Page 10 of 14 · complaints 451–500 of 684

2007 Hyundai Santa FE complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2007 record →

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 31, 201260,500 milesCA

DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE WHEN ADJUSTING. THE VISOR FELL AND WAS DANGLING IN FRONT OF MY FACE HANGING ON THE WIRE FOR THE VANITY LIGHT. IT STARTLED ME AND I SWERVED. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE PART CANNOT BE SATISFACTORILY REINSERTED IN THE SOCKET. IT STAYS IN PLACE ONLY TEMPORARILY. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. HYUNDAI APPARENTLY TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 30, 201276,899 milesCO

WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUN VISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE DROPPED DOWN. COULDN'T FLIP IT BACK UP TO STAY INTACT. KEPT FALLING DOWN IMPAIRING MY VISION. PLASTIC PIECE EVENTUALLY BROKE OFF AND SO I TRIED TO USE VELCRO TO KEEP THE VISOR FROM BLOCKING MY VISION WHILE I DROVE THE VEHICLE. DIDN'T WORK. WIRE BROKE A COUPLE DAYS LATER SENDING THE WHOLE VISOR DOWN FALLING ON MY LAP. NOW AS OF 8/29/12 THE PASSENGER SUN VISOR IS DOING THE SAME THING. THERE ARE SOOO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH SPECIFICALLY THE 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VISORS BREAKING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP. MAJOR VISION IMPAIRMENT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 201236,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 36,500. UPDATED 09/26/12*LJ

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Aug 26, 2012109,314 milesDE

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTION CAUSED VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER TO BE STUCK IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO PARK. MALFUNCTION ALSO CAUSED ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL TO SHUT OFF AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DEACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN 2010 DUE TO MALFUNCTION WITH THIS NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. HYUNDAI CLAIMED VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL ID# 78947 FOR SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT. HOWEVER, AGAIN, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN 2010 WITH ANOTHER MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TR UPDATED 10/31/12 *BF UPDATED 11/1/2012 *JS

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 23, 201260,000 milesMS

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. *TR

Tires
Filed Aug 21, 201275,000 milesIL

CUPPED TIRES IN REAR. HEAVY WEAR ON INSIDE OF TIRES. I SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MANY OTHERS WITH TIRES WEARING OUT MUCH QUICKER THAN THEY SHOULD. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 13, 201275,000 milesMN

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. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 9, 2012PA

2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS HAVE SEVERELY OXIDIZED INSIDE THE PLASTIC LENS TO THE POINT WHERE THEY HAVE LOST ILLUMINATION *TGW

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Aug 8, 201237,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE BELT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE OWNERS MANUAL STATED THAT THE BELT SHOULD LAST FOR 67,000 MILES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 09/12/12 *BF UPDATED 09/18/2012 *JS

Air Bags
Filed Aug 6, 2012CO

WE HAVE A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, BUT THE DEALER WAS NEVER ABLE TO FIX IT. OUR DEALER (PHIL LONG HYUNDAI, COLORADO SPRINGS) NOW SAYS THAT THE VIN FOR OUR CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL. IS THERE ANY WAY TO EXPAND THE CARS AFFECTED SO OURS CAN BE FIXED - OR "ENCOURAGE" THEM TO FIX OUR CAR? *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jul 31, 201297,000 milesAL

ALL DOOR LOCK ACUTUATORS ON MY VEHICLE ARE DEFECTIVE CAUSING FAULTY DOOR LOCKS. A REVIEW OF OWNERS FORUMS REVEALS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THIS CREATES A SAFTY CONCERN IF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. A POTENTIALLY FATAL EXAMPLE WOULD BE A FIRE INSIDE THE CAR. *TR

Seats
Filed Jul 31, 201265,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD NOT RETRACT WHEN PRESSING THE POWER SEAT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 30, 201248,500 milesOH

I NOTICED THE VEHICLE MADE A CLINKING SOUND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS; THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS A CD IN THE SIDE POCKET OF THE CAR. SECOND VISIT THEY CLAIMED TO INSPECT SUSPENSION AND FIND NOTHING WRONG. THIRD VISIT THEY REINSPECTED SUSPENSION AND REPLACED ONE PIECE OF DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION, FOURTH VISIT THEY INSPECTED AND REPLACED ANOTHER PIECE OF DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION, FIFTH VISIT THEY REALIGNED AND DID A WHEEL BALANCE (WHICH SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH REPAIRS 3 AND 4). SIXTH VISIT THEY CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT HEAR THE CLUNK ANYMORE, I AM GOING INTO THE SEVENTH VISIT WITH THE CAR STILL CLUNKING AND NOW THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC UNDER DRY CONDITIONS AT 20 MPH. EACH VISIT THEY TELL ME THEY WILL REPAIR ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF A PART - YEAH RIGHT! IN A POOR ECONOMY THEY WOULD RATHER I SMASH MY CAR THAN HAVE IT FOR YEARS (I ONLY HAVE 58000 MILES ON A 2007 VEHICLE). *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 30, 201260,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN IN FRONT OF HER OBSTRUCTING HER VIEW. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN IN FRONT OF ME OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. NEITHER VISOR COULD BE FIXED AS THE PLASTIC ON THE TIP WAS CRACKED. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 26, 201279,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE LENS OF THE HEADLIGHTS WAS CLOUDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 88,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS HAD SEVERELY OXIDIZED INSIDE THE PLASTIC LENS TO THE POINT WHERE THEY HAD LOST ILLUMINATION. UPDATED 08/09/12 UPDATED 8/31/12 *CN UPDATED 09/10/12

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 18, 201243,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO PARK IN HIS DRIVEWAY, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,800. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED ON THREE OCCASIONS THE ESC MALFUNCTIONED FOR NO REASON WHILE IN TRAFFIC. AFTER PULLING OVER, SHUTTING DOWN AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE PROBLEM CLEARED. UPDATED 08/29/12

Wheels
Filed Jul 11, 2012WI

HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF TIRES CUPPING. HAD ALIGNMENTS AND NEED A 3RD SET OF TIRES BECAUSE OF CUPPING. THE NOISE IS EXTREMELY LOUD WHILE DRIVING IT AND WE CAN NOT AFFORD $500-$600 FOR BUYING NEW TIRES ALL THE TIME. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 6, 201280,000 milesMA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON..THE FUEL SENSOR HAS CORRODED BECAUSE OF ETHANOL IN THE GAS. WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH FUEL PUMPS FOR A COST OF 750.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I CANNOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 29, 2012FL

2007 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAGS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE AIR BAG. HOWEVER, WHEN EVER HE CALLED THE DEALER, HE WAS ALWAYS TOLD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. ON MAY 7, 2012 THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 29, 201248,500 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START CONSISTENTLY. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AS A FAULTY SENSOR OF THE THROTTLE BODY THAT LED TO THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS ONE AND TWO. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,500. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,500. UPDATED 9/10/12 *CN

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 201229,600 milesMD

MY LOCAL VEHICLE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN MARYLAND WILL NOT FIX THE CURRENT AIR BAG RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V472000), BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN GUAM. THEY CLAIMED THAT US RECALLS DON'T APPLY TO CARS BOUGHT IN GUAM, EVEN THOUGH THEY RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND THAT THE REASON MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED IS BECAUSE OF A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING, THE SAME AS THE RECALL. I NOW HAVE A VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY RECALL IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO FIX IT, WHICH MEANS MY AIR BAG WILL NOT WORK. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Jun 18, 201250,200 milesFL

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAME ON AND NOW STAYS ON WHILE THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. I'M TOLD THAT WHEN THIS LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING AND WILL NOT FUNCTION WHEN NEEDED. THE PRIOR THREE TIMES THIS HAPPENED, THE INCIDENT WAS ADDRESSED BY MY HYUNDAI DEALER, KING HYUNDAI IN DEERFIELD BEACH, FL. IN ONE CASE, THERE WAS A RECALL BY HYUNDAI FOR A "CLOCK SPRING" REPLACEMENT WHICH KING HYUNDAI CLAIMS THEY HAVE COMPLETED, YET THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, USUALLY WITHIN ONE MONTH OF HAVING IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ALL OVER THE INTERNET YET THERE ARE NO PERMANENT SOLUTIONS FROM HYUNDAI WHILE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT RISK UNDERTAKEN BY DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE GOVERNMENT MANDATED AIRBAG SYSTEM IS DISENGAGED, THUS I IMPLORE YOU TO FORCE HYUNDAI TO ONCE AGAIN RECALL ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THAT SEEM TO COMMONLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND PERMANENTLY FIX THEM. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 15, 201281,300 milesTX

TL* 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.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 12, 2012106,851 milesME

I WAS GOING TO PARK IN MY PARKING SPOT AND THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED AND JUMPED A GRANITE CURB AND STRUCK A 4 IN POLE IN THE GROUND. THE CAR KEPT HITTING THE POLE ALMOST DRIVING UP IT. THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP EVEN AFTER I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, FINALLY I COULDN'T STOP IT UNTIL I PLACED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD. IT WAS FRIGHTENING, WHEN I CALLED THE GARAGE THEY WANTED ME TO DRIVE IT UP TO THE SHOP, I COULDN'T I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD ACCELERATE. I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DEALERSHIP COLLISION GUY AND HE SAID HE HAD NEVER HEAR OF SUCH A THING. I TOLD HIM I HAD LOOKED ON THE WEBSITE AND FOUND QUITE A FEW REPORTS. THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. RIGHT. *TR

Visibility
Filed Jun 8, 201252,000 milesIL

THE SUNVISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE; ON THE POST WHERE THE VISOR ATTACHES TO THE ROOF OF THE CAR. ONCE BROKEN IT COULD NOT BE SECURED OUT OF HARM'S WAY. THIS CAUSED THE VISOR TO HANG STRAIGHT DOWN BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD AND CREATING A VISION HAZARD. SECONDLY, THE VISOR THEN WAS FREE SWINGING, SO THAT IT COULD STRIKE THE DRIVER IN AN ACCIDENT OR JUST IN NORMAL DRIVING. I HAVE THE VISOR AND PICTURES DOCUMENTING THE BREAK SITE. *JS

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 6, 201252,000 milesTX

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. *TR

Visibility
Filed Jun 5, 201250,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE BROKE AND WAS OBSTRUCTING HIS VIEW OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 4, 201245,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM ITS ATTACHMENT POINT. THIS DETACHMENT CAUSED THE VISOR TO DANGLE BY WIRES AND THE INSIDE CLIP WHICH RESULTED IN COMPLETELY BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S FORWARD VISION. REINSERTING THE VISOR IS A TEMPORARY FIX AS IT FALLS OUT RANDOMLY FROM 5 SECONDS TO A COUPLE DAYS AFTER REINSERTING. SIMILAR THING HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR A YEAR EARLIER. *TR

Wheels
Filed May 30, 201260,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS BUT INSTEAD, ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,275.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 16, 201254,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BOTH OF THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNITS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed May 1, 201250,000 milesMN

FUEL GAUGE READINGS WENT ERRATIC WITHIN 1-2 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. GOOGLE SEARCHES SHOW LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER OWNERS OF 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FES HAVING SAME PROBLEM. CHECK LIGHT TURNS ON AND DIAGNOSTIC CODE INDICATING FUEL LEVEL SENSOR PROBLEM LATCHES. DRIVER CAN NO LONGER TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK AND BECOMES EXCESSIVELY DISTRACTED BY HAVING TO WATCH MILES DRIVEN AND WORRY ABOUT RUNNING OUT OF FUEL. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT OR QUALITY PROBLEM WITH THIS MANY OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME TROUBLE. HYUNDAI IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM NOR OFFERING ADEQUATE ASSISTANCE TO REMEDY IT. REPAIR OF PROBLEM TYPICALLY RUNS BETWEEN $550 AND $650. THAT HURTS WHEN WARRANTY IS EXPIRED. ALSO THERE IS NO ASSURANCE AT ALL THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL NOT FAIL IN THE SAME WAY IN 3-5 YEARS. THIS PROBLEM DOES CAUSE SAFETY CONCERNS. HARD TO DRIVE AS SAFELY WHEN PREOCCUPIED AND WORRIED ABOUT HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK. WHEN DRIVER CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT, DRIVER HAS TO WORRY THAT OTHER FAILURES THAT TURN ON THE CHECK LIGHT WILL GO UNNOTICED BECAUSE CHECK LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON NOW AND ASSUMED TO JUST INDICATE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE. NOT GOOD! FOR SANITY I CARRY A SPARE 2 GALLON CAN OF GAS IN VEHICLE BUT IT IS NOT REAL SAFE TO CARRY GAS THAT WAY ALL THE TIME. *JS

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Apr 23, 201296,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKES LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000.

Visibility
Filed Apr 16, 2012SC

SUN VISOR BROKEN. *JS

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 9, 2012VA

FUEL SENDING UNIT. I HAD IT REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2011. HAVING PROBLEMS WITH GAS SMELL IN CABIN OF SUV. HALL HYUNDAI OF NEWPORT NEW ON JEFFERSON AVE. PUT THE UNIT IT. SINCE THE UNIT WAS INSTALL I HAVE SMELL GASOLINE. TOOK IT IN TO HALL HYUNDAI IF NEWPORT NEWS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2012 AND THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT SMELL ANYTHING. I EXPLAIN TO THEM IF, IT IS FULL YOU GET A STRONG ODOR OF GAS. IF IT IS AT HALF TANK, NO SMELL. SO I WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT IN AT HALF TANK. NOTHING WAS RESOLVED. STILL SMELLING GAS. TOOK VEHICLE OVER TO HALL HYUNDAI OF CHESAPEAKE APRIL 7TH, 2018. I FILLED THE TANK UP SO THE ORDER COULD BE SMELL AND IT WAS NOTICED. THEY STATED THAT THEY TOOK OUT THE BACK SEAT AND TOOK THE UNIT OUT AND PUT IT BACK IN AND TIGHTENED IT. THEY SAY THE CLEANED THE CARPET AND IONIZED IT. I WAS THERE FROM 9:40 A.M. UNTIL 4:20 P.M. WHEN I GOT INTO THE SUV A STRONG ODOR OF CLEANING SOLUTION WAS PRESENT. IT IS NOW MONDAY, APRIL 9TH 2012 AND THE PRESENT OF THE SMELL OF GAS IT STILL THERE. I AM SO TIRED OF DRIVING AND GETTING HEADACHES. ALL I WANT IT THE SUV REPAIR. QUESTION: WHY WOULD[XXX] AT THE CHESAPEAKE SAY, SHE IS GOING TO CONTACT THE SERVICE MANAGER AT NEWPORT NEW HYUNDIA AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT WAS DONE. SO, WAS SOMETHING WRONG AND IF IT IS WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT. THAT IS THE BIG BATTLE BETWEEN THE DEALERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 22, 201217,500 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN DRIVING A VERY SHORT DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,500. UPDATED 04/27/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND UPDATED THE ECM

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 12, 2012105,000 milesIL

TL* 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 *BF UPDATED 12/10/12

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 201296,458 milesCA

THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, INSTALLED BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL, THAT PROVIDES ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN DRIVER'S AIR BAG AND AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FAILED IN JUNE, 2010. THIS SAFETY HAZARD HAD TO BE REPAIRED ON JUNE 24, 2010 AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE DEDUCTIBLE OF $100 ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. HYUNDAI RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A VEHICLE RECALL ON THIS SAFETY HAZARD (CAMPAIGN 103)--BUT REFUSES TO ACCEPT MY CLAIM FOR REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIR DEDUCTIBLE "BECAUSE I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED PRIOR TO THE DATES THEY ALLOWED FOR THIS CONDITION". I'VE OWNED SEVERAL HYUNDAI'S AND THIS IS ABSURD. MY REPAIR WAS JUNE 24, 2010 AND THEY WON'T ALLOW CLAIMS FOR ANY REPAIR PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 (A MERE 10.5 WEEKS DIFFERENCE)! CLAIM [XXX]. IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS REPAIRED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 3, 2012CA

FUEL GAUGE SENSOR DEFECTIVE AFTER UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME. UNRELIABLE, GAUGE FAILS TO DISPLAY CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN GAS TANK. DEALER STATES SENOR IN THE FUEL TANK HAS "GONE BAD". THIS ISSUES - DISPLAYS ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EITHER GIVES FLUXUATING FALSE NEEDLE READING ON THE FUEL TANK GAUGE OR EMPTY TANK ON CLUSTER DISPLAY PANEL. NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM OTHER SOURCES HAS INDICATED THE SENSORS HAVE EFFECT SEVERAL LINES OF HYUNDAI VEHICLES INCLUDING SONATA, ACCENT, AND POSSIBLY OTHERS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 20, 201250,000 milesTX

PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATES DUE TO MISCLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANT (125 POUND WIFE). *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 8, 201260,000 milesWY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RELEASE AFTER BEING DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS (WEATHER TECH ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS, PART NUMBER: W56) WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 7, 201260,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDIA SANTA FE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE TROUBLE CODE DETECTED THAT THE PODS ECU WAS FAULTY. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 26, 201285,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER PASSENGER. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE TO TREAT A SHOULDER INJURY. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO TOW YARD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 03/14/12*LJ UPDATED 03/16/12

Suspension
Filed Jan 26, 201248,604 milesNY

I BOUGHT THIS 2007 SANTA FE IN NOVEMBER, 2007. I TOOK GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAD DONE ALL MAINTENANCE AT HYUNDAI DEALERS. SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2011 (CAR MILEAGE LESS THAN 48000 MILES), I FELT THE CAR HAD ABNORMAL NOISE FROM FRONT, ALSO FELT SUSPENSION BECAME BUMPY. SO I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER IN DECEMBER, 2011. THEY FOUND BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION SWAY BAR LINKS WERE WORN OUT. THOSE PARTS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE WEAR PARTS. BUT HYUNDAI REFUSED TO ADMIT THEIR FAILURE WITHIN WARRANTY IS A QUALITY ISSUE. AS PART OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM, THEIR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN DANGEROUS SITUATION TO PEOPLE. I WANT THEM TO ADMIT THAT PART FAILURE AND RECALL IT. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 10, 2012100,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STOP LAMP SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 2, 201246,000 milesGA

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT FAILURE HAPPENING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. LOW BEAM LIGHTS HAVE FAILED 7 TIMES IN THE PAST 8 MONTHS. FOG LIGHTS HAVE FAILED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 8 MONTHS. BULBS CONTINUE TO BLOW AFTER REPEATED REPLACEMENTS BY TECHNICIAN AND OWNER. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 27, 201140,090 milesVA

AT APPROXIMATELY 5:45 LAST NIGHT, WHILE CHANGING LANES AND ACCELERATING FROM 35 TO 40 MPH, MY SANTA FE SUDDENLY FLOORED ITS OWN ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. TRIED TO 'FIGHT IT' WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT NOTHING WOULD RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR, INCLUDING PUMPING IT SLIGHTLY. THE WAY WE GOT THE CAR TO STOP WAS BY PUTTING ON THE PARKING BRAKE, PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND TRYING TO DOWNSHIFT THE CAR IN DRIVE (BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT LET US PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL). WHEN IT GOT SLOW ENOUGH (15 MPH OR SO), WE CUT THE ENGINE AND THE CAR SCREECHED TO A HALT, BURNING RUBBER SMELLING SURROUNDING US. ONLY THEN COULD WE PUT THE CAR INTO 'PARK'. ONCE WE RESTARTED THE CAR IT DID NOT DO THE ACCELERATION AGAIN. OUR DEALER IS PRETENDING THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE, THOUGH A VERY QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS VERY MUCH IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY ARE IGNORING. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THEY ARE WAITING FOR DEATHS TO HAPPEN BEFORE ACTING ON THIS ISSUE AND FIXING IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS ADDRESSING IMMEDIATELY. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 27, 201175,000 milesIA

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! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 23, 2011NY

HI, I TOOK MY CAR TODAY TO HYUNDAI OF WHITE PLAINS FOR "AIR BAG" WARNING CAMPAIGN "CAMP 103". THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME 119 USD FOR THIS. I AM TRIED TO CONTACT HYUNDAI AS I DID NOT GETS SATISFACTORY ANSWER WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT. I AM WRITING MY CONCERN TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BY THIS COMPLAINT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL LETTER THIS CHECK/REPAIR SHOULD BE FREE OF CHARGE AND THIS IS MISS LEADING PART ON HYUNDAI MOTORS, USA. PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS MATTER AND HELP ME AS A CUSTOMER OF VEHICLE WITH RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 13, 201168,000 milesMO

ESC OFF INDICATOR STAYS ILLUMINATED PROBLEM: NO BRAKE LIGHTS. DEALERSHIP STATES MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURE DATE RANGE INCLUDED IN THE TSB CAMPAIGN # 092 / 09-01-018 AND WILL NOT REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH UNDER WARRANTY. (MY SANTA FE WAS MANUFACTURED IN JUNE 2007). APPROX. $75 REPLACEMENT COST FOR A KNOWN ISSUE. ACCORDING TO ONLINE FORUMS THIS PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO THE MANUFACTURE DATES INDICATED IN THE TSB. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE; ONE THAT I WOULD HAVE HOPED HYUNDAI WOULD TAKE MORE SERIOUSLY. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 6, 201177,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2007 Hyundai Santa FE → · Every Santa FE year → · How the figures are calculated →