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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 24, 2011
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE. I REALIZED THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASH HAD BEEN ON FOR A LONG TIME, PERHAPS A YEAR OR TWO, BUT I THOUGHT THAT WAS NORMAL AND DIDN'T REALIZE IT MEANT IT DIDN'T WORK. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED THE REPAIR RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AS THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I AGREED TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE SO THE DEALER COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS THAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WHICH WOULD COST $1500 TO FIX. THEY SAID THE SRS COMPUTER AND AIRBAG SENSOR MAY ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $600 AND $400 RESPECTIVELY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 14, 2011
WITH OUT ANY WARNING MY REAR BRAKES FAILED. I HAD TO APPLY AS MUCH BRAKE PEDAL AS I COULD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER THAT I KEPT MY SPEED DOWN TO A SPEED THAT I FEEL THAT I COULD STOP THE CAR SAFELY. A SHORT TIME AFTER THAT THE FRONT BRAKES STARTED SHUDDERING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY COTTAGE IN NORTH ONTARIO AT NIGHT WERE THERE ARE NO GARAGES SO I HAD TO HAVE PARTS SENT TO THAT LOCATION WERE I REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. IF HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP WITH THE BRAKES IN THAT CONDITION I WOULD HAVE SURELY HAD AN ACCIDENT. LUCKILY THE TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. THE REAR BRAKE PAD WAS SO TIGHT IN THE CALIPER THAT I HAD TO HIT IT WITH A HAMMER TO FREE IT AND I HAD TO GRIND PART OF THE NEW PAD SO THAT IT WOULD FIT LOOSE IN THE CALIPER. I HAVE TO ASSUME THAT THE FRONT BREAKS HAD TO WORK SO HARD WITH NO BACK BREAKS THAT THE FRONT ROTOR WARPED FROM THE HEAT SINCE THEY WERE FINE UP TO THAT TIME. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DESIGN FLAW IN THE HYUNDAI BRAKES. THE FIT OF THE BRAKE PAD TO THE CALIPER IS TOO CLOSE AND THE SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF RUST CAUSES THEM TO JAM. EVEN WITHOUT RUST THE NEW ROTORS WERE SO TIGHT THAT ANY GOOD MECHANIC WOULD NOT INSTALL THEM IN THAT CONDITION. THIS IS A SERIOUS FAULTS AND I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HYUNDAI'S ANSWER IS TO PAY $ 200 EVERY YEAR AND HAVE THE BRAKES SERVICED. THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION SINCE THEY COULD SEIZE UP TO 6 MONTHS AFTER SERVICE THE WAY THE HYUNDAI BRAKE PARTS ARE RUSTING. I HAD CHECK ALL MY BRAKES AT THE END OF THE WINTER AND THEY SEEMED TO BE FINE. THE PADS WERE NOT WORN AND THE CAR WAS STOPPING OKAY. [XXX] NOTE THAT I LIVE IN CANADA BUT THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN BUFFALO. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Nov 4, 2011
AFTER THE (AIRBAG) LIGHT CAME ON IN TRANSIT TO A DEATH IN THE FAMILY TWO HOURS AWAY! I FELT THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AN SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE CHECKED OUT AT A HYUNDAI DEALER OUT OF TOWN. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $48 TO TELL ME THAT A PART IN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED (CLOCK SPRING) AT A COST TO ME FOR $1300 FOR THE PART. I SAID I COULDN'T AFFORD THAT RIGHT NOW. NOW I'M DRIVING A UNSAFE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. AFTER READING MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT AIRBAGS NOT GOING OFF WHILE IN ACCIDENTS I FEEL DEALERS ARE IGNORING PROBLEMS! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Air bags, Oct 31, 2011
I HAVE MOVED SINCE THE RECALL HAS COME OUT ON THE 2007 SANTA FE. I DO NOT KNOW IF HE LETTER CAME. I WAS INFORMED IF I DID NOT HAVE A LETTER THEY WILL NOT FIX THE RECALL. WHAT CAN I DO? IT HALL HYUNDAI ON JEFFERSON AVE, NORFOLK, VA. *TR
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
Air bags, Oct 13, 2011
