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.
Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 25, 2013
FAN KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. DEALER SAID THERE IS A "SHORT IN THE A/C CONTROL HEAD". *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2013
WE RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES IT READS EMPTY AFTER WE JUST FILLED THE TANK. IN ADDITION THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FROM TIME TO TIME. WHEN WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST $580. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, NUMEROUS 2008 (AS WELL AS OTHER YEARS) HYUNDAI SANTE FE OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR AS SOON AS THE WARRANTY ENDS (60,000 MILES). I BELIEVE HYUNDAI KNOWS THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IN THESE CARS ARE IN FACT INFERIOR AND WILL FAIL AFTER 60,000 MILES. *TR
Air bags, Jan 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 12V354000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL: SENSOR/ CONTROL MODULE) AND 11V472000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT TENSION SENSOR WIRING HARNESS CLIP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,784. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,550. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 4, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH GOING UP A HILL, MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND PUSHING THE BRAKES AT FULL PRESSURE ONLY SLOWED THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT STOP AND THE ENGINE REVVED. I WAS IN A PANIC BECAUSE VEHICLES WERE IN FRONT OF ME AND I ALMOST SLAMMED INTO THEM. I MANAGED TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND TRAVEL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO STOP MY VEHICLE. I FINALLY SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ALL THE WHILE PUSHING THE BRAKES AND GOT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SCARED IN MY LIFE AND FORTUNATELY DID NOT HIT ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO MY GARAGE BECAUSE I WAS TO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I AM AWAITING DIAGNOSIS.. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND THE GARAGE WAS CLOSED. THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AT UNTIL MONDAY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 2, 2012
THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED FLUCTUATION FROM 1/4 TANK TO EMPTY THEN BACK UP AGAIN. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AFTER SOME TIME, AUTOMATICALLY TURNED OFF ONLY TO TURN BACK ON INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER HAVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM INVESTIGATED, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM AND IT WOULD BE SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPAIR. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED WHENEVER THE FUEL VEHICLE WAS BEING FILLED WITH FUEL THE GAUGE DOES NOT SHOW THE FULL IT ONLY SHOWS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY HAD TO REPLACE TWO DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE COMPUTER THAT OPERATE THE FUEL GAUGE. THE DEALER STATED THE REPAIR COST WAS $800. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Vehicle speed control, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Oct 24, 2012, crash
THE ARE THREE LAYERS OF FLOOR COVERING ON THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST IS THE WALL TO WALL CARPET. THE SECOND IS A FLOOR MAT, MADE OF CARPET MATERIAL WHICH IS SECURELY ANCHORED TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE THIRD LAYER OF FLOOR COVERING IS A THICK RUBBER MAT. THE RUBBER MAT RESTS ATOP THE CARPETED FLOOR MAT UNANCHORED. IT SLIDES AROUND ON TOP OF THE CARPETED FLOOR MAT AND PREVENTS A SEVERE HAZARD BECAUSE IT OCCASIONALLY LODGES ITSELF UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE PEDAL TO JAM. THIS DANGER CAN BE EXTREME BECAUSE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL JAMS IN AN INTERMEDIATE THROTTLE SETTING, IT LENGTHENS THE STOPPING DISTANCE AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2012
THE GAS GAUGE START ACTING FUNNY AND DID DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT READING, AFTER DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY A PART CALLED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR A CKT INTERMITTENT. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE FOR SANTA FE OWNERS AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPANIES ONLINE INVOLVING THE SECOND GENERATION OF THIS HYUNDAI 2007 AND 2008. THIS ISSUE WILL COST $600 TO $700 TO REPAIR , WHICH HYUNDAI SHOW TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE WRONG GAS READING, THE VEHICLE MAY STOP SUDDENLY IF THERE WAS NO FUEL AND THE GAUGE IS READING WRONG. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,120. UPDATED 12/5/12 *CN
