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.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 21, 2018
THE FUEL SYSTEM LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, I PUT GAS IN IT BUT IT KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THE TRUCK IS EMPTY AND IT SOMETIMES STALLS. THEN IT I LET IT SIT A DAY OR 2, THEN THE GAS ARROW STARTS TO MOVE UP AND DOWN, I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT, MOST OF THE TIME IT DOESN'T SHOW IF I HAVE GAS OR NOT.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING. THE DEALER (HATFIELD HYUNDAI, 1400 AUTO MALL PKWY, COLUMBUS, OH 43228) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Air bags, Apr 26, 2018, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY STOPPED IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC ON AN EXIT RAMP. ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED, FAILED TO NOTICE TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED AND STRUCK MY VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT CAUSED HEAVY DAMAGE TO MY REAR BUMPER, BENT THE FRAME AND CRUMPLED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL, ETC. IT ALSO LAUNCHED MY VEHICLE DIAGONALLY INTO THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER AND DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL, ETC. THE IMPACT LAUNCHED ME FORWARD AND MY FACE SMASHED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, BREAKING MY NOSE, INJURING MY EYE SOCKET, CAUSING A CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH IN MY NECK. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, IT MAY HAVE SAVED MY FACE AND PREVENTING OTHER INJURIES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 26, 2018
FIRST PROBLEM, GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. FLUCTUATED UP AND DOWN, THEN WOULD READ EMPTY RIGHT AFTER FILLING THE TANK. HAD TO HAVE 2 SENSORS AND FUEL PUMP CHANGED. VERY EXPENSIVE!! NOW THE CAR STALLS WHEN SLOWING DOWN. EVERY MORNING WHEN I LEAVE FOR WORK IT STALLS AT LEAST ONCE, IT HAS STARTED BACK UP, BUT THIS MORNING THE MOTOR FELT VERY GROGGY AND I DID NOT FEEL SAFE IN DRIVING IT ANYMORE. TOOK IT HOME. I'VE BROUGHT IT TO MECHANICS AND IT NEVER DIES FOR THEM AND THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, DID IT TWO MORE TIMES AFTER THAT, TAKING IT TONIGHT TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE IT OUT. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE!! IT DIED THE FIRST TIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET! I WAS SO AFRAID SOMEONE WAS GOING TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF ME! THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM AND ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH OTHER SANTA FE OWNERS FOR THIS YEAR. I WANT HYUNDAI TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND RECALL THESE CARS! THEY ARE UNSAFE!!!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2018
ENGINE STALLED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS WITH NO BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING.I AM SCARED TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPEND DRIVING AT 55MPH ON FREEWAY.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED AGAINST A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN WRIST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAMELBACK HYUNDAI (1500 E CAMELBACK ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014) AND WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,600.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2018
DOOR PANELS HAVE BECOME GOOY, THE VINYL/LEATHER HAS BECOME GOOEY AND COMES OFF ON YOUR HANDS, ARMS, CLOTHING, ETC. IT IS VERY STRANGE AND IS NOT NORMAL. NEEDS TO BE FIXED BUT NOT BY ME. WHAT DO I DO AND WHERE DO I TAKE IT? THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2018
GAS GAGE INDICATION SHOWS EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL OR EMPTY. THIS HAPPENED WITH OUR 2008 SANTA FE TOO.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2018
OIL LEAK FROM VALVE COVER GASKET WHICH HAS BEEN FIXED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. AND GAS METER IS NOT READING THE CORRECT LEVEL OF GAS.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2018, crash
AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ON. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE. HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT CLEARED. CAR WAS PUT BACK TOGETHER AND NOT ON A SALVAGE TITLE. FUEL PUMP SENSORS ARE AT FAULT. NEED TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP SENSORS. ALL FAULT CODES APPEAR WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION.
