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.
Air bags, Nov 25, 2008
2007 SANTA FE TAKEN IN FOR THE 2ND TIME TODAY AS THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS PERMANENTLY ON. THE 1ST TIME THIS HAPPENED (FEW MONTHS AGO) THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. AT THE SAME TIME, THE 'BEEP' WHEN LOCKING THE CAR DISAPPEARS. AM CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY. *TR
Seat belts, Nov 25, 2008
THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT OF MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AT TIMES DOES NOT WORK BECAUSE THE RECEPTOR SLIDES DOWN DEEP INTO THE POCKET AND IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO RETRIEVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBITED THEM. WE WERE COMING HOME TWO WEEKS AGO AND MY FRIEND COULD NOT BUCKLE UP AND WE WERE TRAVELING 60MPH AND I WAS NERVOUS. THE MANAGER PLACED A STYROFOAM PIECE IN THE SLIT AND SAID HE HOPED IT WORKED. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS? *TR
Air bags, Oct 26, 2008
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON FOR THE THIRD TIME IN TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE REPLACED A SENSOR ON THE SECOND VISIT. I AM CONCERNED IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. IT ALSO CAUSES THE ALARM TO GO OFF 15 SECONDS AFTER LOCKING DOORS. *TR
Air bags, Sep 30, 2008
THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG SENSOR LOCATED IN THE SEAT DOES NOT CORRECTLY CLASSIFY MY WIFE (130 LBS.) AS AN ADULT. AS A RESULT, THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS ARE NOT CONSISTENTLY ACTIVATED. THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" INDICATOR LIGHT LOCATED ON THE DASH IS ON AT LEAST 30% OR MORE OF THE TIME OF TRAVEL. THIS SYSTEM IS NOT DEPENDABLE IN THE EVENT OF A FRONT OR SIDE IMPACT. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHEN THE SYSTEM WILL BE ACTIVATED AND PROTECTING MY WIFE. SHE WEIGHS 130 POUNDS IN BODY WEIGHT. I BELIEVE THE SENSOR IN THE SEAT IS POORLY DESIGNED AND ULTIMATELY UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR
Air bags, Sep 14, 2008
HYUNDAI SANTA FE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT RECOGNIZE SMALL ADULT (WEIGHT 100 - 125). *TR
Equipment, Sep 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V272000 (EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS). HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR THE TOWING PACKAGE THAT WAS INCLUDED. THE RECALL REPAIRS WOULD CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT THE VEHICLE WAS ALLOTTED TO TOW. THE INITIAL LABEL INCORRECTLY LISTS THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS. THE INITIAL WEIGHT RATINGS WERE 2,976 FOR THE FRONT AND 3,197 FOR THE REAR. THE NEW RATING LABELS WOULD DROP THE WEIGHT TO 2,910 FOR THE FRONT AND 3,131 FOR THE REAR, CAUSING CONFLICT WITH THE EQUIPMENT WEIGHT NEEDING TO BE TOWED. THE DATABASE WOULD NOT TAKE THE VIN THAT THE CONTACT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,000. UPDATED 10-07-08 *BF UPDATED 10/09/08. *JB
Air bags, Sep 6, 2008
WE HAVE A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG INDICATOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. MY WIFE (THE PASSENGER) IS 5' 3' AND 115 POUNDS. SHE SITS IN THE SEAT PROPERLY AS STATED IN THE MANUAL, HOWEVER SOMETIMES THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED "OFF" INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT ACTIVE (AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL NOT ENGAGE IN CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH), OTHER TIMES (30%) IT WORKS PROPERLY. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES, 4379, 5767 AND 11,421 MILES. THEY REPLACED THE SEAT BUT IT DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING. THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING ELSE AND MY WIFE SHOULD SIT IN THE BACK SEAT. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THIS VEHICLE EVERYTHING WORKED FINE, THREE WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BECOME RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. IF HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA CANNOT FIX THIS PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE STATED, THEY SHOULD REPLACE OR BUY THIS (THESE) VEHICLES BACK. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS VEHICLE RECEIVED A 5 STAR CRASH RATING WITH SO MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Aug 25, 2008
MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH OUR 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE INCLUDING GAS TANK DOOR LATCH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, CAR SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY, WHICH THE DEALER DIAGNOSED AS A COIL ISSUE. THE LAST PROBLEM LED TO THE CAR BEING TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY ARE REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION DUE A FAILURE OF THE CAR TO ACCELERATE AND THEN LURCH INTO GEAR, CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Air bags, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN A 150 LBS. OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR STATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE THE FIRST TIME. DURING THE SECOND VISIT TO THE DEALER, THE FAILURE WAS DUPLICATED; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANT SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN A 120 LBS. ADULT WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AND THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Air bags, Aug 19, 2008
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF INDICATOR LIGHT READS OFF, ALTHOUGH A 5'3", 125LB ADULT IS SEATED IN PASSENGER. BROUGHT TO DEALER SERVICE DEPT ATTENTION, TOLD I NEEDED TO WIGGLE IN THE SEAT TO GET ALL FOUR SENSORS TO ACTIVATE. OCCASIONALLY THIS TECHNIQUE WILL GET THE LIGHT TO NO LONGER ILLUMINATE, BUT IF YOU MOVE YOUR POSITION SLIGHTLY - THE LIGHT READ OFF ONCE AGAIN.*TR
Air bags, Aug 17, 2008
AIR BAG OFF LIGHT STAY ON EVEN WHEN A SMALLER ADULT OF 120LBS IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 13, 2008
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND PANIC ALARM GOES OFF BY ITSELF. AFTER EACH EVENT, ALARM WILL NOT FULLY RESET. *TR
Tires, Aug 10, 2008
P235/60R18 ON HYUNDAI SANTA FE LESS THAN 30,000 MILES AND WE HAD TO REPLACE TWO TIRES DUE TO UNEVEN WEAR .......... NOW WE RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE THAT TIRES ARE AFFECTED BY INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE LABEL. DO WE HAVE ANY RECOURSE? WE EXPECTED TIRES TO LAST MUCH LONGER ON THIS CAR!!!! *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION IN THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE ERUPTED FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, BUT THERE WAS NO SMOKE OR FLAMES. THE WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETECT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/16/08 *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2008
DRIVING FROM MY MOTHER'S HOME, WHERE I WAS VISITING, TO THE GROCERY STORE NOT THREE MILES AWAY MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ALL OF SUDDEN LOST POWER AND STARTED OVERHEATING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR ASSISTANCE. THIS BEING THE FOURTH OF JULY LONG WEEKEND, THE ORLANDO DEALERSHIP WAS NOT OPEN. THE FOLLOWING DAY I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE ASSISTANT AT ORLANDO HYUNDAI. SEVERAL HOURS LATER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS DAMAGED AND NOT A WARRANTY ITEM, THE REPAIR WAS $700. BEING FROM OUT OF THE AREA I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY THE MONEY AND GET THE CAR FIXED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, WAS SOME ITEM DAMAGED THE RADIATOR AND USING HIS WORDS "PROBABLY ROAD DEBRIS" PASSING THROUGH THE GRILL. HE CONTINUED THE EXPLANATION THAT THERE ARE NOT BARRIERS THAT WOULD PREVENT SMALL ITEMS FROM PASSING THROUGH THE GRILL AND DAMAGING THE CONDENSER AND RADIATOR WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAYS. ASKING THE SERVICE MANAGER IF THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, HE REPLIED YES. THE FAILURE OF HYUNDAI TO FORESEE, DESIGN AND PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF SCREEN BARRIER BEHIND THE GRILL ALLOWS ANY TYPE OF DEBRIS TO CAUSE HARM TO THE CONDENSER OR RADIATOR AT ANY TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JULY 5, 2008 BY ORLANDO HYUNDAI IN ORLANDO FL. I DISPUTED THIS CLAIM AS SUBJECTIVE TO HYUNDAI OF AMERICA AS SOON AS I RETURNED. THEY SENT ME TO MY LOCAL DEALER, JENKINS HYUNDAI OF BRADENTON. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE TOLD ME HE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I WAS GIVEN THE RUNAROUND. I SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING SOLUTION, SENT IN BY ANOTHER COMPLIANT, SHOULD BE LISTENED TO. A SMALL AMOUNT OF HARDWARE CLOTH ATTACHED TO THE BACK OF THE GRILL WOULD DEFLECT MOST ALL DEBRIS AND PROTECT THE CONDENSER AND RADIATOR FROM DAMAGE WHILE STILL ALLOWING AMPLE AIR FLOW. TODAY, MY CAR OVERHEATED AGAIN! I WILL BRING IT TO THE DEALER TOMORROW WITHOUT CONFIDENCE IN THIS PRODUCT OR THE WARRANTY WHICH IS WHY I BOUGHT THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 31, 2008
MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED (16,600 MILES) BEGAN MAKING A VERY LOUD SCREECHING/SQUEALING NOISE AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING THAT GOES AWAY WHEN YOU EVEN LIGHTLY TAP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I TOOK IT TO THE NATICK, MA HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT, WHO SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT SUGGESTED THAT I PAY $89 FOR A REAR BRAKE SERVICING, WHICH THEY EXPLAINED WILL CLEAN ANY RUST/CORROSION ON MY ROTORS AND WILL ADJUST THE REAR BRAKES. I ASKED IF THEY SAW ANY SIGNS OF RUST OR CORROSION ON MY REAR BRAKES WHEN THEY WERE INVESTIGATING THE NOISE, AND THEY COULDN'T ANSWER THAT. I ASKED IF IT IS NORMAL TO HAVE RUST OR CORROSION OR TO REQUIRE AN ADJUSTMENT OF THE REAR BRAKES IN A CAR THAT IS 1 YEAR OLD, AND THEY SAID NO. I ELECTED TO SKIP THE REAR BRAKE SERVICE, AND TOOK THE CAR HOME, AT WHICH TIME IT STARTED MAKING THE NOISE AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK AND HAD THE MECHANIC GO FOR A DRIVE WITH ME AND HE SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE THE REAR BRAKE PAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE SLIPPED AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. HE SAID IT IS VERY COMMON IN THE 2007 SANTA FE. I LEFT THE CAR TO BE FIXED, AND WHEN THEY CALLED TO LET ME KNOW IT WAS READY, THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $89 FOR THE REAR BRAKE SERVICE. IF MY BRAKE PADS SLIPPED AND IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, WHY WAS A FORCED TO PAY $89 TO CLEAN AND ADJUST THE ROTORS? AFTER SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND SPEAKING WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE CALIPER FRAME IS MACHINED WRONG AND HYUNDAI IS CRAMMING THE BRAKES IN, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO SLIP, OR EVEN WORSE, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO SEIZE. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT AFTER A YEAR OF DRIVING IT (PURCHASED BRAND NEW) I HAD TO PAY FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY POOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION BY HYUNDAI. *TR
Air bags, Jul 12, 2008
PASSENGER AIR BAG GOES ON AND OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT. OFF MORE THAN ON. IT OCCURS EVERYTIME PASSENGER IS IN SEAT. PASSENGER WEIGHS APPROX 115 LBS. DEALER SAYS THAT AIR BAG SENOR IS SENSITIVE TO WEIGHT OF PASSENGER. DEALER DID NOT FIX. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Equipment, Jun 25, 2008
I HAVE ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM ON MY 2007 SANTA FE LIMITED (THE AIRBAG INDICATOR AND THE ALARM SOUNDING FOR NO REASON AT THE SAME TIME). THEY BOTH STARTED HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE THE AIRBAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED IN THE LOWER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD CONTROL PANEL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THIS PAST MONDAY (23 JUNE 2008) AND THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE THE ERROR CODE. BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT THE ACTUAL PROBLEM IS. SO THEY CLEARED THE ERROR CODE, CHANGED THE OIL, AND WASHED IT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO COME BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THE FUNNY THING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IS THAT IT COMES AND GOES. AS I WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE INDICATOR WENT OFF. BUT ONCE I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WENT TO CHECK IT, IT CAME BACK ON AND STAYED ON. WELL, IT HAPPENED AGAIN THE VERY NEXT DAY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE INSTRUCTED ME TO BRING IT IN BECAUSE THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THEY HAVE OFFERED TO PUT ME IN A LOANER CAR WHILE THEY INVESTIGATE WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY TRUCK. OH I FORGOT TO TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THEY CLEARED THE CODE. AFTER THEY CLEARED THE CODE ON THE 23RD, THE ALARM DOES NOT SOUND WHEN YOU PRESS THE CONTROL BUTTON TWICE. THEY DISARMED SOMETHING ON THE OTHER DAY. I'M THINKING THAT THEY SHOULD DO A WHOLE SYSTEM RESET OR SOMETHING. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON WHAT THEY FIND DURING MY VISIT THIS EVENING OR WHENEVER MY TRUCK IS RETURNED TO ME. HERE'S THE TRICK TO THE SOUNDING ALARM PROBLEM THAT I FIGURED OUT. 1. ARM THE ALARM. 2. WAIT FOR THE 30 SEC'S FOR IT TO SOUND. 3. DISARM THE ALARM. 4. ARM THE ALARM. 5. ALL IS WELL AT THIS POINT WITH THE ALARM. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO WORK FOR ME. BUT IT IS A PAIN IF YOU ASK ME. HOWEVER, UNTIL THERE IS A FIX FOR IT, THIS IS A SOLUTION THAT WORKS. *TR
