2008 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel/propulsion system is the leading concern among 541 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 17 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
74 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2014
LEAKING OIL FROM FRONT VALVE COVER AND CAUSING ALTERNATOR TO FAIL, JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER SANTA FE AND VARACRUZ. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 1, 2014
AFTER ENGINE START AND WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED THE BATTERY LIGHT AND SEATBELT LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY. I SEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND IT LOOKS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL CHARGING ISSUE, NAMELY THE ALTERNATOR IS BAD. I SEARCHED MORE AND FOUND THE REASON FOR THIS IS THE FRONT VALVE COVER IS LEAKING OIL AND DRIPPING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. A RECALL HAS BEEN MADE ( #121) ON THE 07-12 VERACRUZ FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *JS
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2014
THE FUEL SENSOR ON MY 2008 SANTA FE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND NOT REPORTING THE ACTUAL LEVEL OF FUEL IN THE TANK. IT IS ALSO CAUSING THE EMPTY FUEL INDICATOR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY LIT ALL THE TIME, SO NOT ONLY DO I HAVE TO MANUALLY MEASURE MY FUEL USAGE BY MILES DRIVEN, I ALSO HAVE NO IDEA OF ANY POTENTIAL ENGINE PROBLEMS SINCE THAT LIGHT/WARNING SYSTEM HAS EFFECTIVELY BEEN RENDERED USELESS. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT $800.00 AND HAVE THE PARTS READILY ON HAND SINCE THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING SO FREQUENTLY NOW. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE EARLIER SANTA FE MODELS AND CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF ACCIDENTALLY RUNNING OUT OF FUEL OR HAVING AN ENGINE PROBLEM AND NOT KNOWING IT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 10, 2014
9/19/12 VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN ALTERNATOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. 10/2/12 NEW BATTERY NEEDED DUE TO BEING WORN DOWN FROM BAD ALTERNATOR. 10/3/14 76,589 MILES VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ON THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN ALTERNATOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN!! NEW BATTERY NEEDED SINCE COULD NO LONGER HOLD A CHARGE. ALSO MULTIPLE TIMES THE LUMBAR SWITCH ON DRIVER'S SEAT REPLACED: 2/3/10, 3/15/11, 9/19/12, 1/19/13, 10/3/14. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE ABNORMALLY ROUGH. THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK FROM THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK VALVE COVER GASKET AND THERE WAS SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF OIL IN THE ALTERNATOR. THE LEAK HAD CAUSED THE ALTERNATOR TO DAMAGE THE CHARGING SYSTEM AND TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,271.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 20, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON I-95, THE CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THEN ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MAKE IT TO THE ROAD SIDE. DEALER DIAGNOSED A DEFECTIVE VALVE COVER GASKET ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK WHICH DRIPPED ON AND INTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING IT TO FAIL. SECOND IDENTICAL FAILURE ON VEHICLE IN TWO YEARS. V-6, AUTOMATIC, 2WD. FOUND MANUFACTURER JUST ISSUED A RECALL ON VERACRUZ MODEL WHICH SHARES THE SAME PLATFORM FOR IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS AND FAILURES. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jun 26, 2014
THE DASH LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF A DOWN POUR, THE LIGHTS WENT DIM. THE TRACTION SYSTEM STARTED DETUNING THE ENGINE. ALL DASH LIGHTS ON. WE FIND THAT IT IS A LEAKY VALUE COVER GASKET. DRIPS ON THE ALTERNATOR AND CAUSES IT TO GO BAD. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "THEY ARE ALL STARTING TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT'S $700.00. IF I WAS THE ORGINAL OWNER HYUNDAI WOULD REPLACE THE GASKET, BUT I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE ALTENATOR. $600.00 UHGG!!! NOW FOR THE FUEL GUAGE. TWO SENSORS UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND GOOD AS NEW. $200.00. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 26, 2014
I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROADWAY WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL SEIZED. POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ECT....I HAD TO PULL OVER AND HAD MY 17 MONTH OLD SON IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. I HAD TO PUT MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON AND FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY, WE MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS AN URGENT SAFETY ISSUE!! WE BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE TO OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, IN WHICH THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG......TO BE CONTINUED!! I SMELL A RECALL DOWN THE ROAD. HOPING IT'S BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR WORSE KILLED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2014
