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
358 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED TWICE BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,004.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS INCONCLUSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THREE YEARS LATER THE CONTACT COMPLAINED OF AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR BRAKES, WHICH WERE WORN TO THE SCREWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE DEALER RULED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,900.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 21, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED. THE POLICE WERE PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEMATOMA AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Service brakes, Aug 25, 2012
VEHICLE HAS BEEN OWNED FOR 35 MONTHS AND HAS 25,968 MILES. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPAIR/REPLACE METAL TO METAL CONTACT OF LR BRAKES UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS 2ND OCCURRENCE. 1ST OCCURRENCE WAS RR ON 6/13/2011 @ 15,771 MILES WHICH WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. ROTOR TURNED AND NEW BRAKE PADS INSTALLED. A RUSTY (DEFECTIVE MFGR) RATTLE CLIP WHICH SNAPS INTO THE CALIPER BRACKET CAUSES BRAKE PADS TO HANG UP OR NOT RETRACT AFTER APPLYING PRESSURE AND DRAG EXCESSIVELY CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR/FAILURE AT HALF OF NORMAL PAD LIFE EXPECTANCY. THIS SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION CASE NATIONWIDE. MAKE HYUNDAI REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY THE DEFECTIVE RUSTY PART TO PREVENT PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR AND/OR FAILURE. REAR DISC BRAKES SHOULD EASILY LAST 50,000 MILES OR MORE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 18, 2012
WE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN MAKING NOISE WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE PEDAL. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT WAS THE "BREAKING IN" PERIOD. THE BRAKES WERE MAKING LOUD NOISES AND NOT WORKING CORRECTLY WHEN WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON SEPT 12, 2011.THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE STICKING TO THE ROTORS OVERHEATING THE ROTORS. THE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE JUST BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN AGAIN FOR SERVICE AND THE INDICATION IS THE ALL THE BRAKES MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AT 22,000 MILES. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES IN THE CAR AND THE DEALER CAN ONLY EXPLAIN THAT IT IS DUE TO THE HILLS IN OUR TOWN AND THAT THE BRAKES ARE NO LONGER MADE OF ASBESTOS. I NEVER REPLACED MY BRAKES IN OTHER CARS UNTIL I HAD BETWEEN 35K & 45K MILES AND I HAVE LIVED IN THIS TOWN FOR 30 YEARS. I BELIEVE THE "BREAKING IN" PERIOD FOR THE BRAKES IS BROKEN! HYUNDAI SHOULD STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE A MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR BRAKES. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 14, 2012
MY 2009 SANTA FE WOULD SQUEAK WHILE DRIVING, BUT THE NOISE STOPPED WHEN BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE HANGING AND THE ROTORS WERE RUSTED. MY CAR ONLY HAD 26,627 MILES. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS WITH A LOT MORE MILEAGE AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED AND THE DEALERSHIP DID THE FOLLOWING: MACHINED REAR ROTORS AND LUBRICATED SLIDE RAILS, REMACHINED REAR ROTORS, REMOVED AND CLEANED CALIPERS AND ALL HARDWARE. THIS WAS ON 10/4/2011. FAST FORWARD TO THE END OF JULY 2012 AND MY CAR IS MAKING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE. ON 08/9/12 WITH ONLY 37,843 (APPROX 10,000 MILES LATER) THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MY REAR BRAKES WERE SHOT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AM NOW FINDING THAT THESE CARS HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT REAR BRAKES BUT NONE OF IT IS COVERED. I ALSO NEED NEW TIRES AND FROM WHAT I AM READING ABOUT THE REAR BRAKE PROBLEMS THIS IS ALSO CONTRIBUTING TO THE WEARING OUT OF THE TIRES. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS AND SINCE THE 2011 SANTA FE HAS BRAKE RECALLS, I FEEL THAT THE EARLIER MODELS WITH THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF AND PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER. BRAKES ARE IMPORTANT AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A BODILY HARM. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE IGNORED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2012