Suspension, Feb 26, 2018
MY CONTROL ARM AND AXLE BROKE AFTER THE JUNE 2017 UNDERCARRIAGE VEHICLE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BECAUSE A HOLE WAS DISCOVERED BECAUSE OF CORROSION. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE AXLE BROKE APART FROM THE BALL JOINT
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2018
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY EVEN AFTER FILLING UP TANK.THE PROBLEM STARTED AT AROUND 100,000 MILES ( GIVE OR TAKE) MECHANIC SAID IT THE FUEL SENSOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE AS PER ELECTRONIC READING.A RECALL MUST BE ISSUED FOR THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. ITS PLAIN TO SEE ITS A COMMON ISSUE. I ALREADY RAN OUT OF GAS DURING MY MORNING COMMUTE ON NYC WESTSIDE HIGHWAY & FDR DRIVE, I LITERALLY ALMOST DIED THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 10, 2018
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEED (70 MPH), CAR STOPPED RESPONDING TO THROTTLE WITH NO WARNING. AS I MERGED TO RIGHT LANE, CAR DIED COMPLETELY AND I HAD TO MANEUVER TO SHOULDER WITH NO POWER. STUCK HERE WITH WIFE AND 2 TODDLERS UNTIL TOWED TO MECHANIC. THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE YEAR LATER, SAME THING (LUCKILY NOT ON INTERSTATE THIS TIME, AND WARNING LIGHT DID COME ON THIS TIME). ALTERNATOR REPLACED AGAIN. LATER IN 2015, HYUNDAI ANNOUNCED A MAINTENANCE CAMPAIGN (#936), AND I WAS REIMBURSED FOR INITIAL 2 EVENTS, AND LOCAL DEALER COMPLETED THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE IN NOV 2015. 2 YEARS LATER, SAME THING: WARNING LIGHTS, OIL ON ALTERNATOR, ETC. LOCAL DEALER AGAIN COMPLETES THE WORK (THANKFULLY AT NO CHARGE TO ME). AS OF TODAY, OIL IS ON THE ALTERNATOR AGAIN, AND I FEEL IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE ISSUE OCCURS AGAIN. AS MY WIFE IS TYPICALLY DRIVING THE KIDS AROUND IN THIS VEHICLE, I DO NOT LIKE THE THOUGHT THAT IT COULD CUT OFF AT ANY MOMENT. I AM HOPING HYUNDAI WILL ANNOUNCE A PERMANENT FIX OR RECALL. I AM REACHING OUT TO THEM FOR ADVICE ON THE LATEST RECURRENCE. INITIAL EVENT: 6/28/14 (MILEAGE: 61020) 2ND EVENT: 6/1/15 (MILEAGE: 79800) HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN COMPLETED: 11/19/15 (MILEAGE: 89512) 3RD EVENT: 08/30/17 (MILEAGE: 119929) FEB 2018 (MILEAGE: 127177) - NOTICE OIL BUILDING ON ALTERNATOR AGAIN
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 10, 2018
2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 3.3 LITER HAS EXPERIENCED OCCASIONAL, RANDOM STALLING OVER A FEW YEARS, ALWAYS WHILE BRAKING AND OFTEN WHILE TURNING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER A PERIOD OF STEADY SPEED DRIVING AND THEN SLOWING DOWN AND TURNING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE STEERING INSTANTLY GETS VERY DIFFICULT AND BRAKING ABILITY LIKEWISE BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT. AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, OR PULLING OVER AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WILL ALWAYS START RIGHT BACK UP AND RUN FINE. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I AM A 50 YEAR OLD MAN WHO CAN WRESTLE THE CAR TO SAFETY (SO FAR), BUT MY WIFE, CHILDREN, OR OTHERS MAY NOT BE SO FORTUNATE. THERE ARE REPEATED MENTIONS OF OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND THESE MOSTLY MENTION A TPS REPLACEMENT AND AN ACCOMPANYING ECU FIRMWARE UPDATE. THERE ARE NO APPARENT RECALLS OR TSBS WITH HYUNDAI THAT AFFECT THIS VEHICLE AND ENGINE COMBINATION, AND THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM FOR WHICH THERE APPEARS TO BE A REMEDY PATH.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2018
SERIOUS FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION. GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY, EVEN AFTER A FILL UP. GAUGE CONTINUES TO READ EMPTY WHETHER STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET, TURNING BRAKING, ETC. I BELIEVE THE CAUSE OF THE SAFETY RISK IS A FAILED FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY, LIKELY PARTS 94460-0W000 AND 94430-0W000. THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM IN THE 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE MODEL. DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD, AS I CANNOT TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN MY TANK WHILE DRIVING. ANOTHER COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS A FAILURE OF THE PURGE VALVE. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED IN MY VEHICLE. THIS DEFECT WILL PROHIBIT THE CAR FROM STARTING IF YOU FILL UP A FULL TANK. SO, THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO FILL UP LESS THAN A FULL TANK SO THAT THEY CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT THE CAR WILL START AFTER PUTTING GAS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A LESS SERIOUS HAZARD THAN THE FUEL GAUGE, BUT WORRISOME NONETHELESS.