THE SANTA FE GAS GAUGE BEHAVES ERRATICALLY! AS YOU DRIVE, THE FUEL INDICATOR NEEDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN SO THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW ACCURATELY HOW MUCH FUEL REMAINS IN THE GAS TANK. THE NEEDLE MAY ALSO INDICATE A VERY LOW FUEL LEVEL BY ILLUMINATING THE "LOW FUEL" WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS DRIVE TIME GOES ON AS THE NEEDLE MOVEMENTS INCREASE THE LONGER TIME THE SUV IS DRIVEN AND THE VOLUME OF FUEL DECREASES IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO ILLUMINATE TO WARN OF A VEHICLE ENGINE / DRIVE-TRAIN PROBLEM. IN MY CASE I HAVE RESET THE CHECK ENGINE MANUALLY AND AFTER A NUMBER OF TRIPS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL REAPPEAR. THIS LOW FUEL WARNING CYCLE HAS BEEN REPEATED NUMEROUS TIMES AND MAY CAUSE A DRIVER TO BE DISTRACTED TO SEE THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT, WHEN IN FACT THERE MAY BE SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. I FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DISCONCERTING AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHETHER YOU MAY BE RUNNING OUT OF GASOLINE. *JS
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 19, 2014
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM TWO RECALLS: (1) STOP LAMP SWITCH AND (2) PODS RECALIBRATION. I WAS INFORMED THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD HAD COME ON AND STAYED ON AFTER THE RECALIBRATION OF THE PODS. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PODS SYSTEM OR AN AIR WARNING LIGHT IN THE DASH PRIOR TO THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD HYUNDAI WOULD PAY TO EITHER REPLACE THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONER OR THE ENTIRE SEAT. THEY DID NOT ALLOW ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND RENTED ME A CAR FOR 4 DAYS. REPLACING THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT LESS THAN A YEAR LATER (4-15-14) THE AIR LIGHT HAS COME ON AND NOW THEY TELL ME THAT IT'S THE SCALE IN THE SEAT AND THE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $2400+. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS WERE NOT AFFECTED -- ONLY THE PASSENGER'S AND I WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE SERVICE TECH QUICKLY RETURNED THE CAR AND WE DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY PAPERWORK RESULTING FROM THE INSPECTION. MY HUSBAND AND I DID NOT ELECT TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT THIS TIME WHILE WE RESEARCH THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY HUSBAND AND I DID NOTICE THAT THE PODS "OFF" LIGHT TURNS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT WHICH IS CONFUSING SINCE THE ADVISOR SAID THE SCALE ISN'T WORKING. NOW WE ARE LEFT WITH A 6-YEAR-OLD CAR THAT HAS AN EXPENSIVE SAFETY ISSUE. WE CAN'T SELL IT TO A PRIVATE PARTY BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AND THE TRADE-IN VALUE HAS DRAMATICALLY DECLINED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014, fire
CAR PARKED IN PARKING LOT AT MY OFFICE. NO ONE IN VECHILE. PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS. SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES...APPPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL BOX AT REAR OF CAR FOR HITCH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Dec 21, 2013
THE FUEL GAUGE ON DASH HAS BEGUN FLUCTUATING WILDLY EVEN WITH FULL TANK OF GAS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT YET BUT BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ I AM ANTICIPATING A PROBLEM CODE COMING SOON. MY RESEARCH IS POINTING TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, ONLY THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY APPEARS TO BE AVAILABLE AND AS SUCH, IT IS HIGHLY COSTLY TO CORRECT. HYUNDAI SHOULD PROVIDE A RECALL FOR THIS DUE TO THE HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS ALSO BEEN NOTED THAT THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLES TO STALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY CREATING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MYSELF. WHEN THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND IT BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE FOR A CURRENT LIST OF MANY OTHER SANTA FE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2008/HYUNDAI/SANTA+FE/FUEL+SYSTEM. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2013
THE SENSOR FOR THE GAS TANK WENT BAD, IN OUR OPINION, PREMATURELY. WENT ONLINE TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE, AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SANTA FES, EVEN THOSE NEWER THAN OURS. IMPACT: WHEN THE SENSOR FAILS, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS 'EMPTY' NO MATTER WHAT AMOUNT OF FUEL IS IN THE TANK, RENDERING THE FUEL GAUGE TOTALLY UNRELIABLE TO THE DRIVER. THE CAR COULD RUN OUT OF GAS ANYWHERE-- FOR EXAMPLE, ON A HIGHWAY--POTENTIALLY CREATING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO NOT JUST THE DRIVER BUT ALSO TO OTHER DRIVERS AROUND HIM. WE WONDER WHETHER A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THIS SENSOR. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 25, 2013
