2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
981
Owner Complaints
9
Recalls
15
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has received a total of 981 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 9 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Fuelpropulsion System (121 complaints), Electrical System (93 complaints), and Air Bags (70 complaints).
Recalls for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
NHTSA has recorded 9 recalls for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, potentially affecting up to 3,221,287 vehicles.
Recall 20V061000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 476,111 vehicles affected
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners...
View full details →Recall 13V113000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 1,712,336 vehicles affected
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,...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 12V354000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 199,118 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 11V472000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 205,233 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 09V122000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 532,633 vehicles affected
Defect: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO...
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
View full details →Recall 08E055000 — TRAILER HITCHES
| 3,387 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 08V272000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 88,943 vehicles affected
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).
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 08E016000 — TRAILER HITCHES
| 3,387 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 06V317000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
| 139 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WALL THICKNESS OF THE RIGHT FORWARD BAFFLE OF THE FUEL TANK MAY BE BELOW SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. ALL VEHICLES ARE EITHER STILL AT THE MANUFACTURING PLANT OR IN DEALERSHIPS. NO VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CONSUMERS.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
981 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Hyundai Motor America has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
24-01-026H — POWER TRAIN
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâs 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...
TSB-09-SS-006 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
HYUNDAI: REAR HUB BEARING REPLACEMENT 4WD. THE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE REAR HUB BEARINGS ON CERTAIN SANTA FE VEHICLES. THE PROCEDURE INCLUDES INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR DUST COVERS INCLUDED IN THE REPLACEMENT HUB BEARING KIT. *PE
TSB-09-01-024 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
HYUNDAI: POWER SEAT SWITCH REPLACEMENT. PROCEDURES TO REPLACE THE POWER SEAT SWITCH SOME VEHICLES. *PE
SB-09-01-014-1 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
HYUNDAI: WIRE ATTACHMENT-ENGINE ROOM JUNCTION BOX. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE FULLY AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (FATC) A OR THE MANUAL HVAC SYSTEM WITH THE OPTIONAL TRIP COMPUTER MAY DISPLAY AN INCORRECT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE READING. *PE
SB-09-01-014-1 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HYUNDAI: WIRE ATTACHMENT-ENGINE ROOM JUNCTION BOX. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE FULLY AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (FATC) A OR THE MANUAL HVAC SYSTEM WITH THE OPTIONAL TRIP COMPUTER MAY DISPLAY AN INCORRECT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE READING. *PE
TSB-09-01-015 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
HYUNDAI: (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T85). CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO UPDATE THE ECU SOFTWARE ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. REFLASH THE ECU WITH THE APPROPRIATE FILE LISTED IN THE CHARTS IN THIS TSB. *PE
TSB-09-01-014 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HYUNDAI: (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T83). SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TEMPERATURE CONTROL DISPLAY MAY SHOW AN INCORRECT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE READING. THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE PROCEDURE TO CONNECT TWO WIRES IN THE ENGINE ROOM JUNCTION BOX USING A WIRE JOINT KIT TO REPAIR THIS CONDITION. *PE
TSB-09-01-014 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
HYUNDAI: (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T83). SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TEMPERATURE CONTROL DISPLAY MAY SHOW AN INCORRECT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE READING. THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE PROCEDURE TO CONNECT TWO WIRES IN THE ENGINE ROOM JUNCTION BOX USING A WIRE JOINT KIT TO REPAIR THIS CONDITION. *PE
0736008 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ECM UPDATE - MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ON WITH DTC P0110 OR P0300, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NO SYSTEM FAULTS. *NJ
0790003 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (FIS) CODE B1327 AND B1332 DIAGNOSTICS. *KB
Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SANTA FE
- 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 219 complaints
- 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 390 complaints
- 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 386 complaints
- 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 300 complaints
- 2006 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 143 complaints
- 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE (current)
- 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 713 complaints
- 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 503 complaints
- 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 327 complaints
- 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 266 complaints
- 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 468 complaints
Other HYUNDAI Models
- HYUNDAI SONATA — 21,725 total complaints
- HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 11,768 total complaints
- HYUNDAI TUCSON — 7,920 total complaints
- HYUNDAI ACCENT — 2,733 total complaints
- HYUNDAI PALISADE — 2,456 total complaints
- HYUNDAI VELOSTER — 1,738 total complaints
- HYUNDAI GENESIS — 1,702 total complaints
- HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 — 1,636 total complaints