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, Air bags, Oct 10, 2010
ON OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED WITH 45,391 MILES, VIN # [XXX], THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON WHEN IT WAS ABOUT 1 YEAR OLD. IT HAS NOW COME ON APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES.THE DEALER ALWAYS SAYS IT'S THE GAS CAP. WE HAVE TIGHTENED THE GAS CAP VARYING DEGREES AND IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW TIGHT IT IS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE REPLACED THE GAS CAP 3 TIMES OUT OF 10 TRIPS. WHETHER THAT IS TRUE OR NOT, I DON'T KNOW. ADDITIONALLY, THE RED "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I UNDERSTAND HYUNDAI HAS A HISTORY OF AIRBAG PROBLEMS AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU CAN FORCE THEM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 20, 2010
YESTERDAY (SEPTEMBER 19, 2010) WHILE MERGING ONTO THE BELTWAY, THE FLOOR MAT OF MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE AFTER I HAD TAKEN MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. I PUMPED THE BRAKE AND TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE PEDAL MUST HAVE COME FREE FROM THE FLOOR MAT. THE ACCELERATION LASTED FOR BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR SECONDS. AFTER I STOPPED THE CAR I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THE FLOOR MAT WAS PARTIALLY COVERING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I HAVE NOW REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2010
TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (SUA) IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TRAVELING ON A PRIMARY ROAD GOING THE SPEED LIMIT 45 MPH. WHILE MY FOOT WAS STEADY ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR JUST SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I TRIED PUTTING ON THE BRAKE AND THAT DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP ANY. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE MY SANDAL STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR.....AFTER MOVING MY RIGHT FOOT AROUND, THAT DID NOTHING; THEN ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE MAT WITH MY RIGHT HAND, THAT DID NOTHING, AND I PUT ON THE BRAKE AND THAT SLOWED THE CAR DOWN AND I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO CARS NEAR ME TO CRASH INTO. THE SECOND TIME I EXPERIENCED SUA, I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT THE START OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT APPROX 65 MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT) WHEN AGAIN THE CAR JUST SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I PUT ON THE BRAKE WHICH DID NOTHING, THEN TRIED THE BRAKE A SECOND TIME, WHICH DID NOTHING, AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO GRADUALLY DEPRESS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND GET THE CAR TO COME TO A STOP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AFTER CROSSING TWO LANES. AGAIN, I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THESE MANEUVERS WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SINCE THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THE CAR HAD SUA, I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE UNTIL I COULD HAVE THE HYUNDAI DEALER TAKE A LOOK AND FIND OUT WHAT WHY THIS WAS OCCURRING. AFTER TWO DAYS AT THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY HAVE BEEN RUNNING DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AS WELL AS TRYING TO REPRODUCE THE SUA WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS AND HAVE DEEMED THE CAR ACCEPTABLE TO DRIVE WITH NOTHING SHOWING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2010
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR DIED (I.E., GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT WORK), CAUSING CAR TO LOSE SPEED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT SAME TIME. CAR ONLY HAD 17,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO PRIOR ISSUES. PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER, TURNED OFF CAR. RE-STARTED CAR AND TOOK IT TO A SERVICE STATION, WHICH IDENTIFIED (VIA COMPUTER HOOK-UP) A "THROTTLE POSITION" SENSOR ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH A NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS VERY HOT AND SMELLED AS IF IT WAS BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPERS WERE COVERED WITH RUST. HE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,731.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2010
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, GAS PEDAL STOP RESPONDING. I WAS ABLE TO GO TO THE CURB AND PUT CAR INTO PARKING, THEN I HAD PROBLEM TO SHUT ENGINE OFF, ONLY SECOND OR THIRD ATTEMPT WAS SUCCESSFUL. AFTER COUPLE OF MINUTES I START THE IGNITION AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHT COME ON . CAR IS DRIVABLE, BUT IT HESITATES WHEN I PUSH THE PEDAL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 11, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT 80MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, THE STEERING FAILED, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE UNTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE FAILURE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DID NOT PRODUCE A FAILURE CODE, THEREFORE THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS. ON JUNE 8, 2010 WHILE REVERSING FROM THE DRIVE WAY THE FAILURE RE-OCCURRED. THE GEAR DID NOT RELEASE FROM REVERSE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE GARAGE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 541 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,817.
