2009 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel/propulsion system is the leading concern among 358 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 27 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 26 people were injured and 3 people died.
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
EquipmentOct 6, 2011
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 55538, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.
Campaign 11E040000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
67 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, May 20, 2026
*The mechanic diagnosed internal engine failure (May 14, 2026). The vehicle is at the second mechanic's shop. *The car stalled twice. The first time, over 20 miles, the air conditioning stopped, followed by the radio, and then acceleration. I pulled over and the acceleration returned but only for a minute. The second time, a clacking noise got louder and faster, and three miles later the engine stopped. I coasted and pulled over but had to shift to neutral and use the parking brake to stop. *The first time was a two-lane road (55 MPH). As I lost acceleration, cars slowed behind me. It took so long to turn off on a side road, the car behind me almost hit me as they speeded up to pass. The second time was a busy two-lane road (45 MPH), but the engine stopped so quickly, the person behind me almost rear ended me. Without the steering, the car crossed the middle lane, and I had to haul the steering wheel so I could pull off to a side street. *The first repair shop said the oil was low and suggested the place that changed the oil did not know what it was doing and perhaps didn't put the cap on right. The oil was dripping over the engine and to the bottom of the housing. After driving it, the mechanic said the Hyundai service center should do a diagnostic, but it was safe to drive. The second repair shop did an oil change to see what was happening with the oil flow. He found metal filings as well as other problems and said it this was an internal engine failure. *The Hyundai service center said the vehicle needed to be towed, at my own expense, to the its center for a $185.00 out-of-pocket diagnostic. *In October 2025, the Hyundai dealership serviced the car for a cylinder head oil leak recall/problem. *There were no warning lights either time--no engine or oil lights came on. There were no symptoms or indications of a problem before the first incident (May 7, 2026).
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 16, 2026
Vehicle will suddenly shutdown in the middle of the road. This could easily have caused a crash at any time. Several batteries have been replaced due to alternator not charging the battery. Then the battery has to be jumped for emergencies. I have taken the car in for repairs of the recall twice. I was told that the front end would come off and parts would have to be replaced because of the age of my vehicle they would not fit again. I need a solution to this problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2025
[XXX] We took out Stanta Fe to the Hyundia Dealership in Columbia, TN 38401. The installed a new rover cover gasket left and service kit. The purpose was to stop oil from leaking into the alternator. I would like to point out we did not see any visible signs of the gasket was leaking. We had our regular scheduled oil change in Feb of 2025 and no report of an oil leak. We had a service event at the end of June 2025 and were told there was a visible leak was present and appeared to be about 3 months old. We took it back to the dealership and reported the recall issue was occurring. This was 7/25 and just outside of a year. The stated it would not be covered under warranty/recall now. I called and complain to Hyundia corporate. Waited 2 weeks to say it would be taken care of by the dealership. Called them today to arrange for bring the car in but they had no record of what I was told by Hyundia corporate. I believe this breaking faith w the whole recall process with the NTSB. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly while decelerating from highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, May 18, 2025
Leak coolant and oil
Engine, Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, she was informed that oil was leaking onto the alternator. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under Service Campaign 976 (Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair With Oil Protector Install And Alternator Voltage Test), with the valve cover replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who related the failure to Service Campaign 976 and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine, Nov 1, 2024
This vehicle Dies while driving it I have to put in neutral and restart. I am afraid that I am going to be hurt or someone else is.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 25, 2024
vehicle will randomly shutoff. example coming off the interstate and off the exit ramp and accelerating into traffic vehicle with completly die, no power steering or power brakes. after pulling off the road the vehicle will restart and run normally. may not happen again for several weeks. dealer had performed recalls and cannot duplicate issue
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received a notice for TSB: [XXX] and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the campaign was completed. The contact stated that while an oil change was being performed, she was informed that the valve cover gasket was leaking. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The fuel senders and O rings, the spark plugs, and the valve cover gasket were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The dealer replaced the oil sending unit; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the valve cover gasket, the valve cover gasket kit and the spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that the dealer later replaced the oil pan due to oil leaking. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to make a left turn from a complete stop, the vehicle chugged and started losing electrical power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the alternator internally shorted, the vehicle was stuck in drive(D), and the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer performed an unknown repair. The contact stated that she then received a notice for [XXX] and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the right bank valve cover gasket was fractured, distorted, and was leaking onto the alternator. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the left valve cover gasket was leaking; however, the part was not covered. The dealer only replaced the right bank valve cover gasket. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 74,936. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). The contact stated there seems to be a defect in the valve covers.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2022, crash
Pulling into driveway. Car engine accelerated suddenly. Was just coasting in. The car wouldn't stop. Hit front of a home. The engine sounded like a race car.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2022
I was decelarating after going highway speed on the highway and the car stalled electrical still worked but braking power steering acceleation all stopped working and engine lights turned on and esc and other lights i retarted the car and no engine lights turned on i went to my mechanic he said it dosnt show on diagnostics so he cant fix it this is just one incident its happend numerous times and it almost caused accident its dangerous and must be dealt with right away
Engine, Aug 13, 2022
January 2022, I had to have the car towed to the dealership after the car came to an abrupt stop in the middle of driving. Once at the dealership, it was determined that oil leakage from the engine had coated the alternator. I researched this to only discover Service Campaign SB-100058931-4495 (08/15/2015) had alerted dealerships to cylinder head gasket and alternator challenges as described in Campaign 15-01-031 (July 2015). Also referenced was Service Campaign 936. I had not received a notice from my dealer, nor had the 17-point "inspection" revealed this problem any service in the last 6.5 years since the Hyundai alert. This week, 08/09/2022, I drove to the dealership after two days of calling. Eight calls - no answer. I requested the service director (Mr. Matt) look at a video showing smoke rising from the engine compartment after a 30 minute drive and ask him to look at the engine area where oil spray has returned. I am concerned about driving the vehicle for fear of fire hazard, particularly since I must make a 12-hour roundtrip drive next weekend. I was assured there was not fire hazard or safety issue to be concerned about and was scheduled for the next available service appt on August 31, 2022. I drove the car this morning 17 miles and the engine compartment again was releasing visible smoking oil fumes. Apparently, this repair needs to be done again to ensure the engine gasket problem (likely caused by the different metals used on the bolts and screws through the engine block causing the components to loosen) needs to be completed again....under the original Bulletin. I have read the filings and it appears some vehicles have required the service repair up to 3 times. I expect the labor and parts to be covered. In the meantime, rest assured I have plans to rent a vehicle for that long required drive. The dealer has refused to provide any assistance with the loaner. Terrible service. No fire hazard? Really?
Engine, Jun 30, 2021
While exiting highway, decelerating but still going mid-range speed (about 40 mph), car stalled and all power was lost. Could no longer control direction and almost slammed into median the first time (two days ago) and today, almost slammed into oncoming traffic.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 19, 2021
While driving on the interstate, I approached my exit. As I am slowing down, the engine shuts off and steering becomes very hard. I quickly shifted into neutral to restart the car to avoid a crash. There were no warning lights on the dash before shutting down. I immediately took it to a mechanic to see what the problem was. He said he saw none. This has been going on since September 2020 and it is happening more than one time a day. Since then, I have taken it to 4 other mechanics who have all told me that they don't see any problems. I take chances everyday not knowing when the car will shut down on me while driving because this is my only vehicle that I just bought in April of 2020. This is a very serious problem that should've been looked into.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2021
THE FUEL GAGE IS BROKEN, IT READS EMPTY WHEN FULL. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND TOOK IT IN TO FIX IT. $400.00 LATER IT WAS FIXED. NOW I HEAR CLINKING SOUND FROM ENGINE. I THINK THE PISTONS RINGS ARE BAD. I'VE READ OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE!
Engine, Oct 27, 2020
RANDOMLY HESITATES AND THEN STALLS WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Oct 6, 2020
TWO TIMES MY CAR HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING, ONE AT 10 MPH AND ONE AT 20 MPH. THERE ARE NO SIGNS THAT THE CAR IS GOING TO STALL. HAVE NO LIGHTS, BRAKES, STEERING, CAN'T EVEN USE HAZARD LIGHTS.
