONSUMERS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE AND IT IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD, THE LIFT GATE WILL NOT STAY UP WITH ONLY ONE STRUT AND WE MUST USE A PIECE OF LUMBER TO HOLD THE LIFT GATE UP SO WE CAN USE THE REAR STORAGE AREA. ALL IT WOULD TAKE IS FOR THAT PIECE OF WOOD TO FALL OUT AND DOWN WOULD COME THE GATE WITH SOME FORCE, BUT THERE IS NO OTHER FEASIBLE WAY TO REPAIR THE STRUCTURE WITHOUT A SIZEABLE EXPENSE ON OUR PART WHICH WE DO NOT FEEL IS JUSTIFIED. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Dec 19, 2012
THE SUN VISOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SUDDENLY CAME OFF FROM THE MOUNT THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE. THE ACTUAL MOUNT WAS STILL ON, HELD BY THREE SCREWS. HOWEVER, THE VISOR CAME OFF AT THE HINGE. I WAS CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT COMPLETELY BLOCKED MY VIEW OF THE LANE TO MY RIGHT HAND SIDE AND I CAME CLOSE TO CRASHING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF REPORTS NOTING THAT THESE VISORS COME OFF SUDDENLY BECAUSE THEY ARE HELD TO THE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY BY WHAT CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A RUBBER BAND. HEAT AND TIME EVENTUALLY CAUSE IT TO CRACK. IF THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR FALLS IN THIS FASHION IT WILL LOCK ITSELF BETWEEN THE DASH BOARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WILL PREVENT ME FROM STEERING THE CAR. NOT TO MENTION, BLOCK MY FIELD OF VIEW AS IT FALLS FORWARD. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO DO THE HYUNDAI DEALER ON OCTOBER 10, 2012 REPAIR "OFF THE BOOKS". THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME FOR THE PART SEPARATE FROM MY REPAIR BILL BUT INSTALL IT FOR FREE SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO PAPER TRAIL. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT TO THE SANTA FE MODELS. I HAVE PICTURES THAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT IF NEEDED. *TR
Power train, Dec 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE TO HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 41,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Dec 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS 11V472000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE PRIOR TO THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Service brakes, Dec 11, 2012
BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE ON INITIAL START ON MORNINGS WHERE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 50 DEGREES F. BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD, DID NOT MOVE TOWARD THE FLOOR MORE THAN 1/2", AND DID NOT ENGAGE BRAKES WITH FIRM STEADY PRESSURE. AFTER PUMPING BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, PRESSURE WAS FELT IN THE PEDAL, WHICH SLOWLY MOVED TOWARD THE FLOOR, AND BRAKES ENGAGED. EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED HARD AND STEADY, THE CAR DID NOT SLOW, AND ABS DID NOT ENGAGE. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM AFTER KEEPING THE CAR FOR 4 DAYS. TIRE STORE IDENTIFIED SOURCE AS FAULTY BRAKE BOOSTER, REPLACED PART, AND THE CAR HAS BEEN STOPPING AS EXPECTED SINCE REPAIR. I HAVE RETAINED THE FAULTY BOOSTER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 2, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY DID NO LONGER RESPOND AND "CHECK ENGINE" AND ESC WARNING LIT UP AND SPEED DECREASED. I WAS ABLE TO COAST AT 5-10 MPH TO THE NEAREST DEALER 8 MILES AWAY. THEY IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSED IT TO THE TPS UNIT (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR), WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WITH THIS CAR. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED IN OCTOBER 2007 JUST A WEEK AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR. WE HAD TO COAST DOWN A MOUNTAIN FROM 8000 FEET. AT THAT TIME THE TPS UNIT WAS ALSO REPLACED BUT UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. IT IS SCARY IF/WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY OR EVEN IN DENSE CITY TRAFFIC. I WILL ALERT HYUNDAI TO THIS PROBLEM MYSELF. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2012
I TOOK MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO THE DEALER ON 4/6/12 BECAUSE THE GAS GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING CONSTANTLY. I COULD NOT TELL HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE TANK AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THEY REPLACED THE GAS FLOAT DURING THAT VISIT. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER, THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH STRONG GAS FUMES. ALL OF THE TECHNICIANS AND SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES WERE GONE WHEN I ARRIVED SO I DID NOT HAVE ANYONE TO TALK TO ABOUT IT. I FIGURED THE SMELL WOULD GO AWAY BUT THE PROBLEM SURFACED EVERY TIME I FILLED MY GAS TANK MORE THAN HALF FULL. THE SMELL LESSENS DURING THE DAY AS THE CAR AIRS OUT WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN BUT AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT OR ALL DAY WITH THE DOORS AND WINDOWS CLOSED, THE FUMES BUILD UP AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON 6/27/12 AND COMPLAINED OF THE OVERPOWERING GAS FUMES EVERY TIME I PUT GAS IN MY CAR. I EXPLAINED THAT I NOTICED A PATTERN OF THE FUMES BECOMING WORSE IF THE TANK WAS MORE THAN HALF FULL AND I COULD NO LONGER FILL UP MY GAS TANK IN ORDER TO AVOID THE FUMES. THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO ME AND SAID THEY COULD NOT SMELL ANY FUMES NOR COULD THEY FIND A POSSIBLE CAUSE. EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE FINE WITH THE CAR. AFTER PUTTING GAS IN THE CAR ON 11/16/2012, THE CAR BECAME SO OVERWHELMINGLY FULL OF INTENSE GAS FUMES THAT I INSTANTLY DEVELOPED A HEADACHE AS SOON AS I GOT IN IT. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING BECAUSE I AM NO LONGER CONFIDENT THE CAR IS SAFE. I DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE BREATHING GAS FUMES AND GETTING HEADACHES WHEN I GET IN THE CAR. ONCE AGAIN THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH NO REPORT OF A PROBLEM. THEY HAD THE WINDOWS AND VENTS OPEN SO I AM NOT SURPRISED THEY DID NOT SMELL GAS. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT MAYBE I WAS TOPPING OFF THE GAS TANK TOO MUCH OR SPILLING GAS AROUND THE GAS CAP. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE COULD NOT BE A LEAK IN THE SEALS BECAUSE IF THERE WAS, THE SENSOR WOULD GO OFF. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2012
A DAY AFTER FILLING MY TANK THE GAUGE READ EMPTY. I TRIED FILLING IT UP AGAIN AND IT NEED ONLY ABOUT TWO GALLONS BEFORE OVERFLOWING. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN I TOOK THE CAR FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. I DID EXPLAIN THAT THE TANK RELEASE AND THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING (I BELIEVE THAT WHEN I VISITED THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT THEY KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY RESET THE LIGHT BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THIS HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE 5 YEARS WARRANT EXPIRATION). IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND WHEN I WENT IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO FUEL SENDERS @ A COST OF $ABOUT $450.00 INCLUSIVE. THE GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING PRIOR TO THE 5 YEAR EXPIRATION AND THE DEALER SAID THAT AND THE TANK RELEASE WERE FINE. THE AUTOMOBILE HAS A PROBLEM JUST ABOUT EVERYONE WHO OWNS A 2007 SANTA FEE HAS A FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Nov 5, 2012
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS OF AIRBAG RECALL.*SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THEY RECTIFIED THE RECALL ISSUE, BUT THEY MENTIONED THAT ALTHOUGH THEY RESET THE AIR BAG LIGHT/SENSOR, THE PROBLEM IDENTIFIED FOR THE FRONT SENSOR SHORT, TO THE BATTERY,WAS TRACKED TO THE UNDER HOOD JUNCTION BOX, WHICH WAS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THE RECALL WAS FOR.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2012
FUEL TANK GAUGE IS NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. AFTER A FILL UP THE EMPTY LIGHT COMES ON AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 150 MILES. MY WIFE RAN OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY FREEWAY DUE TO THE GAUGE ALWAYS READING WRONG. WE LOVE THE CAR AND WE ARE EVEN LOOKING AT TRADING IT IN FOR ONE THAT GETS BETTER MILEAGE FROM HYUNDAI. FUEL GAUGE READINGS WENT ERRATIC WITHIN 6 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. I HAVE TO LEAVE A GALLON OF GAS IN MY CAR BECAUSE THE GAUGE IS SO BAD. LAST WEEK WHILE MAKING A LEFT THE GAS CAN TIPPED OVER AND SPILLED ON OUR SMALL BOY. I FEEL IF YOU HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH A GAS CARD DUE TO A DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING, IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM.PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP AS I CAN TRADE THE CAR IN UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP RAPIERS IT AT 1025 ROLLINS ROAD BURLINGAME, CA 94010 PHONE: 650-288-1194 REPORTED TO NTSB BY OTHER: ODI ID NUMBER : 10457080. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Oct 11, 2012
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH THE DRIVER SUNVISOR JUST BROKE OFF AND FELL RIGHT INFRONT OF ME, BECAUSE OF THE WIRES TO THE MIRROR ON THE SUNVISOR, THE SUNVISOR WAS JUST HANGING IN FRONT OF ME. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE SUNVISOR CHANGED AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT HYUNDAI HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS IN DIFFERENT VEHICLE MODELS, ONE OF THEM BEING THE 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE. I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED ASAP. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Sep 27, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD LOSE POWER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE TPS SENSOR. THE TPS SENSOR WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,443 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,278.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Sep 20, 2012
DRIVER'S SUN VISOR ATTACHMENT TO ROOF OF CAR BROKE WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. SUN VISOR FELL DOWN IN DRIVER'S VISION, HANGING BY TWO WIRES. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2012
