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.
Air bags, Jul 31, 2009
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, INDICATING THAT THERE IS NO PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVE WHILE MY WIFE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS MIGHT HAPPEN 2 OR 3 TIMES IN A 100 MILE TRIP. I HAVE BEEN TO THREE HYUNDAI DEALERS AND ALSO TALKED WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS 3 TIMES. ALL THREE DEALERS WERE ABLE TO SEE THE PROBLEM WITH MY WIFE SITTING SQUARELY IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT ALL DEALERS SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERS SAY THAT THE LOAD CELLS UNDER THE SEAT ARE SET TO REQUIRE 80 LB OF FORCE BEFORE THE AIR BAG WILL FUNCTION, TO PREVENT POSSIBLE INJURY TO A SMALL CHILD. THE HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS PEOPLE ARE VERY SUPPORTIVE, AND AGREE THAT THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED, BUT ARE NOT ABLE TO HELP. MY WIFE IS 5'-6" TALL AND WEIGHS 120 LB. *TR
Air bags, Jul 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,391 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 08/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 08/06/09.*JB
Air bags, Jul 13, 2009
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON STATING AIRBAG IS OFF WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. I BROUGHT BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THEY NEVER SAW THIS HAPPEN BEFORE ON A SANTA FE BUT IT DID ON THE TUCSON. THEY PUT ON A MACHINE AND CLAIMED IT WAS FINE AND OF COURSE WOULD NOT HAPPEN WHEN IT WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO MAKE SOME CALLS AND I MIGHT NEED THE SEAT REPLACED BECAUSE THE SENSOR MAY BE BAD AND I WOULD HEAR FROM THEM IN A COUPLE DAYS. THAT WAS JUNE 24, 2009 AND IT IS NOW JULY 13, 2009 AND I HAVE NOT HEARD A THING. IT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I WENT OUT AND I TOOK PICTURES AND VIDEO OF IT TO SHOW ME SITTING IN SEAT AND THE LIGHT ON AND WITHOUT REVEALING MY WEIGHT, BELIEVE ME I AM HEAVY ENOUGH TO MAKE THE LIGHT STAY OFF. I AM GOING TO CALL THEM AGAIN TOMORROW AND HOPE FOR SOME RESULTS. THIS COULD BE A FATAL DEFECT AND I DEMAND IT TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
Air bags, Jul 11, 2009
MY HUSBAND AND I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. EVERYTHING ABOUT THE CAR IS GREAT EXCEPT FOR ONE THING: THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT DETECT ME AS AN ADULT AND TOGGLES ON AND OFF AT WILL. IT IS REALLY FRIGHTENING TO BE BARRELING DOWN THE ROAD AND REALIZE THAT I HAVE NO AIRBAG. I HAVE READ THAT THE SENSOR IS SET AT ABOUT 120LBS AND I WEIGH 115LBS. THE ARROGANT SERVICE PERSON AT HYUNDAI RECOMMENDED THAT I BE THE DRIVER OR SIT IN THE REAR SEAT! I COULDN'T BELIEVE THEY WOULD JUST TELL A 48 YEAR OLD WOMAN TO SIT IN THE BACK! (THAT SHOULD BE INTERESTING GOING ON DATES WITH THE HUBBY OR HELPING MY 15 YEAR OLD LEARN TO DRIVE.) THE SERVICE PERSON ALSO ASKED ME IF I WAS SITTING SQUARELY ON THE SEAT WITH MY LEGS EXTENDED. WHAT? YES, I WAS SITTING SQUARELY ON THE SEAT WITH LEGS EXTENDED!! SO, IF I SHIFT MY BUTT SLIGHTLY ON A 4 HOUR DRIVE - ARE THEY SAYING I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING? WHAT RIDICULOUSNESS. I WAS APPALLED. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT MANY PETITE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SANTA FE AND THE SONATA. THIS IS NOT AN UNKNOWN OR RARE PROBLEM. I AM TAKING IT IN TO HYUNDAI SERVICE ON MONDAY, BUT QUITE FRANKLY, I WAS NOT ENCOURAGED BY THE QUESTIONS THE SERVICE PEOPLE ASKED. IF IT CAN'T BE FIXED TO BE ARMED AT ALL TIMES, I WILL RETURN THE CAR - AND THAT WOULD BE A SHAME BECAUSE WE LIKED EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 25, 2009
SAFETY DEFECT WITH HORN ACTIVATION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL HORN PAD IS NEED TO ACTIVATE THE HORN. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN A POTENTIAL COLLISION /CLOSE CALL SITUATION OCCURRED. THE CENTRAL AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTAINS THE DRIVER AIR BAG INTEGRATED WITH THE HORN ACTIVATION SUBSYSTEM. THE MANUAL PRESSURE NEEDED TO ACTIVATE THE HORN IS WHAT I BELIEVE IS EXCESSIVE AND APPEARS TO BE GREATER AS YOU MOVE AWAY FROM THE CENTER OF THE HORN-PAD TO THE EDGE OF THE PAD. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT FIXING THIS BUT HE CLAIMS THIS IN NOT POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE ON THIS EQUIPMENT. I'VE COMPARED THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE NEEDED ON MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 AND THE SANTA FE REQUIRES MUCH MORE PRESSURE THAN THE RX300. BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE REQUESTED THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGERS TO DO SOMETHING TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE BUT THEY HAVE RESPONDED W/ THE COMMENT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. *TR