AT 61,179 MILES THE AIR BAGS LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD APPEARED LITE. DEALERSHIP TROUBLESHOOT TO A FAULTY AIR BAG COMPUTER. COMPUTER NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. NOTICED ON NHTSA WEBSITE A FEW HIGHER MILEAGE VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION INTO HYUNDAI'S QUALITY PRACTICES RELATING TO POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES. IF THE AIR BAG COMPUTER IS MALFUNCTIONING WILL AIRBAGS STILL DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT? NHTSA- QUESTION - IF NOT IS THIS A RE-CALLABLE EVENT. PLEASE ADVISE ALL HYUNDAI SANTA FE OWNERS WHETHER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD AND WHAT PREVENTABLE MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN.? *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 12, 2011
WIFE'S CAR-DRIVING ONE DAY AND NOTICED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON. TOOK TO DEALER. DEALER SAID IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHILE PART WAS ORDERED, WOULD NOT OFFER LOANER. CAME BACK AND HAD PART INSTALLED A WEEK-1/2 LATER, AFTER FINALLY GOT PART NOTICE IN MAIL. PART REPLACED-NO LIGHT ANYMORE. PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN. CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT THEY DON'T SEEM TO BE TOO CONCERNED. *KB
Visibility, Oct 11, 2011
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR CAME DOWN WHILE DRIVING VERY DANGEROUS. IF YOU CONTACT COMPANY THEY WILL BE GLAD TO SELL YOU ANOTHER ONE THAT WILL BREAK. JUST A MATTER OF TIME THIS PART IS GOING TO BREAK AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BY LOOKING AT THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. PASSENGER SIDE HAS BROKE TO. *KB
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 4, 2011
STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM NOTED ON 28 OCT 2009 BY DEALER UNDER RECALL. 3 OCTOBER 2011 THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL OFF SWITCH ILLUMINATES AND DEALER REPLACES STOP LAMP SWITCH AND CHARGES $71.00. HYUNDAI STATES THESE ARE VALID CHARGES ON THIS RECALLED ITEM SINCE IT WAS ALREADY REPLACED ONCE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 3, 2011
MY ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR PROBABLY THE PAST YEAR. I HAVE NEVER NOTICED ANY EFFECT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND SINCE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ESC WAS I DID NOT PAY IT A GREAT DEAL OF ATTENTION TO IT. MY PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO DOES THIS "COMING ON AND GOING OFF THING" SO I ASSUMED IT WAS A WEIRD DASH LIGHT GLITCH. ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO VEHICLE STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (POWER DOOR LOCKS SOMETIMES STOP WORKING). FINALLY TODAY I NOTICED MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT COMING ON... OBVIOUSLY I WAS VERY CONCERNED AND CALLED HYUNDAI TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS. HYUNDAI GAVE ME A CASE # BUT SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER CURRENT RECALL, SO I AM NOT SURE IF ANYTHING IS WRONG? *TR
Suspension, Sep 13, 2011
RATTLING UNDERNEATH FRONT ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT. STABILIZER BAR REPLACED AT 79,000 MILES. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL "WEAR AND TEAR". *TR
Visibility, Sep 10, 2011
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REMOVE VISOR SO I COULD SAFELY DRIVE HOME. *TR
Visibility, Sep 4, 2011
PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL OUT OF "SOCKET" AND IS HANGING BY WIRES. THIS ITEM IS RARELY USED. FELL AS I WAS MOVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT. PUSHED BACK INTO "SOCKET" WHERE IT STAYS FOR A FEW MIN, THEN FALLS AGAIN. MY CAR IS RARELY DRIVEN, HAS ONLY 16K MILES ON IT, BOUGHT BRAND NEW. BY WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE, IT SEEMS A COSTLY REPAIR, IF IT IS EVEN DEEMED FIXABLE. MAJOR HAZARD. NOT TO MENTION IT BEING AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED HYUNDAI AS TODAY IS SUNDAY AND THEY ARE CLOSED. I FAIL TO SEE HOW THIS ISSUE HAS NOT MADE IT TO A RE-CALL LEVEL YET... ONLINE, NUMEROUS 2007 SANTA FE COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VERY ISSUE! I FAIL TO SEE HOW THIS SHOULD BE A REPAIR COMING OUT OF MY POCKET! VERY DISAPPOINTED! *TR
Visibility, Aug 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL, OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVERS VISION. THE HINGES WERE FRACTURED AND THE SUN VISOR WAS BARELY HANGING BY THE WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,991.
