2008 Hyundai Santa FE

Above average

Owners filed 541 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
74,000 milesMedian miles at failure

458 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System191
000
Fuel System, Gasoline50
100
Electrical System45
031
Air Bags44
303
Vehicle Speed Control38
403
Engine36
200
Air Bags › Frontal19
102
Service Brakes14
211
Electronic Stability Control (esc)13
000
Structure › Body12
101

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch13V113000
Filed Apr 1, 20131,712,336 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive12V354000
Filed Jul 25, 2012199,118 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal11V472000
Filed Sep 9, 2011205,233 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 26, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 20, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.

Risk. IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy. HYUNDAI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Trailer Hitches08E055000
Filed Sep 3, 20083,387 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. SOME CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY SEALED TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONTACT. THE MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN CIRCUIT BOARD CORROSION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER MODULE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS RECALL CONDUCTED BY HYUNDAI AFFECTING THE SAME TRAILER HITCH WIRING COMPONENTS CONCERNING HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1. (PLEASE SEE 08E016). OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR TRAILER HITCH REPAIRED UNDER THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED HARNESS INSTALLED. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Equipment › Other › Labels08V272000
Filed Jun 19, 200888,943 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 88,943 MY 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P235/60R18 TIRES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE BLACK CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE CENTER PILLAR, INCORRECTLY LISTS THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR).

Risk. OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. HYUNDAI WILL MAIL CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABELS ALONG WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Trailer Hitches08E016000
Filed Feb 7, 20083,387 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL 08E-055. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1 COULD CAUSE HEAT RELATED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE.

Risk. EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AREA AND MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 2026MA

Engine rattles noise when starting the car after sitting for more than an hour it makes that sound another issue is that when i turn the headlights on all interior lights shuts off including the instrument cluster radio and ac climate control buttons

Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2026NY

I have taken my car to my local dealership for the Service Campaign 976 (Oil Gasket leak) back in Nov 2023. Ever since then my car has had starting issues until one day it needed a jump start in 2024 during the summer. Didn't think anything of it at the time, until the beginning of 2025. Car needed a jump start in the winter before leaving for work in the morning and before going back home from work. My brother who is a auto mechanic suggested I needed a new battery by now so I did that. Once I replaced the battery on my car I noticed that I didn't have headlights, power steering or heat working in my car. He came to my home and checked my engine and noticed that my alternator was covered in oil. I remembered that I took my car to the dealership for this issue with the Service campaign. I've been back and forth with this issue between the dealership and corporate to look at this issue. The dealership can't provide any photo proof or documentation stating what work was done. The dealership claimed that Hyundai doesn't need photo proof as of 2023 and started needing it in 2024, they simple state that the work was done and sign the car off on the recall. I don't see how this isn't a safety issue when the description of the campaign says that my vehicle can shut off while driving causing a crash. I have a family that I drive in this vehicle and our safety isn't being a concerning issue with this matter because "It's outside of the warranty" that shouldn't matter if the dealership

Engine
Filed Oct 22, 2025MI

I took the car to get this recall done: Hyundai has decided to conduct a service campaign to inspect (and if necessary replace) the alternator and replace the front valve cover gasket on certain 2007-2009 model year Santa Fe vehicles. The recall was done, replacing the gasket and alternator. 2 years later the car started to stall in the middle of traffic. I returned to the dealer, dealer inspected and reported "oil found on the new alternator and oil leak found on the real valve cover gasket". I have been going back and forth on the phone with Hyundai costumer care. They said they will not redo the recall. It was not done correctly and slowly leak again. the vehicle now cut off everyday specially when i stop and go at short drives. It has also cut off in traffic. making it very dangerous. But Hyundai is telling me nothing for them to do.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 7, 2025NY

My speedometer has stopped working, I had the sensor replaced and fuses checked but it is still not working

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2025MO

Seem like it burns oil quick

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Jul 24, 202588,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an undisclosed recall repair, and the contact was informed that the valve cover gasket, and the alternator were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 14, 2025OH

My suv was involved in a Roll Over accident. The front driver tire blew out causing the driver to hit the curb which caused the SUV to roll 4 times. The driver was ejected from the vehicle while wearing a seat belt and not one air bag deployed. Major safety issues

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 18, 202587,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty charging. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while driving on the highway. The vehicle was able to be jump-started. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic had inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was oil leaking onto the spark plugs. The contact stated that the vehicle was chugging while driving. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was leaking onto the alternator and onto other unknown parts. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the alternator under Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The contact stated after driving 7-8 minutes after picking up the vehicle from the dealer, the contact noticed an abnormal odor and smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled into a gas station and parked the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The contact stated she drove to the nearby residence of a friend instead because she needed to report to work. The contact stated upon opening the hood and starting the vehicle the following day, the contact noticed flames in the engine

Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2025FL

I had a recall on the oil leak and took care of it to dealership in Weston Fl they had car for 2 days pick car up. I replaced to alternator because it was full oil prior to me taking it to the dealership. Now a few months later there is still a leak and it’s leaking on my alternator, again same place they said they fix. I have the paperwork. I am having smoking issues that they said was fixed it, but looks like the put glue on it.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 24, 2025195,000 milesNM

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal the cruise control briefly failed to disengage. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The Electronic Power Control (EPC) and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the stop lamp switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 3, 2024CA

Brought 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe to Carlsbad Hyundai dealership on 12/22/23 for Service Campaign 976, due to oil leaking from the front cylinder bank’s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. If the vehicle is continually driven without recharging the battery, the engine will eventually shut off, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealership said the vehicle needed to be fixed but they needed to order parts and that it would take 2-3 wks. It has now been over 6 months. I have called the dealership and Hyundai America multiple times all to no avail.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 1, 2024GA

In October 2021 the alternator failed due to an oil leak from the valve cover gasket. I paid the local Hyundai dealer to replace the alternator and they also said the battery was damaged because of the failed alternator so I paid for a new battery as well. The dealer never mentioned the recall on this vehicle for the leaking valve cover and did not disclose that the leak was known to cause alternator failure. I later learned of the recall and had the valve cover repair performed under the recall. However, Hyundai has refused to reimburse me for the alternator repair that I had already previously paid for, and likewise have refused to reimburse me for the battery. Clearly the problem was due to the known defect that resulted in the recall, so I am obviously entitled to compensation for the out if pocket repair expenses. Please advise me how to proceed.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 25, 2024PA

My car has a recall, and the dealership is unable to fix it. There is also an issue with the oem control module that they are unable to get the part and unable to fix this because they do not have the correct software.

Engine
Filed Mar 14, 2024OH

Reference Number: 11520065 This is a follow up to a previously submitted incident involving this same vehicle. My first submission was May, 2023, This vehicle experienced the exact same hazardous condition on February 26, 2024. on I-75 south. After driving on an interstate highway for about 1 hour, I noticed a traffic backup and proceeded to slow down as the traffic was nearly stopped. As I slowed my car down to nearly a complete stop, the engine suddenly surged forward with high rpm's as though the accelerator was pushed to the floor. I immediately pressed on the brake pedal as hard as I could to stop the car from surging forward and then quickly decided to put the transmission into neutral so I would not hit the car in front of me. The car eventually stopped surging and may have stalled. I finally got the car to move again by turning off the ignition and restarting it. I continued on my way and did not have a similar situation for the rest of my 30 minute highway trip. Like all the times before, the floor mat was NOT involved in this sudden acceleration. Last year when I took this car to a Hyundai dealer for inspection, they could not replicate this condition. They said that I needed a new fuel level sensor in my gas tank and a new fuel pump--neither of which I agreed to because first, the gas gauge has no relation to my surging and second, the fuel pump must be working or else I could not drive the car. This surging has occurred perhaps 7 times since I have owned this car

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 28, 2024205,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of underneath the vehicle, he observed excessive corrosion on the subframe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the excessive corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 205,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 22, 2024IN

Large leak detected P0455

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2024TX

Valve cover leak or head gasket leak

Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2024TX

Vehicle has stalled couple of times while driving. One on the service road just about to merge on the highway 1604 North after taking left turn from the Potranco road about a year ago. Steering got locked and engine died, I managed to pull over to the right shoulder into the parking lot of Med Clinic. After couple tries, I was able to get it going. There is occasional check engine light on that goes off after some time of driving and not sure if this is related to stalling of engine. There is a history of oil leak under the hood. I received recall service notice for leaking cylinder head gasket which outlined same issues that I encountered before and took vehicle to the dealership. It was kept for 2 days for service and was returned to me. There is still sign of wetted oil on the parts. There is no sign that I could see of opening and taking parts apart for the so-called completed service, dust and debris seem to be untouched. I have a doubt that service evert took place. I filed a complaint with the Hyundai Motors requesting independent assessment if gasket was actually changed. They sent an acknowledgement of receiving the complaint, but no one has contacted me.

Suspension
Filed Dec 4, 2023OH

Rusted out subframe, less than 95k miles. No “salt belt” treatment offered to this vehicle. Vehicle in Ohio since bought. Took to dealer for engine recall, found $1200 subframe replacement bill. Car was garage stored all of the time.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 28, 2023IL

Car is unsafe to drive due to rusted out frame. The car has less than 100,000 miles on it.

20 of 541 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202636400Routine
2025131500Routine
2024146710Routine
2023207130Above average
2022199510Routine
2021166720Routine
2020209290Above average
20191982120Routine
2018108240Routine
20179626230High concern
2016236320Above average
20152542130Above average
20144933300High concern
20136053410High concern
20123531170Above average
2011181381Fatalities reported
2010258361Fatalities reported
2009358353Fatalities reported
2008 — this page541670Above average
2007683982Fatalities reported
2006106130Routine
2005216302Fatalities reported
2004303370Above average
2003308450Above average
2002165420Routine
2001209440Above average

Compare every Santa FE year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 1, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.