2007 Hyundai Santa FE problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and discovered that there was oil leaking from the valve cover onto the alternator. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V415000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the battery, check engine, and ABS warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle intermittently stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to return to normal operation. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator was covered in oil from the head gasket leak, and the alternator was failing. The independent mechanic stated that the alternator and head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of Voluntary Service Campaign: MC-10245012-0001. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,538.

NHTSA complaint #11756531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Break pedal switch getting hot and disables the gear shifter

NHTSA complaint #11752902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine valve cover gaskets leaking oil, causing oil drip on pavement. Could cause fire and alternator failure. My mechanic pin-pointed the leak location. The google search indicated that other Hundai vehicle owners also had this problem. Mechanic estimated cost to repair the problem was quoted at $700.00 dollars. Thx, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11718459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483.36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required Upper Timing Chain Guide repair quoted at $58.38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29.99 for a Multi-Point Inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a P0300 code, and instructed me to return the loaner and retrieve my now-undrivable vehicle. My vehicle remains at Lakeland Hyundai and is undrivable due to issues that arose immediately following recall service. I respectfully request guidance and resolution regarding responsibility for the damage, loaner coverage, and loss of transportation.

NHTSA complaint #11711184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483.36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required Upper Timing Chain Guide repair quoted at $58.38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29.99 for a Multi-Point Inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a P0300 code, and instructed me to return the loaner and retrieve my now-undrivable vehicle. My vehicle remains at Lakeland Hyundai and is undrivable due to issues that arose immediately following recall service. I respectfully request guidance and resolution regarding responsibility for the damage, loaner coverage, and loss of transportation.

NHTSA complaint #11711184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483.36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required Upper Timing Chain Guide repair quoted at $58.38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29.99 for a Multi-Point Inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a P0300 code, and instructed me to return the loaner and retrieve my now-undrivable vehicle. My vehicle remains at Lakeland Hyundai and is undrivable due to issues that arose immediately following recall service. I respectfully request guidance and resolution regarding responsibility for the damage, loaner coverage, and loss of transportation.

NHTSA complaint #11711184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNKNOWN Went to the grocery store and vehicle was working fine. Upon leaving the store, started the car, ESC OFF light was on and when I went to press the brake to put the vehicle in reverse, the gearshift was locked and I couldn't move the gear. Long story short, I had to get my vehicle towed to the house as the vehicle is non-drivable at this time. Kelly's Blue Book indicated there were a few Hyundai recalls related to the ESC but my make and model was not affected but clearly I believe it is based on my experience and find this very unsafe.

NHTSA complaint #11687863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UNKNOWN Went to the grocery store and vehicle was working fine. Upon leaving the store, started the car, ESC OFF light was on and when I went to press the brake to put the vehicle in reverse, the gearshift was locked and I couldn't move the gear. Long story short, I had to get my vehicle towed to the house as the vehicle is non-drivable at this time. Kelly's Blue Book indicated there were a few Hyundai recalls related to the ESC but my make and model was not affected but clearly I believe it is based on my experience and find this very unsafe.

NHTSA complaint #11687863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the underbody of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the undercarriage was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle, due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 947. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA complaint #11656276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle had an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover onto the alternator. the oil damaged the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. On 11/09/2021, the engine light came on and my car turned off. I had it towed to my mechanic and on 11/10/2021 he replaced the valve cover gaskets, alternator and belt. On 12/2023, I found out there was a manufacture recall related to the valve cover. I placed a claim in 12/2023. They have asked for several versions of documents and then stop communicating and eventually deny/close the account. I have filed approximately 4 claims and they stop communicating. The last claim was filed on 1/2/2025 and I have only received an email stating "Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America." I have tried to ask for an update and no response. I have called and it refers me to the recall portal. What do I have to do to get reimbursed for the towing and repair work I that I have paid for.

NHTSA complaint #11646887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle had an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover onto the alternator. the oil damaged the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. On 11/09/2021, the engine light came on and my car turned off. I had it towed to my mechanic and on 11/10/2021 he replaced the valve cover gaskets, alternator and belt. On 12/2023, I found out there was a manufacture recall related to the valve cover. I placed a claim in 12/2023. They have asked for several versions of documents and then stop communicating and eventually deny/close the account. I have filed approximately 4 claims and they stop communicating. The last claim was filed on 1/2/2025 and I have only received an email stating "Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America." I have tried to ask for an update and no response. I have called and it refers me to the recall portal. What do I have to do to get reimbursed for the towing and repair work I that I have paid for.