MY FUEL GAUGE IS VERY ERRATIC ;WE NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL WE HAVE.IT FLUCTUATES FROM FULL TO EMPTY AT WILL CAUSING US TO TRY TO JUDGE BY THE MILES DRIVEN OR FILL UP EVERY FEW DAYS. I WOULD HATE TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON AN INTERSTATE IN MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE OF A MISCALCULATION ON THE MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE COMPANY SEEMS AWARE OF IT. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 4, 2013
THE FUEL GAUGE ON OUR '08 HYUNDAI SANTE FE HAS RECENTLY BECOME ERRATIC. IT FLUCTUATES WIDELY (25-50%) OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW MINUTES WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW FUEL INDICATORS ALSO PERIODICALLY LIGHTING. IT HAS BECOME SO UNRELIABLE THAT WE ARE NOW RELYING ON THE ODOMETER READINGS TO ESTIMATE FUEL LEVELS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND RELATES TO WEAK PINS IN THE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED FUEL SENDERS. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS THAT THE APPARENT PROBLEM IS FIXED IN THE REPLACEMENT PART (VISIBLY LARGER PINS) WHICH MAKES ME QUESTION WHY THE COMPANY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING A CLEARLY DEFECTIVE PART. OUR VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 26, 2013
I TURNED ON THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE GAS GAUGE WAS SHOWING EMPTY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON - I HAD JUST FILLED THE TANK UP THAT MORNING SO I KNEW I HAD PLENTY OF GAS. THE RANGE INDICATOR WAS JUST DASHES -NOT NUMERIC AS IT SHOULD BE. THE GAUGE THEN WOULD RISE UP AND THE RANGE WOULD CHANGE AND THEN IT WOULD GO DOWN AND THE RANGE WOULD CHANGE - THIS CONTINUALLY HAPPENED. I WENT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID TO ZERO OUT THE ERROR AND KEEP AN EYE ON IT. THE NEXT MORNING THE SAME THING. NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IS NOT WORKING AND IT WILL COST BETWEEN 600-700 TO FIX THIS! I TOO HAVE READ ON MANY WEBSITES THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT OCCURS BETWEEN THE 60K - 70K MILEAGE RANGE AND THE PARTS GUY AT HEALEY HYUNDAI IN BEACON, NY TOLD ME - OH YEAH WE ARE GETTING TONS OF THESE COMPLAINTS, THAT IS WHY WE STOCK THIS ITEM! IF HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, WHY AREN'T THEY RECALLING THESE VEHICLES? ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO NOT BE AWARE OF THEIR ACTUAL GAS GAUGE AND HAVE THEIR CAR STALL OUT AT 55 MILES AN HOUR?? COME ON HYUNDAI - WE ARE LOYAL BRAND BUYERS AND THIS IS OUR 4TH HYUNDAI (SECOND SANTA FE) DON'T BECOME LIKE THE REST OF THE CAR COMPANIES AND NOT GIVE A [XXX] - FIX YOUR PROBLEMS AND YOUR CONSUMERS WILL STAND BY YOU! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 25, 2013
FAN KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. DEALER SAID THERE IS A "SHORT IN THE A/C CONTROL HEAD". *TR
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
AT 59,000 MILES LEFT SIDE RUNNING LIGHTS INOP. SENT TO DEALER THEY SAID THEY ADJUSTED THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS STATED AT 50,000 MILES. WORKED GOOD FOR 3 WEEKS TOOK ON A TRIP PUT 10,000 MILES ON IT. NOW AT 70,000.. ELECTRICAL ISSUES STARTED BACK UP.NO TAILLIGHTS LEFT BACK,TOUCH BRAKE DASHBOARD LEFT TURN GLOWS 1/2 BRIGHTNESS.PUT LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT ON WORKS. TOUCH BRAKE LEFT SIDE BLINK ACTS LIKE BURNED OUT LIGHT. FILL WITH FUEL READS CORRECT MOST OF THE TIME. WENT TO STOP STARTED CAR BACK UP GAUGE READ EMPTY WITH LIGHT ON, STOPPED FOR GAS 30 MILES LATER PUT GAS IN TOOK 1 GAL GAUGE WENT TO 1/2 TANK. LET SET OVERNIGHT NEXT DAY READ 3/4. DROVE THE REST OF THE DAY . NEXT DAY READ CORRECT. THIS HAPPENED 2 TIMES ALREADY. DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS RELATED THE LEFT SIDE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 1, 2012
WHEN TRYING TO PARK THE CAR, THE CAR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN PARK. THEREFORE, YOU CANNOT TURN YOUR CAR COMPLETELY OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED 6 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 3 YEARS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, May 17, 2011
I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF A REGULARLY MAINTAINED 2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE (45,000 MILES). ON A JAN 2011 TRIP FROM TX TO MI THE CAR LOST POWER AT NIGHT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DID NOTHING, THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP AND EVENTUALLY STALLED COMPLETELY. MANEUVERING TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT POWER WAS VERY RISKY AND SCARY. ONCE STOPPED THE CAR EASILY RESTARTED ONLY TO LOSE POWER AGAIN 10 MILES DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE OIL LIGHT STAYED ON BETWEEN BOTH EPISODES. WE QUICKLY FOUND A HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE PROBLEM DIDN'T RESURFACE UNTIL NOW. IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS WE HAVE LOST POWER FIVE TIMES WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 MPH AND 55 MPH. THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS AND DIAGNOSTICS IS NOT IDENTIFYING ANY PROBLEM AND SO WE'VE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE COMPUTER ONBOARD SHOULD BE REGISTERING A "HISTORY" WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT IT ISN'T. THERE IS NO "PROOF"! THE HYUNDAI REPAIR MANAGER IS TELLING US TO RETURN IF THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND A SOLUTION NEEDS TO BE FOUND BEFORE IT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2011
WHILE DRIVING HOME RECENTLY ON A 70 MPH 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 11 PM OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUDDENLY LOSS POWER WHILE CLIMBING A SMALL GRADE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ESC AND TRACTION LIGHTS ALL TURNED ON, THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT WE COULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED, I IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND LOOKED FOR SOMEWHERE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD UNFORTUNATELY I WAS ON THE INSIDE LANE JUST PASSING A SEMI-TRUCK AND TRAILER, THERE WAS A GUARDRAIL NEXT TO THE INSIDE LANE SO I HAD TO WAIT FOR THE SEMI TO PASS BEFORE I COULD MERGE TO THE OUTSIDE LANE TO PULL OFF TO THE RIGHT, BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE SEVERAL VEHICLES CAME FROM BEHIND AND TWO VEHICLE SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING OUR VEHICLE. I WAS LUCKY TO NOT BE REAR ENDED AND HAD JUST ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I NOTICED THAT THE VEHILE WAS NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND MADE SURE THAT ALL BELTS AND HOSES WERE IN GOOD ORDER, THERE WERE NO VISABLE ISSUES. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND ALL LIGHTS RESET EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE CLOSEST EXIT AND THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME AS THE FIRST TIME CUTTING OUT AND LOSING POWER BUT I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY BY NOW AND SAFELY IN A PARKING LOT. THIS VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED SINCE NEW AND HAVE HAD ALL SERVICES DONE AT HYUNDAI DEALERS ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURE'S PRESCRIBED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES AND THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 35,700 MILES ON IT. THE VEHILCE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER AND TO MY SURPRISE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE OF 2 TSBS (TSB09-FL-003-2, TSB-10-FL-010)(NHTSA ITEM NUMBERS: 10032793,10034649) THAT WERE EXISTING ON THIS VEHICLE THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAILURE. I SERIOUSLY THINK THAT THIS KIND OF FAILURE SHOULD BE A RECALL RATHER THAN JUST A TSB IF IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CRASHES IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2011
IN NOVEMBER 2010, VEHICLE AT EST. 29,000 MI. CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION. WAS ABLE TO PULL OF ON SIDE OF SHOULDER ON HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD NOT REGAIN ACCELERATION DESPITE BEING TURNED OFF, ETC. THROTTLE SENSOR CHANGED. MARCH 2011, VEHICLE AT EST. 31,000 MI. SAME PROBLEM. WHILE ON HIGHWAY, CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION. RPMS JUMPED HIGH, ENGINE ROARED IN RESPONSE BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AGAIN, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 25, 2009
SAFETY DEFECT WITH HORN ACTIVATION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL HORN PAD IS NEED TO ACTIVATE THE HORN. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN A POTENTIAL COLLISION /CLOSE CALL SITUATION OCCURRED. THE CENTRAL AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTAINS THE DRIVER AIR BAG INTEGRATED WITH THE HORN ACTIVATION SUBSYSTEM. THE MANUAL PRESSURE NEEDED TO ACTIVATE THE HORN IS WHAT I BELIEVE IS EXCESSIVE AND APPEARS TO BE GREATER AS YOU MOVE AWAY FROM THE CENTER OF THE HORN-PAD TO THE EDGE OF THE PAD. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT FIXING THIS BUT HE CLAIMS THIS IN NOT POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE ON THIS EQUIPMENT. I'VE COMPARED THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE NEEDED ON MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 AND THE SANTA FE REQUIRES MUCH MORE PRESSURE THAN THE RX300. BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE REQUESTED THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGERS TO DO SOMETHING TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE BUT THEY HAVE RESPONDED W/ THE COMMENT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO MONTHS BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND DOOR LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY STATING THAT THEY HAVE TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO BE REPAIRED. THE PART WAS ORDERED, BUT IT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DOORS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNSUCCESSFULLY APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.