Air bags, Oct 3, 2012
WORK UNDER THE RECALL TO REPAIR FAULTY SENSORS THAT FAILED TO DETECT SMALL STATURED ADULTS (95 LB WIFE). FOR FAILURE TO DETECT DIDN'T RESOLVE ISSUE, AND EFFORTS TO DETERMINE WHAT THE NEW TRIGGER WEIGHT WAS GOT NOWHERE WITH EITHER LOCAL OR HQ REPS. SO NOW DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MFR HAS ACKNOWLEDGED SAFETY DEFECTS YET REFUSES TO FIX. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2012
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WILL NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. AFTER PRESSING ON THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES IT STARTS TO MOVE AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME DURING THIS ORDEAL. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS REAR ITS UGLY HEAD AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE IT CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IF IT'S NOT FIXED. LET'S BE PROACTIVE THIS TIME INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL SOMEONE IS IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD FLUCTUATE FROM ONE READING TO ANOTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK HAD FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDS GAS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE MILEAGE RANGE FAILS TO SHOW; WHEREAS IT JUST BLINKS. THE VEHICLE BURNS FUEL. UPDATED 11/19/2012 *JS
Air bags, Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS TURNED OFF WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RE-CALIBRATED TO THE LOWEST WEIGHT LIMIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V354000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Air bags, Jul 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY HAD TO RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V354000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT THEN EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN WHICH THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE THEN JERKED FORWARD AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Air bags, Jun 8, 2012
THIS PROBLEM IS TRUE OF OUR 2007 AND 2008 SANTA FE'S AND HAS EXISTED SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CARS. I HAVE FINALLY COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR NOT ONLY MY WIFE BUT ALSO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE OF SLIGHT BUILD. IT IS A PROBLEM THAT IS EASILY CORRECTABLE BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE CREATED CASE#[XXX] WITH HYUNDAI AMERICA --THEY HAVE RESPONDED THAT THEY WILL PASS ALONG THE INFORMATION TO ENGINEERING --BUT THEY HAVE NOTED THAT I WILL NOT BE CONTACTED BY HYUNDAI REGARDING DEPOSITION OF THE ISSUE. THE PROBLEM -- MY WIFE WEIGHS ABOUT 95 LBS. SHE FREQUENTLY DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE IS ESSENTIALLY UNPROTECTED IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. SHE JUST DOESN'T WEIGH ENOUGH TO RELIABLY ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. HYUNDAI SPENDS QUITE A FEW PAGES IN THEIR MANUAL TO COVER THEMSELVES LEGALLY. THEY COMMENT THAT IF ALL ELSE FAILS JUST SIT IN THE BACK SEAT. I WOULD IMAGINE FEW HUSBANDS AND WIVES OPT FOR THIS SOLUTION. MOST CONSUMERS PROBABLY HAVEN'T READ THE MANUAL, IGNORE THE OFF SIGN OR DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS, OR DON'T CARE AND RISK THE SAFETY OF THEIR PASSENGER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SHOULD ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM FOR SAY ANYONE OVER 66 LBS. I BELIEVE ANOTHER MANUFACTURER HAS RECENTLY DONE SO. IT IS STUPID THAT I HAVE WAITED THIS LONG TO COMPLAIN -- BUT I KEPT THINKING THEIR WOULD EVENTUALLY BE A RECALL AND I NORMALLY JUST DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT THINGS. HYUNDAI COULD MAKE AN ALTERNATE SENSOR AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEEDED IT. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat belts, May 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED A TWO YEAR OLD CHILD WAS SEATED IN A FORWARD FACING CHILD RESTRAINT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CHILD WAS ABLE TO REACH FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT AND WRAP IT AROUND HIS NECK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT FROM THE CHILD'S NECK WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CHILD WAS UNINJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
