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.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2009
WE OWN A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON A FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. WE HAD THAT REPLACED BY THE DEALER. OUR VEHICLE IS NOW ENCOUNTERING PROBLEMS WITH IT APPLYING BRAKES FOR NO REASON WHILE OPERATING IT ON THE ROADWAYS.WE HAVE YET TO HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE BRAKES AND SLOWS ON ITS OWN WITHOUT NOTICE AND FOR NO REASON. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE YAW SENSOR IS BAD. WE ARE LUCKY THAT NO ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED AS OF YET BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2005 HYUNDAI TUSCONS FOR THIS OR A SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE YAW SENSOR. IS THERE OR WILL THERE BE A RECALL ON THE SANTA FE'S NOW OR IN THE NEAR FUTURE FOR THIS BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH IS UNSAFE? THE DEALER WANTS TO SELL US THE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS PART FOR $493.00 PLUS TAX AND BETWEEN $200.00 AND $300.00 LABOR TO INSTALL. YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS DANGEROUS AND DEFECTIVE PART. THANKS, GREG JOHNSTON. *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
Air bags, Aug 25, 2009
WHEN MY PARTNER SITS ON PASSENGER SIDE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATOR REMAINS ON, INDICATING THAT AIR BAG IS OFF. SHE IS 54 YRS OLD, 5'2, 113 LBS. WHEN PREVIOUSLY BROUGHT TO DEALER, THEY STATE THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR & THE AIR BAG. THEY CALLED HYUNDAI, AND THEN TOLD ME THAT IT IS SET FOR 125-130 LBS BUT COULD NOT GIVE ME THAT IN WRITING. PLEASE, I'M AFRAID FOR HER SAFETY. HYUNDAI SHOULD REWIRE & PUT IN A SWITCH TO TURN AIR BAG OFF. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND, THE WAY IT IS NOW. I DON'T HAVE ANY CHILDREN SO TURNING OFF THE AIRBAG MANUALLY IS NOT A PROBLEM. TRAVELING IN THE CAR IS NOT ONLY NOT SAFE, BUT NOT ENJOYABLE. UNTIL YOU CAN FORCE HYUNDAI TO FIX THE PROBLEM, SHE WILL HAVE TO SIT IN THE BACK. IT IS NOT RIGHT. WHAT IS GOING TO TAKE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, SOMEONE'S DEATH. PLEASE, I HOPE IT IS CORRECTED BEFORE THAT HAPPENS. I HAVE BEEN ON NUMEROUS FORUMS THAT INDICATE MANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM & HYUNDAI WON'T FIX IT LIKE THEY DID WITH THE SONATA. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *TR
Air bags, Aug 17, 2009
2007 HYUNDAI SANTAFE - PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE SOMETIMES TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT WEIGHING 125 LBS IS IN THE SEAT. PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS PERIODICALLY WHEN A 150 LB ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE HAVE REQUESTED THAT HYUNDAI REPAIR THIS DEFECT, BUT THEIR DEALER JUST RUNS A TEST AND TELLS US THAT IT "OPERATES AS DESIGNED". THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN THE SAME PASSENGER SITS IN A 2009 SANTAFE (AT THE SAME DEALER, WITH THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER WITNESSING FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT). *TR
Air bags, Jul 28, 2009
AIRBAG SYSTEM (PASSENGER SIDE) DOESN'T ALWAYS "SENSE" THE OCCUPANT ACCURATELY, IN A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE'S FRONT-PASSENGER "AIRBAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHENEVER A SMALL ADULT WAS IN THE SEAT, OR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY TURN OFF DEPENDING ON THE PERSON'S SITTING POSITION. THIS AFFECTS MY 125 POUND WIFE WHO BY HYUNDAI'S TEST IS CONSIDERED A PERSON OF "SMALLER STATURE." I WAS TOLD 130 LBS IS THE MINIMUM WEIGHT TO ENABLE THE AIRBAG BUT AGAIN DEPENDING ON HER SITTING POSITION, THE LIGHT WILL GO ON AND OFF. THE SAME SYSTEM WORKS FINE IN A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA IN WHICH SHE WOULD BE PROTECTED. WHY IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A FOUL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE. HE ALSO NOTICED A SEVERE HEAT WAVE FROM THE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE ITSELF WAS EXTREMELY HOT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PADS WERE RUBBING UP AGAINST THE ROTORS. THE DEALER CLEANED AND GREASED THE CALIPERS, WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING. HE BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED SINCE THE FAILURE APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11,700. UPDATED 07/17/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ODOR FROM THE OVERHEATING PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS ONLY NOTICED AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO THE PADS FREEING UP AGAINST THE ROTORS DUE TO CORROSION AT THE PLACE WHERE THE PADS SET IN THE BRAKE CALIPER. UPDATED 07/17/09.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 29, 2009
REAR BRAKES SEIZED UP DUE TO RUST BUILD UP ON ROTORS. THIS CAUSED THE ROTORS TO GET VERY HOT. WE FEEL THAT THIS WAS DUE TO FAULTY METAL USED FOR THE ROTORS> HYUNDAI SAID IT WAS A ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE. WE FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HYUNDAI REPORTS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Jun 7, 2009
PASSENGER AIR BAG RANDOMLY DISABLES AND ENABLES WHILE PASSENGERS ARE SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKES WERE WORN. THE CALIPER IS RUSTED SHUT AND THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE DESTROYED. HE MUST PURCHASE NEW CALIPERS, RODS, AND ROTORS AT THE COST OF $405. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT MUST PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,127. UPDATED 06/25/09 *BF UPDATED 06/26/09.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2009
NOISE FROM DRIVERS SIDE REAR BRAKES IN LATE APRIL 2009. CHECKED BRAKES ROTORS EXTREMELY HOT-REAR ONLY. FRONT BRAKES FINE;HOWEVER, REAR WORN ALMOST TO METAL. MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER FOR MAY 13. CAR IS ONLY 17 MO OLD, 15,000 MILES (MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING). DEALER WILL REPLACE PADS BUT WILL CHARGE A REAR BRAKE SERVICE$150. I BELIEVE THERE IS A BRAKE DESIGN FLAW. DEALER WANTS $160/AXLE EVERY 15000 MILES TO "SERVICE" BRAKES- CLEAN CALIPERS. BRAKES SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 15,000 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 6, 2009
MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTE FE WAS EXPERIENCING BRAKE OVERHEATING FROM DRIVERS SIDE REAR BRAKE AND MILD HEATING WITH PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKES. AT 28K MILES I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS SITUATION. THE BRAKES HAD FAILED VERY PREMATURELY DUE TO THIS CONDITION. THE DEALER RESURFACED THE ROTORS AND CLEANED AND LUBED THE BRAKE SLIDES, AND REPLACED THE OVERHEATED DAMAGED PADS TO THE TUNE OF $389. I WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE 3YR 36K MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AS THERE WAS AN EXCEPTION TO THIS FOR THE BRAKES, THEY WERE ONLY 1 YR 12K FOR THE WARRANTY AS I AM IN A "SEVERE" OPERATING ZONE IN UPSTATE NY. I HAVE CHECKED MANY OTHER FORUMS ON THIS SUBJECT AND HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS TO BE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PREMATURE FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES AND ALMOST ALWAYS IT IS THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR CALIPER THAT FAILS. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM AS THE BRAKES ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE A WHILE AND HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY HYUNDAI AMERICA. I PLACED A COMPLAINT WITH THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT BASICALLY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PARTS AS THEY SAID THEY DISPOSED OF THEM PRIOR TO MY ARRIVAL. I HAVE ALWAYS SERVICED MY VEHICLE MYSELF ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS AND NO WHERE DOES IT STATE THE BRAKES NEED TO BE LUBRICATED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 12, 2009
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED 27,300 MILE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE CALIPER IS STICKING TO THE DISC BRAKE CAUSING BURNING SMELL AND HEAT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 5, 2009
BRAKE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED ME TO SKID THROUGH A RED LIGHT THAT WAS AT 50 MILES A HOUR HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW 7/18/2007, AND WAS RECENTLY INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AS PART OF A 15,000 MILE CHECK UP AT THAT TIME I EXPRESSED A CONCERN ABOUT THE CAR'S HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION NOVEMBER 5, 2008 I WAS TOLD THAT MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAD IT'S REAR BRAKES LOCKED ON AND THE WHOLE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND I SKIDDED BECAUSE THEY HAD FAILED AND MY FRONT BRAKES WERE DOING ALL THE WORK. I WAS TOLD BY MANY CAR SPECIALISTS THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH A VEHICLE UNDER 18 MONTHS WITH ONLY 15,198 MILES AND THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI'S INFERIOR BRAKE SYSTEM AND THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN! I FEAR THAT NEXT TIME, I WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP AND LOST OF LIFE MAY OCCUR. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Mar 5, 2009
FRONT GLASS HAS A CRACKED LINE IN IT FROM THE RIGHT FRONT PILLAR. NO INDICATION OF ANYTHING HITTING GLASS. NO PITS. IT IS ON GLASS ABOUT HALFWAY UP WENT LIKE A UTURN 6-12 INCHES FROM PILLAR. NO REPAIRS DONE. SUV PURCHASED 2007. NO ISSUE TILL NOW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2009
