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: vehicle speed control
52 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 28, 2025
Seem like it burns oil quick
Power train, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal the cruise control briefly failed to disengage. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The Electronic Power Control (EPC) and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the stop lamp switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 14, 2024
Reference Number: 11520065 This is a follow up to a previously submitted incident involving this same vehicle. My first submission was May, 2023, This vehicle experienced the exact same hazardous condition on February 26, 2024. on I-75 south. After driving on an interstate highway for about 1 hour, I noticed a traffic backup and proceeded to slow down as the traffic was nearly stopped. As I slowed my car down to nearly a complete stop, the engine suddenly surged forward with high rpm's as though the accelerator was pushed to the floor. I immediately pressed on the brake pedal as hard as I could to stop the car from surging forward and then quickly decided to put the transmission into neutral so I would not hit the car in front of me. The car eventually stopped surging and may have stalled. I finally got the car to move again by turning off the ignition and restarting it. I continued on my way and did not have a similar situation for the rest of my 30 minute highway trip. Like all the times before, the floor mat was NOT involved in this sudden acceleration. Last year when I took this car to a Hyundai dealer for inspection, they could not replicate this condition. They said that I needed a new fuel level sensor in my gas tank and a new fuel pump--neither of which I agreed to because first, the gas gauge has no relation to my surging and second, the fuel pump must be working or else I could not drive the car. This surging has occurred perhaps 7 times since I have owned this car since 2008. It is frightening to know that it could happen again with personal injuries or property damage. This condition rarely happens in city driving, but has happened at least 3 times in city driving. Seems like this situation would warrant a manufacturer recall.
Vehicle speed control, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact stated that he shifted into neutral(N) to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that two unknown sensors and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 9, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN MY VEHICLE PICKED UP 65 MPH. I WAS PUSHING ON MY BRAKES WHICH DIDN'T DO ANYTHING, AS I WAS APPROACHING MY EXIT I HAD MY FOOT HOLDING THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY WHICH THEN SLOWED THE CAR DOWN ENOUGH. I GOT OFF THE EXIT AND WAS MET WITH A RED LIGHT AND MY CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO SLAM INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. I THREW MY CAR IN PARK AND IT STARTED SMOKING SO I TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF. FRIGHTENING SITUATION AS I HAD MY INFANT TWINS. MAY 7 2021
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2020, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK PEDAL WHEN THE CAR INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP. LUCKILY THERE WAS A FENCE TO HOLD ME UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE REVVED AND TOOK OFF EVEN WHEN FOOT WAS APPLIED TO BREAK WITH FORCE. I SEE MANY OTHER CASES OF THIS AND YET STILL NO RECALL. HYUNDAI TAKES ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. MY SITUATION WAS A LUCKY ONE AND STILL TERRIFYING. PEOPLE COULD REALLLY GET HURT.
Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATION STOPS. HAVE TO TRY TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART. THEN ITS FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN 4 DAYS. NO RECALL BUT MANY OTHERS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. ON A SIDE STREET, AT AN INTERSECTION, WHILE DRIVING 45,ON A BUSY HWY, AT A STOP SIGN. ONCE TURNING AT A LIGHT.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 11, 2018
THIS MORNING (11/11/18) I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS ON HIGHWAY I-290 EASTBOUND APPROX. 60 MPH, WHEN OUR CAR HAS STARTED ACCELERATING WITHOUT ME PRESSING DOWN GAS PEDAL. I HIT THE BRAKES, HOWEVER CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW IT DOWN WAS TO PUT IT ON NEUTRAL (I WAS ALREADY SPEEDING OVER 80MPH). WHEN I DID IT, RPM WERE AT 7000 PER MIN. AND DIDN'T GO DOWN A BIT. I PULLED OVER AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN STARTED BACK , ENGINE WAS WORKING AT NORMAL LEVEL RPM'S AND REACTED TO GAS PEDAL MOVEMENT. I'VE DECIDED TO CONTINUE DRIVE TO OUR DESTINATION. AFTER FEW MINUTES OF DRIVE, IT HAPPENS AGAIN! THIS ACCELERATIONS WERE UNINTENDED BY ME AND PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT AND EVEN DEATH. MY WIFE IS DRIVING THIS CAR DAILY AND SHE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT IF IT WOULD HAPPENED TO HER. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK UNDERNEATH THE CARPET, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UNCONTROLLABLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE DOWN BY USING HER LEFT FOOT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HER RIGHT FOOT TO MOVE THE CARPET FROM UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 28, 2017
