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, Engine, Mar 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING EMPTY AND ALL OVER THE PLACE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2016
GAS GAUGE SENSOR NOT READING LEVEL OF GAS IN THE CAR. ONLINE I READ MANY OTHERS WITH THE SANTE FE, ESPECIALLY 2007-2008 YEAR WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ONLY HAVE 80, 000 MILES AND IT IS NOT READING THE APPROPRIATE GAS LEVEL AND FLUCTUATES. THE GAS ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND A MECHANIC READ THE CODE THAT IT IS THE GAS GAUGE SENSOR. I HAVE READ ACCOUNTS ONLINE OF THE CAR READING GAS AT ZERO AND TURNING THE CAR OFF. I AM NOW TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR AND HAVE FILLED THE GAS UP EVERY DAY. THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. WHEN THE MECHANIC WIPED OUT THE CODE I FILLED UP THE TANK AND THE NEXT DAY DROVE OVER AN HOUR AND THEN THE GAS READ JUST ABOVE HALF FULL AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED A RECALL WHEN IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE A CAR JUST SHUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED?
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2016
WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN AND NO AMOUNT OF BRAKING COULD BRING THE CAR UNDER CONTROL. AT THE TIME I WAS TRAVELING AT 55MPH AND THE CAR SHOT TO 70MPH. FINALLY AFTER PUMPING BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES THE PEDAL POPPED UP WITH AN AUDIBLE SOUND. HAPPENED THE NEXT DAY AS WELL SAME THING. I HAVE READ THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR IS THE CULPRIT AND THE DEALERSHIPS CITE DRIVER ERROR, AND FLOOR MATS, WHICH IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. I AM ATTACHING A LETTER SENT TO HYUNDAI AND THE NHTSA. HAPPEND THE FOLLOWING DAY AS WELL.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 22, 2016
WHILE IN MOTION ON THE CITY STREET GOING 45 MILES PER HOUR THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SHUT OFF. LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE WITH THE VEHICLE. HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WAIT FOR 2 MINS THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT WORKED FINE. BUT AFTER DRIVING A WHILE LONGER THE ESC SHUT OFF AGAIN. HAD TO REPEAT THE PROCESS OF TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING THE CAR AGAIN. WHILE MAKING A TURN A LITTLE WHIKE LATER IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 22, 2016
WHEN DRIVING AND YOU HIT THE BREAKS, THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STALL, OR IF YOU USE THE HIGH OR LOW BREAMS THE RADIO SHUTS OFF AND THE GPS TURNS ON OR YOU LOSES IT ALL, WHILE ON HIGH WAY WAY IF YOU USE YOUR HIGH OR LOW BEAMS THE ENGINE STARTS TO STALL THEN KEEPS GOING CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND YOU HAVE TO BREAK QUICKLY TO AVOID HITTING YOU AS YOU LOOSE ALL POWER FOR A MATTER OF SECONDS THIS HAPPEN WHILE MOVING OR PARKED, I MHAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW ALTERNATORS IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM CONIINUES
Electrical system, Seats, Feb 22, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BECAME EXCESSIVELY HOT. THE PASSENGER OBSERVED THAT THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO HER HANDS AND BUTTOCKS BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,002.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT ENTIRELY TO THE FLOORBOARD AND REMAINED STUCK WHEN IT WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT VIOLENTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER FEW MINUTES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RELEASED AND FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE REOCCURRED TWICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2016
MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME STAYS ON AND THEN SHUTS OFF. MY GAS GAUGE KEEPS MOVING UP AND DOWN. ONCE I FILL MY GAS TANK COMPLETELY THE GAS WILL SHOW FILLED AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO OFF AND THEN WITHIN AN HOUR THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE GAS GAUGE GOES TO EMPTY AND THE FUEL LIGHT COMES ON SHOWING THE CAR AS EMPTY. THEN WITHIN 20 MINUTES THE GAS GAUGE WILL MOVE BACK UP AND THE GAS GAUGE WILL SHUT OFF BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS WILL HAPPEN CONSTANTLY WITH THE GAS GAUGE GOING UP AND DOWN.THIS OCCURS WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION ON CITY STREET OR EXPRESSWAY. MY MECHANIC BASICALLY TOLD ME IT'S THE GAS GAUGE BUT HE IS STILL INVESTIGATING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK MISREAD THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK WAS INCAPABLE OF BEING FILLED COMPLETELY AND COULD ONLY BE FILLED UP TO FIVE GALLONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 21, 2015
2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, 78K MILES. FUEL GAGE READING STARTING BOUNCING AROUND. SHOWED HALF FULL ON A FRESHLY FILLED TANK. EVENTUALLY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ERROR CODE P0464 (FUEL LEVEL SENSOR 'A' ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WAS INTERMITTENT FOR A PREDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME.). FUEL SENSORS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AN INACCURATE FUEL READING IS A SAFETY CONCERN, JUST LIKE ANY OTHER ISSUE THAT CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. THE NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THE WEB CONCERNING THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL SENSORS IN THE 2008 SANTA FE SUGGESTS STRONGLY THAT A RECALL IS WARRANTED.