Air bags, May 25, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE AIR BAGS WERE IDLE AND WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WITHOUT A PASSENGER OF AT LEAST 120 POUNDS OCCUPYING THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S STATEMENT AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,256.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2010
2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH SO MUCH FORCE, THAT THE BRAKES BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY KNEW RIGHT AWAY THAT PROBLEM MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE THROTTLE SENSOR MODULE. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 1, 2010
I HAVE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE ON 2 OCCASIONS. I TOOK MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010. THE BRAKES WERE CHECKED COMPLETELY, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON SEVERAL TEST DRIVES. THE SERVICE TECH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEREFORE NOTHING WAS REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE FIRST OCCASION OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, FEBRUARY 24TH, I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, AS I APPROACHED THE DRIVEWAY I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PAD, AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND I COASTED PAST THE DRIVEWAY. WENT UP TURNED AROUND, WITH NO BRAKE PROBLEM. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28TH, AS I PULLED INTO THE CHURCH PARKING LOT, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND TURN TO PARK, AS I HIT THE BRAKE, MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND I AGAIN COASTED PAST WHERE I WANTED TO TURN. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE WALKING OR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. AND, I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 24, 2010
THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 SANTA FE SEEM TO RUST EXCESSIVELY. I HAD LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY LAST SUMMER WHEN THE CALIPERS FROZE REQUIRING A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB. LATELY THE ROTORS ARE RUSTING SO BAD EACH NIGHT THAT THE BRAKES ALMOST FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST MILE OR SO OF DRIVING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 22, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA ON THE HIGHWAY ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS LAST WEEK MY SANTA FE DECELERATED UNEXPECTED TO ~ 20 MPH. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL AND STARTED TO LOSE POWER, THE SECOND TIME I WAS ALSO USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. AT THE SAME TIME THE ESC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE TEMPERATURE WAS COLD BUT THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THE THEY WERE ABLE TO FIX IT BY REPLACING A SENSOR. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SUV FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS ~ 25,400 MILES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 16, 2010
I HAVE TWICE EXPERIENCED A DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE DURING ACCELERATION. I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL BUT WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF TO DECELERATE, THE CAR CONTINUES TO GAIN SPEED AND BRAKING HAS NO EFFECT. IN EACH INSTANCE, THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THE CAR SLOW DOWN OR STOP WAS TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND FIND A SAFE PLACE TO ALLOW IT TO COAST UNTIL I COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE LAST OCCURRENCE I WAS GOING 75 MPH ON I-35, HAD TO SWERVE TO LEFT SHOULDER TO AVOID BEING SIDESWIPED. MY 5 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD BOTH TIMES THAT THE PEDAL MUST BE STICKING ON THE FLOOR MAT. AFTER THE SECOND EXPERIENCE, I LOOKED FOR SIMILAR STORIES ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND 5 RECENT POSTINGS OF THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. IF MORE THAN A COUPLE OF PEOPLE REPORT THE SAME ISSUE, SHOULDN'T HYUNDAI MAKE A DEDICATED EFFORT TO IDENTIFY AND CORRECT IT IMMEDIATELY OR RECALL THE VEHICLE ALTOGETHER? I DO NOT BELIEVE THE MAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED I VISUALLY CHECKED THE MAT AND EVEN PULLED IT BACKWARDS WITH MY FEET WHILE TRYING TO FIND A WAY OUT OF TRAFFIC. IN ADDITION, IF THE PEDAL WAS STICKING ON THE MAT, WHY WOULD THE ONLY CORRECTIVE ACTION BE TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR TO TURN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY OFF ? THEORETICALLY, WOULDN'T THE ACCELERATOR STILL BE "STUCK ON THE MAT" IN THIS INSTANCE? LAST AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, EVEN IF THE CLAIM OF THE MATS BEING THE PROBLEM IS ACCURATE, THESE MATS ARE THE SAME THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN PURCHASED. I ASSUME THEY ARE PRODUCED AND/OR APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS PART OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT AND, THEREFORE, HYUNDAI IS STILL THE LIABLE PARTY FOR ANY ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THIS ISSUE. I HAVE REMOVED THE MATS ENTIRELY FROM MY CAR BUT I AM PETRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. DOES HYUNDAI REALLY WANT TO WAIT UNTIL A TRAGEDY OCCURS BEFORE CONSIDERING CORRECTIVE ACTION? *TR
Structure, Dec 9, 2009, crash
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE OFF CENTER HEAD ON COLLISION RESULTING IN SEVERE LEG TRAUMA. INTEGRITY OF THE FIRE WALL FAILED RESULTING IN METAL PUSHING PAST THE FIREWALL IN TO THE DRIVERS SIDE AREA ENTRAPPING THE LEG ON THE FEMUR. THIS INJURY RESULTED IN A DANGEROUS AMOUNT OF BLOOD LOSS IN TO THE CAVITY OF THE THIGH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 3, 2009
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ACCELERATOR SENSOR WENT BAD WHILE ENTERING THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR ONLY WENT 20 MPH. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE, I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED AND CAUSED A MAJOR PILE UP, OR BEEN KILLED. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND A NEW PART WAS INSTALLED, BUT FOUND OUT THERE IS NOT A CABLE CONNECTED TO THE ACCELERATOR. THE SENSOR RUNS THE GAS INPUT, WITHOUT A BACK UP IN CASE OF FAILURE. *TR
Tires, Nov 10, 2009
KUMHO SOLUS KR-21 TIRES ARE MISSING DATE OF MANUFACTURE ON THE DOT LINE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 10, 2009
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE LIMITED WE BEGAN HAVING A PROBLEM WHICH STILL EXIST TO THIS DAY. AFTER FILLING WITH GAS, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY LIT. THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES OF THIS EVENT, I WAS TRULY CONCERNED THAT I HAD AN ENGINE PROBLEM AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED FURTHER. I HAVE TIGHTENED THE CAP AT TIMES SO MUCH SO THAT I VERY NEARLY WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE IT.*TR
Air bags, Oct 19, 2009
IN MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT INTERMITTENTLY WORKS WHEN MY DAUGHTER AND I (115 & 120 LBS) SIT IN THE SEAT. I CAN SIT PERFECTLY STILL AND IT WILL BE ENGAGED, AND THEN IT WILL DISENGAGE, AND THEN ENGAGE, AGAIN OR VISA VERSA. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED 4 TIMES, BUT THEY SAY THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE. THEY JUST HOOK IT UP TO A COMPUTER AND SAY IT WORKS AS DESIGNED. HUMBLE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER EVEN TOLD ME TO SIT IN THE BACK SEAT (I'M 51 YEARS OLD). I AM AFRAID IF WE ARE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE NOTIFIED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND HYUNDAI PR AS WELL. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT FOR NHTSA AND HYUNDAI TO ISSUE A RECALL? I HAVE BEEN GIVEN WEIGHTS OF 30, 80, 150, 115 AND 120 LBS TO ACTIVATE THE AIRBAG SENSOR BY HUMBLE HYUNDAI. ALSO GIVEN 35, 45, 150, 130, 135, 145, 40, 100 & 105 LBS BY SERVICE DEPARTMENTS OF OTHER DEALERSHIPS. ALSO TALKED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT THIS, WHY CAN'T HYUNDAI TELL ANYONE WHAT THE ACTUAL WEIGHT TO ACTIVATE IS? THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED FOR SONATAS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM WHY CAN'T ONE BE ISSUED FOR SANTA FES. THERE ARE 48 COMPLAINTS LISTED ON HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2008/HYUNDAI/SANTA+FE AND THEY ALL SAY THEY WERE FILED WITH NHTSA. THE INITIAL PROBLEM BEGAN ON 8/21/08 WITH 300 MILES ON ODOMETER AND CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM UNTIL TODAY 10/19/09 WITH ALMOST 18000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE SPEED I AM DRIVING IS NOT A FUNCTION OF THE PROBLEM AS IT HAPPENS AT VARYING SPEEDS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST WITH CAUTION INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE THROTTLE SENSOR ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,452.
