2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
713
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
8
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has received a total of 713 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Fuelpropulsion System (215 complaints), Electrical System (68 complaints), and Engine (58 complaints).
Recalls for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, potentially affecting up to 2,212,404 vehicles.
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 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 →Owner Complaints for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
713 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
My speedometer has stopped working, I had the sensor replaced and fuses checked but it is still not working
Seem like it burns oil quick
Safety Rating for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Hyundai Motor America has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
24-01-026H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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...
23-01-076H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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...
5NPU4E5D02 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
In some areas, a vehicle?s underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road salt usage. As a precautionary measure, cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components, and an undercoating spray is applied to the bottom exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. This bulletin describes the procedure...
SCI-936 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
HYUNDAI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND ALTERNATOR NEEDS INSPECTION AND IF NECESSARY, WILL BE REPLACED DUE TO ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE FROM FRONT CYLINDER BANK VALVE COVER GASKET NEAR WHERE CYLINDER HEAD AND TIMING COVER MATED. MODEL 2007-09 SANTA FE. *PE
12-ST-002 — EQUIPMENT
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-10-SS-004 — WHEELS:HUB
HYUNDAI: REAR HUB BEARING REPLACEMENT 4WD. DESCRIBES THE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE REAR HUB BEARINGS ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. THE PROCEDURE INCLUDES INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR DUST COVERS INCLUDED IN THE REPLACEMENT HUB BEARING KIT. *PE
SB-09-01-017 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
HYUNDAI: SOME VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN IN CAR NAVIGATION SYSTEM AS PART OF THE AUDIO SYSTEM. IF A NAVIGATION SYSTEM EXPERIENCES LOCK UP DURING OPERATION, THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE REPAIR PROCEDURE NECESSARY TO REPROGRAM THE NAVIGATION SOFTWARE. *PE
88-SS-007 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
HYUNDAI: CHANGE OF LOWER ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY. THE COVER TYPE HAS CHANGED FROM A SEPARATE COMPONENT TO AN INTEGRATED TYPE. *PE
NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SANTA FE
- 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 — 981 complaints
- 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE (current)
- 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 503 complaints
- 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 327 complaints
- 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 266 complaints
- 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 468 complaints
- 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 806 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