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE ONTO HIGHWAY, THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAUSING LONG DELAY AND INABILITY TO MERGE PROPERLY. IT IS A THROTTLE SENSOR FAILURE THAT OCCURS RANDOMLY AND FREQUENTLY. CAUSES A DRIVING HAZARD AND I HAVE NARROWLY ESCAPED COLLISION DUE TO ACCELERATOR FAILURE. ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE IN 2008.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2017
I WAS ON THE HIGH WAY I CHANGED LANES AND WHEN I DID I NEEDED TO ACCELERATE TO CHANGE LANES. AFTER CHANGING LANES I HAD TO HIT THE BREAKS TO SLOW DOWN, THE BREAK SEEMED TO ACT LIKE A GAS PEDAL. THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN THE BREAKS WOULD NOT SLOW THE CAR IT ACCELERATED TO 80MPH. I WAS NOT HITTING THE ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE. THERE WAS NOTHING STUCK UNDER THE PEDALS. I BELIEVE IT WAS THE THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR,TPS. I LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNET THERE ARE MANY INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD I THOUGHT ME AND MY UNBORN CHILD WERE GOING TO DIE. I HAVE YET TO CONTACT MY DEALERSHIP HOWEVER AS FAR AS I AM AWARE THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. AND THERE SHOULD BE! THE CAR HAS 104800 MILES ROUGHLY. THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 80 MILES PER HOUR ON ITS OWN PRIOR TO THAT I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 MILES PER HOUR. IT ASKED FOR THIS INFORMATION ON THE NEXT PART OF THIS FORM HOWEVER IT WAS NOT ALLOWING ME TO TYPE IT.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 2, 2017, crash
WHILE AT A STOP IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. ALTHOUGH MY FOOT WAS PLANTED HARD ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED RACING, AND IT FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS GOING TO PUSH HIS CAR DOWN THE STREET! I SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. LUCKILY THERE WAS ONLY $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR, AND NO ONE WAS HURT. I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWED NO MALFUNCTION, AND IT HAD TO BE DRIVER ERROR. THREE MONTHS LATER, IT DID IT AGAIN TO A LESSER DEGREE, IN AN OPEN AREA. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AGAIN, AND IT WAS FINE UNTIL YESTERDAY. IT HAS BEEN 4 MONTHS SINCE THAT LAST INCIDENT, BUT THIS ONE EVEN WAS WORSE THAN THE FIRST. ONLY THING IS, NOW I KNOW TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE, SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE CAR OFF AS FAST AS I CAN. THIS ONE FRIGHTENED ME SO BADLY, I WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN. IT IS GOING TO SIT AT THE DEALER UNTIL THEY FIND OUT WHAT TO DO. I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE DRIVE IT, SELL IT OR EVEN TRADE IT IN UNTIL I KNOW IT IS SAFE! EVERY TIME IT HAPPENED, THE CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET, STATIONARY, AND HEADING STRAIGHT. THE ENGINE REVS UP SO LOUD, IT SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE! YESTERDAY I COULD TELL THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR STOPPED NEXT TO ME HEARD IT AND LOOKED AT ME! I HAVE OWNED THIS SANTA FE SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW, AND PEOPLE TELL ME IT LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR. I KEEP UP WITH THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND ALWAYS TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. UNTIL LAST JULY, IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR. THE ACCIDENT I HAD WITH IT WAS THE ONLY ACCIDENT I HAVE HAD IN 50 YEARS OF DRIVING! PLEASE GIVE ME SOME IDEAS ON WHAT TO TELL THE DEALER TO REPLACE, REPAIR OR DISCONNECT. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
Vehicle speed control, Feb 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT ENTIRELY TO THE FLOORBOARD AND REMAINED STUCK WHEN IT WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT VIOLENTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER FEW MINUTES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RELEASED AND FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE REOCCURRED TWICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2015
THE VEHICLE SO FAR HAS HAD TWO INSTANCES OF UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION, NOT JUST SUDDEN BUT WHILE DRIVING AND PERFORMING A PASSING MANEUVER OR NEED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY THE TRANSMISSION WILL GET STUCK ON A GEAR, PRESSING THE BRAKE OR SHIFTING TO MANUAL MODE, ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT UP OR DOWN OR BACK TO D OR N WILL NOT STOP THE ACCELERATION. I JUST KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUT HAZARDS ON, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE (LEFT KEY IN ACCESSORIES) AND THEN COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. THE MINUTE I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF I GAINED STOP CONTROL, PRIOR, MASHING ON THE BRAKE WASN'T STOPPING THE CAR. ONCE I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I WAITED A MINUTE OR SO, CAREFULLY RESTARTED THE CAR AND THINGS WERE BACK TO NORMAL. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED BE STUCK ON 5TH GEAR, BUT WHEN I SHIFTED FROM D TO MANUAL AND BACK THE ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE STUCK ON 3RD, THE INITIAL DESCRIPTION ABOVE IS ABOUT THE 2ND INSTANCE. TAKING THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WILL AVOID RABBIT STARTS OR INITIATING ANY RAPID ACCELERATION, WHICH SEEMS TO BE WHERE THE TRANSMISSION OR SOME SENSOR IS GETTING BAD DATA. MY GUESS IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY POSITIONING SENSOR. ALTHOUGH I WOULD ASSUME THAT IF THE COMPUTER/TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCE A BAD SIGNAL OR LOSS OF SIGNAL FROM A SENSOR THAT THE DEFAULT ACTION WOULD BE TO SHUT OFF... NOT LOCK IN A GEAR WITH NO MEANS TO STOP OTHER THAN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 28, 2015
MY SANTA FE AWD 2008 WAS BOUGHT IN JUNE 2009 AND NOW HAS ~99K MILEAGE. I HAD FOUR OR FIVE SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH MY SANTA FE STARTING ON 4/21/15, WHICH LED TO SIGNIFICANT POWER LOSS AND SPEED LOSS OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AT ~25 MPH. SUDDENLY I FELT THE CAR LOST THE POWER AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I STEPPED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THE CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE (THE SPEED DROPPED TO ~10 MPH). I SAW 3 SYSTEM INDICATOR/WARNING LIGHTS ON: THE ESC OFF(ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS HAD A STEADY LIGHT AND THE AWD SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE CAR, WAITED ~1 MINUTE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, BUT THE OTHER LIGHTS WENT OUT. THEN I DROVE THE CAR TO CONTINUE TO MY JOB. THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MY WAY HOME. THE SAME SCENARIO EXCEPT THAT I WAS DRIVING AT ~40 MPH AT THE TIME. THE SUDDEN POWER LOSS CAUSED THE CAR SPEED QUICKLY DROPPED TO ~10 MPH AND PROBABLY LED THE CAR BEHIND MINE TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID A CRASH. AGAIN, I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON. THE OTHER TIMES I WAS ON THE CRESENT CITY CONNECTION (BRIDGE) IN THE CENTER LANE. I HAD TO WORK MY WAY OVER TWO LANES TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO RESTART TO CONTINUE ON MY WAY TO OR FROM WORK. AFTER THE 5TH TIME, I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND AN ARTICLE STATING THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS ON THE TSB (TECHNICAL SAFETY BULLETIN). MAYBE SOMEONE SOMEWHERE SHOULD BE AWARE OF MORE THAN ONE VEHICLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.......
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2014
THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED AND WOULD NOT STOP ACCELERATING. CAR HAD TO BE THROWN INTO NEUTRAL AND KEY TURNED OFF. ALL FOUR BRAKES WERE BURNT UP. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR WAS THERE A CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUE ON THEIR DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE OTHER THAN THE RPM'S RISING EVEN THOUGH BRAKE WAS BEING APPLIED. SO THEY KNOW IT HAPPENED BUT JUST DON'T KNOW WHY. CALLED HYUNDAI TO DOCUMENT THIS AND THEIR ONLY RESPONSE WAS THERE WAS NO RECALL AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC STUDY. SURE - SPEND MORE MONEY WITH HYUNDAI FOR THEM TO TELL ME NOTHING. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF 30+ LIVES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2014
WAS ON AN INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 65 MPH. WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THUS DEPRESSED THE THROTTLE PEDAL. THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES BUT KEPT ON INCREASING SPEED. DEPRESSED THROTTLE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO CHANGE. TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF, NO CHANGE. HAD TO PULL OVER, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK WITH BRAKE PRESSED AND TURNED KEY OFF. WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES THEN BACK ON, THROTTLE PEDAL STARTED TO RESPOND. SECOND INSTANCE, WAS ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO INTERSTATE FROM A RAMP, HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 65 MPH, THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN, AGAIN HAD TO PULLED OVER, PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, AND TURN OFF IGNITION . I CHECKED TO ENSURE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT INTERFERING THROTTLE PEDAL, IT WAS NOT. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED 4 TIMES NOW ON THIS VEHICLE ALL WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO EITHER PASS A VEHICLE OR MERGE ONTO AN INTERSTATE. ALL TIMES THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN ENGAGED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 7, 2014