Air bags, Oct 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT DETECT AN ADULT OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, AND A TECHNICIAN REPLACED AND RE-CALIBRATED THE SEAT MODULE. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9100. UPDATED 11/17/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED IT WOULD DETECT HEAVIER ADULTS. UPDATED 11/1/8/09
Air bags, Sep 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL, INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE IN A SITUATION THAT WARRANTS THE AIR BAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION FAILURE. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. UPON CONTACT A REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED HER TO SIT IN THE REAR SEAT, BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS ARE SECONDARY SAFETY METHODS; SEAT BELTS ARE THE FIRST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000. BL UPDATED 10/13/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO WITHDRAW THE COMPLAINT. THE CONSUMER WANTS ALL INFORMATION DELETED. UPDATED 10/13/09
Air bags, Sep 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED WITH A SMALL STATURE ADULT. THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT DETECT A CERTAIN WEIGHT POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DESIGN AND THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE CONTACT HAS CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,500. UPDATED 10/13/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE WEIGHED ROUGHLY 125. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS OFF NO MATTER HOW SHE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. UPDATED 10/15/09
Air bags, Aug 23, 2009
MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CAR IS GREAT RUNNING VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR ONE SAFETY PROBLEM: THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT DETECTS MY WIFE AS AN ADULT AND TOGGLES ON AND OFF AT WILL. IT IS REALLY FRIGHTENING TO BE TRAVELING DOWN AN HIGHWAY OR ANY ROAD AND REALIZE THAT I HAVE NO AIRBAG. MY WIFE IS 5' 3 " AND WEIGHS ABOUT 120 LBS AND AT TIMES I NEEDED TO HAVE HER REPOSITION SEAT TO THE TOTAL UPRIGHT POSITION TO RESET THE AIRBAG INDICATION LIGHT. THIS DOES NOT GIVE ME A SENSE OF SECURITY SINCE I DON'T FEEL CONFIDENT THAT IT WOULD DEPLOY IF NEEDED .I CALLED TWO HYUNDAI DEALERS AND WAS ADVISED THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED FOR ME TO COME IN FOR A CHECKUP. I AT THIS TIME HAVE NOT MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER BUT WILL CERTAINLY MAKE ONE ASAP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2009
MY DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE STARTED SQUEALING. I PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THE BRAKE WAS SCORCHING HOT. IT HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES AFTER THAT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID BRING IT IN. IT WAS FROZEN PADS IN CALIPER SLIDES. I WAS ALSO TOLD I SHOULD HAVE THE BRAKES CLEANED ONCE A YEAR?! I WAS ALSO CHARGED $89.95. *TR
Air bags, Jul 31, 2009
SINCE I BOUGHT MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND PULLED IT OFF THE LOT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT REGISTER ME. I AM 5'3" 105 LBS. RARELY DOES IT EVER WORK AND IF IT DOES ITS ONLY FOR A MINUTE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. LADY STATED SHE HAS HEARD COMPLAINT NUMEROUS TIME AND HYUNDAI WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY TELL YOU TO RESTART THE CAR AND SIT WITH PERFECT POSTURE. THIS STILL DOES NOT WORK AND EVEN IF IT DOES MOVE AN INCH AND IT TURNS BACK OFF. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS. ITS LIKE HYUNDAI IS WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE THEY DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT! *TR