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.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 29, 2011
WAS DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD APPROXIMATLY 20 MPH FOLLOWING A BACKHOE. AS BACKHOE MOVED TO BERM AND I WAS CONSIDERING PASSING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I PLACED ALL OF MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKES AND WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A HALT AND FORCIBLE PUT IN PARK. AS I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AT A VERY FAST RATE. I CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT AND GAS PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS NOTED. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE FLOOR MAT WAS A FACTOR IN THIS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT NEEDS INVESTIGATED. THE VEHICLE IS WITH THE DEALER NOW. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 14, 2011
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR BEGAN RACING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE CAR RACED FORWARD, ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD MY FEET ON THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING FORWARD CRASHING INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD AND DEMOLISHING THEIR LANDSCAPING BEFORE I MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF. I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT IT COULD HAVE ENDED MUCH DIFFERENTLY AS I CROSSED A MAIN HIGHWAY BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO REST. BECAUSE I HAVE FLOOR MATS OTHER THAN THOSE ISSUED BY HYUNDAI, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FLOOR MAT CAUSED THE GAS PEDAL TO BECOME STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. THIS IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED AND WOULD ALSO NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2011
THE GAS MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE IS 14 MPG CITY DRIVING; TOTAL HIGHWAY DRIVING IS 18MPG AND COMBINED 15- 16 MPG. I AM A VERY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER AND HAVE DRIVEN FOR 47 YEARS. MY MILEAGE IS SO POOR I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CORP. REPEATEDLY ON THIS. I'VE SPOKEN ON A FEW OCCASIONS WITH THE CEO[XXX], AND CORRESPONDED WITH HIM AS WELL VIA EMAIL AFTER GETTING NO SATISFACTION/HELP FROM THE REGIONAL PERSON. THE CEO'S WIFE GREW UP IN MY AREA (LAKE OSWEGO, OR.) AND THAT IS WHY HE CALLED ME PERSONALLY. HOWEVER, THE BOTTOM LINE WAS NOTHING HAS HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF THIS CALL. HE OFFERED ME THE FOLLOWING: HE OFFERED TO EXCHANGE MY VEHICLE WHICH HAD ABOUT 8,000 MILES ON IT BY THE TIME HE GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME FOR A NEW 2009 SONATA FWD AND IT WAS THE OLD MODEL AS HYUNDAI WAS COMING OUT WITH A TOTALLY REVAMPED 2010 SONATA MODEL. I BOUGHT MY SANTA FE AWD BECAUSE I WANTED A SUV WITH AWD! IF I WANTED A SEDAN, I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ONE! I BEGGED HIM TO GIVE ME ANOTHER COMPARABLY EQUIPPED SANTA FE AS THEY COULD FIND NO REASON MECHANICALLY WHY MY MILEAGE WAS SO LOW AND I ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK IT MANUALLY IN ADDITION TO THE COMPUTER OUTPUT. SO, I REFUSED TO ACCEPT THIS OFFER AND I SPEND A HUGE AMOUNT ON GAS AND I LIVE ON A SMALL FIXED INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER SANTA FE! OTHERS I'VE QUESTIONED WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND EQUIPPED COMPARABLY GET 20 MPG OR MORE CITY DRIVING. READING HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT SO MANY ISSUES BROUGHT UP IS ABOMINABLE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SO LIVES AREN'T LOST AND PEOPLE AREN'T PAYING AT ALMOST $4/GALLON FOR ALL THIS GAS I HAVE TO KEEP BUYING IN MY CASE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING MAJOR WRONG WITH MY ENGINE OR SOMETHING THAT PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING THE MILEAGE I SHOULD. AS I SAID, I AM A VERY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER. PLEASE INTERVENE WITH THE MANUFACTURER ON ALL THESE MATTERS.THEY TRULY DON'T CARE ABOUT CONSUMERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seat belts, Aug 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE WHICH CONNECTS INTO THE LOCK MECHANISM WOULD TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR CAUSING DIFFICULTY TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Suspension, Jun 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING AND VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPLING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS BENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 31, 2011
SUDDEN DECLARATION OF AUTO . ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR THE CAR JUST SLOWED TO A CRAW . THIS SUDDEN SLOWING ALMOST CAUSED A PILE UP AND I HAD TO LIMP TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAR IS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE A FLY BY WIRE SYSTEM . IT HAS 67,000 AT THE SHOP I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC NOT FOR PUBLICATION THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FLY BY WIRE CAR WHEN THEY REACH ABOUT 60,000 CARS 2008 SANTA FE'S, CARS ARE JUST REACHING THIS POINT AND THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE THIS SUDDEN DECELERATION CAUSES A DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ESC, CHECK ENGINE AND AWD WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH AN EXTREME LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Electrical system, May 17, 2011
