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, Jun 22, 2015
AFTER FUELING UP, TO A FULL TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE STILL REGISTERED EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ UPDATED 10/14/2015 *JS
Air bags, Jun 13, 2015
HYUNDAI SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 103: IN RELATION TO THE ABOVE RECALL, MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY DUE TO IT BEING MANUFACTURED ON 2 JUNE 2008. MY CLOCK SPRING FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG HAS BECOME INOPERABLE AS INDICATED BY THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION AND DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATES SINCE THERE IN NO RECALL, I MUST PAY FOR THIS PART AND THE DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE I HAVE SURPASSED THE 5YR/60K WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM SURPRISED IT IS NOT COVERED FOR FREE. AS SEEN WITH THE ABOVE RECALL CAMPAIGN, I WAS A FEW MONTHS SHY OF HAVING IT REPLACED FOR FREE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. IS THERE A WAY TO HAVE MY VEHICLE QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL?
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO REGISTER THE CORRECT LEVEL OF FUEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Air bags, May 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
Power train, May 27, 2015
THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A SPEED SENSITIVE "WHIRRING" SOUND WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED. WE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE NOISE, BUT DID NOT GO AWAY WHEN NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS THE DRIVE BELT RUBBING AGAINST THE COVER, BUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY FOUND NO EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE BELT, AND NO INDICATION OF CONTACT WITH THE COVER. THE NOISE IS ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, AND IS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 102 WHICH APPLIES TO 2010 MODELS. I PLAN TO START A FIGHT WITH HYUNDAI OVER THIS REPAIR AS THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE THE SAME ON THE 2008 MODELS AS THE 2010.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2015
SUN VISOR ON DRIVERS SIDE DROPS DOWN INTO VISION OF DRIVER WITHOUT WARNING. OTHER YEARS OF HYUNDAI HAVE A RECALL FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND THIS YEAR CONTINUES THE SAME PROBLEM.
Air bags, May 27, 2015
MY RED AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED $1500. MY ISSUE IS I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION SO WHY SHOULD I PAY THIS EXTREMELY HIGH COST. (I'M RETIRED) I ALSO SPOKE WITH THE HYUNDAI REGIONAL MANAGER AND THEY OFFERED ME $200. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I WANT HYUNDAI TO FIX THIS!!! I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL IN 2012, SO SOMETHING CONTINUES TO BE WRONG WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, May 7, 2015
MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY, GOING UP AND DOWN BUT NEVER PASSING ONE HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON ALL THE TIME. THE MECHANIC SAID THE SEATS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN OUT TO GET TO THE SENSOR, THAT IT WAS PROBABLY BAD AND WOULD NEED A NEW ONE. I TRIED TO ESTIMATE HOW MUCH GAS I HAD IN THE TANK BY USING THE ODOMETER AND RESETTING AT 0 FOR A GAS FILLUP TILL I GOT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. THE TANK WOULD KICK THE GAS BACK AT HALF A TANK SO I WAS GETTING ONLY 8 GALLONS IN. ON TUESDAY I RAN OUT OF GAS ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55, WHICH WAS DANGEROUS, AS THERE WAS A TRUCK BEHIND ME AND HE HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID HITTING ME WHEN MY CAR DIED. I WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CHECKED BYTAKING THE SEATS OUT AND PUTTING IN A NEW SENSOR. HE FILLED THE GAS TANK UP (19.9 GALLONS) AND YET WITH THE NEW SENSOR IN, THE GAUGE STILL READS ONLY HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. SOMETHING ELSE IS WRONG AND I SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR RESOLVED EFFECTIVELY. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? ARE WE SURE SOMEONE HAS NOT ALREADY? *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 19, 2015
WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED THE GAS TANK EMPTY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND THE EMPTY GAS TANK LIGHT WAS ON, EVEN THOUGH THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED YESTERDAY. THEN FUEL LEVEL GAUGE IS FLUCTUATING FROM FULL TO EMPTY TANK WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 17, 2015
MY 2008 SANTA FE IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS AS EMPTY WITH THE LIGHT INDICATOR ON AND CORRESPONDING MILES TO EMPTY INDICATOR READING TO ZERO. THIS CONVENIENTLY HAPPENED AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I SEE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. HYUNDAI IS NOT OFFERING TO REPLACE/REPAIR. THIS IS A $695 FIX AS THE SEATS NEED TO BE REMOVED TO REACH THE SENSORS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2015
