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
541 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2015
FUEL GAUGE STARTED INTERMITTENTLY GOING UP AND DOWN, THEN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. WHILE DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE ON I95, AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED RUNNING OUT OF GAS ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH, DUE TO THE LOSS OF ALL POWER.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2015
I ALSO HAVE THE FUEL LEVELING SENSOR ISSUE ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CODE INDICATED A FAILING FUEL LEVELING SENSOR. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY FLUCTUATION IN THE FUEL GAUGE AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL IS LEFT AND WHEN THE CODE IS CLEARED WILL COME BACK ON RANDOMLY. IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN TO A LOT OF THESE VEHICLES BETWEEN 60,000 AND 120,000 MILES. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL OR CLASS ACTION SUITE AS IT IS AN ESTIMATED $800 REPAIR AND WILL OFTEN FAIL EITHER BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES OR WITHIN 20,000 MILES OUTSIDE THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2015
THE GAUGE ON THE FUEL TANK HAS STOPPED OPERATING AND DOESN'T ACCURATELY SHOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK THE EMPTY LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE FUEL GAUGE MOVES UP AND DOWN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYS ON.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ACTIVATED AND FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. CONSTANTLY ADDING FUEL AS THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY ESTIMATE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN TANK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL IS A CONSTANT ISSUE FOR ANYONE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR HYUNDAI SANTA FE AS DOCUMENTED. DEALER ESTIMATE FOR COST TO REPAIR IS $900 AS BOTH FUEL SENSORS WOULD BE REPLACED AT ONE TIME.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2015
WE STOPPED TO GET GAS ON A ROAD TRIP AND AFTER FILLING UP THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED 1/2 FULL THEN EMPTY AND THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD SPIN DOWN AND UP INSTEAD OF SLOWING DECREASING WITH DRIVING. HOW DOES A FUEL GAUGE STOP WORKING ON A 6 YEAR OLD VEHICLE? THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS THAT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL. DEALER SAYS IT IS $500 TO REPLACE SENSOR AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND NOT KNOW WHEN YOU COULD RUN OUT OF GAS. VERY DISAPPOINTING.
Engine, Sep 25, 2015
I EXITED A TOLL AND PROCEEDED TO ENTER THE NJ TURNPIKE, SUDDENLY, THE STEERING BECAME TIGHT. I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT, ALONG WITH THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE JUST TURNED OFF. THANKFULLY, NO TRAFFIC, I PROCEED TO PULL TO THE FEEDER OF THE ENTRANCE. PUT CAR IN PARK, AND THE CAR RESTARTED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED, AND FEARFUL THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN, WITH TRUCKS BEHIND ME, UNABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND RISK SERIOUS INJURY. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING WAS INDICATED. I RECENTLY HAD TWO KNOCK SENSORS REPLACED AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2015
THE GAS GAUGE IS VERY SPORADIC. SOMETIMES IT READS CORRECTLY OTHER TIMES IT DOES NOT. IT CAN SAY EMPTY WHEN FULL OR 1/4 OF A TANK WHEN FULL. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE HYUNDAI INTERNET FORUMS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON FAULT WITH THIS VEHICLE. WITH SO MANY OCCURRENCES YOU WOULD THINK THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 24, 2015
FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN FAULTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND OFF AFTER REPLACING WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A BAD BATTERY ONE MONTH AGO. ONE WEEK AGO WHILE DRIVING, ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD CAME ON (BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ESC...), ENGINE STARTED TO REV, ELECTRICAL AND POWER STEERING FAILED, AND CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED HOME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING NOW. ISSUE IS FROM A FAILING/FAILED ALTERNATOR CAUSED BY OIL LEAK FROM FRONT VALVE COVER. THIS PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO ISSUES WITH '06-'12 VERACRUZ, RECALL #121.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2015
JUST AS THE OTHER NOTED COMPLAINTS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND OFF AND MY FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR HAS BEEN EXTREMELY TEMPERAMENTAL. RARELY IT'LL SHOW THE CORRECT LEVEL - USUALLY ONCE I FILL MY TANK, MY FUEL GAGE SHOES I AM BELOW EMPTY AND FLASHES THAT I HAVE NO MILES LEFT TO DRIVE UNTIL MY TANK IS EMPTY. I HAVE RESORTED TO TRACKING MY MILEAGE WITH THE TRIP FUNCTION BECAUSE AS OTHERS HAVE DISCOVERED - TO REPAIR IT COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG DUE TO EXPENSIVE LABOR FROM WHERE THE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE ACCESSED TO REPLACE IT, UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 17, 2015
WE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE ON OUR 2008 SANTA FE AS DESCRIBED BY MANY OTHER DRIVERS HERE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AND THE FUEL GAUGE UP AND DOWN. I'M SURPRISED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE YET, SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS HERE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE BEGAN JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT WOULD SAY I HAD 88 MILES TO EMPTY AND THEN JUMP BACK UP TO 130. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THEN THE NEXT IT WOULD BE BACK ON AGAIN. HAD A MECHANIC CHECK THE CODES AND IT WAS A BAD FUEL SENSOR. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED BOTH FUEL SENSORS FOR $416. IF I HADN'T GOTTEN IT FIXED, I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PASS EMISSIONS TESTING WHICH IS MANDATORY IN MY COUNTY. ALSO, I WOULDN'T HAVE ANY CLUE HOW MUCH GAS I HAD AND COULD'VE BEEN STRANDED.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2015
I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN GOING UP A VERY STEEP GRADE. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK SO THAT I COULD TURN MY CAR OFF. I HAD TO LAY ON THE BRAKE WITH ALL MY WEIGHT TO KEEP FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS INTO CARS BEHIND ME. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER A MINUTE, WHICH FELT LIKE MUCH LONGER, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON. THE SECOND TIME I LOST ALL POWER, WAS A COUPLE MONTHS LATER. I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A CURVY HILLY ROAD. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER, ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, OR APPLY THE BRAKES. THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME AND I WAS TERRIFIED I WOULD END UP OFF THE ROAD OR HEADING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO MAKE IT UP A HILL. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. BOTH TIMES MY INFANT WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THANK GOODNESS BOTH OF US WERE UNHARMED, BECAUSE WE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN HURT OR HURT OTHERS. I WAS IN A SEVERAL THOUSAND POUND VEHICLE WHICH WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AS I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT. THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK IT WAS A BIG DEAL AND SAID I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR. LUCKILY, I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH COVERED THE ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2015
WHEN YOU FILL UP THE GAS TANK, IT REGISTER EMPTY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SOMETIMES THE GAUGE WILL READ CORRECTLY AND THEN IT GOES BACK TO EMPTY. I HAVE TO ALWAYS FILL THE CAR UP BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR. THIS IS ANNOYING. IT VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. THIS IS THE THIRD HYUNDAI I'VE BOUGHT (TWO SANTA FE'S AND ONE SONATA) AND THIS CAR IS THE WORST MODEL I BOUGHT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2015
I FILLED UP MY TANK TO FULL ONE EVENING. AFTER WHICH I CAME HOME AND PARKED FOR THE NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I WAS LEAVING AND NOTICED MY LOW GAS LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS ON EMPTY. THIS HAD HAPPENED PRESVIOUSLY TO ME BUT CORRECTLY ITSELF SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. EVENTUALLY THE TANK READ 1/2 FULL AND THE LOW GAS LIGHT TURNED OFF. HOWEVER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THIS IS NOT OK. I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE AND SHOULD FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN IT WITH MY CHILDREN. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HYUNDAI.