I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF A REGULARLY MAINTAINED 2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE (45,000 MILES). ON A JAN 2011 TRIP FROM TX TO MI THE CAR LOST POWER AT NIGHT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DID NOTHING, THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP AND EVENTUALLY STALLED COMPLETELY. MANEUVERING TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT POWER WAS VERY RISKY AND SCARY. ONCE STOPPED THE CAR EASILY RESTARTED ONLY TO LOSE POWER AGAIN 10 MILES DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE OIL LIGHT STAYED ON BETWEEN BOTH EPISODES. WE QUICKLY FOUND A HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE PROBLEM DIDN'T RESURFACE UNTIL NOW. IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS WE HAVE LOST POWER FIVE TIMES WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 MPH AND 55 MPH. THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS AND DIAGNOSTICS IS NOT IDENTIFYING ANY PROBLEM AND SO WE'VE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE COMPUTER ONBOARD SHOULD BE REGISTERING A "HISTORY" WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT IT ISN'T. THERE IS NO "PROOF"! THE HYUNDAI REPAIR MANAGER IS TELLING US TO RETURN IF THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND A SOLUTION NEEDS TO BE FOUND BEFORE IT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD. DURING THE FAILURE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN TO ANOTHER AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS ALL FAILED AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED SEVERAL CITATIONS DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE BECAME WORSE UNTIL NO EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE OPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,600 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,640.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORS MATS AND HOLDERS WERE FRACTURING ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO AGREED WITH THE DEALER AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,313.
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2011
WHILE DRIVING HOME RECENTLY ON A 70 MPH 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 11 PM OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUDDENLY LOSS POWER WHILE CLIMBING A SMALL GRADE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ESC AND TRACTION LIGHTS ALL TURNED ON, THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT WE COULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED, I IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND LOOKED FOR SOMEWHERE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD UNFORTUNATELY I WAS ON THE INSIDE LANE JUST PASSING A SEMI-TRUCK AND TRAILER, THERE WAS A GUARDRAIL NEXT TO THE INSIDE LANE SO I HAD TO WAIT FOR THE SEMI TO PASS BEFORE I COULD MERGE TO THE OUTSIDE LANE TO PULL OFF TO THE RIGHT, BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE SEVERAL VEHICLES CAME FROM BEHIND AND TWO VEHICLE SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING OUR VEHICLE. I WAS LUCKY TO NOT BE REAR ENDED AND HAD JUST ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I NOTICED THAT THE VEHILE WAS NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND MADE SURE THAT ALL BELTS AND HOSES WERE IN GOOD ORDER, THERE WERE NO VISABLE ISSUES. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND ALL LIGHTS RESET EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE CLOSEST EXIT AND THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME AS THE FIRST TIME CUTTING OUT AND LOSING POWER BUT I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY BY NOW AND SAFELY IN A PARKING LOT. THIS VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED SINCE NEW AND HAVE HAD ALL SERVICES DONE AT HYUNDAI DEALERS ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURE'S PRESCRIBED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES AND THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 35,700 MILES ON IT. THE VEHILCE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER AND TO MY SURPRISE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE OF 2 TSBS (TSB09-FL-003-2, TSB-10-FL-010)(NHTSA ITEM NUMBERS: 10032793,10034649) THAT WERE EXISTING ON THIS VEHICLE THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAILURE. I SERIOUSLY THINK THAT THIS KIND OF FAILURE SHOULD BE A RECALL RATHER THAN JUST A TSB IF IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CRASHES IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2011
IN NOVEMBER 2010, VEHICLE AT EST. 29,000 MI. CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION. WAS ABLE TO PULL OF ON SIDE OF SHOULDER ON HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD NOT REGAIN ACCELERATION DESPITE BEING TURNED OFF, ETC. THROTTLE SENSOR CHANGED. MARCH 2011, VEHICLE AT EST. 31,000 MI. SAME PROBLEM. WHILE ON HIGHWAY, CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION. RPMS JUMPED HIGH, ENGINE ROARED IN RESPONSE BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AGAIN, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2011
I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 35,000 MILES ON IT. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AT 25 MILES/HR AND IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I TRIED TO BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND IT STOPPED. OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PRESSING LIGHTLY ON THE GAS AND AT OTHER TIMES WHILE LETTING UP ON THE BRAKE. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THER DEALER IN REISTERSTOWN, MARYLAND. THEY TESTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT AND INSIST THAT THE COMPUTER SAYS THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE AND THEY DROVE IT AND OF COURSE IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE THEY DROVE IT. I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING TO BE DONE. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THE CAR AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I SEE ONLINE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY HELP FROM THEIR DEALERS OR FROM HYUNDAI. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2011