IT HAPPENED IN THE MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED THE GAS TANK EMPTY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND THE EMPTY GAS TANK LIGHT WAS ON, EVEN THOUGH THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED 2 DAYS BEFORE AND THE RANGE ON ODO KEEPS FLASHING WITHOUT NUMBER SHOWN. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2, 3 MILES, THE FUEL LIGHT WAS OFF, AND THE FUEL GAUGE HAD MOVE UP JUST A LITTLE ABOVE EMPTY LINE. MONDAY MORNING 3/16/15 WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE TO GO TO WORK, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF BUT THE RANGE ON ODO STILL FLASHING. I WAS TERRIFIED WHEN I SEE THOSE LIGHT ON AND OFF, SPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING FOR LONG DISTANCE NOT KNOWING WHEN THE GAS IS EMPTY. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2015
I FILLED UP THE TANK AND THE GAS GAUGE LEVEL READ EMPTY. CONTINUED AND HAS BEEN ON EMPTY. SOMETIMES IT WILL RISE GRADUALLY TO CORRECT LEVEL. AND WHEN YOU TURN OFF ENGINE THEN IT GOES BACK TO EMPTY. I FIND THIS TO BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR WILL STOP. I HAVE READ MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. A RECALL IS IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2015
NHTSA: OCT, 24, 2012 COMPONENT:EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE. 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. ACTION NO: 947168 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER:1041335 COMPONENT: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM , SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE WRONG GAS READING, VEHICLE MAY STOP SUDDENLY IF NO FUEL, GAGE READING WRONG 1*TR. HYUNDAI FINDS SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NO RECALL OR ORDER TO REPLACE.ADMIT'S TO THAT YEAR HAS PROBLEMS BUT NOT WILLING TO HELP IN ANYWAY TO REPAIR. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2015
FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES A LOT . WHEN I FILL TANK IT SAYS EMPTY. THEN IT CHANGES WHILE I DRIVE TO 3/4. IT MOVES ALL OVER. NEVER A CORRECT READING. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2015
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE IS REGISTERING AS EMPTY WHEN COMPLETELY FULL AND THEN FLUCTUATING FROM FULL TO EMPTY TANK WHEN DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE IS REGISTERING AS FAULTY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK AND FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF UNSURE HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL AS THERE ARE 95 OTHER COMPLAINTS JUST ON THIS SITE AND MANY MANY MORE WHEN LOOKING AT OTHER COMMENTS POSTED ONLINE. *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2015
AFTER FUELING MY GAS TANK COMPLETELY 16 GALLONS OF GAS I BEGAN TRAVELING ON FREEWAY ONLY TO HAVE MY GAS GAUGE PLUMMET TO EMPTY AND DIGITAL RANGE WENT BLANK. SINCE THEN I AM UNABLE TO TELL HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE. THE READING FLUCTUATE RAPIDLY. I AM TERRIFIED THAT I WILL RUN OUT OF FUEL ON A BUSY EXPRESSWAY OR DURING SEVERE COLD WEATHER DUE TO RISK OF HARM AND OR INJURY. I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT SENSORS ARE FAULITY.
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT GASKET LEAKED OIL INTO THE ALTERNATOR AND THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2015
FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IT IS MOVING ERRATICALLY. THE GAS TANK IS FULL WHILE THE GAUGE IS SHOWING EMPTY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I AM JUST WORRIED THAT I MIGHT BE STRAINED SOMEWHERE WHEN THE TANK IS REALLY EMPTY. I CAN'T TRUST THE GAUGE NOW. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED ALREADY SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT . I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR AS IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT . *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2015
2/05/15, TURNED RIGHT ON MANHATTAN BLVD AND NORMAL ACCELERATING, EASED UP ON PEDAL BUT ENGINE STILL FULL THROTTLE. APPLIED BRAKES BUT STILL KEPT ACCELERATING. APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, TURNED INTO A BUSINESS PARKING LOT, AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. STARTED THE ENGINE AFTER 3 OR 4 SECONDS STILL FULL THROTTLE,TURNED ENGINE OFF. STARTED THE ENGINE AFTER 4 OR 5 MINUTES AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. ON 2/05/15 CONTACT HYUNDAI ON 1-800-633-5151 THEY FILLED OUT A REPORT, CASE NO. 7640349, AND ALSO RECOMMENDED I HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. 2/05/15 VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. HYUNDAI DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. HYUNDAI DEALER WAS REQUESTED TO RUN MORE EXTENSIVE TESTS BY CORPORATE OFFICE. 2/10/15 EXTENSIVE TESTS COMPLETED AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. I DID NOT CONTACT HYUNDAI, 1-800-633-5151, ON 1ST OCCURRENCE ON 6/25/14, JUST TOOK IT TO SAME HYUNDAI DEALER AND FILED A COMPLIANT VIA E-MAIL WITH NHTSA. HYUNDAI DID STATE ON 2/05/15 THEY HAD NO RECORD OR RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM! 2/11/15 CAR READY FOR PICKUP. DEALER STATED PROBLEM DUPLICATED SEVERAL TIMES WITH INSTALLED AFTERMARKET FLOOR MAT JAMMING THROTTLE AND CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. SEE BELOW:. I REMOVED THE AFTER MARKET FLOOR MAT. I AM DRIVING WITH A 80% BELIEVE 20% DO NOT BELIEVE CONFIDENCE LEVEL THAT THE FLOOR MAT CAUSED MY TWO PROBLEMS. *TR
