Kansas City, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
Seem like it burns oil quick
NHTSA complaint #11676652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2008 Hyundai Santa FE brake problems
30 of the 718 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE are about the braking system — 4% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 76,000 miles.
30
Complaints
4
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Service Brakes
16
53.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
13
43.3%
Parking Brake
1
3.3%
Brakes across every Hyundai Santa FE year
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
Potomac, MD
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES
be guessed ABS malfunction, on 11/03/2022 on highway in bumper-to-bumper situation.speed around 40 Mph. the car front Suddenly hit braking hard, I had followed immediately hitting the braking hard but at some point became lost brake and collied at the car front, this a second time, I had another very similar situation years ago but avoided collision
NHTSA complaint #11507202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 miles
Alvin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11484286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,504 miles
Hanover Park, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS MORNING (11/11/18) I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS ON HIGHWAY I-290 EASTBOUND APPROX. 60 MPH, WHEN OUR CAR HAS STARTED ACCELERATING WITHOUT ME PRESSING DOWN GAS PEDAL. I HIT THE BRAKES, HOWEVER CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW IT DOWN WAS TO PUT IT ON NEUTRAL (I WAS ALREADY SPEEDING OVER 80MPH). WHEN I DID IT, RPM WERE AT 7000 PER MIN. AND DIDN'T GO DOWN A BIT. I PULLED OVER AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN STARTED BACK , ENGINE WAS WORKING AT NORMAL LEVEL RPM'S AND REACTED TO GAS PEDAL MOVEMENT. I'VE DECIDED TO CONTINUE DRIVE TO OUR DESTINATION. AFTER FEW MINUTES OF DRIVE, IT HAPPENS AGAIN! THIS ACCELERATIONS WERE UNINTENDED BY ME AND PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT AND EVEN DEATH. MY WIFE IS DRIVING THIS CAR DAILY AND SHE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT IF IT WOULD HAPPENED TO HER. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
NHTSA complaint #11150843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 790,000 miles
Albion, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE IS STATIONARY...I PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE A FEW YEARS AGO AND HAVE RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS .KEY WILL NOT TURN WHILE IN PARK REQUIRING THE NEED TO PUSH IN SHIFT LOCK RELEASE BUTTON , MOVING TO NEUTRAL SO THE KEY WILL TURN AND START THE VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE EXACT PROBLEMS, BUT WHEN I ENTER MY VIN# THER IS NO RECALL LISTED. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THIS RECALL WAS FIXED BY DEALER BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, AND IF SO, THE PROBLEM IS BACK CAN I STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FREE UNDER THIS RECALL ? THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11090856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 miles
Beloit, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN WARMED UP FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES, THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ESC SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 10 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN JAMESVILLE, WI WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11090108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 miles
Beloit, WI
PARKING BRAKE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN WARMED UP FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES, THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ESC SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 10 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN JAMESVILLE, WI WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11090108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 miles
Reedsville, WV
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. NO BRAKES, NO STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO A DRIVEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART . ABOUT 1 HOUR LATER THE SAME THING, ONLY THIS TIME I WAS MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN ACROSS A VERY BUSY CITY STREET.. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND WILL PROBABLY SELL THE CAR & TELL THE NEW OWNERS ABOUT MY ISSUE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A GARAGE, AS THE CLOSEST HYUNDAI SHOP TO ME IS AN HOUR AWAY. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THAT FAR.
NHTSA complaint #10986137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 miles
Kansas City, KS
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILED AND, DUE TO THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE ROAD DIVIDER. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED SHOULDER AND BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL BEARINGS ON THE FRONT AXLE WERE WORN OUT. THE TIE RODS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ESC AND ABS SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10919891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 miles
Clearwater, FL
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO DISENGAGE AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A BURNING ODOR WAS NOTICED. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE IDLING FOR AWHILE AND THE SMOKE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNITS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10875338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 miles
Billerica, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING AND YOU HIT THE BREAKS, THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STALL, OR IF YOU USE THE HIGH OR LOW BREAMS THE RADIO SHUTS OFF AND THE GPS TURNS ON OR YOU LOSES IT ALL, WHILE ON HIGH WAY WAY IF YOU USE YOUR HIGH OR LOW BEAMS THE ENGINE STARTS TO STALL THEN KEEPS GOING CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND YOU HAVE TO BREAK QUICKLY TO AVOID HITTING YOU AS YOU LOOSE ALL POWER FOR A MATTER OF SECONDS THIS HAPPEN WHILE MOVING OR PARKED, I MHAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW ALTERNATORS IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM CONIINUES
NHTSA complaint #10837613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,356 miles
Hixson, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN GOING UP A VERY STEEP GRADE. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK SO THAT I COULD TURN MY CAR OFF. I HAD TO LAY ON THE BRAKE WITH ALL MY WEIGHT TO KEEP FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS INTO CARS BEHIND ME. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER A MINUTE, WHICH FELT LIKE MUCH LONGER, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON. THE SECOND TIME I LOST ALL POWER, WAS A COUPLE MONTHS LATER. I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A CURVY HILLY ROAD. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER, ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, OR APPLY THE BRAKES. THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME AND I WAS TERRIFIED I WOULD END UP OFF THE ROAD OR HEADING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO MAKE IT UP A HILL. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. BOTH TIMES MY INFANT WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THANK GOODNESS BOTH OF US WERE UNHARMED, BECAUSE WE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN HURT OR HURT OTHERS. I WAS IN A SEVERAL THOUSAND POUND VEHICLE WHICH WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AS I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT. THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK IT WAS A BIG DEAL AND SAID I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR. LUCKILY, I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH COVERED THE ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10763932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,404 miles
Madison, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
THE 2008 SANTA FE TRAVELING BETWEEN 55& 60MPH ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF ACCELERATOR. I APPLIED BRAKES BUT DIFFICULT TO MAKE VEHICLE STOP. I THINK I SLOWED IT DOWN A LOT BUT DID NOT OR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STOP. IT WAS LIKE IDLE GOT STUCK ON HIGH! AFTER 20 SECONDS OR SO THE ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL & I PROCEEDED. IT WAS SCARY ! FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. I JUST HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE TO REPLACE TO HEADLIGHTS & MISSING SCREW UNDER FRONT SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10592885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 miles
Colorado Springs, CO
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES
WAS SECOND VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVERRIDING BRAKE, AND HIT BACK OF VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHER DRIVER. HAD PEDESTRIANS BEEN IN FRONT, COULD EASILY HAVE RUN OVER THEM. MONTHS PRIOR, TWICE ON SAME DAY ENGINE POWER DIED WHILE DRIVING. HYUNDAI REPLACED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #10576083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 miles
Modesto, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AT AROUND 67K MILES STARTED READING EMPTY AND THEN IT STARTED READING NORMAL AND THEN EMPTY. FINALLY IT HAS ONLY READ EMPTY FOR THE PAST COUPLE THOUSAND MILES. I WAS HOPING THAT IT WOULD FIX ITSELF WHICH IT NEVER DID. WISHFUL THINKING. I ENDED UP BRINGING MY SANTA FE INTO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM PLUS REPLACE THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES, AND PERFORM EXISTING RECALLS. THEY TOLD ME THAT ONE OF THE TWO FUEL PUMPS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK HAD FAILED. THE FUEL PUMP THAT FAILED WAS THE ONE WITH THE SENDING UNIT WHICH PROVIDES THE SIGNAL TO THE FUEL GAUGE. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE OTHER FUEL PUMP DID NOT FAIL AS MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE WILL STOP RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10562797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,099 miles
Marrero, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10523246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 miles
Ririe, ID
SERVICE BRAKES
SEE ATTACHED EMAIL UPDATED 06/04/2013*LJ THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OSC) DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE SMALL-STATURED ADULTS, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEACTIVATE WHEN SUCH PERSON OCCUPY THE FRONT SEAT. ALSO, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN, AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE, AND A WHINING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #10514334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 miles
Palm Springs, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10510163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 miles
Anaheim, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10508685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 miles
West Melbourne, FL
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS BACKING UP AND AS I TURNED THE WHEEL THE CAR ENGAGED IN A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AS THE MOTOR STARTED TO REV. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT PLOWED THROUGH A BRICK WALL AT MY SCHOOL.
NHTSA complaint #10439287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 miles
Wolcott, CT
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR BEGAN RACING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE CAR RACED FORWARD, ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD MY FEET ON THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING FORWARD CRASHING INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD AND DEMOLISHING THEIR LANDSCAPING BEFORE I MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF. I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT IT COULD HAVE ENDED MUCH DIFFERENTLY AS I CROSSED A MAIN HIGHWAY BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO REST. BECAUSE I HAVE FLOOR MATS OTHER THAN THOSE ISSUED BY HYUNDAI, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FLOOR MAT CAUSED THE GAS PEDAL TO BECOME STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. THIS IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED AND WOULD ALSO NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10425437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,918 miles
Alban, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
REAR BRAKE LOCK ATLOW ( 21,000) MILES ROTOR GROOVED, EXCESSIVE HEAT POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD, OUT OF CONTROL STEERING HYUNDAI SAYS THE BRAKE SLIDES MUST BE LUBRICATED..HOWEVER, THEIR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE DOES NOT MENTION LUBRICATION OF BRAKE SLIDES AS PART OF SCHEDULE.
NHTSA complaint #10376671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,300 miles
Edinburg, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WE HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. SEVERAL TIMES NOW IT HAD UNEXPECTED BRAKE FAILURES. LAST TIME ON DECEMBER 19 2010. I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR IN THE INTERSECTION ON RED LIGHT. THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ENTERED THE INTERSECTION. SECOND TIME I HIT THE PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. THEN WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I TRIED TO PARK AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THERE WERE SIMILAR PROBLEMS ALSO IN 2009. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I DRIVE MY CAR IN SCHOOL ZONES. AND THIS THING HAPPENED IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT TOO. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10372580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,731 miles
Princeton, IL
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH A NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS VERY HOT AND SMELLED AS IF IT WAS BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPERS WERE COVERED WITH RUST. HE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,731.
NHTSA complaint #10341671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 miles
ST. Peters, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE ON 2 OCCASIONS. I TOOK MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010. THE BRAKES WERE CHECKED COMPLETELY, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON SEVERAL TEST DRIVES. THE SERVICE TECH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEREFORE NOTHING WAS REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE FIRST OCCASION OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, FEBRUARY 24TH, I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, AS I APPROACHED THE DRIVEWAY I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PAD, AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND I COASTED PAST THE DRIVEWAY. WENT UP TURNED AROUND, WITH NO BRAKE PROBLEM. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28TH, AS I PULLED INTO THE CHURCH PARKING LOT, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND TURN TO PARK, AS I HIT THE BRAKE, MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND I AGAIN COASTED PAST WHERE I WANTED TO TURN. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE WALKING OR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. AND, I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10315251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brewerton, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 SANTA FE SEEM TO RUST EXCESSIVELY. I HAD LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY LAST SUMMER WHEN THE CALIPERS FROZE REQUIRING A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB. LATELY THE ROTORS ARE RUSTING SO BAD EACH NIGHT THAT THE BRAKES ALMOST FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST MILE OR SO OF DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10313704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,500 miles
Marlboro, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE STARTED SQUEALING. I PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THE BRAKE WAS SCORCHING HOT. IT HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES AFTER THAT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID BRING IT IN. IT WAS FROZEN PADS IN CALIPER SLIDES. I WAS ALSO TOLD I SHOULD HAVE THE BRAKES CLEANED ONCE A YEAR?! I WAS ALSO CHARGED $89.95.
NHTSA complaint #10280754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,731 miles
Westerly, RI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING ACTION. WITHIN ONE TO TWO PUMPS THE BREAKING RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #10272521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,095 miles
West Seneca, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE GLS AWD ON 4/13/2009. ON FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2009 AT APPROX 5:20 PM I WAS DRIVING TO MY SISTERS WHO LIVES 5 MINUTES AWAY WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. I HAD JUST TURNED ONTO THE STREET AND A RED LIGHT WAS 1 BLOCK AWAY. I WAS SLOWING DOWN, WHEN I WAS ABOUT TWO CAR LENGTHS FROM THE NEXT VEHICLE I APPLIED THE BRAKE IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. I PUMPED THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE WHEEL TOWARD THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GO IN A DITCH WHEN THE BRAKE FINALLY ENGAGED AND I STOPPED. I SLOWLY DROVE INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. TESTED THE BRAKES AND CONTINUED TO MY SISTERS. FOUR HOURS LATER WE WERE DRIVING HOME. STILL CAUTIOUS AND LEAVING ROOM BETWEEN ME AND OTHER CARS. I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE BRAKE LET GO AND MY CAR SHOT FORWARD. LUCKILY I HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND IT CAUGHT. MY SON AND I BOTH WERE PULLED BACK AND HIT THE SEATS BY THE SEAT BELTS. I DROVE THE FEW BLOCKS HOME AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK THE NEXT MORNING. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE. THEY ARE INSISTING THAT I PICK UP THE VEHICLE TOMORROW EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE CAUSE. THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING A VEHICLE JUST WAITING FOR THE NEXT BRAKE FAILURE. I MAY NOT BE LUCKY NEXT TIME AND MAY FINE MYSELF IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MYSELF AND OTHERS COULD BE INJURED. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS FROM OTHERS ONLINE WITH THE SAME ISSUES. THERE MUST BE SOME DEFECT ON THE BRAKES IN THIS VEHICLE AND I HOPE SOMEONE WILL MAKE HYUNDAI BE RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THEIR VEHICLES AND BACK THEIR PRODUCT BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10268681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 miles
Canton, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A NEW 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 1,500 MILES. AFTER DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AND DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE AFTER STOPPING FOR THE EXIT RAMP, I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AGAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO ACTION WHATSOEVER. I TRIED AGAIN AND IT STOPPED. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AND IT WAS STILL FULL. I CHECKED FOR ANY VISIBLE SIGNS OF LIQUID LEAKS AROUND THE WHEELS, BUT OBSERVED NONE. TWO HOURS LATER THE SAME OCCURRENCE AND THE NEXT DAY THE SAME OCCURRENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS AS I KEPT DRIVING SLOWLY AND CHECKING THE BRAKES FREQUENTLY. I'VE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10235253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.