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 system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2014
THE FUEL SENSOR ON THIS VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. THE READINGS ON THE FUEL WOULD FLUCTUATE WILDLY FROM FULL TO EMPTY. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE CAR AND CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL OUT AT THE HIGHWAY. I FIRST HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSOR 2 YEARS AGO AND HYUNDAI FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM HAS COME UP AGAIN AND ITS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE FUEL SENSOR. THE COST OF THE REPAIRS IS APPROXIMATELY $750. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE FUEL SENSORS. *TR
Steering, Jul 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ UPDATED 11/12/2014 *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 21, 2014
THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN THE TANK BEGAN TO FAIL, CAUSING THE FUEL GAUGE TO BEHAVE ERRATICALLY. FUEL LEVELS WOULD SWING WILDLY FROM FULL TO EMPTY. THE CEL WAS THROWN, BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER THE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR WAS OBSERVED. WITHOUT A CEL TO WARN OF A PROBLEM, THE DRIVER MAY THINK THEY HAVE FUEL WHEN THEY DO NOT AND POTENTIALLY RUN OUT OF GAS. THIS WOULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE'VE SPOKEN WITH HYUNDAI AND THIS IS NOT A RECALL OR EVEN A TSB ISSUE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AMONG OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2014
THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN THE TANK BEGAN TO FAIL, CAUSING THE FUEL GAUGE TO BEHAVE ERRATICALLY. FUEL LEVELS WOULD SWING WILDLY FROM FULL TO EMPTY. THE CEL WAS THROWN, BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER THE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR WAS OBSERVED. WITHOUT A CEL TO WARN OF A PROBLEM, THE DRIVER MAY THINK THEY HAVE FUEL WHEN THEY DO NOT AND POTENTIALLY RUN OUT OF GAS. THIS WOULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE'VE SPOKEN WITH HYUNDAI AND THIS IS NOT A RECALL OR EVEN A TSB ISSUE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AMONG OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2014
MY 2008 GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY OR READING THE CORRECT LEVELS OF FUEL. WHEN I FILL THE TANK UP, THE LOW LEVEL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND STAYS ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES. AFTER SEVERAL MILES OF DRIVING (FEW DAYS), BOTH LIGHTS WILL GO OFF AND GAS GAUGE WORKS PROPERLY. AROUND THE HALF TANK MARK, THE INDICATOR LIGHT COMES BACK ON SHOWING EMPTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. I'VE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY QUOTED NEARLY $800 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH THEY ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE, THERE IS NO RECALL??? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 1, 2014
I FILLED UP WITH GAS WHEN I LEFT THE GAS STATION MY GAS GAUGE REGISTERED EMPTY AND MY GAS LIGHT CAME ON AND I JUST FILLED THE TANK WITH GAS. MY TRIP ODOMETER WAS GOING CRAZY COULD NOT RESET IT, THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME WHICH GOT ME CONCERNED I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE THEY PUT IT ON THERE MACHINE AND THE CODE CAME UP FOR FUEL SENSOR, THIS SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF THESE SANTA FE MY DAUGHTERS 2007 SANTA FE DID THE SAME THING COST HER 600.00 DOLLARS TO HAVE FIXED. *TR
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE ACCURATE FUEL LEVEL READINGS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT WOULD CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
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
Air bags, Jun 25, 2014
AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON WHEN VEHICLE IS RUNNING. TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAID IS CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDS REPLACING. I TOLD THEM IT WAS A RECALL AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT. I DECLINED THE REPAIR BECAUSE I KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DIDN'T TAKE PAPERWORK WITH ME THINKING THEY WOULD KNOW ABOUT IT. UPON RETURNING HOME AND FINDING PAPERWORK ON RECALL (CAMP103) I CALLED BACK AND THEY NOW SAID THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEY REPLACED THAT PART IN NOVEMBER 2012. I DO NOT REMEMBER THEM REPLACING IT BUT I'LL TAKE THEM AT THEIR WORD ON THAT. MY ISSUE IS, DID THEY REPLACE THE RECALLED PART WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART IF IT ONLY LASTED 18 MONTHS! I'VE HAD MANY CARS OVER THE YEARS SOME A DECADE OLD OR OLDER NEVER THIS AIR BAG ISSUE. I FEEL THEY SHOULD REPLACE THIS RECALL AGAIN IF THEY REPAIRED IT WITH ANOTHER SHORT LIVED DEFECTIVE PART. *TR.. .. .UPDATED 07/21/15 *BF
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 21, 2014
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS 55000 MILES AND RECENTLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY MECHANIC RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON IT AND SAID THE FUEL SENSOR WAS BAD. I CALLED HYUNDAI TO TAKE IT TO THEM TO REPLACE AS UNDER WARRANTY HOWEVER THEY SAID THEY WOULD NEED TO RUN THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTIC WHICH WOULD COST ME $130 FOR WHATEVER THEY FIND AND IT WOULD NOT BE REFUNDABLE. NEXT THEY SAID THE FUEL SENSOR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD COST $800. THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE FIXED BUT OUT OF MY POCKET AS THE CAR CAN STALL OR SEIZE WHEN OUT OF GAS. IF THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THEN THEY SHOULD RECALL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 12, 2014