Steering, Aug 21, 2015
LOST POWER STEERING, WITHOUT WARNING. LUCKILY I WAS GOING SLOW CROSSING AN INTERSECTION, AND STOPING. AFTER THAT IT WAS A LOSING TUG OF WAR WITH THE STEERING. MECHANIC FOUND RACK LINES RUSTED AND LEAKING. IF I WAS TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, I MAY HAVE LOST CONTROL. VERY DANGEROUS! PLEASE HELP PREVENT AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2015
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN MY HYUNDAI SANTAFE THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOULEVARD STREET AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. I WAS VERY FRIGHTENED DURING THE INCIDENT THAT SOMEONE WAS GOING TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP AGAIN BEFORE I GOT HOME. I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND FOLLOWED MY HUSBAND IN ANOTHER VEHICLE AS HE DROVE THE FAULTY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE TECH REP WE SPOKE WITH AT THE DEALER CASUALLY SAID THE THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR WAS BAD AND IF WE WANTED IT REPAIRED IT WOULD COST ABOUT $400. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THEY WOULD LET ME LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP WITH THIS MALFUNCTIONING PART. THE SYMPTOMS ARE THE SAME AS THE GENERAL MOTORS IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI SANTAFE. WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE? WHERE ARE THE RECALLS? IS IT GOING TO TAKE MANY DEATHS AND 10 YEARS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM LIKE GM IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM? DOES SOMEBODY HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY? HYUNDAI MANAGEMENT REFUSES TO DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM. I SINCERELY HOPE I CAN APPEAL TO YOUR SENSIBILITY AND FORCE THIS KOREAN COMPANY TO ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2015
MY WIFE INDICATED THAT WHEN SHE GOT ON THE RAMP TO RT. 80 , THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT SINCE SHE HAD NO BRAKES NOR POWER STEERING. THIS OCCURRENCE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY BY A NUMBER OF OWNERS YET YOU CONTINUE TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM WHICH COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO OIL DRIPPING FROM THE VALVE COVER ON TO THE ALTERNATOR. I GUESS YOU'RE WAITING FOR SOME ACCIDENTS TO HAPPEN BEFORE TAKING ACTION....MAYBE A FEW DEATHS RESULTING FROM A CRASH. VERY PROACTIVE!
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.......
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2015
FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET KEEP LEAKING OIL ON TO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR TO GO OUT . THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPEN THE CORE OF THE ALTERNATOR BURNED .I HAVE REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR 3 TIMES AND VALVE COVER GASKET TWICE. HYUNDAI HAVE A RECALL ON THE VERACRUZ FOR THIS SOME ISSUES BUT WILL NOT RECALL THE SANTA FE FOR THIS ISSUES .
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE FUEL PROPULSION SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY. HOWEVER, BASED ON MILEAGE AND THE LAST TIME I HAD FILLED THE GAS TANK, I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE CLOSE TO HALF A TANK. THE NEXT MORNING THE GAUGE READ CLOSE TO HALF A TANK. WHILE DRIVING THE FUEL GAUGE MARKED ONCE AGAIN EMPTY. AS A DRIVER, I HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH GASOLINE THE CAR REALLY HAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RETRIEVED THE CODE P0469: FUEL LEVEL SENSORS A AND B FAILURE. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP/WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAD 40, 228 MILES. I HAD TO PAY $600.00 FOR THE REPLCEMENT OF THE TWO FUEL SENSORS.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2015
SAFETY ISSUE: FAILURE OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT PERMANENTLY TURNS ON THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WHICH DENIES THE USE OF THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" FOR OTHER SERIOUS CONDITIONS. MANY CONSUMERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THESE UNITS COST BETWEEN $800 TO $1200 TO FIX SO MOST DRIVERS DO NOT FIX IT AND INSTEAD USE THE ODOMETER READING TO DETERMINE WHEN FUEL IS NEEDED. UNFORTUNATELY, DRIVING WITH THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ON AT ALL TIMES PREVENTS THE DRIVER FROM SEEING THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ILLUMINATE WHEN A SERIOUS CONDITION EXISTS. THEREFORE, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CONSUMER REPORTS ALREADY SENT TO NHTSA REGARDING FAILED FUEL SENDING UNITS, HYUNDAI SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX THESE UNITS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2015
FILLED TANK AND READ EMPTY WITH LOW FUEL LIGHT ON. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING THE MORE I DROVE THE MORE THE FUEL NEEDLE WENT UP UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY READ FULL AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WENT OUT. NOW USUALLY WHEN IT GETS DOWN TO ABOUT 1/2 TANK NEEDLE WILL DROP TO EMPTY, FUEL LIGHT WILL COME ON, RANGE INDICATOR WILL READ----AND NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES AND GOES.
Power train, Engine, Jul 7, 2015
AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AS THE ENGINE COMPUTER ENTERED "LIMP HOME" MODE. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR HAD NO EFFECT. DIAGNOSED AS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILURE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES, WITH AN ENGINE RESTART CLEARING THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. WHILE THESE INCIDENTS DID NOT RESULT IN A CRASH, THEY COULD EASILY HAVE, DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2015
ERRATIC FUEL GUAGE REGISTRATION. THEN EMPTY WITH LOW FUEL LIGHT ON. TANK HAD JUST BEEN FILLED.