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 25, 2011
ON MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTE FE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. ESC OFF LIGHT IS ON. CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS A NHTSA ACTION #PEO9003 AND ALSO A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V122000 TO REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WHICH CAUSES THESE MALFUNCTIONS.. IN A LETTER FROM HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA (CAMPAIGN 092/ 09-01-018) DATED JUN 2009, IT STATES THAT THESE MALFUNCTIONS MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. YET, WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AT NO CHARGE TO ME AS STATED IN THE LETTER. THE HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN STATES THAT DEALERS MUST PERFORM THIS CAMPAIGN ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WHENEVER AN AFFECTED VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP FOR ANY MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR UNRELATED ISSUES SINCE 2009 BUT THIS REPAIR WAS NEVER MENTIONED, OFFERED OR PERFORMED. I FEEL THAT I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND HYUNDAI IS AVOIDING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IT WOULD NOT IDLE DUE TO THE BRAKE LAMP STOP SWITCH NOT OPERATING ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT STOP LAMP SWITCH SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE ENGINE FOR IT TO GO INTO IDLE MODE, BUT HAD FAILED. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE WAS NOT INLCUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 20, 2011
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE MAIN DASH CONSOLE STAYS ILLUMINATED AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAIUSA.COM CUSTOMER SERVICE & THEY JUST REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE "CERTIFIED USED" AND THEY SAID THAT THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY DID NOT TRANSFER WHEN BOUGHT USED (5 YRS/60,000 MILES). JUST TO GET THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED WOULD BE $95. SO I RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET NHSTA WEBSITE AND I FOUND ALL OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS YEAR, MAKE & MODEL. ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED WHERE THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONS, SENSOR WARNING DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, ETC. SO MY QUESTION TO THE NHSTA IS WHY HASN'T THIS VEHICLE BEEN RECALLED FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT MALFUNCTION WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS YOU HAVE RECEIVED? THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF IT PREVENTS AIRBAGS FROM DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE WITH HYUNDAI & HOPEFULLY THIS CAN BE CORRECTED WITH A RECALL. THANK YOU
Visibility, Aug 17, 2011
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR BREAKS AND HANGS DOWN FROM ROOF AND BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S VISION. 1) I RARELY USE THE SUN VISOR; HOWEVER, ONE MORNING I CAME OUT AND THE VISOR WAS HANGING FROM THE ROOF BY WIRES (THESE POWER THE VANITY MIRROR LIGHT). THE VISOR BLOCKED MY VISION. 2) I PUSHED THE VISOR BACK UP INTO THE ROOF BRACKET. IT IMMEDIATELY FELL DOWN AGAIN. I REALLY APPLIED PRESSURE AND PUSHED IT BACK UP IN THE BRACKET. FIVE MINUTES LATER IT FELL DOWN AGAIN BLOCKING MY VISION. I THEN REMOVED THE HOLDING BRACKET FROM THE ROOF, INSERTED THE VISOR POST INSIDE IT AGAIN, AND REATTACHED THE BRACKET. THE VISOR FELL AGAIN. 3) I HAVE TO ORDER A BRAND NEW SUN VISOR TO REPLACE WHAT IS/WAS A PERFECTLY GOOD, ELECTRICALLY LIGHT FUNCTIONING, WORKING SUN VISOR. THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER TELLS ME HE SEES A LOT OF THESE VISORS THAT FALL, BUT THEY CAN'T BE REPAIRED AS SUPPOSEDLY A SPRING HAS BROKEN UP INSIDE THE MECHANISM. *KB