Steering, Jun 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT ACCELERATED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE STEERING FELT LIGHT, AS IF IT WERE LIFTING OFF THE GROUND. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND HE MUST OVERCOMPENSATE TO THE LEFT TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE FAILURE STOPPED. HE CALLED THE DEALER ONCE HE ARRIVED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND ASKED SOMEONE TO RETURN HIS CALL; HOWEVER, NO ONE HAS YET RESPONDED. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SIMILAR FAILURES AND THEY ROTATED THE TIRES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUES. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED TWO COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CORRECT ACCORDING TO THE MONITORING SYSTEM. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,100.
Steering, Jun 11, 2008
CAR PULLS TO RIGHT SIDE WHEN ACCELERATING HEAVY. HAVE TO PULL WHEEL TO LEFT,THEN I HAVE OVER STEER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2008
FRONT BRAKE CALIPER STICKS AND WILL TURN ROTOR A VERY HOT RED COLOR, WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND INCREASES THE TIME NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 WEEKS AND SAYS THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THE CALIPER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, WHICH IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE IT GOES DEEPER THAN JUST REPLACING A CALIPER, WHICH TAKES ABOUT HALF AN HOUR. *TR
Air bags, Jun 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED AIR BAG LIGHT FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BUT NOT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES WITH OR WITHOUT AN OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE SEAT. THEY REPLACED THE SEAT WITH A NEW ONE, BUT THE FAILURE WAS STILL PRESENT. THE DEALER THEN REINSTALLED THE OLD SEAT, BUT REPLACED THE SEAT MODULE. THIS ALSO DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND NO FURTHER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000. UPDATED 08/01/08
Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2008
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR ON THE HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2007 VERSION. AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR ATTEMPT THE DEALER CALLED THE REGIONAL PERSON AND THEY OFFERED A THIRD SOLUTION BECAUSE THAT PERSON "HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE". THE THIRD SOLUTION DID NOT WORK AS WELL. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WITHOUT NOTICE YOU SIMPLY HAVE NO ACCELERATION. ENGINE RUNS AND THERE SEEMS TO BE POWER BUT THERE'S NO ACCELERATION. IT'S HAPPENED TO MY WIFE 3 TIMES PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC. THEY HAVE REPLACED: A PEDAL SENSOR AND ENTIRE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY, REPAIRED A CONNECTION TO THE APS SENSOR, AND AS DIRECTED BY THE REGIONAL PERSON THEY REPLACED THE "THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY" AND TODAY, 4/29, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT A STOP LIGHT AND THEN VIOLENTLY LUNGED FORWARD. *TR
Steering, Apr 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR LEAK. THE FRONT STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AT THAT TIME. THE NEW FRONT STEERING RACK DEVELOPED A LEAK AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. HE IS CURRENTLY PREPARING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE, AS WELL AS A NEW ONE. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT ANY SPEED, MAKING A TURN, OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES FROM CENTER AND GOES TO EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND DISABLES THE FEATURE. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.