WE HAVE OWNED 2 HYUNDAI, SANTA FE. THE FUEL SENSOR HAS FAILED IN BOTH VEHICLES. AFTER DOING MUCH RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT FUEL SENSOR FAILURE IS A PREVALENT OCCURRENCE IN THESE VEHICLES. THERE ARE NUMEROUS DOCUMENTATIONS ON THE INTERNET. FUEL SENSOR FAILURE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE DRIVER HAS NO IDEA HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR. THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE MAY STALL AT ANYTIME ON THE ROAD, AND THE DRIVER WOULD BE INJURED ESPECIALLY IF HIT AT A HIGH SPEED. THE VEHICLE MAY STALL LATE AT NIGHT AND THE DRIVER MAY BE IN A REMOTE LOCATION. IF THE CAR WERE TO STALL AFTER DARK, ONCOMING TRAFFIC WOULD NOT SEE THE STALLED CAR. THE AVERAGE COST TO REPLACE THE SENSOR IS BETWEEN 500 AND 800 DOLLARS. I HAVE HAD TO MAKE THIS PAYMENT TWICE BECAUSE I CANNOT SLEEP AT NIGHT WITH MY DAUGHTER DRIVING A CAR WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF WHEN IT WILL STALL. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO TO HELP ME OR OTHER OWNERS. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ABOUT WARRANTY. IT IS ABOUT DRIVER SAFETY. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO RECALL THESE AUTOMOBILES AND WOULD RATHER WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS DEAD/INJURED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2014
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TEST SHOWS IT IS THE FUEL SENSOR. FUEL GAUGE INSIDE FLUCTUATES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 6, 2014
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR, I TOOK IT TO BE DIAGNOSED AND IT IS A FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. APPARENTLY HYUNDAI IS WELL AWARE OF THIS VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS ONLY SOLD TOGETHER, THEREFORE THIS IS A FIX THAT WILL COST AT LEAST $800 WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. SO NOW I JUST HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES, HAVING NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE OR IF ANY OTHER ENGINE ISSUES HAVE COME UP. SHAME ON HYUNDAI. *TR
Air bags, Jun 6, 2014
THE 2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE HAS A RECALL ON FAULTY AIRBAG CLOCKSPRINGS. COINCIDENTALLY MY 2008 SANTE FE CLOCK SPRING NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE TELLS ME THAT I AM NOT COVERED BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE "RECALL CAMPAIGN" MY CONFUSION IS I OWN A 2008 THE RECALLS ARE FOR THE 2008....HOW DO I GET MY CAR INCLUDED IN THIS "RECALL CAMPAIGN"? PLEASE HELP. I WILL HAVE TO PAY $400 TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN IT SHOULD BE UNDER HYUNDAI FAULTY WARRANTY. PLEASE HELP THE LITTLE GUY/CONSUMER!! THANK YOU *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 4, 2014
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I GOT IT CHECKED IT WAS FOR FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. I ALSO NOTICED SHORTLY AFTER I FILLED UP WITH GAS THE GAUGE WOULD GO DOWN AND WHEN 1/2 OR LESS IT WOULD DROP AND GAS LIGHT WOULD COME ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, WHILE I WAS PULLED INTO SERVICE CENTER, CAR STOPPED AND RUNNING, SERVICE TECH SAW GAS GAUGE GO DOWN AND LIGHT CAME ON EVEN THOUGH I HAD AT LEAST 3/4 GAS. NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND QUOTED ME $605 TO FIX. SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE SO MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM!! *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 4, 2014
THE FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN I FILL UP THE TANK IT WORKS FINE BUT WHEN ITS ABOUT HALF A TANK, THE LOW FUEL LIGHT TURNS ON AND GAUGE READS EMPTY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2014
FUEL GAUGE AND FUEL SENSOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE GAUGE REGISTERS LESS FUEL THAN IS IN THE TANK. THE GAUGE WILL INDICATE THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY WHEN THERE'S MORE THAN 1/2 A TANK LEFT, AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON. THE ISSUE OCCURS SPORADICALLY. IT WILL REGISTER A FALSE READING FOR SEVERAL CONSECUTIVE DAYS WITH THE WARNING LIGHT ON EVEN AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK, AND THEN SOME DAYS IT WILL SELF CORRECT AND THE WARNING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF. *TR
Air bags, Jun 1, 2014
CLOCK SPRING CONTACT HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY HYUNDAI SANTE FE 2008 BUILT ON APRIL 03, 2008. THE NHTSA RECALL DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH AND ENDED MARCH 20,2008. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CONTINUOUSLY LIT UP INDICATING A PROBLEM. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND I WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED BEYOND MARCH 20,2008 SO THAT MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED MULTIPLE DEATHS.. *TR .... UPDATED 06/30/15 *BF UPDATED 8/30/2017*CN
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 29, 2014
THE FUEL GAUGE IN MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. UPON FILLING UP IT GOES TO EMPTY WITH THE LOW FUEL LIGHT INDICATOR. AFTER DRIVING 40-60 MILE THE GAUGE MAY READ 1/4-3/4 TANK. OTHER TIMES IT DROPS TO EMPTY AND WILL NOT MOVE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE MILEAGE IS 75,000. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 26, 2014
OK SO MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS NOW DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSOR. I WENT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY QOUTED ME A PRICE OF 800 DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL CONSIDERING THAT SO MANY OF THERE CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM. IT'S SAD THAT THEY WOULD MUCH RATHER WAIT TIL SOMEONE DIES OR CRASH TO RECALL THIS ISSUE. *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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, May 17, 2014
(2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE) THE VEHICLE GAS GAUGE IS STICKING ON EMPTY AFTER FILLING IT UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER 1/4 TANK OF GAS HAS BEEN CONSUMED THE GAS GAUGE WILL READ NORMAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO GO OFF. THERE HAS NOT BEEN A LOSS IN POWER TO THE ENGINE OR ANY OTHER INDICATORS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE CAN BE REPRODUCED EVERY TIME AFTER FILL UP. THE TANK DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ON EMPTY TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN TSB'S FOR THE 2007 MODEL BUT NOTHING YET FOR THE 2008. *JS