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
Power train, Feb 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT WOULD RUN ROUGH AND MAKE A LOT OF NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND THE BEARING FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,700. UPDATED 03/16/11 *BF UPDATED 1/4/11 *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 14, 2011
REAR BRAKE LOCK ATLOW ( 21,000) MILES ROTOR GROOVED, EXCESSIVE HEAT POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD, OUT OF CONTROL STEERING HYUNDAI SAYS THE BRAKE SLIDES MUST BE LUBRICATED..HOWEVER, THEIR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE DOES NOT MENTION LUBRICATION OF BRAKE SLIDES AS PART OF SCHEDULE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 67 MPH. SHE WAS TRYING TO DECELERATE BY APPLYING EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED BY CONSTANTLY PUMPING THE BRAKE. AFTER SHE GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP SHE THEN CONTACTED THE NEAREST DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE THAT SHE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2011
DURING THE LAST FEW WEEKS THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT ACCELERATION/DECELERATION. THEN WHILE MOVING THE CAR LOST ENGINE PWR.ACCELERATION WAS REDUCED TO ABOUT 5MPH HAD TO STOP AND TURN THE CAR OFF THEN ON TO REGAIN FULL PWR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAIND ON.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2011
ON 12/26/2010,MY HUSBAND AND 2 CHILDREN WERE RETURNING FROM NJ TO CT VIA THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY, NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AND THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE. FOUR TIMES DURING THAT TRIP, OUR HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. EACH TIME THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED THERE WAS NO PRECIPITATING EVENT, JUST A SUDDEN AND RANDOM LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED BY THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH. HE HAD TO COAST THRU TRAFFIC, FIND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN TO REGAIN POWER. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN MERIDEN CT AND THEY INTERROGATED THE COMPUTER. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD US THEY REPLACED THE TPS (THROTTLE POSITION) SENSOR. WE DID SOME AMATEUR RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF RESEARCHING, CAME ACROSS DOZENS OF SANTA FE OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME EVENT. WE ARE WONDERING WHY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THE SANTA FE MODELS THAT ARE AFFECTED. WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PROPER AUTHORITIES ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION SO THAT NECESSARY ACTION CAN BE TAKEN. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT THE DRIVERS NEAR US ALL FOUR TIMES WERE PAYING ATTENTION AND DIDN'T RAM US FROM BEHIND. THESE ARE HEAVILY TRAVELED ROADS WITH MANY TRUCKS, TRACTOR TRAILERS AND CARS, ALL TRAVELLING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND SOMETIMES FOLLOWING CLOSELY. THIS IS A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY FOR ANOTHER FAMILY WHO ISN'T AS LUCKY.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2010
WE HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. SEVERAL TIMES NOW IT HAD UNEXPECTED BRAKE FAILURES. LAST TIME ON DECEMBER 19 2010. I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR IN THE INTERSECTION ON RED LIGHT. THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ENTERED THE INTERSECTION. SECOND TIME I HIT THE PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. THEN WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I TRIED TO PARK AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THERE WERE SIMILAR PROBLEMS ALSO IN 2009. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I DRIVE MY CAR IN SCHOOL ZONES. AND THIS THING HAPPENED IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT TOO. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PUT BOTH FEET ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT IT CONTINUED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, REVERSE AND PARK WHICH STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD FIND NO SIMILAR FAILURES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES AND OTHER TIMES, THE PROBLEM STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2010
MY WIFE AND 2 SMALL CHILDREN WERE ON THE WAY TO THE MALL WHEN HER 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STARTED ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN. SHE TRIED TO STEP ON THE BRAKES BUT IT WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN. IT WAS NOT A BUSY TIME OF DAY ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT LANE AND STEP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SLOWLY AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOWED TO THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. SHE ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF HYUNDAI HAD SENT OUT A NOTICE ABOUT THE COMPUTER NEEDING TO BE UPDATED AND HE SAID NO. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR, ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND AWD LOCK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME FOR FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE REOCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN TO THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 25, 2010
WAS DRIVING FREEWAY, NOTED SUDDEN DECELERATION (ABOUT 20 MPH AND NOT MORE), CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND ESC OFF LIGHTS WERE ON. HAD TO PULL OVER THE LEFT SIDE OF LANE # 1. A POLICE CAR HAD TO STOP TRAFFIC TO SAFELY EXIT THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR ASSY