INCIDENT 1: (10-20-2010) DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT WAS FOGGING UP CONSTANTLY. DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD LIGHT UNDER WARRANTY. INCIDENT 2: (02-22-2011) UPON FILL-UP OF THE GAS TANK, JUST BEFORE IT WAS TOPPED OFF, THERE WAS A SERIES OF CLUNKING NOISES. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE GAS TANK WAS REPLACED. INCIDENT 3: (05-01-2011 APPROX.) UPON REMOVAL OF THE CABIN AIR FILTER COVER, THE LITTLE PLASTIC PARTS THAT ARE SQUEEZED TO REMOVE THE COVER BROKE, WHICH WOULDN'T ALLOW THE COVER TO GO BACK ON. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PART AND I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE FILTER YET. INCIDENT 4: (11-12-2011) DRIVING 60 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AS I WAS PULLING OVER TO CHECK OUT THE SITUATION, THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING! MY SERPENTINE BELT BROKE! AFTER IT WAS TOWED, THE DEALER REPLACED IT, ALONG WITH BELT TENSIONER AND IDLER PULLEY! INCIDENT 5: (07-30-2012) I WAS COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT AND UPON DECELERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE RPM GAGE SHOWED 1100 RPM AND IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WANTED TO MOVE AS IF I WAS PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I DID TRY TO ACCELERATE, THERE WAS NO POWER TO ACCELERATE ( THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, ETC, BUT WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, I COULD ONLY MOVE A FEW MILES PER HOUR.) I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON, AND I GAINED ACCELERATION POWER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED I HAD A FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AS WELL AS BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND BOTH WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. [CURRENT MILEAGE ON VEHICLE AFTER ALL INCIDENTS: 48,897]
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2012
REAR BRAKE PADS ARE STICKING DUE TO KNOWN ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI. PARTS ARE CORRODED CAUSING REAR PADS TO RIDE AGAINST ROTORS CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND HEAT WHEEL/TIRES ARE RUNNING EXCESSIVELY HOT AND PADS ARE WEARING OUT WITHIN A FEW THOUSAND MILES. DEALER TOLD CUSTOMER OF KIT TO REPLACE PROBLEM BUT NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Air bags, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSORS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT MAY NOT FUNCTION IN THE EVENT OF CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Service brakes, Jul 4, 2012
RIGHT REAR BREAK STARTED TO SQUEAL WHEN APPLIED FOR SLOW DOWN TO STOP. WHEN STARTING TO PROCEED IT WILL DRAG FOR A COUPLE HUNDRED FEET AND STOP. AGAIN WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED, SAME THING STARTED OVER. WHILE CHECKING ON THE COMPUTER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I WILL BRING BACK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND SEE WHAT THERE BULL[XXX] ANSWER WILL BE. I WILL ALSO BE BRINGING THIS LETTER, AS I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN ANY RECALL NOTICES OF THIS. SUV HAS ONLY 24,600 MILES. ALSO JUST A ADDED COMPLAINT THE TIRES HAVE WORN DOWN ON INSIDE EDGE AS VEHICLE IS FOR LONG STRAIGHT TRIPS MOSTLY AND HAVE BEEN ROTATED AND BALANCED EVERY 5,000 MILES. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL HAD BECOME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE HER FOOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND LIFT THE PEDAL OFF OF THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2012, crash
I MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO MY DRIVEWAY USING LIGHT ACCELERATION (12 MPH) TO GENTLY OVERCOME THE UPWARD SLOPE AS I DO NORMALLY. THE CAR RESPONDED WELL. AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE (THE LAST 5-7 FEET), I APPLIED LIGHT PRESSURE THE ACCELERATOR TO EASE INTO MY SPACE AND THE CAR SURGED. DURING THE SURGE, I APPLIED AS MUCH FORCE AS I COULD SLAMMING BOTH FEET (ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER) ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR RESPONDED TOO LATE. I HAD COLLIDED WITH THE GARAGE WALL. THERE WAS FRONT-END AND DRY-WALL DAMAGE. AFTER REVIEWING SOME REVIEWS FOR MY MODEL CAR ON EDMUNDS.COM, I REALIZED THE UNCONTROLLABLE SURGE IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS MODEL SUV, WHICH DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE COMPANY OR DEALERS. THEREFORE, I HAVE DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT HYUNDAI WILL INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION AND FIGURE OUT A WAY TO REMEDY THESE SURGES AND KEEP THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFE. *TR
Power train, Feb 13, 2012
