FaultScore

Hyundai Santa FE headlight problems

181 of the 10,385 complaints filed about the Hyundai Santa FE are about the lighting — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2007.

181

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

9

Crashes

3

Fires

Lights complaints by model year

2001 Santa FE 3 1.7%

Median failure at 3,324 miles

2002 Santa FE 2 1.1%

Median failure at 361,000 miles

2003 Santa FE 2 1.1%

Median failure at 60,910 miles

2004 Santa FE 1 0.6%
2005 Santa FE 5 2.8%

Median failure at 75,500 miles

2006 Santa FE 10 5.5%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

2007 Santa FE 48 26.5%

Median failure at 76,499 miles

2008 Santa FE 11 6.1%

Median failure at 90,549 miles

2009 Santa FE 9 5.0%

Median failure at 103,435 miles

2010 Santa FE 7 3.9%

Median failure at 58,877 miles

2011 Santa FE 14 7.7%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2012 Santa FE 13 7.2%

Median failure at 41,500 miles

2013 Santa FE 16 8.8%

Median failure at 29,387 miles

2014 Santa FE 11 6.1%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2015 Santa FE 9 5.0%

Median failure at 44,654 miles

2016 Santa FE 2 1.1%

Median failure at 40,600 miles

2017 Santa FE 4 2.2%

Median failure at 14,750 miles

2018 Santa FE 2 1.1%

Median failure at 31,000 miles

2019 Santa FE 2 1.1%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2020 Santa FE 3 1.7%
2021 Santa FE 2 1.1%

Median failure at 300 miles

2023 Santa FE 3 1.7%

Median failure at 10 miles

2024 Santa FE 2 1.1%

What owners said

2020 Hyundai Santa FE College Station, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The multifunction/turn signal switch in my Hyundai has failed and causes the left turn signal to operate intermittently. While driving, I am unable to reliably activate the left turn signal when making a left turn or changing lanes. The signal may fail to engage when the turn signal lever is operated, requiring repeated attempts to activate it. College Station Hyundai inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the multifunction switch as the failed component requiring replacement. The replacement component has been identified as Hyundai part number 93400-S1750. I consider this a significant safety concern because the failure prevents me from reliably signaling my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. The malfunction occurs during normal operation of the vehicle and creates the risk that surrounding drivers will not know that I intend to turn or change lanes. The vehicle currently has approximately 86,611 miles. I reported the issue to Hyundai Motor America and requested assistance because this is a safety-critical component. Hyundai declined my request because the vehicle is outside the warranty period. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the premature failure of a component necessary for the reliable operation of the vehicle's turn signals may constitute a safety-related defect, and I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this failure.

NHTSA complaint #11756946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Hyundai Santa FE Westford, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The 2024 Caligraphy trim line, has a unique illumination for all dash controls that control; AC, seat heat, seat AC, fan AC, steering wheel heat, ect. Each of these controls are illuminated with a dull Amber color that is impossible to see in bright sunshine, and difficult in all daylight situations. This force the driver to take their eyes off the road to insure proper calibration of each. I confirmed with the sales manager of my serivice dealer Hyundai Nashua ….he drives the same model there is no illumination adjustment that will make the controls visible in sun. Other trim lines have different illumination of the same controls. It would seem this is an easy swap and fix

NHTSA complaint #11754399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Hyundai Santa FE Holyoke, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

2024 Hyundai Santa FE Jacksonville, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Auto dimming headlights. The headlights have stopped auto dimming. I feel like this is a safety issue because if you have them on you have to push the switch forward and then pull backward to change them back to dim. It is not something that happens occasionally it is every time they are on. Not only is it dangerous for me but also on coming vehicles. I have taken it to the dealer and was told they were waiting on some way to test what the problem is.

NHTSA complaint #11720142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Hyundai Santa FE Olivehurst, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

There is a problem with the car's headlights. They are having to be replaced every couple months. I have taken it to the dealership and they told me it would be several hundreds of dollars to diagnose, but cannot tell me anything upon inspection other than needs replacement. We are having to purchase new bulbs every 2-3 months. One side goes out, then the other. We are being careful when replacing them, not to handle them with our fingers and using the bulb lubricant as advised per the parts store. I have receipts for multiple headlamp purchases.

NHTSA complaint #11683923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Hyundai Santa FE Seal Beach, CA Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My wife was parking the car at carport, all of sudden unintended acceleration happened and hit through the wall. The damage on the car was $12478.57 and damaged the wall and storage on both sides of carport. My wife is scared to drive this car.

NHTSA complaint #11666275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Hyundai Santa FE Big Canoe, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The low beams on the 2014 and many other year Hyundai Sant fe models do not work properly. While you are driving at night the low beams do not light up enough or shine bright enough on the roadway so you can see and drive safely ... I even installed brand new bulbs , and nothing changed as far as the brightness . The headlight housings are clear and do not have any type of damage that would prevent the bulbs from providing plenty of light on the roads . This is very dangerous for anyone trying to drive these vehicles on any kind of roads at night time .

NHTSA complaint #11652585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Hyundai Santa FE at 195,000 miles Albuquerque, NM

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11638264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Hyundai Santa FE St Louis, MO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON CONTINIOUSLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON SO THERES NO INDICATION THAT I'M GETTING READY TO STOP BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON, INCREASEING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO AFECTECED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL AND IT SAID THAT 2013 -2015 HYDUNDIA SANTA FEE SPORT VIHECLES WERE AFFECTED, BUT WHEN I CALL THE DEARLERSHIP THEY SAID MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL!

NHTSA complaint #11631945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Hyundai Santa FE at 158,000 miles Georgetown, DE

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.

2011 Hyundai Santa FE Bradenton, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was on a national back order. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11628498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Hyundai Santa FE Lake in The Hills, IL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The closed recall of the brake light failing to illuminate has returned and I’m not sure of my future steps in getting it fixed. The Hyundai repair website mentions it as completed in 2014, when I did not have the car. At random, my driver tail light will not illuminate whilst braking. It has recurred repeatedly, so I’ve put the incident as the most recent time it happened.

NHTSA complaint #11619354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Hyundai Santa FE at 82,500 miles Lehi, UT

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.

2019 Hyundai Santa FE Richmond, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Continuous issue of front driver passenger power seat front level button failure. Continuous Headlights, fog lights getting fused every 4 months. Indoor back roof light works and sometime just does not work for months.

NHTSA complaint #11593772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Hyundai Santa FE Fresno, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11587266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Hyundai Santa FE La Porte, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have complained about this previously to recall, and it's doing it again. My engine shut off while driving its happened on the Fred harrman bridge twice now. All the dashboard lights come on and the engine shuts off I had to put it in neutral and restart it. It very dangerous and scarey experience. Also one of my passerger head light doesn't come on sometimes and the back driver side tail light. I can get out and hit it then it will come on. I have been pulled over by the police for it once before I told them it works just hit it. He did told me to get that fixed and gave me a warning. I can't afford to eletbeledtrical done little alone an engine please help. Call should have the first report as well.

NHTSA complaint #11586717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Hyundai Santa FE York, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11579293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Hyundai Santa FE Woodbury, MN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Incident: I have been almost rear ended numerous, numerous times despite having my turn signal on an appropriate distance from my turning point. Safety Issue: The rear signal lights are small and are only located on the bumper. The location of these signal lights are way too low for most driver's to even notice them! The signal lights also look like reflectors on the rear bumper especially in broad day light, making the detection of a signal even more difficult! I do like the Santa Fe, it is my second one, but had I known that the turn signal lights were located where they are, I would have NEVER purchased this vehicle as the risk of getting rear ended is too high.

NHTSA complaint #11572394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Hyundai Santa FE Kellogg, MN Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Hyundai Santa FE at 10 miles Mint Hill, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at night with the low beam headlights illuminated, there was a dark shadow present in the top section of the illuminated light field causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed the issue was present but informed the contact that the headlights were operating as intended. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 10.

NHTSA complaint #11555700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Hyundai Santa FE problems