10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,875 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #29

Apr 282014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 109,516 miles
When lowering the driver side sun visor to block sunlight from my eyes, the visor snapped at the arm and fell in front of my line of sight as I was driving down the highway at 65 mph. I was fortunate enough to not have an accident. My safety, along with the safety of others, was compromised when the visor broke and blocked my view. Upon searching for options on how to fix this problem, I came across numerous forums and websites stating that this is a very common problem among the Hyundai cars and SUVS.

- Rosenberg, TX, USA

problem #28

Feb 012014

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated he had to make several attempts to start the vehicle before the engine would operate. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was currently being diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

- Placentia, CA, USA

problem #27

Jan 162013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 107,500 miles
I was driving and my gas gauge read empty, I went immediately to a gas station to fill it and it only took $8. after that the gas gauge would fluctuate full to empty whenever it felt like it. This was a serious defect because if I would have run out of gas on a highway going 55 mph, I would have lost control of the steering and brakes. My father has the exact Santa Fe and has the same exact problem; what are the chances 2 cars in the same family having the same defect? Hyundai would not take responsibly for the defect. If mine and my father's Santa fes have this problem, there have got to be others on the road with this serious defect. Also, my sun visor had little to no wear and tear; I pulled it down one day and it landed in my lap leaving the sun blaring into my eyes. Of all the cars I have ever owned, this has never been an issue for me.

- Islip, NY, USA

problem #26

Feb 172014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 89,800 miles
Brake switch malfunctioned causing ESC off light to illuminate, cruise control not to engage, and brake lights to not illuminate. Check engine code of P0405 being thrown by onboard computer to indicate failure.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

problem #25

Oct 162013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 111,000 miles
Speedometer began bouncing and then completely quit working; outside temperature gauge stuck on lowest temperature read outside, mode buttons for heating and air conditioning operate erratically.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #24

Aug 312011

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
Shortly after having a new battery installed on my car by our local auto supply store a few months ago, I had to replace first one headlight bulb... then a few days later, the other headlight bulb... a couple of weeks later I noticed the gas gauge going bad. It would wobble all over the place. Then I noticed that the guy who installed the battery did not tighten down the terminal. I took it back & he fixed that. Went to church one Sunday morning with an almost full tank of gas. When I started the car in the church parking lot the yellow empty warning light was on. Then I drove to the nearest gas station for a couple bucks of gas. The light went out, but the gauge continued to wobble. Then a week later the check engine warning light came on. After all this, the car passed inspection. Now both the yellow low-gas warning light and the check-engine light are on again & won't go off. The technician told us that the fuel sensor is bad & that repairs would cost up to $800.

- Elizabethtown, PA, USA

problem #23

Aug 072013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 43,492 miles
The brakes light was functioning (not on) when the brake pedal is depressed. The ESC off light start to stay on.

- East Longmeadow, MA, USA

problem #22

May 242013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
Brake light module fails to light up, which causes higher risk of collision. There is recall on this, but this does not cover my vehicle. This vehicle has multiple problems, all of which are hazards. The gas gauge needle does not function properly, and shows erratic gas usage, even showing the low fuel light right after filling up. The ESC light stays on, which causes the engine light to stay on. And the vehicle will hesitate at times when the gas pedal is depressed. All of these issues have been reported by other Santa Fe owners.

- Irmo, SC, USA

problem #21

Jul 112013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 49,000 miles
Hello, I am the original owner of a 2007 Santa Fe. I was driving last week to pick up my 6 year old daughter when all of a sudden in the middle of an intersection I had no power when I pressed on the gas pedal. I coasted into the parking lot, noticed the check engine light on, shut off the car and immediately grabbed my manual to see what happened. When returning to the car after getting my daughter from camp, the car started and we made it home. I am fortunate that my work, camp, and our home are very close. The next morning I called my Hyundai dealer and discussed what they thought may have happened. They and I agreed it was better safe than sorry to bring it in to be checked. I just returned from the appointment and was told it was the "throttle position sensor", which is a very important part considering you can just lose power in the middle of an intersection or a highway. I only have 49,000 miles on my car, which is great for a 2007. I would expect these important parts to hold up much longer than that. I would appreciate you investigating this very important matter. I and many other families have very precious cargo we carry in our cars...our kids. Thank you!

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #20

May 272013

Santa Fe

  • 106,300 miles
My experience and observation is same what is explain in the earlier post. I car does have brake light switch failure which was not covered under the recall. Unfortunately I have shell out $70 from pocket to fix it. The Hyundai dealer (Hyundai mark zimmerman) charged me $291 for fixing the tps and programming the ECM. When I would begin acceleration the vehicle would hesitate then take off rapidly then I would loose power to a speed of @ 25 miles per hour and the ESC off switch would appear on the dashboard followed by the check engine light. I safely pulled over and turned the vehicle off for about 30 seconds. Once I turned the vehicle back on, the dashboard lights would go out and I would repeat this cycle 8-9 times before being able to drive normally. On several occasions after driving normally for about 10 miles the ESC off light would reappear on the dashboard in my opinion this is a serious malfunction and certainly dangerous combination and should be labeled as a recall. Hyundai should value the safety and expectations of their car buyers. Thanks!

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #19

May 222013

Santa Fe

  • 54,000 miles
Fuel sensors have gone out and fuel gauge fluctuates between empty and 1/2 tank. Causes engine light to come on. Known issue, yet no recalls or acknowledgement from Hyundai.

- Centennial, CO, USA

problem #18

Feb 092013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 69,000 miles
While traveling on the interstate at approximately 70 mph, I attempted to deactivate the cruise control by tapping on the brake pedal. The cruise control did not turn off even with holding the brake down harder. I was able to shut off the cruise control using the off switch on the steering wheel. Upon exiting the interstate and reaching my destination, I could not get the shifter to go into park. After shutting the car off and on several times, I got it to go into park. It has only done this one time and never happened since then. Fortunately, I was driving and not my teenage daughter who normally drives this vehicle. Her lack of experience may have caused her to panic when the cruise control failed to deactivate with the brake pedal.

- Hurricane, WV, USA

problem #17

Mar 182013

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
SUV will start but ESC light stays on and then the SUV fails to accelerate. SUV must then be restarted for a cycle of 10-15 times upon which time the ESC light turns off and SUV will then accelerate when going up a hill. System failure has occurred daily since March 2013. Dealership knows Hyundai is recalling 2007 Santa Fe but refuses to service vehicle at no cost unless I receive a recall notice.

- Jarrettsville, MD, USA

problem #16

Jul 302012

Santa Fe

  • 75,000 miles
My car has died 3 times after I turn. I have turned both left and right when this happens. I usually happens when I'm turning out of my driveway or onto another street/road as slower speeds. I lose power steering, my car dies and my battery light quickly flashes on with this happens. Once I turn the car off and turn it back on, everything works again. And no warning lights are on. This just happens to me sparatically. It has happened 3 times over the last 4 months. I've taken it in twice to the dealer. Once they replaced a part (sorry do not recall at this time). However it did it a few weeks after that was replaced, so obviously wasn't what was wrong with it. The second time they just told me they do not know what is wrong. And state they could help me, nor will it be covered under my warranty if it happens over 100,000 miles. I've now heard of others this has happened too.

- Lake City, MN, USA

problem #15

Dec 092011

Santa Fe

  • 75,000 miles
ESC off light is illuminated when vehicle is not in park, and check engine light is illuminated. Brake lights don't work (seem to be always on). I got the problem code from the vehicle, did some research, and found Hyundai campaign 092 covered these conditions caused by a faulty stop lamp switch. I contacted Hyundai, and they informed me my vehicle was manufactured (July 2006) prior to the recall date range (which started in Oct 2006), and would not be replaced without charge by a dealer. This is the same problem as was covered in the recall, and Hyundai should be liable to fix it!

- Marion, IA, USA

problem #14

Feb 012011

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
I received a recall letter from Hyundai concerning the airbags in the vehicle. I realized that my airbag light on my dash had been on for a long time, perhaps a year or two, but I thought that was normal and didn't realize it meant it didn't work. I brought my vehicle to the dealer and they performed the repair related to the recall. The dealer stated that the repair did not fix the problem as the airbag light was still on. I agreed to pay the diagnostic charge so the dealer could find the problem. The dealer says there is a short in the wiring harness that is the cause of the problem which would cost $1500 to fix. They said the SRS computer and airbag sensor may also need to be replaced for a cost of $600 and $400 respectively.

- Crystal, MN, USA

problem #13

Jul 252011

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 55,800 miles
Wife's car-driving one day and noticed airbag warning light on. Took to dealer. Dealer said it was safe to drive while part was ordered, would not offer loaner. Came back and had part installed a week-1/2 later, after finally got part notice in mail. Part replaced-no light anymore. Problem is back again. Called customer service, but they don't seem to be too concerned.

- Mechanicsville, VA, USA

problem #12

Jun 022010

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they informed the contact that there was a wiring malfunction within the steering column. The technician also advised that in the event of a crash, the air bags could possibly not deploy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also contacted and offered no assistance. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 03/16/11 the consumer also stated the headlights went out and have been replaced 10 times or more since the vehicle was purchased. Also, the passenger front door was not locking/unlocking periodically. The consumer believed the vehicle had an electrical problem. Updated 06/03/11

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #11

Sep 172008

Santa Fe

  • miles
Three major complaints. At 18,000 miles the top seal of the engine had to be replaced, repaired under warranty. At 21,000 mile the rear brake calipers had to be repaired for sticking and pads replaced at owners expense. Owner told by dealership the cause was "probably from salt used to treat road surfaces during snow removal". Hyundai refused warranty claim and would not admit improper materials used for braking system. At 27,000 miles, multiple visits to dealership for repair of inoperating turn signals. Parts replaced in attempt to repair include electrical box in steering column, all bulbs, flasher unit, grounding points for system. Problem recurring and dangerous.

- Granby, CT, USA

problem #10

Jun 232010

Santa Fe

  • 56,000 miles
Wednesday, June 23, 2010: Car was parked in a store parking lot. On approach to car smoke was observed on the interior of the car. Upon opening the car, smoke and fire could be seen centered around the right side seat warmer switch and electrical port. Nothing was plugged in and key was not in the ignition. Fire was put out by blowing on it. Seat warmer switch was melted on the right side and the electrical port cap was partially melted and blown off into the console tray. Soot and damage to buttons and console above the seat warmer buttons along with bubbled, melted vinyl on center console. Returned car to Hyundai dealership the next morning. Service mgr said that it was something that we had plugged in and took pictures. Service mgr sent pictures to corporate headquarters. Corp headquarters also said it was something that we did. Contacted Hyundai Consumer Affairs and asked for investigation behind the panel. June 19, 2010 Hyundai investigated and said that they could not determine the cause of the fire so it must have been something that we did.

- Flemington, NJ, USA

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