NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
13 reportsClear category filter140,000 miles · Sep 13, 2022
Air BagsExterior LightingService 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; …
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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 ODI #11484286
67,000 miles · Feb 3, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineService 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 H…
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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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562797
24,000 miles · Dec 11, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrash
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10439287
64,000 miles · Sep 14, 2011
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlInjury
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 NEIGHB…
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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. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10425437
22,918 miles · Jan 14, 2011
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10376671
25,300 miles · Dec 27, 2010
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 I…
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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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372580
30,731 miles · Jul 6, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire
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 WE…
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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 ODI #10341671
20,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
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 O…
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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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315251
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2010
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313704
11,500 miles · Aug 17, 2009
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280754
Official recalls
4Apr 1, 2013
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, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Jul 25, 2012
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 & remedy
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.
Sep 9, 2011
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 BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Jun 19, 2008
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 & remedy
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 AT 1-800-633-5151.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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