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING OUT TO EAT AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN UPON ENTERING THE PARKING LOT. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND WE LUNGED FORWARD, LIKE SOMEONE HAD HIT US FROM BEHIND. MY WIFE HAD TOLD ME THIS HAD HAPPENED TO HER A FEW OTHER TIMES WHERE SHE THOUGHT SHE HIT SOMEONE OR THEY HAD RUN INTO HER. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR US. WE THEN SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THESE WONDERFUL CARS! WE SPOKE WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT HYUNDAI AND TOLD THEM OF OUR CONCERN WITH THE CAR AND WE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. THE WOMAN THEN TOLD MY WIFE TO TRADE THE CAR IF SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE. MY WIFE SAID SO YOU WANT ME TO GET RID OF A CAR AND HAVE SOMEONE ELSE PURCHASE THE CAR WHEN THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. HER REPLY WAS, "YES I THINK THAT IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO." IT BLOWS MY MIND TO THINK THAT SOMEONE WOULD RATHER PUT THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN DANGER THAN TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE, BUT THERE WAS NO DETERMINATION OF WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT MAY HAVE ORIGINATING IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BATTERY, OR FUSE BOX. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 17, 2012
MY REAR BRAKES WERE MAKING NOISE SO I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT.THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE STICKING TO THE ROTORS OVERHEATING THE ROTORS. BOTH THE REAR PADS & ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPENED SO SOON SO I CALLED THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP. OWNER SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE HILLY AREA WHERE I LIVED. I HAVE LIVED IN THE AREA FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS SO I ASKED WHY I NEVER HAD TO CHANGE MY BRAKES ON OTHER NEW CARS I HAD BOUGHT AT THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL WELL AFTER 30,000 MILES. HE HAD NO ANSWER. WHAT A JOKE! THE ONLY CONCLUSION THAT I CAN ARRIVE AT IS THAT THERE IS A DEFECT AND HYUNDAI DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR IT. THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI AND I HAVE NOT HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE OTHER MODELS, A 2002 SONATA AND A 2010 ELANTRA. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THAT THE ROTORS OVERHEATED BECAUSE THE ROTORS WERE NOT PROPERLY GREASED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,773 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ UPDATED 02/13/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2012
LOTS OF SQUEALING FROM THE CAR FOR OVER A MONTH. BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH THERE IS BARELY 16,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO SAID ONE BRAKE PAD IN PARTICULAR WAS VERY WORN OUT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A CAR WITH THIS LITTLE MILEAGE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 14, 2011
RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SEEMS TO HESITATE THEN HAS A MINOR ACCELERATION. IT SEEMS AS IF ITS ABOUT TO STALL BUT CATCHES AND ACCELERATES OR INCREASES TO ORIGINAL SPEED. THIS IS CONCERNING ESPECIALLY WHEN IT OCCURS DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. IN ADDITION, I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY AT 24, 348 MILES AS THE CAR DIED ON ME TWICE WHILE TRAVELING. I PURCHASED A BATTERY FROM O'RIELLY AUTO PARTS AS IT WAS CLOSER TO MY HOME. THE DEALER WOULD ONLY STATE THAT BATTERY FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE SANTE FE HOWEVER SINCE I DIDN'T BRING MY CAR TO THEM THE BATTERY IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT BATTERY LIFE IS THIS SHORT. *KB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 24, 2011
ON MONDAY, AUGUST 22, AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN PEWAUKEE ROAD, I DECIDED TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE TO PASS A SEMI TRUCK. SUDDENLY I HEAR THE CAR ENGINE REVVING AND THE CAR'S SPEED WAS ACCELERATING. AS THERE WAS A CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME AND THE SEMI TRUCK TO THE RIGHT, I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I POSSIBLY COULD. THE CAR WAS HARD TO CONTROL AND FOR A BRIEF TIME I WAS IN THE ON-COMING TRAFFIC LANE. ALL I COULD THINK OF IS GET ON A SIDE ROAD. THE CAR WOULD NOT REACT TO THE BRAKES. I TURNED ONTO A SIDE ROAD, AIMED MY CAR AT A ROAD SIGN AND STEEL BOLLARDS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO THEY COULD AT LEAST STOP THE CAR, THREW THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE KEY OFF (I AM NOT SURE IN WHICH ORDER I DID THE LAST 2 STEPS). FORTUNATELY THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A WINDING NOISE. HYUNDAI ROADSIDE SERVICE PICKED UP THE CAR. THEIR SERVICE MANAGER INDICATES THEY CAN NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT WAS SUGGESTED I HAD THE FLOOR MATT BUNCHED UP UNDER THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. GIVE ME A BREAK! I'M NOT A COMPLAINER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER LODGED A CONSUMER COMPLAINT. BUT I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AT THE TIME AND I AM VERY HESITANT ABOUT GETTING BACK IN THAT CAR TONIGHT (MY HUSBAND IS PICKING IT UP FROM ARROW HYUNDAI). I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT HURTING MYSELF -- I DON'T THINK I COULD EVER GET OVER IT IF I HURT SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE OF THIS CAR. SO HYUNDAI CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. DID ANYONE THINK THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO? THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS HYUNDAI DOING ABOUT A PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE VERY DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET. WHAT IS HYUNDAI GOING TO DO WHEN A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM KILLS SOMEONE? HYUNDAI DID NOTHING FOR ME. THEY INITIALLY SEEM VERY PERPLEXED ABOUT SUCH A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, TODAY WHEN MY HUSBAND ARRIVED WITH A HAND FULL OF PRINTED BLOGS ALL THEY WANTED TO SAY WAS THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT WOULD DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. I DON'T TRUST THAT THEY WILL SO I AM DOCUMENTING THE PROBLEM MYSELF. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2011, crash
I GET ACCELERATION PROBLEM IN MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2009., WHENEVER MY CAR GETS SLOW IT SEE CAR IT GOING BY IT SELF EVEN THOU MY FOOT IN MY THE BREAK. IT ALSO GIVES MY FEELING THAT CAR IS STOPS AND GO SOMETHING LIKE CAR IS JERKING OFF. I EVEN SEE LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IN MARCH 201, MY WIFE GOT IN TO THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM. BUT, WE DID NOT REALIZE THAT AT THAT TIME. AND, MY WIFE TOLD ME THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT WE DID NOT BELIEVE IT AT THAT TIME. NOW, WE ARE FACING MORE PROBLEMS. DEALERS ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING. THEY JUST TOLD ME THAT THEY DON'T SEE THE PROBLEMS. CAN YOU GUYS REALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED OR GET IN TO THE ACCIDENTS. HOPE YOU CONSIDER OUR GENUINE COMPLAIN ABOUT ACCELERATION PROBLEM COMPLAIN FOR HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2009. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Jun 16, 2011
ENGINE STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FUEL PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Tires, Jun 10, 2011
I AM IN THE PROCESS OF FINANCING A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THAT HAS BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT TIRES ON IT. THIS CAR HAS 29176 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO A WELL KNOWN PLACE TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AND TIRES ROTATED. THEY CHANGED THE OIL BUT INFORMED ME THAT NONE OF THE TIRES WERE GOING TO BE ABLE TO BE ROTATED BECAUSE OF UNEVEN TREAD WEAR AND THE EXISTING TIRE TREAD IS LESS THAN 2/32NDS OF AN INCH ON EACH TIRE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH ONLY 7 MILES ON IT AND HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR 1 1/2 YEARS SO THE TIRES SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT ON THIS CAR AND HAVE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED REGULARLY SO UNEVEN TREAD WEAR SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE AT THIS POINT. I HAVE ALSO READ REVIEWS ON THIS TIRE ONLINE AND ALL OF THE REVIEWS SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT THE UNEVEN TREAD WEAR, SOME EVEN SAY THAT THE TIRES HAVE EXPLODED. SUCH A COSTLY TIRE OF THIS CALIBER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT SUCH FREQUENT INTERVALS. I WAS READING MY OWNER'S MANUAL AND IT RECOMMENDS THAT TIRES BE REPLACED EVERY 6 YEARS DEPENDING ON DRIVING HABITS. THESE TIRES SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY AND REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. THEY ARE PUTTING INNOCENT PEOPLE IN DANGER EVERYDAY. (TREAD WEAR AS LISTED ON MY RECEIPT: DRIVER FRONT-2/32, DRIVER REAR 5/32, PASSENGER FRONT 3/32 AND PASSENGER REAR 5/32). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 6, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN SHE TRIED TO ACCELERATE SLIGHTLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT DIDN'T MENTION IF THERE WERE ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE WHEEL WAS TURNED AND STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEN TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,000. UPDATED 07/21/11 *BF UPDATED 07/22/11
Seats, May 25, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT MANUAL HANDLE WAS TOUCHED BY MISTAKE EVERY TIME THE CONTACT EXIT THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HANDLE WAS TOUCHED THE SEAT LEVEL WOULD BE LOWERED AND THE VIEW IN THE MIRRORS WOULD BE OBSTRUCTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ UPDATED 3/1/12 *CN
Seats, May 25, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT MANUAL HANDLE WAS TOUCHED BY MISTAKE WHENEVER THE CONTACT EXIT THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HANDLE WAS TOUCHED THE SEAT LEVEL WOULD BE LOWERED AND THE VIEW IN THE MIRRORS WOULD BE OBSTRUCTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149.