MY SANTA FE LIMITED AWD 2008 WAS BOUGHT AT THE END OF FEB 2009 AND NOW HAS ~44K MILEAGE. I HAD TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH MY SANTA FE TODAY (7/6/2014), WHICH LED TO SIGNIFICANT POWER LOSS AND SPEED LOSS OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AT ~45 MPH. SUDDENLY I FELT THE CAR LOST THE POWER AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I STEPPED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THE CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE (THE SPEED DROPPED TO ~20 MPH). I SAW 3 SYSTEM INDICATOR/WARNING LIGHTS ON: THE ESC OFF(ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS HAD A STEADY LIGHT AND THE AWD SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE CAR, WAITED ~1 MINUTE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, BUT THE OTHER LIGHTS WENT OUT. THEN I DROVE THE CAR TO CONTINUE MY GROCERY SHOPPING (SEVERAL STOPS, ~30 MILES IN TOTAL). THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MY WAY HOME. THE SAME SCENARIO EXCEPT THAT I WAS DRIVING AT ~40 MPH AND GOING UPHILL AT THE TIME. THE SUDDEN POWER LOSS CAUSED THE CAR SPEED QUICKLY DROPPED TO ~10 MPH AND PROBABLY LED THE CAR BEHIND MINE TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID A CRASH. AGAIN, I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON. AFTER GOT HOME SAFELY, I DID SOME SEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR INCIDENTS REPORTED ON HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUVS BEFORE (SEE THE ATTACHED LINKS BELOW). SO I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. THE LINK OF WEBSITES WITH SIMILAR INCIDENTS REPORTED: 1. HTTP://WWW.JUSTANSWER.COM/HYUNDAI/47Z2R-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-LIMITED-HI-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-AWD-2008.HTML 2. HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/9216/HYUNDAI/SANTA-FE/HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-ENGINE-PROBLEMS/P2 (ALTOSTEPH POST) 3. HTTP://WWW.HYUNDAIFORUM.COM/FORUM/HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-20/4WD-SYSTEM-WARNING-LIGHT-BLINKING-LOSS-POWER-12357/ *JS
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2014
6/25/14, ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL AT 65MPH. DEPRESSED THE THROTTLE PEDAL TO PASS A VEHICLE. THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES BUT KEPT ON INCREASING SPEED. DEPRESSED THROTTLE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO CHANGE. TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF, NO CHANGE. TURNED KEY TO ACC AND THEN BACK TO ON BUT NO CHANGE. TURNED KEY TO ACC AND WAITED SEVERAL SECONDS THEN BACK ON. THROTTLE PEDAL STARTED TO RESPOND. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED IF FLOOR MAT WAS JAMMING THROTTLE PEDAL. NO PROBLEM, NO JAMMING. PROBLEM REPEATED AGAIN. CONTINUED TO DESTINATION AND TRIED CRUISE CONTROL BUT IT WOULD NOT SET. TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF. SUV WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AT DESTINATION. ON RETURN TRIP THROTTLE AND CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE. 6/30/14, TOOK SUV TO RAY BRANDT HYUNDAI, THEY FOUND NO CODES SET AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS IF BOTH THE THROTTLE IS WIDE OPEN AND THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED THEN A CODE SHOULD BE SET.THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM! THE SITE BELOW DOCUMENTS 3 ADDITIONAL OCCURRENCES: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/HYUNDAI/SANTAFE/2008/ACCELERATOR-STUCK-PROBLEMS.PHP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2014
THE 2008 SANTA FE TRAVELING BETWEEN 55& 60MPH ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF ACCELERATOR. I APPLIED BRAKES BUT DIFFICULT TO MAKE VEHICLE STOP. I THINK I SLOWED IT DOWN A LOT BUT DID NOT OR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STOP. IT WAS LIKE IDLE GOT STUCK ON HIGH! AFTER 20 SECONDS OR SO THE ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL & I PROCEEDED. IT WAS SCARY ! FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. I JUST HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE TO REPLACE TO HEADLIGHTS & MISSING SCREW UNDER FRONT SEAT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 16, 2014, crash
I WAS MOVING MY CAR IN FRONT OF MY CARPORT. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT, THERE WAS ONLY A FEW SECONDS TO REACT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE POLL. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN? *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 31, 2014, crash
WAS SECOND VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVERRIDING BRAKE, AND HIT BACK OF VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHER DRIVER. HAD PEDESTRIANS BEEN IN FRONT, COULD EASILY HAVE RUN OVER THEM. MONTHS PRIOR, TWICE ON SAME DAY ENGINE POWER DIED WHILE DRIVING. HYUNDAI REPLACED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 5, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NECK, STOMACH AND CHEST BRUISING, AS WELL AS LACERATIONS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 30, 2013
SEE ATTACHED EMAIL UPDATED 06/04/2013*LJ THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OSC) DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE SMALL-STATURED ADULTS, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEACTIVATE WHEN SUCH PERSON OCCUPY THE FRONT SEAT. ALSO, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE, AND A WHINING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION. *TR