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2018
2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR BRAKE PADS BEING WORN. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT FROM THE DEALER UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT IT WAS STREET LEGAL AND SAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER 5 WEEKS, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN TO 0% WEAR AND THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE AT 1% WEAR. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND PADS. *JS
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 22, 2018
MY ESC,ABS& AWD SYMBOL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME & I KNOW OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN HYUNDAIS & HAD THIS ISSUE IM GUESSING THIS IS SOMETHING MAJOR BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT THEY ALL CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2018
FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ PROPERLY WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY LEADING TO RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2017
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF NO STEERING NO GAS NOTHING QUITE DANGEROUS AND QUITE SCARY WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION ON THE STREET
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2017
AT AROUND 90,000 MILES, THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. EVIDENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. EVEN AFTER FILLING THE TANK WITH GAS, THE GAUGE SHOWS "EMPTY". THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE FUEL SENDING UNITS IN THE TANK - THE SENSOR BRUSHES BREAK OFF AND THE UNIT NO LONGER SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE GAUGE. THIS POSES SAFETY ISSUES TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T CAREFULLY TRACK THEIR CAR'S FUEL USE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CAR STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PROBLEM SETS TROUBLE CODES AND LIGHTS THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT.
Air bags, Nov 11, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WILL NOT GO OFF.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 24, 2017
OUR SUNROOF BURST WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR, SUNNY DAY. OUR SPEED WAS ABOUT 40MPH, THE SHADE ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CLOSED AS WAS THE SUNROOF. WE HEARD A LOUD "POP" AND WHEN WE SLID THE INTERIOR SHADE OPEN A SHOWER OF GLASS FELL INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 17, 2017
TAKATA RECALL: ON JUNE 2 2017 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO HAPPY HYUNDAI OF OAK LAWN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS A RECALL BECAUSE OF RUSTING OF MY CARS UNDERCARRIAGE. THEY KEPT MY VEHICLE UNTIL AUGUST 17,2017. ON OCTOBER 5TH, I WAS BACKING IN A PARKING SPOT, WHAT I KNOW NOW AS MY CONTROL ARM, LEFT AXLE AND LEFT BALL JOINT BROKE. HAD IT TOWED HOME, CALLED HAPPY HYUNDAI, HAS IT TOWED THERE. AFTER INSPECTIONING MY VEHICLE THEY DETERMINED THE CONTROL ARM & AXLE WERE A PART OF THE CAMPAIGN RECALL BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX MY VEHICLE. REUBEN TOLD ME ON JUNE 2, THEY WERE CONFISCATING IT BECAUSE I COULD BE DRIVING AND THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE COULD FALL OFF. THANKFULLY I WASN'T DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. HYUNDAI RETURNSES AN UNSAFE VEHICLE TO ME AND ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY IN REPAIRING MY VEHICLE WHEN THEY SHOULD AT LEAST REPAIR THEY RECALL SINCE THE CONTROL ARM & AXLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I THINK AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE OPENED REGARDING THIS RECALL TO ENSURE HYUNDAI IS REPAIRING VEHICLES UP TO SAFETY STANDARDS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. UPDATED 12/07/2017*JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2017
FUEL SENDERS ARE FAILING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND FUEL GAUGE SHOWS NEAR EMPTY EVEN WHEN VEHICLE HAS FULL TANK.