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
Visibility, Aug 8, 2011
BOTH SUN VISORS HAVE BROKEN ON MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABUSED IN ANY WAY. THEY COST $113 EACH TO REPLACE. MANY OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS DEFECT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU. *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
Steering, Suspension, Tires, Aug 5, 2011
PLEASE CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, SUSPENSION AND STEERING IN 2007 SANTA FE. I THINK THEY ARE CONNECTED AND AFFECT EACH OTHERBY POOR DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING PROCESS. PURCHASED AS NEW VEHICLE IN 12/2007. NOTICED WOBBLE IN STEERING WHEEL A DIFFERENT SPEEDS, CONDITIONS AT 3K MILES. DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOTICED RATTLE AND KLUNKING NOISE IN LEFT FRONT WHEN DRIVING ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT 12K MILES. NO DEALER OR MECHANIC COULD DIAGNOSE ANYTHING WRONG. REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES AT 26K BECAUSE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WORN TO BELT ON INSIDE. ALL WHEELS ALIGNED AT SAME TIME. STILL HAD WOBBLE, VIBRATION AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, ACCELERATING, COASTING, ETC. NUMEROUS BALANCING AND ROTATIONS. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. AT 31K, REPLACED SWAY BARS AND LINKS, HAD WHEELS BEARINGS SERVICED. STILL WOBBLING, RATTLE IN FRONT END AND UNEVEN STEERING. AT 32K, HAD WHEEL BEARINGS REPACKED, ANOTHER FRONT END ALIGNMENT, AND ALL WHEELS,TIRES RECALIBRATED TO HYUNDAI SPECIFICATIONS. VEHICLE DROVE PERFECTLY...FOR 3 DAYS. ALL RATTLES, NOISES, WOBBLES, UNEVEN STEERING PROBLEMS RETURNED. GOING BACK TO DEALER 3RD TIME IN 1 MONTH. RATTLE AND WOBBLE GETS WORSE EVERYDAY. DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I DRIVE 15 MILES TO AND FROM WORK ON SMALL EXPRESSWAY IN AUSTIN, TX. NO OFF ROADING, NO PULLING ANY TRAILERS. ONLY HAIL DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR. NO FRONT END COLLISIONS, ENGINE PROBLEMS OR SUSPENSION DAMAGE BEFORE THESE PROBLEMS WERE NOTICED. (SMALL COLLISION AT 30,500K. I WAS AT STOP, DRIVER IN BACK REAR-ENDED ME AT 5MPH. MY FRONT END TAPPED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DEALER BODY SHOP REPLACED FRONT BUMPER "SHOCK ABSORBERS. NO DAMAGE TO FRAME OR SUSPENSION. IS THIS A SUBFRAME PROBLEM, AXLE ASSEMBLY ISSUE OR WHAT? LOTS OF COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET REGARDING PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. AGAIN, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR ANY FURTHER THAN TO AND FROM WORK. CANNOT AFFORD TO TRADE IN, BUY DIFFERENT VEHICLE. . *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
Air bags, Jul 22, 2011
JUST BOUGHT USED FROM LUTHER HYUNDAI BLOOMINGTON MN,WITH ADULT PASSENGER IN SEAT ,WEIGHT 110 LBS, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT TURN ON AIR BAG LIGHT SAYS AIR BAG OFF, DO NOT BUY A HYUNDAI IF YOU MAY HAVE A PASSENGER WHO WEIGHS LESS THAN 130 HYUNDAI SAYS ADULT PASSENGER HAS TO RIDE IN BACK SEAT .MANY ASIAN PEOPLE ARE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH TO MAKE AIR BAG WORK SUPPOSED TO BE THE SAFEST CAR , TO BAD REALLY NICE CAR WILL HAVE TO BRING BACK AND BUY A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER