2.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,204 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #24

Aug 142022

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH with adaptive cruise control mode, the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond when depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control mode was no longer operable. The contact stated that she noticed that the adaptive cruise control mode stopped functioning when the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. They associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. The contact stated that they purchased the part necessary for repairs and had a mechanic replace it.

- Urbana, IN, USA

problem #23

Mar 202017

Santa Fe

  • miles
It started off as what seemed like just the bulbs burning out in any which light. Then my passenger window stopped working then started working. The lights still were having issues. It took a bit for me to realize that there is a short or something in the car. The lights go out then come back on then switch which one is out. The worst time was when it went in for an oil change and came back out with no lights working. I contacted the company to make sure there was no foul play and they checked their camera. I've had the lights looked at multiple times by multiple different companies. It never fixes the problem permanently. A few weeks ago the back right passenger lock stopped working then the next week the front passenger window again. Then yesterday the lock started to work and today it doesn't again. And speedometer is off. Hard to say by how much. Depends on which speed reader I go by.

- Grand Blanc, MI, USA

problem #22

Jun 012019

Santa Fe

  • 185,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the turn signal indicators and the cruise control feature would not operate when needed. In addition, the ECM warning indicator illuminated when the failures occurred. Also, when the contact replaced the rear passenger side turn signal bulb, the rear driver side bulb also failed to operate. Furthermore, the contact stated that both brake lights began to fail after the bulbs were replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ECM failed. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting), which listed the same failures she was experiencing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 185,000.

- Goose Creek, SC, USA

problem #21

Sep 262019

Santa Fe

  • miles
Issue 1) fuel sensor had to be replaced, one was done by me the other by mechanic. It stopped showing how much gas I had in tank so I had to guess. Seems to be a know. And recurring issue issue 2) headlights have all of a sudden stopped working, the high beamss work issue 3) the driver lock no longer works but others do and the gas door no longer unlocks from driver door so I have to use the emergency release to get at the tank. Issue 4) the latch for the hood is stuck open, this has been a known issue on another model from the same year. I can get mechanic records for fuel issue, that was about 1.4 years ago. Headlights were yesterday and hood as of today. The door issue within last few months and gas door within 2 years.

- Needham, MA, USA

problem #20

Jun 102017

Santa Fe

  • 165,000 miles
There's been issues with the fuel pump and pressure gauge. We've already had this problem repaired 4 times and still suspect there's a leak somewhere. We can smell gas in the vehicle while/after pumping and after the car has been driven. Also, there seems to be an electrical issue with the headlights when pressing on the brakes, while driving.

- Duluth, GA, USA

problem #19

Oct 242018

Santa Fe

  • 5,000 miles
The headlghts on low beam block out the top 1/3 of the headlight beam and 2/3 of the headlight beam when the car is going down hill. This eyebrow effect is not showing when the high beams are on. In addition when the low beams are in use, the myvision on both sides of the car is blocked out. This seems to be a common complaint which Hyundai will not address claming there is no fix since the lights are performing as designed. At this point in time they do not offer a remady. This eyebrow effect appears when the car is stationary or in motion but only on the low beams.

- Cos Cob, CT, USA

problem #18

Mar 052013

Santa Fe

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the brake ESC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter failed to go into reverse or park and the ESC brake light illuminated. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #17

Dec 272015

Santa Fe

  • 72,000 miles
Bought the car used, 2007 Santa Fe with 71K miles on it. 2 months after I got the vehicle, the ESC off light started intermittently coming on. Then one day it stayed on and that same day the check engine light came on. I noticed the next day that my brake lights would not come on when pressing the brake and that my cruise control would not engage at all. The ESC off light will not be on when I first get in the car, but the minute I hit the brakes, it comes on and stays on. Ever since the first day the check engine light came on, it has stayed on since. I believe this may be part of an earlier recall, but my specific vehicle did not fall under that recall.

- Delmar, MD, USA

problem #16

Sep 242015

Santa Fe

  • 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving at approximately 65 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was experiencing the failure in NHTSA campaign number: 09V122000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

- Clarksville, MO, USA

problem #15

May 292015

Santa Fe

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving at approximately 40 mph, the driver following behind the contact informed her that the brake lamps were not illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and observed the brake lamps failed when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the cruise control failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch band failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

- Castle Walk, CO, USA

problem #14

Oct 022014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 87,600 miles
Air bag light came on and will not go off. Also, yesterday my check engine light came on and the fuel gauge stopped reading my fuel level. I have 90,100 miles on the vehicle today. Since I purchased the vehicle, my headlights are very dim. I am not sure if this was ever a concern for other models.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #13

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 #12

Jan 012014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact was driving 25 mph when the brake lamp failed. The contact also stated that she had experienced difficulty shifting gears. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 110,000...updated 02-28-14 updated 03/14/2014

- Hermosa Beach, CA, USA

problem #11

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 #10

May 312013

Santa Fe

  • 87,900 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the brake lights were not illuminating when depressing the brakes and the ESC warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic ) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated that the stop lamp switch would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 87,900.

- Moore, OK, USA

problem #9

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 #8

Aug 032012

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
Electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light illuminates, brake lights inoperable. Turning off vehicle and restarting temporarily restores function. Exact same symptoms as NHTSA campaign 09V122000 but Hyundai dealer and customer assistance center claim vehicle is not part of this campaign.

- Oxford, MS, USA

problem #7

Jun 152012

Santa Fe

  • 81,300 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, she noticed that the brake lights were not illuminating. The contact also stated that the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated permanently and indicated that the electronic stability control (ESC) was off. In addition, the contact stated that the cruise control failed although the cruise control light would illuminate. The vehicle was not taken to dealer and repairs were not made. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The current and approximate failure mileage was 81,300.

- The Woodlands , TX, USA

problem #6

Feb 012010

Santa Fe

  • 52,000 miles
I have had so many problems with my car. The first problem began years ago with the low beam headlights. I have to replace the headlights for both right and left side about 5 to 6 times per year. This can get very expensive especially if I were to get a ticket. The second problem are the rear tires. I noticed about two years ago that the tires get worn out much quicker than the others, so I'm constantly rotating them. Just recently, it has become worse. Just this year, I have replaced tires twice and have noticed that I need another set of tires. Have taken the car to a mechanic, but can not find anything wrong with the rear-end. The last issue that just happened a few months ago is the passenger visor. It suddenly fell out of its socket and eventually was hanging by its wires. After trying to put the visor back into its socket a few times, it eventually broke off. Have not ordered another yet. Didn't realize how expensive they are.

- Temple, TX, USA

problem #5

Mar 112012

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated the rear tail lights would stop functioning sporadically. While having the vehicle diagnosed at the dealer, the contact was advised that the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 09V122000 (service brakes, hydraulic:switches:brake light) did not apply to the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired for the failure. The current and the failure mileages were 105,000. Updated 12/06/12 updated 12/10/12

- Roscoe, IL, USA

Read the next 4 complaints »