AT 59,000 MILES LEFT SIDE RUNNING LIGHTS INOP. SENT TO DEALER THEY SAID THEY ADJUSTED THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS STATED AT 50,000 MILES. WORKED GOOD FOR 3 WEEKS TOOK ON A TRIP PUT 10,000 MILES ON IT. NOW AT 70,000.. ELECTRICAL ISSUES STARTED BACK UP.NO TAILLIGHTS LEFT BACK,TOUCH BRAKE DASHBOARD LEFT TURN GLOWS 1/2 BRIGHTNESS.PUT LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT ON WORKS. TOUCH BRAKE LEFT SIDE BLINK ACTS LIKE BURNED OUT LIGHT. FILL WITH FUEL READS CORRECT MOST OF THE TIME. WENT TO STOP STARTED CAR BACK UP GAUGE READ EMPTY WITH LIGHT ON, STOPPED FOR GAS 30 MILES LATER PUT GAS IN TOOK 1 GAL GAUGE WENT TO 1/2 TANK. LET SET OVERNIGHT NEXT DAY READ 3/4. DROVE THE REST OF THE DAY . NEXT DAY READ CORRECT. THIS HAPPENED 2 TIMES ALREADY. DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS RELATED THE LEFT SIDE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 12, 2012
THE BACK SEAT (PASSENGER SIDE) SEAT BELT - THE CONNECTION IN THE SEAT, ALWAYS GOES DOWN IN THE OPENING AND IS VERY HARD TO GET UP, I DO THINK THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, SINCE SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T GET IT OUT TO CLIP THE SEAT BELT INTO. THE HOLE WHERE THE CONNECTION IS, IS TOO BIG, AND WHEN YOU TRY TO CONNECT THE SEAT BELT INTO IT, IT GOES DOWN. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES, AND THEY TAKE IT OUT. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CORP., BUT WAS TOLD MY SANTA FE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. THE DEALERSHIP, ALSO CLAIMS THE SAME THING EVERY TIME I AM THERE. I WAS JUST THERE ON 2/29/2012, AND WAS TOLD THAT MAYBE I SHOULD TRY GIRLS HAIR BAND AND GET A BIG ONE A WRAP IT AROUND A FEW TIMES, AND THAT SHOULD HOLD IT UP. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO A SOLUTION THAT MIGHT MAKE THEM CORRECT IT. ALSO I KNOW OF 3 OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON THERE CARS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FURTHER BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 1, 2012
WHEN TRYING TO PARK THE CAR, THE CAR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN PARK. THEREFORE, YOU CANNOT TURN YOUR CAR COMPLETELY OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED 6 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 3 YEARS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Dec 11, 2011, crash
I WAS BACKING UP AND AS I TURNED THE WHEEL THE CAR ENGAGED IN A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AS THE MOTOR STARTED TO REV. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT PLOWED THROUGH A BRICK WALL AT MY SCHOOL. *TR
Power train, Nov 24, 2011, fire
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CAUGHT ON FIRE. I HEARD A CLUNK ON ENTERING REVERSE IN THE MORNING. AFTER 35 MILES OTHER DRIVERS ALERTED ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD US 90 IN NEWTON MA THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AFTER THE FIRE WENT OUT ON IT'S OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE HOWEVER, THE ESC AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS AND WAS COASTED OFF ROAD AND SHUT OFF. AFTER WAITING A FEW MOMENTS, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I ACCELERATED AND MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY BY ITSELF. I WAS GOING APPROX. 65MPH, AND WITHIN A FEW SECONDS MY CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN TO 80 OR MORE MPH. I APPLIED MY BRAKES BUT THEY COULDN'T COUNTERACT THE ACCELERATION VERY WELL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN THE CAR EVENTUALLY SLOWED DOWN, THE GAS PEDAL MADE A LOUD SOUND LIKE IT HAD RELEASED ITSELF. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD THIS VERY SCARY EVENT IN TWO MONTHS, BOTH ON THE FREEWAY. THE FIRST TIME I WAS SO SHAKEN AND SHOCKED THAT I FELT I HADN'T HAD TIME TO OBSERVE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THE TIME. THIS LAST TIME I WAS ABLE TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THERE WAS NO INTERFERENCE WITH MY FLOOR MAT. IT WAS PURE AND SIMPLE: MY GAS PEDAL WAS DANGEROUSLY ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. I TOOK MY SANTE FE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND GAVE THEM A COPY OF MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER SANTE FE OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT INCIDENT, SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS. IN ALL CASES THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED NOR EXPLAINED. SURE ENOUGH, IN MY CASE THE DEALERSHIP COULD NEITHER DUPLICATE, EXPLAIN, NOR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I AM NOW FEARFUL TO DRIVE MY CAR, AND I WILL SELL IT SOON. *TR