Visibility, Jun 9, 2009
DRIVING ~10-15 MPH IN PUBLIC PARK, 2 KIDS IN CARSEATS IN BACK SEAT. WEATHER WAS RAINY. I HAD JUST TURNED ON THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER FOR DEFOG ABOUT 4-5 MINUTES PRIOR. SUDDEN LOUD "BOOM" AND REAR/BACK WINDOW EXPLODED, SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO OTHER PEOPLE OR CARS AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND I HAD NOT RECENTLY OPENED THE REAR HATCH/DOOR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 1, 2009
THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING ACTION. WITHIN ONE TO TWO PUMPS THE BREAKING RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2009
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE GLS AWD ON 4/13/2009. ON FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2009 AT APPROX 5:20 PM I WAS DRIVING TO MY SISTERS WHO LIVES 5 MINUTES AWAY WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. I HAD JUST TURNED ONTO THE STREET AND A RED LIGHT WAS 1 BLOCK AWAY. I WAS SLOWING DOWN, WHEN I WAS ABOUT TWO CAR LENGTHS FROM THE NEXT VEHICLE I APPLIED THE BRAKE IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. I PUMPED THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE WHEEL TOWARD THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GO IN A DITCH WHEN THE BRAKE FINALLY ENGAGED AND I STOPPED. I SLOWLY DROVE INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. TESTED THE BRAKES AND CONTINUED TO MY SISTERS. FOUR HOURS LATER WE WERE DRIVING HOME. STILL CAUTIOUS AND LEAVING ROOM BETWEEN ME AND OTHER CARS. I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE BRAKE LET GO AND MY CAR SHOT FORWARD. LUCKILY I HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND IT CAUGHT. MY SON AND I BOTH WERE PULLED BACK AND HIT THE SEATS BY THE SEAT BELTS. I DROVE THE FEW BLOCKS HOME AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK THE NEXT MORNING. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE. THEY ARE INSISTING THAT I PICK UP THE VEHICLE TOMORROW EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE CAUSE. THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING A VEHICLE JUST WAITING FOR THE NEXT BRAKE FAILURE. I MAY NOT BE LUCKY NEXT TIME AND MAY FINE MYSELF IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MYSELF AND OTHERS COULD BE INJURED. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS FROM OTHERS ONLINE WITH THE SAME ISSUES. THERE MUST BE SOME DEFECT ON THE BRAKES IN THIS VEHICLE AND I HOPE SOMEONE WILL MAKE HYUNDAI BE RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THEIR VEHICLES AND BACK THEIR PRODUCT BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Steering, May 11, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY WHEN ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY PERFORMED A FOUR WHEEL BALANCING ON THE VEHICLE THREE SEPARATE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO MORE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Tires, May 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGHLY AT 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW TIRE. A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED ON MARCH 15, 2009, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SHAKING WHEN IN MOTION. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PUT IN TOUCH WITH A DISTRICT MANAGER AND GIVEN A CASE NUMBER, BUT THE DISTRICT MANAGER DID NOT ASSIST. BRIDGESTONE REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A STORE IN SYRACUSE, NY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. IT WOULD COST $194.36 TO BALANCE THE WHEELS. BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE OUT OF BALANCE. ON MARCH 28, 2009, THE CONTACT ADDED UNDERCOATING, WHICH THE DEALER STATED MAY HAVE CAUSED HARMONIC VIBRATIONS. THE TIRE INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,100 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19.
Air bags, Apr 22, 2009
MY HUSBAND AND I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2008 SANTA FE GLS (USED WITH 10,000 MILES) ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO. WE NOTICED THIS ISSUE TWO DAYS LATER. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT TURN ON WHEN I, A 120 LB, 5' 7", 31 YEAR OLD ADULT FEMALE SIT IN THE SEAT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AND WAS SIMPLY TOLD THAT I WAS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SEAT SO THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IT IS SET TO ACTIVATE FOR ANYONE OVER 110 LBS. I AM DEFINITELY HEAVIER THAN THAT. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE RESOLVED QUICKLY AS I HAVE READ OF MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Air bags, Apr 6, 2009
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE - PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG IS NOT WORKING WHEN A PASSENGER, WHO WEIGHS AROUND 170 LBS IS IN THE SEAT. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS FOR REPAIR, ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE, I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN 10 MINUTES. I TOOK PICTURES AND VIDEO OF THE PASSENGER IN THE SEAT WITH THE "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BROUGHT IT BACK THE NEXT DAY, THEY REPLACED A WEIGHT SENSOR. ISSUE WAS STILL HAPPENING, BROUGHT IT BACK THE THIRD TIME AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE. AGAIN, I DROVE OFF THE LOT, AND THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN AGAIN. THIS TIME I BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, AND TODAY WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE, BUT THEY WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I BOUGHT THIS CAR WAS SAFETY. I WILL NOT RIDE WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT, BECAUSE, CHANCES ARE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK OR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS AS THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM SANTA FE OWNERS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DOES NOT DETECT HER WEIGHT. SHE WEIGHS ROUGHLY 102 LBS. SECONDLY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH SIGNIFIED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS INOPERATIVE. THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG NOT TO DEPLOY AND INJURE THE OCCUPANT. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY RECOURSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,756. UPDATED 4/14/09 *CN UPDATED 04/17/09.*JB
Air bags, Feb 28, 2009
AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON TO SHOW AIRBAGS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. 2008 SANTA FE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DEALER RESET COMPUTER CODE FOR AIRBAG SENSORS. WORKED FOR A COUPLE WEEKS , THEN LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. RETURNED TO DEALER TO CHECK AGAIN. DEALER SAID THE AIRBAG SENSOR BUILT INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER SUBSTITUTED A SEAT FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. THE DEALER CALLED A HYUNDAI ENGINEER IN CALIFORNIA AND WAS TOLD ALL AIRBAGS WERE NOT OPERABLE WHEN LIGHT WAS ON. DEALER NOW HAS CAR WAITING FOR DELIVERY OF A REPLACEMENT PASSENGER SEAT. DEALER CLAIMS HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM ONCE BEFORE. *TR
Structure, Feb 25, 2009
ON FEBRUARY 14, 2009 I INCURRED A SCALP LACERATION THAT REQUIRED 6 STAPLE SUTURES WHEN I HIT MY HEAD WITH THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR OF MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUV. I LATER LEARNED FROM OTHER MOTORISTS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THEM IN THEIR SUV'S. I WOULD SUGGEST A VISIBLE WARNING STICKER BE PLACED SOMEWHERE NEAR THE PULL STRAP WARNING MOTORISTS WHEN THEY LOWER THEIR HATCHBACK DOORS. *TR
Air bags, Feb 20, 2009
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PASSENGER AIRBAG WORKS SPORADICALLY AT BEST. PASSENGER WEIGHS AROUND 120 POUNDS AND THE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT WORK EFFECTIVELY IN AN ACCIDENT. HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE NOW AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT THE SONOTA HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR A VERY SIMILAR ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED THE AT 50 MILES VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 600 MILES. *TR
Air bags, Feb 4, 2009
PURCHASED 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. AIR BAG SENOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WHEN EVER A PASSENGER WOULD SHIFT THEIR WEIGHT IN THE SEAT, THE SENOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON. TOOK INTO DEALER TWO TIMES WITH NO PROBLEM FOUND. THIRD TIME FACTORY REP WAS PRESENT, PROBLEM FOUND BUT COULD NOT BE FIXED. WAS OFFERED A DIFFERENT CAR WITH ME PAYING THE DIFFERENCE IN STICKER PRICE OR THEY WOULD BUY BACK MY CAR WITH A FEE. THE LEMON LAW IN REVERSE. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN TO FIX PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Feb 3, 2009
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DISENGAGES FREQUENTLY WITH ADULT IN SEAT. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS FUNCTIONING AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO ...... NOT ACCEPTABLE. THIS IS NOT A SAFE SITUATION. *TR
Air bags, Feb 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WOULD NOT STOP ILLUMINATING WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN SOMEONE OCCUPIED THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER AND WAS LEFT FOR REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.
Air bags, Dec 30, 2008, crash
THE LAST WEEK FOR NOV. 2008 I PURCHASED A NEW SANTA FE FOR MY WIFE. ON 12/26/2008 SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON WRECK. MY 25 YR. OLD DAUGHTER WHO IS VERY PETTY ABOUT 110 LBS. WAS RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DUE TO THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING SHE WAS INJURED VERY SERIOUSLY. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WERE PRIOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIR BAGS IT APPEARS THAT THERE HAS BEEN QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. THE MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO MONTHS BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND DOOR LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY STATING THAT THEY HAVE TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO BE REPAIRED. THE PART WAS ORDERED, BUT IT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DOORS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNSUCCESSFULLY APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Air bags, Nov 6, 2008
THE AIR BAG SUPPRESSION SYSTEM OF MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SE IS SUPPRESSING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WHEN MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHTS BETWEEN 110 AND 115 POUNDS, OCCUPIES THE SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPEN EVER TIME MY WIFE HAS SAT IN THE VEHICLE SINCE WE TOOK DELIVERY ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT ADVANTAGE HYUNDAI IN HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK WERE THEY USED A MALE TECHNICIAN WHOM I WAS TOLD WEIGHTS 130 POUNDS TO SHOW ME THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WAS WORKING TO SPECS AND INDICATED THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THAT COULD BE DONE. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY SERVICE THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WOULD SUPPRESS THE AIR BAGS FOR ANY WEIGHT UNDER 120 POUNDS. FOLLOWING THIS SERVICE APPOINTMENT, I SPOKE WITH CHARLIE CASE FOR THE NHTSA WHO SUGGESTED I FILE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Air bags, Nov 4, 2008
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SEEMS TO HAVE A FAULTY PASSENGER OCCUPANT SENSOR. MY WIFE WEIGHS ABOUT 105 LBS. AND THE SENSOR INTERMITTENTLY RECOGNIZES THE PASSENGER SEAT AS BEING OCCUPIED. WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT WILL TURN OFF. I WEIGH 198 LBS. MY WIFE CAN USUALLY POSITION THE SEAT TO MAKE THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT TURN OFF BUT THEN THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON AGAIN AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS OF DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR SHOULD REGISTER ANYTHING OVER 100 LBS. AS AN ADULT AND THEREFORE THE SENSOR SHOULD REMAIN OFF INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVATED. THE HYUNDAI DEALER CHECKED OUT THE SENSOR AND STATED THAT IT WAS WORKING NORMALLY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME AND THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE PASSENGER NEEDS TO WEIGH 120 LBS OR MORE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145.
Air bags, Oct 21, 2008
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ARMS AND DISARMS INTERMITTENTLY DEPENDING ON THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER. RECENTLY MY 21 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO WEIGHS 130 POUNDS HAD THE AIR BAG LIGHT GO ON INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS TURNED OFF WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. I CANNOT GET ANYONE FROM HYUNDAI OR THE DEALERSHIP TO GIVE ME AN EXACT WEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. CAN A SMALL ADULT WHO WEIGHS 115 TO 120 NEVER SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE AND WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PERMANENTLY ARM THE AIRBAG IF WE WANT. I CANNOT GET ANYONE TO HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE AIRBAG CHECKS OUT FINE SO THEY ARE AT A LOSS. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THE WILL NOT COMMIT. *TR