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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2015, crash
I WAS TRAVELING TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE ON WYDA WAY IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY. I WAS GETTING READY TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY, I FELT MY CAR BEING PUSHED FROM BEHIND, AND THEN I HEARD A LOUD ACCELERATION NOISE. RIGHT AFTER THAT MOMENT, MY CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND WOULD NOT STOP. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME AND ALSO TRIED MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER. IT WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE.THE NEXT THING THAT OCCURRED WAS A HORRIBLE COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY CAR HITTING ANOTHER CAR WHICH HIT ANOTHER CAR. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES AS WELL AS TWO FATALITIES AND OTHER INJURIES IN THE TWO CARS THAT WERE HIT. I WAS TAKEN TO UC DAVIS HOSPITAL IN SACRAMENTO WHERE I STAYED IN THE ICU FOR TWO DAYS AND THEN FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. I WAS DRIVING A RUNAWAY CAR WITH NO WAY TO STOP IT.*BF *JS
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), AND EGR WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED EMPTY WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 24, 2015
WHEN SITTING IN A TRAFFIC JAM CAR STARTING JUMPING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO TURN OFF TRAFFIC STARTED TO MOVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WAS CHOKING THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON I MADE IT TO THE CAR SHOP THEY PUT IT ON THE MACHINE THEY SAID IT WAS A COIL PACK AND THIS YEAR SANTA FE WAS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM GOT IT FIX AND THEY CAR STILL SHAKES LIKE IT WANTS TO TURN OFF IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY THE VIBRATION WHEN AT A STILL MODE IS SO ANNOYING HYUNDAI KNOWS THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WHY DONT THEY RECALL THEM I JUST WISH I COULD FIND THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT HONESTLY IT IS ANNOYING WORRYING IF THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF AND LEAVE ME STUCK SOMEWHERE ALONE LATE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I WORK 3 TO 11 PM PLEASE HELP
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2015
GAS GAGE SAID EMPTY SO I WENT TO PUT GAS IN IT THE PUMP KEPT SHUTTING OFF SO I MOVED AND WENT ANOTHER PUMP I STARTING PUT GAS IN THE CAR AND THE GAS CAME FLYING OUT OF THE CAR POURING ALL OVER ME I WAS SOAKED WITH GAS I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND HERE IT WAS THE GAS SENSOR IT WAS READING EMPTY WHEN ACTUALLY IT WAS FULL THEY HAD TO TAKE THE TANK DOWN AND PUT IN A SENSOR 5 HOURS OF WORK I HAD CARS THAT WERE 20 YEARS OLD OR OLDER AND THEY NEVER DID THIS HYUNDAI NEED'S TO RECALL THIS YEAR BECAUSE I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2007 SANTA FE
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2015
SMELL OF FUEL IN PASSENGER CABIN WHEN YOU FILL UP. FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL ALONG WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON.
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2015
ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO THE GAS GAUGE DROPPED TO "E" AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK TO AUTOZONE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. WITH A COST OF $300.AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WERE 2 SENDING UNITS. WOW $600. I PUT SOME CLEANER IN THE GAS WHICH HAS HELPED A LITTLE, JUST PROLONGING GETTING IT FIXED. SOMETIMES IT WORKS SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I WATCHED THE RANGE IN MILES BOUNCE AROUND THE OTHER DAY WHILE DRIVING. I CAN'T PAY $600 TO REPAIR SOME THING IF IT ISN'T COMPLETELY BROKE.
Suspension, Oct 21, 2015
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND GOING OVER ANY MINOR IRREGULARITY IN THE ROAD SURFACE, DISTRACTING NOISES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION...SQUEAKS, CREAKING AND THUDS ARE BEST WORD TO DESCRIBE. VERY DISTURBING AS NOTHING IS VISIBLE ACCORDING TO MECHANICS BUT THERE IS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM DUE TO THE HUNDREDS OF ON LINE COMPLAINTS I'M SEEING.
Service brakes, Oct 20, 2015
OUR 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS LOUD NOISE FROM THE BACK WHEELS. TOOK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE BRAKE ROTORS AND CALIPERS WERE RUSTED. FOR SAFETY CONCERN, THE DEALER ADVISED THAT WE HAVE BOTH ROTORS AND CALIPERS CHANGED. IT WAS 6/29/2015 AND THE CAR HAS DRIVEN ONLY 257664 MILES. REPORTEDLY, DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND CALIPER WITH OEM PARTS. WITHIN 3 MONTHS. WE NOTICES THE ROTORS ARE RUSTED. WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON 9/26/2015 AND WAS TOLD, NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ASKED US TO CONTACT HYUNDAI CORP. ON 9/29/2015, WE CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA, BUT HYUNDAI KEPT SAYING IT HAS PASSED THE 5-YEAR WARRANTY FOR BRAKE, AND IGNORE THE OEM PARTS RUSTED WITH 3000 MILES AND 3 MONTHS. WHEN POINTED THIS OUT, HYUNDAI PRACTICALLY IGNORE OUR CONCERN. OUR CARS ARE ALWAYS KEPT INSIDE GARAGE. WITH THIS RUST PROBLEM, WE BEGAN TO CHECK ON ROTORS OF CARS IN ANY PARKING LOT WHEN WE WENT OUT AND PARKED THE CAR. WE FOUND THAT ALL MOST ALL HYUNDAI, DOES NOT MATTER WHICH MODEL, THEIR ROTORS ARE ALL RUSTED. BUT NOT OTHER MAKERS VEHICLES. I ALSO FOUND SIMILAR "PREMATURE RUST" OF ROTORS COMPLAINTS FROM HYUNDAI CAR OWNERS IN THE INTERNET. I BELIEVE THE OEM ROTORS AND CALIPERS SHALL CARRY THE SAME 5-YEAR WARRANTY AS ORIGINAL PARTS IN THE CAR. FOR SAFE OF CUSTOMERS, HYUNDAI SHALL NOT BE ALLOW TO USE SUCH DEFECTED PARTS IN THEIR VEHICLES. WILL NHTSA TAKE ACTION ON BEHALF OF US?
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2015
THE ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON AND PUSHING THE ON/OFF SWITCH DOES NOT PUT IT OUT. AND THE CAR HAS NO FORWARD MOMENTUM EVEN IF I FLOOR THE GAS PEDAL. IF I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RE START, THE DASH LIGHT GOES OUT SOMETIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IN MOTION ON THE HIWAY
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2015
I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE , THE GAGE GOES FROM EMPTY TO FULL AND BACK TO EMPTY IN 5 MINUTES. BACK A FORTH EVERYDAY
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2015, fire
CAR MADE RAPID CLICK FAILED TURN SIGNAL SOUND WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT SIGNAL ACTIVATED AND HAPHAZARDLY ACTIVATED LEFT SIGNAL INDEPENDENT OF DRIVER. SIDEOUND STOPPED IF SIGNAL ACTIVATED. AS APPROACHED BUSY TRAFFIC AREA (AIRPORT), STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING AND BURNING SMELL FILLED PASSENGER CABIN. HYUNDAI DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED IS MANUFACTUER SWITCH DEFECT, WITHOUT SAFETY FUSE TO PREVENT FIRE ON OVERHEATING, BUT IS CHARGING $250 TO REPAIR AND KEEPING MY ONLY CAR FOR AT LEAST A WEEK WHILE ORDERING ANOTHER PART (WHICH AS IT IS THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART IS JUST AS LIKELY TO EVENTUALLY FAIL AND RISK A CAR FIRE WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS). DEALER SAYS HYUNDAI ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART. A COMPLAINT 10629458 WAS FILED FOR WHAT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME DEFECT IN A 2010 SANTA FE WITH SIMILAR ABDICATION OF RESPONSIBILITY BY HYUNDAI. THINGS THAT CAUSE CABIN FIRES SHOULD PROMP A RECALL.
Engine, Oct 2, 2015
WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR BEFORE IT WAS RECALLED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2015
MY FUEL GAGE CHANGES CONSTANTLY. ONE MINUTE SAYING I'M FULL, THE NEXT SAYING IT IS EMPTY WITH THE GAS LIGHT ON. NEXT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, BROUGHT IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER, WHOM STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS WELL OVER A $750 JOB AND A KNOWN HYUNDAI SANTA FE ISSUE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT HYUNDAI HASN'T RECALLED THIS PART, DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE. THIS HAPPENS WHILE BEING STATIONARY AND MOVING. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2015, crash
MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN SO I COULD GET INTO A LEFT HAND TURNING LANE. AS SOON AS I TOUCHED THE BRAKES, THE CAR REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED TO A VERY HIGH SPEED ON ITS OWN. I'M NOT SURE HOW FAST I WAS GOING, BUT FAST ENOUGH TO THROW ME BACK AGAINST THE CAR SEAT AS I RAN THROUGH A RED LIGHT UNABLE TO STOP. I TRIED THE BRAKES AGAIN BUT THEY DIDN'T WORK.. SHIFTING THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL OR ANY OTHER GEAR DID NOTHING TO SLOW OR STOP THE CAR EITHER. I FINALLY REACHED DOWN AND TURNED THE KEY OFF, AT WHICH TIME I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I STEERED INTO AN OPEN FIELD, HIT A FENCE, AND CONTINUED QUITE A WAYS THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY AN INCLINE TO A RAVINE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2015
I RECEIVED A SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTIFICATION RE MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTE FE AUTO TO INSPECT (& POSSIBLY REPLACE) THE ALTERNATOR & REPLACE THE FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE VAN NUYS CA SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AFTER PERSISTING TO GET AN ANSWER AS TO HOW LONG THE SERVICE WOULD TAKE, I WAS TOLD I COULD EXPECT 2 DAYS. I NEED TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM HYUNDAI. I WAS TOLD THEIR SHUTTLE WOULD ONLY TAKE ME 6 MILES. MY HOME IS 8.2 MILES AWAY. I WAS TOLD I COULD RENT A VEHICLE FOR $30+ PER DAY. IT IT APPROPRIATE THAT SUCH A NOTIFICATION SHOULD COST ME UPWARDS OF $60????? WHAT AGENCY OVERSEES AUTOMOBILE SAFETY OR TO WHOM SHOULD I COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS?
Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2015
ON THE WAY TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL MY FUEL LIGHT CAME ON. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD AS I HAD A HALF A TANK OF GAS WHEN I PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE FOR THE NIGHT. I WENT TO THE GAS STATION FILLED UP THE GAS TANK (IT ONLY TOOL $13.00 TO FILL UP) EVEN THOUGH I KNEW I WASN'T EMPTY. WELL THE VERY NEXT MORNING AGAIN MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON SAYING IT'S EMPTY. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NEVER BEEN ON DURING THIS.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, BUT THEY FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Sep 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD CLICKING SOUND FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,595.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2015
ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY GAS GUAGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE IN ITS READINGS. I NOTICED ONE DAY MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON--STATING MY GAS TANK WAS EMPTY AND I KNOW I HAD GAS IN THE TANK. I ENDED UP GOING TO THE GAS STATION AND FILLED THE TANK. MY GUAGE READ FULL FOR A DAY THEN MY GAS LIGHT WENT ON (EMPTY). AS I DROVE THE CAR I NOTICED THE GAS GUAGE SLOWLY RISE TO THE CORRECT READING OF "FULL". THE FLUCTUATION IN THE READINGS ARE CONSTANT. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND CONCERNING TO ME, AS I DRIVE CHILDREN AROUND AND CANNOT RELY ON MY GAS GUAGE TO GIVE ME AN ACCURATE READING. I AM CONSTANTLY GOING TO THE GAS STATION JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT I DO HAVE GAS. THIS ISSUE CAUSED MY ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. IF I RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY, OR OFF IN THE DESERT HERE, IT COULD BE FATAL.
Steering, Sep 21, 2015
THE FRONT RIGHT DRIVEAXLE BROKE, RESULTING IN THE FRONT TIRE FALLING OFF. I HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVESHAFT, THE BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM, SERPENTINE BELT AND ALTERNATOR BELT AND PAY FOR AN ALIGNMENT, FOR A TOTAL COST OF $876.01. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH. 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THAT, I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH MY FAMILY. CAN YOU IMAGINE YOUR TIRE FALLING OFF AT 70 MPH? HYUNDAI HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE 2013 FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
Visibility, Sep 16, 2015
BACK IN 2011, MY DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FAILED (THE BRACKET BROKE AT THE ELBOW WHERE THE PLASTIC IS MOLDED AROUND THE BRACKET). IN LOOKING AT THE PART, I NOTED THAT THE QUALITY/GAUGE OF THE BRACKET WAS NOT VERY ROBUST. I WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF FIRST PRINCE AND THEN JOHNSON CONTROLS, AND AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH SUN VISORS AND THE BRACKETS THAT SUPPORT THEM. BASED ON MY OBSERVATIONS, THE DESIGN IS INFERIOR AND IS NOT ROBUST ENOUGH TO LAST THROUGH THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. THE REASON I'M WRITING TO YOU NOW, IS THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE VISOR ALSO FAILED RECENTLY, WITH DAMAGE IN THE EXACT SAME AREA. I AM ALSO NOTING THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRACKET IS STARTING TO WEAKEN, AS IT WILL FREQUENTLY NOT STAY IN A LOCKED UP POSITION. THIS WAS THE SAME SYMPTOM EXHIBITED BEFORE THE FIRST DRIVER SIDE VISOR FAILED. IN MY OPINION, THERE HAS TO BE AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR THIS PART AND AS THE REPLACEMENT IS EXPENSIVE (APPX. $240), I FEEL THERE IS A RISK AND PERHAPS ALREADY OCCURRENCE OF A RISK OF THE BRACKET FAILING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED, AND/OR A DRIVER WHO'S VISOR FAILED, HAVING VISION IMPAIRED BY THE SUN AND BECOMING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THE REPLACEMENT RATE FOR THIS PART ACROSS NOT ONLY THIS MODEL, BUT ALL OTHER'S AS I NOTE THAT FREQUENTLY THE DESIGN OF AN ELBOW BRACKET CROSSES OVER MULTIPLE PLATFORMS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2015
ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY GAS GUAGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE IN ITS READINGS. I NOTICED ONE DAY MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON--STATING MY GAS TANK WAS EMPTY AND I KNOW I HAD GAS IN THE TANK. I ENDED UP GOING TO THE GAS STATION AND FILLED THE TANK. MY GUAGE READ FULL FOR A DAY THEN MY GAS LIGHT WENT ON (EMPTY). AS I DROVE THE CAR I NOTICED THE GAS GUAGE SLOWLY RISE TO THE CORRECT READING OF "FULL". THE FLUCTUATION IN THE READINGS ARE CONSTANT. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND CONCERNING TO ME, AS I DRIVE CHILDREN AROUND AND CANNOT RELY ON MY GAS GUAGE TO GIVE ME AN ACCURATE READING. I AM CONSTANTLY GOING TO THE GAS STATION JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT I DO HAVE GAS. THIS ISSUE CAUSED MY ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND AS A RESULT CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS UNTIL I GET THIS FIXED.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2015
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN AUGUST OF 2015 AND WHEN I FILLED THE CAR UP I NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE DIDN'T READ FULL. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE FUEL HAND DROPPED BELOW HALF FULL. I HIT THE TRIP BUTTON TO SEE WHAT THE RANGE DISPLAY WAS REPORTING AND IT WAS DROPPING LIKE A ROCK (STARTED AT 200+ MILES AND DROPPED DOWN TO LESS THAN 100 MILES). THEN A FEW MINUTES AFTER THAT THE EMPTY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT WITH A P0460. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL CAR. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL SITUATION. IT IS POSSIBLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE MOVING (ON EXPRESSWAY) WHICH COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT.