1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,278 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.

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problem #7

Jun 182022

Santa Fe

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V936000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 12V354000 (Air Bags). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that the brake lamp switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving, the TPMS, passenger seat belt, and the ESC warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Alvin, TX, USA

problem #6

Jan 252015

Santa Fe

  • 89,000 miles
Our gas gauge shows empty, and the fuel light stays on, all the time. This occurs even after we fill the car up. This occurs whether the car is stationary or running. We have to track our fuel level by keeping track of the mileage. Also, if we turn the car off when fueling, it will not turn back on. We have to try over and over again until it turns on. We have found that if we leave the car running while fueling, it usually stays running; however, a lot of times, the car stops running and then, we struggle to get it started again. This is our 2nd Santa Fe (our first was a 2004, with which we never had a problem). If Hyundai doesn't do something to fix this problem, this will be our last Hyundai. This is dangerous on many levels, and as we all can see, there are currently about 350 other 2008 Santa Fe owners who have posted on this site with the same problem, this is an obvious safety defect, and needs to be recalled. Also, I noticed someone else mentioned they change low beams about once a month. We too, are having the same problem. We have changed more headlamps in this car than we have in all of our cars combined over 40 years.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #5

May 172015

Santa Fe

  • 141,000 miles
After 141,000 miles the engine threw a rod, I had heard a clicking noise for a while but was assured it was a normal engine sound after taking it to the dealer. I change my oil regularly and have my slips, the engine completely failed while driving. In the last year and a half I am having to replace approximately one low beam headlamp per month.

- Germantown, WI, USA

problem #4

Jun 252014

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 85,209 miles
The dash lights started flashing, the wipers stopped working in the middle of a down pour, the lights went dim. The traction system started detuning the engine. All dash lights on. We find that it is a leaky value cover gasket. Drips on the alternator and causes it to go bad. The service manager said "they are all starting to have this problem and it's $700. If I was the orginal owner Hyundai would replace the gasket, but I would need to pay for the altenator. $600 uhgg!!! now for the fuel guage. Two sensors under the back seat and good as new. $200.

- Otsego, MI, USA

problem #3

Jun 162013

Santa Fe

  • 92,099 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph the vehicle unexpectedly failed to accelerate with the illumination of the ESC and engine warning indicator. The engine was turned off. The vehicle resumed upon restarting; however, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. The failure recurred eight times. In addition, on numerous occasions when depressing the accelerator pedal hesitation would follow. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The recall remedy was performed on two occasions and the failure persisted after each repair. The vehicle was currently being repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 92,099.

- Marrero, LA, USA

problem #2

Mar 302013

Santa Fe

  • 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated at 70 mph, he applied the brakes but the cruise control would not disengage. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed of a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The dealer replaced the stop lamp switch per the recall however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 76,000.

- Palm Springs, CA, USA

problem #1

May 102009

Santa Fe

  • 8,640 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the headlights, fog lights, license plate lights and taillights all failed at different times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer several times where the bulbs were replaced but the failure continued. The contact received several citations due to the failures. The failure became worse until no exterior lights were operable. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance and the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 46,600 and the failure mileage was approximately 8,640.

- Budd Lake, NJ, USA