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: DIFFICULT TO REFUEL. GAS PUMP NOZZLE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF. DIAGNOSIS: DEFECTIVE CANISTER CLOSE VALVE SOLUTION: REPLACED BY PARKWAY HYUNDAI VALENCIA FREE OF CHARGE ON 09/2010. PROBLEM RECURRENCE: 09/2012 (2 YEARS LATER) DEALER COMMENT: $125 DIAGNOSTIC FEE THAT CAN LATER ON BE CREDITED TO OVERALL COST OF REPAIR. DESPITE RECURRENCE OF PROBLEM, HYUNDAI ONLY PROVIDES 12 MONTHS WARRANTY ON PARTS/LABOR, ERGO, VEHICLE OWNER MUST SHOULDER ALL REPAIR EXPENSES (AS PER PARKWAY HYUNDAI VALENCIA SERVICE AGENT). OWNER COMMENT: THERE WERE NO CHARGES ON THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON FOR PARKWAY HYUNDAI TO CHARGE FOR A RECURRENCE OF A PROBLEM ON A PART THAT CANNOT BE ATTRIBUTED TO NEGLECT OR MISUSE. CURRENTLY AWAITING RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 13, 2012
FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH A/B. OBD CODES P0571 & P0504 RECORDED. SYMPTOMS: BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT LIGHT WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. CRUISE CONTROL WOULD TURN ON BUT NOT ALLOW A SPEED TO BE SET. ALSO ESC OFF LIGHT REMAINED ON DASH SOLID. SEEMS TO BE EXACT SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V122000. WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF THAT RECALL FROM HYUNDAI. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI SUPPORT I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I SEE NUMEROUS OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WERE ALSO TOLD THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO THEIR VEHICLE (VIA INTERNET REPORTS). I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE APPLIED TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE PART MYSELF AND THE REPAIR SEEMS TO HAVE CORRECTED ALL THE SYMPTOMS. THE REMOVED PART IS A GENUINE PART OF HYUNDAI/KIA. IT IS P/N 92810-3K000. BELOW THE P/N IS ">PA66-GF30<" AND "INFAC". THERE IS A RED AND A GREEN STRIPE PAINTED ACROSS THIS FACE OF THE PART. ON ANOTHER FACE OF THE PART IS STAMPED "6D07". *TR
Air bags, Sep 12, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AS A RESULT AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,241. UPDATED 9/26/12 *CN
Visibility/wiper, Sep 11, 2012
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75+ MPH, THE SUN VISOR IN MY 2007 SANTA FE BROKE FROM THE 'ELBOW' AND FELL DOWN INTO MY FIELD OF VIEW!!! THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO BROKE BUT NOT DURING ACTUAL USE, WHILE TRAVELING BUT AT A LOW SPEED, OVER A BUMP. THE VISORS AREN'T EVEN USED WITH ANY FREQUENCY AND CERTAINLY AREN'T ABUSED, YET BOTH ARE BROKEN COMPLETELY FREE AND USELESS! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2012
2007 SANTA FE FUEL INDICATOR HAS STOPPED WORKING. NEEDLE STAYS ON E WITH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED OR NEEDLE FLUCTUATES BETWEEN EMPTY AND HALF FULL. VEHICLE WAS ONE DAY OUT OF 60 MONTH WARRANTY WHEN PROBLEM FIRST NOTED. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED ON NUMEROUS WEB SITES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 5, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR HOWEVER THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE MANUFACTURER SENT SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO GET REPAIRED. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ UPDATED 10/16/12
Air bags, Sep 4, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND TWO PEOPLE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Suspension, Sep 2, 2012
I AM THE SOLE OWNER OF A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, WHICH WAS BOUGHT FROM A HYUNDAI DEALER. FOR ABOUT A YEAR, THE CAR DROVE GREAT AND WAS QUIET. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN A CRASH OR DRIVEN ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY DRIVEN TO AND FROM WORK ON GOVERNMENT MAINTAINED ROADS. I HAVE NOTICED A THUMPING AND RATTLING SOUND FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 7+ TIMES FOR THE SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. FRONT SWAY BAR, SHOCKS, AND MISC PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NO CHANGE IN SMOOTHNESS WHEN DRIVING. HYUNDAI HEARS THE PROBLEM, BUT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY JUST CONTINUE TO CHANGE MISC PARTS UNTIL THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI CONDUCT A RECALL TO FORCE THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR GOOD. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE FRONT SUSPENSION SOUNDS LIKE IT IS FALLING A PART WHEN GOING OVER SMALL CRACKS IN THE ROAD. IF HYUNDAI IS NOT FORCED TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM, HOW DO WE KNOW OUR VEHICLE IS SAFE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 31, 2012
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE WHEN ADJUSTING. THE VISOR FELL AND WAS DANGLING IN FRONT OF MY FACE HANGING ON THE WIRE FOR THE VANITY LIGHT. IT STARTLED ME AND I SWERVED. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE PART CANNOT BE SATISFACTORILY REINSERTED IN THE SOCKET. IT STAYS IN PLACE ONLY TEMPORARILY. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. HYUNDAI APPARENTLY TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR