70 of the 718 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE are about the engine — 10% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 79,000 miles.
70
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11725733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 can not provide any proof that work was done besides putting a oil shield on the vehicle. The head gasket leak didn't seem to be resolved if the alternator is saturated in oil enough that it doesn't hold a charge.
NHTSA complaint #11720879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11695026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Seem like it burns oil quick
NHTSA complaint #11676652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11675922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 compartment. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the fire had occurred due to an old oil leak; however, the contact stated there was also a noticeable new oil leak under the hood. The dealer later informed the contact that the starter had failed, and that the fire had not caused any further damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and
NHTSA complaint #11655464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11649926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11591934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 since 2008. It is frightening to know that it could happen again with personal injuries or property damage. This condition rarely happens in city driving, but has happened at least 3 times in city driving. Seems like this situation would warrant a manufacturer recall.
NHTSA complaint #11577311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Valve cover leak or head gasket leak
NHTSA complaint #11566265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11563562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
i change the oil on 4/18/2023 in walmart i park the car in my house i used on 04/23/2023 on i-75 southbound the oil light came out and them smoke star on the car fallow by fire me and daugther an husband where on the suv was tereffied
NHTSA complaint #11526405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Head on impact rear ending a truck. Engine locked melted head gaskets and destroyed radiator
NHTSA complaint #11492637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
ON HIGHWAY, CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE CAUSING ME TO SLOW TO 50 MPH AND NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH SPEED IF TRAFFIC. PULLED OVER, DASH LIGHTS FLASHED AND CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF VALVE COVER GASKET ALL OVER THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE CAR TO MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11399198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
CAR CUTSOFF WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11307527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TURNING LEFT THRU AN INTERSECTION TH E CAR STALLED, LEAVING US WITH NO BRAKES AND VERY LITTLE STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #11242855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
LEAKING VALVE COVER IS ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK DOWN ONTO THE ALTERNATOR. CAR BE STATIONARY OR RUNNING. MOST NOTABLE WHEN CAR ENGINE IS RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #11182855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO PRE-WARNING OR ALERT BEFORE IT HAPPENS
NHTSA complaint #11174366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO A INTERSECTING ROAD WHEN I ENCOUNTERED LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. AFTER ALMOST HITTING A CAR I GOT IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE HAD JUST SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. IT CRANKED RIGHT BACK UP AND I DROVE IT HOME BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11118333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STALLED TWICE TODAY. IT ALSO STALLED ON THE SAME DAY TWICE LAST WEEK. THIS HAPPENED EACH TIME I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT OR WANTED TO MAKE A TURN. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING CEASED WORKING, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER EACH OCCURRENCE, I SWITCHED MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, PUSHED THE TRANSAXLE TO PARK AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE STALLING IS OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF POWER (POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TOO), COMPLETE FAILURE TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
NHTSA complaint #11110670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
WHILE NORMAL DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD GOING STRAIGHT THE VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR ANY CHANGE IN CONDITION. YOU LOOSE ALL POWER, BRAKES AND STEERING WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND HAVE TO BRING IT TO STOP WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PLACE IN PARK. THEN YOU CAN START THE VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN LIKE IT HAS NO ISSUES. THIS ISSUE PRODUCES NO ENGINE TROUBLE CODES AND HAS HAPPENED 3 OTHER TIMES IN THE 6 YEARS WE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WE NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11033337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
THERE HAVE BEEN 3 INSTANCES WHERE AFTER TURNING ON MY VEHICLE, THE POWER IS THROTTLED AND I CAN ONLY DRIVE A COUPLE MILES PER HOUR. I RAN A DIAGNOSTIC SCAN, AND OBTAINED THE CODES P2106, P1295,AND P2135. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE APPEARS TO BE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR THIS ISSUE (TSB 09-FL003-2). IF THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL? THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11019236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I ACTUALLY HAVE 2 ISSUES OCCURRING. ONE OF THESE WAS DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED BY A PREVIOUS RECALL (CAMPAIGN 105/110 - FIXED /CLOSED JUN 23, 2014). HOWEVER, MY ESC OFF LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT ARE AGAIN LIGHTING UP. I HAVE (LUCKILY) NOT YET HAD LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OR CONTROL. THE SECOND ISSUE IS IN REGARDS TO CAMPAIGN 936. I'VE HAD THE FRONT ENGINE VALVE GASKET COVER FIXED, ALONG WITH MY ALTERNATOR REPLACED (AFTER MY HUSBAND AND I DID IT OURSELVES AFTER LOSING ALL POWER ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD BEFORE BARELY COASTING INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO SORT OF PARK OUT OF THE WAY). WE CHANGED MY OIL THIS WEEKEND, HAVE HAD NO OTHER WORK DONE ON THE CAR SINCE (EXCEPT OIL CHANGES) AND MY HUSBAND NOTICED THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS AGAIN COVERED IN OIL. BETWEEN THE 2 ISSUES, IT IS MOST LIKELY A MATTER OF DAYS (IF I'M LUCKY) BEFORE MY CAR LOSES POWER IN SOME FORM AND I AM POTENTIALLY IN A WRECK WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO "RE-FIX" THE FIRST 2 CAMPAIGNS THAT SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN FIXED, BUT FOR JUST THE VALVE GASKET WORK, IT WOULD BE AT LEAST $500, NOT INCLUDING THE ALTERNATOR THAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED WHEN THE CAR DOES GO OUT. APPARENTLY THE GASKET THAT IS LEAKING THIS TIME ISN'T THE FRONT ONE, IT IS THE REAR ONE. MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON THIS ARE THAT IF THE FRONT ONE IS FAULTY, THEN IT'S NOT A STRETCH TO GET TO THE REAR ONE BEING FAULTY. MY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP EVEN WARNED ME WHEN REPLACING THE FRONT ONE THAT MY REAR ONE WOULD MOST LIKELY NEED TO BE DONE TOO (FOR $500+). IF THE DEALERSHIPS KNOW, IT MAKES ME WONDER WHY THE RECALL DIDN'T INCLUDE BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS OR A NEW ONE HASN'T BEEN ISSUED FOR THE REAR ONE. HOPEFULLY, BOTH OF THESE ISSUES CAN BE RE-ADDRESSED. THE DATE BELOW IS OF FIRST WARNING LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS COME ON FROM PARK OR WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11010439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
ENGINE
TOOK MY CAR TO A TWO MECHANICS WHO BOTH SAID THERE IS A GAS LEAK IN THE EVAPORATOR OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. I READ ONLINE THAT THIS ISSUE IS COMMON WITH SANTA FES AND I BELIEVE THE COMPANY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND GET THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10966351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE. ALSO, WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND OR FROM THIRD TO FOURTH GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PURGE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,432.
NHTSA complaint #10965825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
WHILE AT A STOP IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. ALTHOUGH MY FOOT WAS PLANTED HARD ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED RACING, AND IT FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS GOING TO PUSH HIS CAR DOWN THE STREET! I SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. LUCKILY THERE WAS ONLY $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR, AND NO ONE WAS HURT. I REFUSED TO DRIVE IT, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWED NO MALFUNCTION, AND IT HAD TO BE DRIVER ERROR. THREE MONTHS LATER, IT DID IT AGAIN TO A LESSER DEGREE, IN AN OPEN AREA. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AGAIN, AND IT WAS FINE UNTIL YESTERDAY. IT HAS BEEN 4 MONTHS SINCE THAT LAST INCIDENT, BUT THIS ONE EVEN WAS WORSE THAN THE FIRST. ONLY THING IS, NOW I KNOW TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE, SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE CAR OFF AS FAST AS I CAN. THIS ONE FRIGHTENED ME SO BADLY, I WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN. IT IS GOING TO SIT AT THE DEALER UNTIL THEY FIND OUT WHAT TO DO. I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE DRIVE IT, SELL IT OR EVEN TRADE IT IN UNTIL I KNOW IT IS SAFE! EVERY TIME IT HAPPENED, THE CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET, STATIONARY, AND HEADING STRAIGHT. THE ENGINE REVS UP SO LOUD, IT SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE! YESTERDAY I COULD TELL THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR STOPPED NEXT TO ME HEARD IT AND LOOKED AT ME! I HAVE OWNED THIS SANTA FE SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW, AND PEOPLE TELL ME IT LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR. I KEEP UP WITH THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND ALWAYS TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. UNTIL LAST JULY, IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR. THE ACCIDENT I HAD WITH IT WAS THE ONLY ACCIDENT I HAVE HAD IN 50 YEARS OF DRIVING! PLEASE GIVE ME SOME IDEAS ON WHAT TO TELL THE DEALER TO REPLACE, REPAIR OR DISCONNECT. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10958268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
WHILE ACCELERATING TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC THE ENGINE STARTING MAKING A STRANGE NOISE. IT CONTINUED TO RUN AND THE NOISE DECREASED, AND SOMETIMES EVEN QUIT. THE NEXT DAY THE NOISE WAS BACK AND WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL THE ENGINE DIED AND MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO AN EXIT RAMP. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED WITH THE KNOCKING SOUND AND THEY FOUND METAL IN THE OIL IT WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. I COULD NOT AFFORD THE OVER $7,000 ESTIMATE SO I LOADED THE CAR ON A TRAILER AND TOOK IT HOME TO REPAIR MYSELF. WHEN I DISSEMBLED THE ENGINE I FOUND ONE OF THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS HAD SPUN AND ALL THE MAIN BEARINGS HAD SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE CONSISTENT WITH METAL DEBRIS ON THE BEARING SURFACE.
NHTSA complaint #10957158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDIA SANTA FE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR PROVIDED FALSE READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #10916743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.