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST ON ROUTE 140 WEST IN WESTMINSTER, MD. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND NO LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD THIS TIME -- PREVIOUSLY THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT WOULD COME ON. AGAIN, THIS MORNING, FEBRUARY 24TH ON MY WAY DOWN A HILL TO WORK, THE CAR FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO STALL. THIS TIME THE ESC LIGHT WAS FLICKERING. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE CAR AND WILL REPORT EACH INCIDENT. I AM ALSO SENDING A LETTER TO HYUNDAI MOTOR VEHICLES EASTERN REGION OFFICE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 21, 2009
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. FIRST INCIDENT, MAY 2008. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR REPAIR OPERATIONS,AND A FEW MORE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS,BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. ATTEMPTS AT REPAIR HAVE INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE. SOME OF THOSE REPAIR OPERATIONS SEEMED TO WORK FOR A WHILE,BUT THE PROBLEM KEEPS RETURNING. *TR
Visibility, Jan 12, 2009
THE WASHER FLUID DOES NOT SQUIRT ONTO THE WINDOW. AT BEST, THE FLUID SOMETIMES DRIBBLES OUT AND HITS THE LOWEST PART OF THE WINDOW, BUT ONLY AFTER HOLDING THE WASHER FLUID BUTTON FOR UP TO 30 SECONDS. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE LINE WAS PROBABLY FROZEN AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY RECOMMENDED I CHECK THE FLUID LINE FOR BLOCKAGE OR HEAT IT UP WITH A HAIR DRYER. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO DIFFERENT CARS FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER, AND THE PROBLEM EXISTS IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER. DURING LIGHT SNOW AND RAIN, THE WINDOW GETS DIRTY AND I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO CLEAN THE WINDOW IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. I THINK THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 8, 2009, crash
MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WAS IN A ROLLOVER CRASH ON 12/23. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS OPENED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 6, 2009
WE BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ON 8/20/07. THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE PROBLEM WAS AT 765 MILES ON 9/13/07. A SPECIAL PART WAS ORDERED PER THE REPAIR ORDER. THE NEXT TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WAS ON 10/4/07 AT 1863 MILES. ON 9/4/08 AT 14721 MILES, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I HAD AN INCIDENT RIGHT NEAR THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THANKFULLY I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE REPAIR ORDER STATES THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER CONCERN. ON 10/2/08, AT 15462 MILES, I AGAIN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH. THE REPAIR ORDER STATES A "TAB BROKEN?" ON 10/13/08, I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-95 IN CHERRY HILL, NJ (125 MILES FROM HOME) WHEN THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CAR AGAIN MADE A SCRAPING NOISE UNDER THE ENGINE. THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON AND PULLED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AGAIN. THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS TOWED TO BURNS HYUNDAI IN CHERRY HILL. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS A BROKEN YAW RING. AFTER THAT IT SEEMED FINE FOR A WHILE BUT WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT HAS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY AT MILES 17697, 18948, 19292 AND 20076. I HAVEN'T HAD THE DRAGGING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD; HOWEVER, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO BE FIXED. IF YOU CAN HELP ME TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. *TR
Steering, Dec 28, 2008
UPDATE FOR MY 2007 SANTA FE STEERING, PULLING. I WENT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU THE REPORT CAME BACK THERE IS A NORMAL PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT AFFECTS THE TIRES WEARING OUT SOONER THAN THE TIRE MANUFACTURES STATES. THERE IS A HEAVY PULL WHEN YOU ACCELERATE HARD AT ABOUT 40 MPH. IS THIS NORMAL? THE WHEEL REALLY TURNS THE WHEEL TO A HALF A TURN TO THE RIGHT. OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE WHEEL BUT YOU FEEL IT PULLING. WHEN YOU TEST THE PULLING ON A SAFE AREA LET LOOSE OF THE WHEEL A LITTLE THEN YOU'LL FEEL IT MOVE. I'M AFRAID WHEN YOU TAP THE GAS PEDAL A LITTLE ON THE DAYS IT SNOWS; DO YOU PASS OR NOT PASS ,ANYONE OR WHAT? *TR
Visibility, Dec 3, 2008
A CRACK APPEARED IN MY WINDSHIELD. IT LOOKS TO HAVE ORIGINATED FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND NOTHING HAS DAMAGED MY WINDSHIELD PRIOR. IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S CRACKING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE GLASS. I HAVE TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON HOW MUCH IT'S GOING TO COST TO REPAIR FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY TODAY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY FRIENDS 2007 HYUNDAI SANTE FE A WHILE AFTER SHE BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR. *TR