Engine, Aug 17, 2020
JUST BOUGHT A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. I DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT OUT OF TOWN BEFORE IT STALLED ON ME SEVERAL TIMES. I WOULD HURRY UP PUT IN PARK AND START UP. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY SEEN THIS A LOT OF TIMES BEFORE. ITS THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. 2375 DOLLAR FIX.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2020
2 ISSUES - (1 )WHILE TURNING, LOSES POWER STEERING MOMENTARILY, BATTERY AND SEAT BELT LIGHTS COME ON TEMPORARILY (2) WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS, CAR "BUCKS" AS IF TRANSMISSION JAMMED OR BRAKES LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY --BOTH ISSUES ARE INTERMITTENT, AND MAY BE UNRELATED--
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 9, 2019
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED IN 2011. OVER THE YEARS, AT RANDOM TIMES, THE RADIO WILL "POP" OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO AFFECT THE REST OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE CAR, BUT IT'S A LITTLE SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS - MECHANIC CAN'T REPLICATE. NOW, TWICE IN THE LAST WEEK, MY CAR HAS STALLED WHILE SLOWING DOWN, ONCE ON A MULTI-LANE STREET AND ONCE AFTER DECELERATING COMING OFF THE EXPRESSWAY (COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, STEERING, BRAKES, ETC). I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND SCARED THE CR*P OUT OF ME! I'M TERRIFIED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AT A HIGHER SPEED ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL MENTIONS OF SIMILAR POWER LOSSES FOR THIS SAME VEHICLE. I HAVE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND NO CODES COME UP WHEN SCANNED. NO RECALLS REPORTED EITHER, ALTHOUGH A POWER LOSS AT THE WRONG TIME COULD KILL SOMEONE. NOT SURE IF THIS IS ELECTRICAL, ENGINE OR FUEL SYSTEM RELATED - I HAD OVER A HALF A TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR DURING BOTH OCCURRENCES.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 5, 2019
VEHICLE STALLS WHILE SLOWING DOWN. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, HEADLIGHTS AND POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ARE LOST, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. IMAGINE DRIVING DOWN A DARK WINDY ROAD AT NIGHT AND LOSING POWER STEERING AND BRAKING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. THIS IS ACCURATE TO THE EXPERIENCE. IF I TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON, IT STARTS JUST FINE. IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE, ON THE FREEWAY, WHILE PARKING, ETC. EVERY PERSON I HAVE TALKED TO WITH SAME VEHICLE CONFIRMS THE SAME. I HAVE YET TO FIND ANYONE WITH A FIX. THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR 2010 AND ON FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE. THIS ISSUE STARTED HAPPENING IN 2015 WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, AND IT HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN FOR YEARS.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2019
AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND DECELERATING, HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2009 VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLS WITH NO WARNING. NO ERROR CODES SHOW. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SHUTS DOWN AND IS AN ACCIDENT RISK. ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKE OPERATION SHUT DOWN.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, May 29, 2019
FINALLY GOT HYUNDAI TO REPLACE MY RUSTED SUBFRAME ENGINE CRADLE (TOOK ALMOST 8 MONTHS TO GET PARTS) AND AFTER THEY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS, I WENT AND PICKED IT UP. EVERYTHING SEAMED OKAY, BUT APON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE, THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK WHEN LETTING OFF THE BRAKE TO START MOVING. ALSO WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE, GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE SAME SOUND HAPPENS. THE SOUND ALSO EMITS WHEN GOING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE AND VISE VERSA.
Engine, Sep 7, 2018
PURCHASED USED W/ 103K MI ON IT FROM A DEALERSHIP. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT DEALERSHIP - ALTERNATOR AND PURGE VALVE REPLACED - THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. DROVE HOME AND JUST BEFORE TURNING RIGHT INTO DRIVEWAY AND STILL ON 55MPH BUSY COUNTY ROAD, ENGINE SHUT OFF (ALL DASH AND CONSOLE LIGHTS ON AND WIPERS RUNNING) RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. NO STEERING OR BRAKES. I HAD TO COAST TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PUT IT IN PARK, TURNED THE KEY OFF AND TURNED IT RIGHT BACK ON. WAS ABLE TO BACK UP AND PULL INTO MY DRIVEWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AS IT WAS BEING TAKEN BACK TO THE SHOP THE NEXT DAY - NO SIGN OF FIX. I HAD JUST DRIVEN FROM THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE (ABOUT 25 MILES) ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE...A NUMBER OF RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS, ON AND OFF RAMPS, STOP LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS AND RESIDENTIAL ROADS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE TOTALED OUT AND SOLD FOR PARTS. HYUNDAI SHOULD RETURN OUR MONEY - WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE.
Service brakes, Engine, Aug 1, 2018
MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE VALVE COVER GASKETS ON THE 3.3 V6. HYUNDAI REPLACED TWICE UNDER RECALLS. GASKETS HAVE FAILED AGAIN AND HYUNDAI REFUSES TO REPLACE. REAR BRAKE CALIPERS ARE CONSTANTLY LOCKING UP. HAVE BEEN SINCE NEW. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN WITH THIS.