Air bags, Feb 6, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V472000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2015
FUEL LEVEL READINGS STARTED FLUCTUATING GIVING ME INACCURATE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK, UNTIL ONE DAY I WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY AND DID NOT KNOW. SINCE THIS INCIDENT.THE GAUGE ONLY MOVES UP WHEN I FILL THE TANK, BUT THEN IT STARTS FLUCTUATING UNTIL SETTLING ON EMPTY. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2015
I WAS DRIVING TO A STOP LIGHT ON A DOWN HILL SLOPE WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR TURNED OFF. ALL AT ONCE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, AND I COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO RE-START. I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND AT THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION I TRIED TO RESTART MY CAR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER I TRIED AGAIN AND IT STARTED BUT IT WOULDN'T LET ME ACCELERATE ALMOST AT ALL (THROUGH AN INTERSECTION!). THERE WAS ALSO A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, AFRAID IF I WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE, TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED ABOUT FIVE MINUTES, RESTARTED IT, SUCCESSFULLY. I LET IT IDLE FOR A WHILE UNSURE WHAT ELSE TO DO. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO OTHER INCIDENT. THE CLICKING WAS OFF AND ON THE ENTIRE DRIVE HOME BUT HAS SINCE GOTTEN QUIETER. *TR
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Engine, Jan 25, 2015
THE FIRST TIME I CAME OUT TO START MY CAR AND LOOKED UP, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED. I WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE STARTER. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AND APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER, I NOTICED A BRUSHING SOUND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. OVER TIME IT BECAME MORE OFTEN. I RETURNED THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO THE INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT THE NOISE. IN THE MEAN TIME I TOOK TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE STARTER AND TO TAKE IT BACK AND HAVE IT REPLACED. I RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT DEALER AND THEY REPLACED, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD IT WASN'T CATCHING. TWO WEEKS LATER IT STARTED THE SAME BRUSHING SOUND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT AND IN THE MEAN TIME THE CAR WHILE WARMING UP HAD A BURNT SMELL. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP PUT THE CAR ON A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND PUT A NEW STARTER IN. MY CAR WAS HELD FOR 5 DAYS. THEY TOLD ME OIL HAD LEAKED FROM THE STARTER AND THAT WAS WHERE THE SMOKE CAME FROM AND THE BRUNT SMELL. WITHIN A WEEK THE CAR WHEN STARTED HAD THE BRUSHING SOUND AGAIN. I TRIED TO RECORD THE SOUND AND AFTER I STARTED 4 TIMES IT STARTED TO SMOKE AND WOULDN'T START. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2015
FUEL SENSOR DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. READS EMPTY WHEN TANK HAS JUST BEEN FILLED, AND WILL THEN FLUCTUATE FROM EMPTY TO FULL FROM THERE. DRIVER HAS TO RELY ON MILEAGE FOR FUEL LEVEL ACCURACY. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED FOR THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL CAR, WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALL HAVE TAKEN THEIR VEHICLES TO DEALERSHIPS WHERE THEY ARE CHARGED $800 TO REPLACE FUEL SENSORS, OFTEN WITH FUEL SENSORS MADE BY HYUNDAI, WHICH MALFUNCTION AGAIN. HYUNDAI DOES NOT COVER REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY, IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL, SITTING "NON-SAFETY ISSUE". THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS A DRIVER CAN RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE ON THE ROAD, AND FACE POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH FROM BEING HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE...ESPECIALLY IF ON THE FREEWAY OR AT NIGHT. DRIVERS ARE BEING LEFT STRANDED ON THE ROADS BECAUSE THEY HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS FROM THE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE, AND REMAINS LIT UNTIL THE SENSORS ARE REPLACED. THIS CAN BE HARMFUL BECAUSE DRIVERS WOULD NOT KNOW OF ANY ADDITIONAL ENGINE PROBLEMS SINCE THE LIGHT REMAINS LIT DUE TO THE FUEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION. SEE HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/HYUNDAI/SANTA_FE/2008/FUEL_SYSTEM/FUEL_PROPULSION_SYSTEM.SHTML FOR A HANDFUL OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I ASK THAT HYUNDAI BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWINGLY PUTTING DRIVERS AT RISK WITH THIS ISSUE AND FOR CHARGING CUSTOMERS A LUDICROUS AMOUNT TO "REPAIR" THE SENSORS WITH THE SAME, FAULTY ONES THEY MANUFACTURE. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A HYUNDAI AGAIN! *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2015
FUEL GAUGE SHOW EMPTY AND THERE WAS 3/4 OF A TANK. THE GAUGE READING GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY CONSTANTLY, WE WORRY WE WILL BE TRAVELING AND THE CAR WILL STOP BECAUSE THE GAUGE READS THERE IS GAS AND IT WILL BE EMPTY. *TR