Electrical system, Dec 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES, SEVERAL MORE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY OTHER GEAR BESIDES DRIVE AND NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TWO FUEL SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2015
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING THROUGH THE CITY THE OTHER NIGHT. THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND AS WE APPROACHED A GREEN LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION THE CAR DIES AND COMES TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION AS THE LIGHT WAS CHANGING. LUCKILY WE WEREN'T REAR ENDED OR T BONED. COME TO FIND OUT WE RAN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH IT READ HALF A TANK. THANKS HYUNDAI FOR TRYING TO KILL US.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2015
THE FUEL SENSOR FAILS TO SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. THE INDICATOR MOVES FROM FULL TO HALF EMPTY TO FULL TO 1/4. THE RANGE INDICATOR DOES NOT INDICATE THE CORRECT RANGE EITHER. IT WILL SHOW 320 MILES REMAINING AND THEN IMMEDIATELY MOVE TO 100 MILES AND BACK TO 300...ETC.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2015
THE VEHICLE SO FAR HAS HAD TWO INSTANCES OF UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION, NOT JUST SUDDEN BUT WHILE DRIVING AND PERFORMING A PASSING MANEUVER OR NEED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY THE TRANSMISSION WILL GET STUCK ON A GEAR, PRESSING THE BRAKE OR SHIFTING TO MANUAL MODE, ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT UP OR DOWN OR BACK TO D OR N WILL NOT STOP THE ACCELERATION. I JUST KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUT HAZARDS ON, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE (LEFT KEY IN ACCESSORIES) AND THEN COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. THE MINUTE I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF I GAINED STOP CONTROL, PRIOR, MASHING ON THE BRAKE WASN'T STOPPING THE CAR. ONCE I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I WAITED A MINUTE OR SO, CAREFULLY RESTARTED THE CAR AND THINGS WERE BACK TO NORMAL. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED BE STUCK ON 5TH GEAR, BUT WHEN I SHIFTED FROM D TO MANUAL AND BACK THE ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE STUCK ON 3RD, THE INITIAL DESCRIPTION ABOVE IS ABOUT THE 2ND INSTANCE. TAKING THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WILL AVOID RABBIT STARTS OR INITIATING ANY RAPID ACCELERATION, WHICH SEEMS TO BE WHERE THE TRANSMISSION OR SOME SENSOR IS GETTING BAD DATA. MY GUESS IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY POSITIONING SENSOR. ALTHOUGH I WOULD ASSUME THAT IF THE COMPUTER/TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCE A BAD SIGNAL OR LOSS OF SIGNAL FROM A SENSOR THAT THE DEFAULT ACTION WOULD BE TO SHUT OFF... NOT LOCK IN A GEAR WITH NO MEANS TO STOP OTHER THAN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 4, 2015
I ALSO HAD THE FUEL SENSOR GO OUT AND HAD IT FIXED. AND I HAD TO HAVE MY ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE. ONCE WHEN IT WENT OUT AND AGAIN IN 9 MONTHS DUE TO RECALL FOR A FUEL GASKET COVER DEFAULT. SO I PAID THE FIRST TIME OUT OF POCKET $700 ONLY TO FIND OUT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE DEFAULT. LYNDA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 4, 2015
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAIL. THE GAS GAUGE DROPS FROM FULL TO 1/4 TANK TO 3/4 TANK. THE "RANGE" DISPLAY WILL GO FROM EMPTY TO 300 MILES LEFT TO 79 MILES LEFT. ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT WILL SAY YOUR FULL AND YOU ARE EMPTY IT WILL SAY YOUR EMPTY AND YOU ARE FULL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE YOU ARE IN MOTION ON ANY ROADWAY AT ANY SPEED AND ALSO WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. UPDATED 12/16/15.*JB
Engine, Nov 1, 2015
WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE PEDAL STARTED GOING TO THE FLOOR. PRYING UP ON THE PEDAL WITH YOUR FOOT DID NOT HAVE AN AFFECT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT IT TWICE AND HAS ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 1, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN NOTICED WHEN THE LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND I FILED THE TANK IT ONLY TOOK 12 GALLONS INSTEAD OF THE USUAL 15-16. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY IMMEDIATELY STATED IT WAS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. CAUSING BOTH ISSUES. IT MUST BE A COMMON ISSUE. $500 QUOTED REPAIR. NOW WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON AND YOU FILL IT TAKES BETWEEN 10 AND 12 GALLONS. NOT SURE IF THAT MEANS THERE WAS 4-6 IN THE TANK OR SOMETHING ELSE IS RESTRICTING THE VOLUME OF FUEL YOU CAN ADD. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO THE LOW FUEL NIGHT MAY COME ON AND THE GAUGE SHOWS NEARLY EMPTY AND THEN IT MIGHT GO OFF AND SHOW 1/4. IS IT EMPTY OR IS IT A QUARTER. MILEAGE ON THE CAR ABOUT 63000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2015
FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. FUEL GAUGE NOW READS EMPTY EVEN IF TANK IS FULL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS AMOUNT OF GAS IN TANK IS UNKNOWN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY HYUNDAI.
Air bags, Oct 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN MADE THE CONTACT AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V472000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2015
THE ISSUE BEGAN ABOUT A MONTH AGO DURING A LONG INTERSTATE TRIP. IF THE FUEL GAUGE REACHED THE 1/4 TANK MARK, IT WOULD PLUMMET TO EMPTY. AS THE CAR RAN, THE GAUGE WOULD RISE UP AND FALL AGAIN REPEATEDLY. SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED (EVEN WITH A FULL TANK), THE GAUGE WOULD NEVER RISE ABOVE "E." THANKFULLY, THE CAR NEVER STALLED AND ALWAYS STARTED. I JUST HAD IT SERVICED TODAY. BOTH SENDING UNITS WERE REPLACED AND WAS TOLD BY A HYUNDAI DEALER THAT THEY KEEP THESE PARTS (FUEL SENSORS) IN STOCK DUE TO THE HIGH FREQUENCY OF CALLS THEY RECEIVE FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. SURPRISED THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ISSUED YET!
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2015
WHEN THE GAS TANK IS LESS THAN HALF FULL, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS TANK AS NEARLY EMPTY AND THE AMBER LOW FUEL LIGHT APPEARS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. THE FUEL GAUGE SWINGS BACK UP TO NEARLY HALF FULL, DROPS DOWN TO 1/4 FULL, THEN DROPS DOWN TO ALMOST EMPTY, THEN SWING BACK TO HALF FULL. AFTER FILLING THE TANK THE FUEL GAUGE IS ONCE AGAIN ACCURATE UNTIL THE TANK GOES BELOW 1/2 FULL. . THIS IS A FUEL SENSOR ISSUE WITH THE TWO SENSORS IN THE GAS TANK. I'M GOING TO HAVE TO RESET THE ODOMETER EVERY TIME I FILL UP AND MAKE SURE I FILL UP THE TANK EVERY 300-325 MILES. I'VE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THIS IS A KNOWN, WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THE 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES. I SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE FILED ON THE NHSTA SO THIS AGENCY IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAS CHOSEN NOT TO RECALL THE SANTA FE FOR THE 2008 MODEL YEAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS: THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A GROSS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 21, 2015
WHEN THE GAS TANK IS LESS THAN HALF FULL, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS TANK AS NEARLY EMPTY AND THE AMBER LOW FUEL LIGHT APPEARS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. THE FUEL GAUGE SWINGS BACK UP TO NEARLY HALF FULL, DROPS DOWN TO 1/4 FULL, THEN DROPS DOWN TO ALMOST EMPTY, THEN SWING BACK TO HALF FULL. ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER THIS PROBLEM STARTED, THE FUEL GAUGE REMAINS NEAR EMPTY WITH THE AMBER LOW FUEL LIGHT LIT. WHEN I FILL UP THE GAS TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE IS ONCE AGAIN ACCURATE UNTIL THE TANK GOES BELOW 1/2 FULL. HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES AND CAN ONLY BE CLEARED BY A MECHANIC. I'VE HAD MY MECHANIC CLEAR IT TWICE. THIS IS A FUEL SENSOR ISSUE WITH THE TWO SENDERS IN THE GAS TANK. I WAS GOING TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED BY HAVING THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY REPLACED BUT FOUND OUT IT WOULD COST $1000. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT SO I'M STUCK. I'M GOING TO HAVE TO RESET THE ODOMETER EVERY TIME I FILL UP AND MAKE SURE I FILL UP THE TANK EVERY 300 MILES. I'VE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THIS IS A KNOWN, WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THE 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES. I SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE FILED ON THE NHSTA SO THIS AGENCY IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAS CHOSEN NOT TO RECALL THE SANTA FE FOR THE 2008 MODEL YEAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS: THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A GROSS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS. THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED BEHAVING ERRATICALLY A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AFTER WE BOUGHT IT IN MAY 2014, WHICH WOULD BE AROUND LATE JULY 2015. HE FIRST SIGN OF A PROBLEM OCCURRED AFTER I FILLED THE GAS TANK IN LATE JULY 2015. THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON EVEN THOUGH THE GAS TANK WAS FULL. I HAD MY MECHANIC CLEAR IT. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED ABOUT 6 WEEKS LATER. AFTER THAT THE ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE BEHAVIOR I DESCRIBED STARTED OCCURRING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2015
LATE LAST YEAR (2014) MY GAS GAUGE SUDDENLY SHOWED EMPTY (WITH EMPTY LIGHT COMING ON) ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE GLS 2..3 L ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I TOOK VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC, WHO TOLD ME THE FAIL CODES RELATED TO THE A AND B SENSORS IN THE FUEL TANK NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND $700.00. MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER ANY WARRANTY. I ASKED IF THIS DEFECT IS CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OR OTHER PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE, ETC. AND HE SAID NO. I SAID WELL, I COULD LIVE WITH THIS BY ZEROING OUT MY TRIP INDICATOR AND KEEPING TRACK THAT WAY, KNOWING MY APPROXIMATE MPG. (I LIVE IN WISCONSIN ON THE LAKESHORE AND WE ARE UNDER MANDATORY EMISSIONS TESTING DUE TO THE POLLUTED AIR COMING UP FROM ILLINOIS AND BEING TRAPPED BY LAKE MICHIGAN.) HE TOLD THAT NEXT YEAR (CURRENT 2015), MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS EMISSIONS BECAUSE THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT IS ON! NOW AS REGISTRATION IS DUE IN NOVEMBER, I HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. FIRST OFF, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I FORGOT TO ZERO OUT MY TRIP ODOMETER AND RAN OUT OF GAS IN TIN-BUK-TWO, I OR MY WIFE (WHO DOESN'T HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT) COULD BE STRANDED IN A DANGEROUS AREA. SECONDLY, I GET SCREWED ON NOT BEING ABLE TO REGISTER MY VEHICLE DUE TO A NON-EMISSIONS RELATED ISSUE.