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, May 16, 2014
AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK I NOTICED THAT THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING. LATER IT MOVED OFF EMPTY AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WENT OFF. NOW IT READS WHAT EVER IT WANTS TO. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 16, 2014
FUEL GAUGE HAS BECOME ERRATIC AND CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. INFORMED ENTIRE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AS SENSOR IS A PART OF PUMP ASSEMBLY, TOTAL COST $950. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, CANNOT TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN CAR. RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS THE COMPLAINT SEEMS TO BE COMMON. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2014
FUEL GAUGE ON OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS RECENTLY BECOME ERRATIC. IT FLUCTUATES WIDELY OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW MINUTES WITH THE CHECK ENGINE (ON/OFF) AND LOW FUEL INDICATORS ALSO LIGHTING PERIODICALLY. AFTER HAVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM INVESTIGATED, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM. APPARENTLY HIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON 2007 - 2009 SANTA FE'S WITH HYUNDAI AND DEALERSHIPS VIA HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2008/HYUNDAI/SANTA+FE/FUEL+SYSTEM SITUATION IS NOT SAFE IF THIS HAPPENS TO SOMEONE (NEW TO PROBLEM) WHEN THEIR FUEL MAY BE LOW, THEY MAY BE DRIVING ALONG AND STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY OR THEY MAY BE IN A REMOTE AREA. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND HAVE HYUNDAI ISSUE A RECALL! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 14, 2014
WHEN DRIVING OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THE FUEL GAUGE SPORADICALLY MOVES DOWN TO EMPTY AND FLUCTUATES GIVING A FALSE READING AND CAUSING MAJOR CONFUSION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE AMONG THE 2008 MODEL BECAUSE WHEN I CONTACTED A MECHANIC HE KNEW WHAT EXACTLY I WAS TALKING ABOUT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2014
I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THAT HAS BEEN GIVING A FALSE READING ON THE FUEL GAUGE. THE FUEL HAND SHOWS THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY EVEN THOUGH I JUST FILLED IT UP. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SOMETIMES GO UP AND DOWN DEPENDING ON HOW MY VEHICLE IS SETTING AT THE TIME, BUT THEN GOES BELOW EMPTY. IT WILL NOT REGISTER A FULL TANK OF GAS, THE MOST IT WILL SHOW IS A 3/4 OF A TANK. AT FIRST THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF, NOW IT IS LIT ALL THE TIME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL BY HYUNDAI. . *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 7, 2014
THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE FUEL GAUGE GOES FROM READING HALF THEN JUMPS TO EMPTY. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON THEN OFF AGAIN. I WENT TO A HYUNDAI DEALER A THEY DID A DIAGNOSTICS CHECK ON THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR A CIRCUIT WORKING INTERMITTENT. HYUNDAI IS WELL AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, ALONG WITH MANY MECHANICS IN THE NEW YORK TRI-STATE AREA. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL REPLACEMENT ITEM, BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. IF SOMEONE RUNS OUT OF FUEL UNKNOWINGLY WHEN DRIVING BECAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY THEY WILL LOOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BREAKS AND MOST LIKELY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE RESULTS CAN BE FATAL. THE SAME RESULTS CAN OCCUR IF SOMEONE IS DRIVING IN A REMOTE AREA IN THE WINTER AND THEY RUN OUT OF FUEL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2014
THE SANTA FE GAS GAUGE BEHAVES ERRATICALLY! AS YOU DRIVE, THE FUEL INDICATOR NEEDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN SO THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW ACCURATELY HOW MUCH FUEL REMAINS IN THE GAS TANK. THE NEEDLE MAY ALSO INDICATE A VERY LOW FUEL LEVEL BY ILLUMINATING THE "LOW FUEL" WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS DRIVE TIME GOES ON AS THE NEEDLE MOVEMENTS INCREASE THE LONGER TIME THE SUV IS DRIVEN AND THE VOLUME OF FUEL DECREASES IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO ILLUMINATE TO WARN OF A VEHICLE ENGINE / DRIVE-TRAIN PROBLEM. IN MY CASE I HAVE RESET THE CHECK ENGINE MANUALLY AND AFTER A NUMBER OF TRIPS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL REAPPEAR. THIS LOW FUEL WARNING CYCLE HAS BEEN REPEATED NUMEROUS TIMES AND MAY CAUSE A DRIVER TO BE DISTRACTED TO SEE THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT, WHEN IN FACT THERE MAY BE SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. I FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DISCONCERTING AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHETHER YOU MAY BE RUNNING OUT OF GASOLINE. *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 24, 2014
OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE GAS GAUGE WILL SHOW EMPTY AND WARNING LIGHTS COME WHEN YOU JUST FILLED UP THE GAS TANK COMPLETELY FULL. AT OTHER TIMES, THE GAS GAUGE WILL GO FROM FULL TO 1/2 TANK. OTHER TIMES WHEN YOU START THE CAR, IT WILL SHOW EMPTY WHEN IT HAS 1/2 TANK. SO IN OTHER WORDS, THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING. I UNDERSTAND THAT MANY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE CAR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HYUNDAI WANTS EITHER $400 OR $700 TO REPLACE EITHER ONE OR TWO FUEL SENSORS. OF ALL THE CARS I HAVE OWNED, I HAVE NEVER HAD A FUEL GAUGE GO BAD. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HYUNDAI RIGHT NOW ! WITH AS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE REPORTED, THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE HYUNDAI. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 19, 2014
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM TWO RECALLS: (1) STOP LAMP SWITCH AND (2) PODS RECALIBRATION. I WAS INFORMED THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD HAD COME ON AND STAYED ON AFTER THE RECALIBRATION OF THE PODS. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PODS SYSTEM OR AN AIR WARNING LIGHT IN THE DASH PRIOR TO THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD HYUNDAI WOULD PAY TO EITHER REPLACE THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONER OR THE ENTIRE SEAT. THEY DID NOT ALLOW ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND RENTED ME A CAR FOR 4 DAYS. REPLACING THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT LESS THAN A YEAR LATER (4-15-14) THE AIR LIGHT HAS COME ON AND NOW THEY TELL ME THAT IT'S THE SCALE IN THE SEAT AND THE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $2400+. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS WERE NOT AFFECTED -- ONLY THE PASSENGER'S AND I WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE SERVICE TECH QUICKLY RETURNED THE CAR AND WE DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY PAPERWORK RESULTING FROM THE INSPECTION. MY HUSBAND AND I DID NOT ELECT TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT THIS TIME WHILE WE RESEARCH THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY HUSBAND AND I DID NOTICE THAT THE PODS "OFF" LIGHT TURNS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT WHICH IS CONFUSING SINCE THE ADVISOR SAID THE SCALE ISN'T WORKING. NOW WE ARE LEFT WITH A 6-YEAR-OLD CAR THAT HAS AN EXPENSIVE SAFETY ISSUE. WE CAN'T SELL IT TO A PRIVATE PARTY BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AND THE TRADE-IN VALUE HAS DRAMATICALLY DECLINED. *TR
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, Apr 12, 2014
FUEL GAUGE JUMPS AROUND LEAVING YOU WONDERING HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. MOST LIKELY A FAULTY FUEL SENSOR WHICH SHOULD NOT GO OUT ON A CAR THIS SOON. CAN BE VERY HAZARDOUS AS A CAR MAY STALL DUE TO UNKNOWN GAS AMOUNT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS PARTICULAR CAR. *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 9, 2014
ONCE MY CAR HAS GONE 200 MILES ON A TANK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW COMPLETELY EMPTY AND THEN CHANGE TO MORE THAN 1/4 TANK AND BACK. ONCE THE TANK IS REFILLED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND THEN COMES BACK ON AND ACTS THE SAME AFTER AGAIN GOING 200 MILES. THE DEALER SAID THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD TO 60000 OR 5 YEARS ON THE FUEL SENSOR BUT READING ONLINE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT A LOT OF HYUNDAI SANTA FE OWNERS ARE HAVING AFTER REACHING 60000 MILES. I HAD THE CHECK ENGINE CODE CHECKED AND IT LISTED P0 464 - FUEL LEVEL SENSOR A CIRCUIT INTERMITTENT. WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS PART HYUNDAI SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST. *TR
Power train, Engine, Apr 9, 2014
THROTTLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AND WAS STUCK WIDE OPEN. COULD NOT GET THE THROTTLE TO DISENGAGE. I TRIED TAPPING THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES AND THIS DID NOTHING. MANAGED TO HOLD BOTH FEET ON BRAKE AND DOWNSHIFT INTO LOW. I GOT VEHICLE ONTO SHOULDER AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN FULL THROTTLE. I SHOVED IT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE KEY OFF. THE ENGINE DID NOT DISENGAGE UNTIL THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF. VERY BAD FOR TRANSMISSION TO SHOVE IT INTO PARK BUT I HAD NO OTHER OPTIONS. VERY SCARY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND FILED A REPORT BUT THEY HAVE NOT CALLED ME BACK YET WITH REPAIR OPTIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014, fire
CAR PARKED IN PARKING LOT AT MY OFFICE. NO ONE IN VECHILE. PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS. SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES...APPPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL BOX AT REAR OF CAR FOR HITCH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, 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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 29, 2014
THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE FUEL TANK SENDER ASSEMBLY WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE HAS A SADDLE TANK DESIGN WITH A FUEL TANK SENDER ASSEMBLY IN EACH TANK SADDLE. WE WERE TOLD THAT WHEN A FAILURE IS INDICATED YOU CAN NOT KNOW WHICH ASSEMBLY IS FAILING AND BOTH HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE RATE OF FAILURE IS SUFFICIENTLY HIGH THAT HYUNDAI DEALERS KEEP THE PARTS IN STOCK AT ALL TIMES. SINCE THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSEMBLIES IS TO SEND FUEL FROM THE SECONDARY TANK TO THE PRIMARY AND THEN FROM THE PRIMARY TO THE ENGINE YOU NEED TO REPLACE BOTH TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THIS WOULD APPEAR TO BE A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AS YOU COULD BELIEVE YOU STILL HAD UP TO A HALF A TANK OF GAS AND RUN OUT OF GAS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 28, 2014
WHEN FUEL TANK IS FILLED GAS GAUGE REGISTERS EMPTY, ONLY WILL CATCH UP WITH ITSELF WHEN A QUARTER TANK IS GONE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON REPORTING A "FUEL LEVEL SENSOR" ERROR. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ERROR WITH THE 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2014
I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THAT HAS BEEN GIVING A FALSE READING ON THE FUEL GAUGE. THE FUEL HAND SHOWS THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY EVEN THOUGH I JUST FILLED IT UP. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SOMETIMES GO UP AND DOWN DEPENDING ON HOW MY VEHICLE IS SETTING AT THE TIME, BUT THEN GOES BELOW EMPTY. IT WILL NOT REGISTER A FULL TANK OF GAS, THE MOST IT WILL SHOW IS A 3/4 OF A TANK. AT FIRST THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF, NOW IT IS LIT ALL THE TIME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL BY HYUNDAI. . *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY CORRECT FUEL LEVELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,400. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 6, 2014
THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY WHEN WE WOULD JUST PUT GAS IN THE CAR. THE GAS GAUGE WILL SHOW 1/2 TANK THAN SOMETIMES GO DOWN TO EMPTY QUICKLY. WE ALSO NOTICE THAT SOMETIMES AFTER WE FILL GAS INTO THE CAR WE WOULD HAVE TO TRY A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WILL START. BUT THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN WE JUST PUT GAS IN THE CAR. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY CORRECT FUEL LEVELS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2014
IN JULY OF 2012 OUR 2008 SANTA FE BEGAN TO SHOW FALSE READINGS OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL PRESENT IN THE TANK. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP IN COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA THAT THEY WERE AWARE OR SIMILAR ISSUES WITH GAS GAUGES IN SANTA FES. WAS TOLD THE FIX WOULD BE AROUND $800 OR WE COULD MONITOR FUEL CONSUMPTION/LEVEL USING TRIP ODOMETER. THE PROBLEM WITH USING THE TRIP METER IS THAT VARYING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE THIS ESTIMATION TO BE COMPLETELY INACCURATE CAUSING THE MOTORIST TO BE STRANDED ON THE ROADWAY. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 17, 2014
AFTER THE VEHICLE REACHED ABOUT 70,000 MILES, THE GAS GAUGE STARTED TO SHOW ERRATIC LEVELS AND THEN AFTER A MONTH THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AT ALL. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD GO ON AND OFF ALSO THEN STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WAS PROVIDING ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL READINGS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENOR CIRCUIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WAS PROVIDING ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL READINGS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENOR CIRCUIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.