NHTSA complaint #11646887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the contact was informed by another driver that while coming to a stop the brake lights were inoperable. The contact was informed that the brake lights failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.

NHTSA complaint #11631811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

All 4 tires had the belts Seperate within a year. Less than 15k miles on each. The car started riding rough and pulling hard. Size: 235 /65 R16 103T SL BSW

NHTSA complaint #11631028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The E .C. M. PART# 39110-3C561 started faulting out, causing stalling abruptly while stop at an intersection an merging into traffic.This events were randomly happening causing higher risks of accidents. I took the vehicle for service an was informed that the "ECM" was causing this faults. The vehicle had the check engine light on during this time. The service shop advised me to bring the vehicle in to the Hyundai dealer, because the problem is likely to increase. The Hyundai dealer verify that the "ECM " is faulty an extremely difficult if not impossible to find. This faulting "ECM " part has literally but my vehicle totally useless.

NHTSA complaint #11626940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The E .C. M. PART# 39110-3C561 started faulting out, causing stalling abruptly while stop at an intersection an merging into traffic.This events were randomly happening causing higher risks of accidents. I took the vehicle for service an was informed that the "ECM" was causing this faults. The vehicle had the check engine light on during this time. The service shop advised me to bring the vehicle in to the Hyundai dealer, because the problem is likely to increase. The Hyundai dealer verify that the "ECM " is faulty an extremely difficult if not impossible to find. This faulting "ECM " part has literally but my vehicle totally useless.

NHTSA complaint #11626940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in neutral, and restarted the vehicle for the cruise control to disengage. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 82,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11614166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in neutral, and restarted the vehicle for the cruise control to disengage. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 82,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11614166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in neutral, and restarted the vehicle for the cruise control to disengage. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 82,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11614166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the battery exploded leaving a hole in the hood of the vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The contact referenced Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11574564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Case [XXX] . The frame is rusted through. Unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11572091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I had the recall done for the rusty frame and sub floor, to arrest the rust. The frame is now rusted through. I have a hole big enough to put my fist in. I call Hyundai customer care center Case #[XXX]. When driving this car if the frame breaks I will lose control of the car and crash. The car was just at Van Horn Hyundai Sheboygan WI they did the valve cover gasket recall. They pointed the rust on the frame. I was told by Carlos the car was too old, had to many miles to be taken care of it. They did valve cover gasket recall. The car runs and looks great. The car is not a rusted out piece of junk. It is sitting in the driveway because I am afraid to drive it. I am concerned about this car and how many others are driving around not knowing about this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11571992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Yesterday, Dec 15, 2023, I was driving in a local shopping mall and applied my brakes as I was turning into a store's parking lot. My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe initially slowed upon braking, then suddenly lurched forward, propelling me at least 20 feet forward and past the store parking lot entrance I was attempting to pull into. I was able to get the car to stop by braking hard. I slowly accelerated and was able to pull into another parking lot entrance. If another car or pedestrian had been in front of me they would have been struck by my out of control car. My car had been at a local dealership on Nov 3, 2023, just 5 weeks earlier, for a recall. I've owned the car approximately 8 years and am concerned that this uncontrolled lurching of my car happened 5 weeks after being worked on at the dealership when I had never experienced this problem before. I will contact the dealership about this issue

NHTSA complaint #11560238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was "running lean on bank 1" and determined that the Engine Control Module needed to be reset. The vehicle had been repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated whenever gasoline gauge was below 1/2 tank full. The contact stated that the check engine warning was light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and it was determined that the timing belt, spark plugs, and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with running lean on bank 1 and 2 and that there was a small leak on the manifold and the manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11542181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was "running lean on bank 1" and determined that the Engine Control Module needed to be reset. The vehicle had been repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated whenever gasoline gauge was below 1/2 tank full. The contact stated that the check engine warning was light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and it was determined that the timing belt, spark plugs, and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with running lean on bank 1 and 2 and that there was a small leak on the manifold and the manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11542181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The Dealer at Selma Hyundai (2505 Highland Ave. Selma, Ca. 93662) was unable to complete the the recall. Dealer stated “unable to complete PODS update attempted multiple times. Current Scan tool does not support hook-up to cables and option is to update no present. Air bag light due to PODS (passenger occupant ECU) fault with loss of calibration. Scan tool will not communicate with passenger seat module.” “No repair at this time.”

NHTSA complaint #11541056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.