IllustrationAFTER FUELING UP, TO A FULL TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE STILL REGISTERED EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ UPDATED 10/14/2015 *JS
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Santa Fe years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe are substantially higher than the model-year median of 212.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
720–25K
4425–50K
11650–75K
11275–100K
92100–150K
25150K+
461 reports with mileage · 80 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 215 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
17 crash reports7 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
541 reportsHYUNDAI SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 103: IN RELATION TO THE ABOVE RECALL, MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY DUE TO IT BEING MANUFACTURED ON 2 JUNE 2008. MY CLOCK SPRING FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG HAS BECOME INOPERABLE AS INDICATED BY THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION AND DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATES SINCE THERE IN NO RECALL, I …
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HYUNDAI SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 103: IN RELATION TO THE ABOVE RECALL, MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY DUE TO IT BEING MANUFACTURED ON 2 JUNE 2008. MY CLOCK SPRING FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG HAS BECOME INOPERABLE AS INDICATED BY THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION AND DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATES SINCE THERE IN NO RECALL, I MUST PAY FOR THIS PART AND THE DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE I HAVE SURPASSED THE 5YR/60K WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM SURPRISED IT IS NOT COVERED FOR FREE. AS SEEN WITH THE ABOVE RECALL CAMPAIGN, I WAS A FEW MONTHS SHY OF HAVING IT REPLACED FOR FREE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. IS THERE A WAY TO HAVE MY VEHICLE QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO REGISTER THE CORRECT LEVEL OF FUEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A SPEED SENSITIVE "WHIRRING" SOUND WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED. WE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE NOISE, BUT DID NOT GO AWAY WHEN NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS THE DRIVE BELT RUBBING AGAINST THE COVER, BUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY FOUND NO EXCES…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A SPEED SENSITIVE "WHIRRING" SOUND WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED. WE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE NOISE, BUT DID NOT GO AWAY WHEN NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS THE DRIVE BELT RUBBING AGAINST THE COVER, BUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY FOUND NO EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE BELT, AND NO INDICATION OF CONTACT WITH THE COVER. THE NOISE IS ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, AND IS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 102 WHICH APPLIES TO 2010 MODELS. I PLAN TO START A FIGHT WITH HYUNDAI OVER THIS REPAIR AS THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE THE SAME ON THE 2008 MODELS AS THE 2010.
SUN VISOR ON DRIVERS SIDE DROPS DOWN INTO VISION OF DRIVER WITHOUT WARNING. OTHER YEARS OF HYUNDAI HAVE A RECALL FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND THIS YEAR CONTINUES THE SAME PROBLEM.
MY RED AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED $1500. MY ISSUE IS I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION SO WHY SHOULD I PAY THIS EXTREMELY HIGH COST. (I'M RETIRED) I ALSO SPOKE WITH THE HYUNDAI REGIONAL MANAGER AND THEY OFFERED ME $200. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD …
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MY RED AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED $1500. MY ISSUE IS I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION SO WHY SHOULD I PAY THIS EXTREMELY HIGH COST. (I'M RETIRED) I ALSO SPOKE WITH THE HYUNDAI REGIONAL MANAGER AND THEY OFFERED ME $200. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I WANT HYUNDAI TO FIX THIS!!! I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL IN 2012, SO SOMETHING CONTINUES TO BE WRONG WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY, GOING UP AND DOWN BUT NEVER PASSING ONE HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON ALL THE TIME. THE MECHANIC SAID THE SEATS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN OUT TO GET TO THE SENSOR, THAT IT WAS PROBABLY BAD AND WOULD NEED A NEW ONE. I TRIED TO ESTIMATE HOW MUCH GAS I HAD IN THE TANK BY U…
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MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY, GOING UP AND DOWN BUT NEVER PASSING ONE HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON ALL THE TIME. THE MECHANIC SAID THE SEATS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN OUT TO GET TO THE SENSOR, THAT IT WAS PROBABLY BAD AND WOULD NEED A NEW ONE. I TRIED TO ESTIMATE HOW MUCH GAS I HAD IN THE TANK BY USING THE ODOMETER AND RESETTING AT 0 FOR A GAS FILLUP TILL I GOT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. THE TANK WOULD KICK THE GAS BACK AT HALF A TANK SO I WAS GETTING ONLY 8 GALLONS IN. ON TUESDAY I RAN OUT OF GAS ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55, WHICH WAS DANGEROUS, AS THERE WAS A TRUCK BEHIND ME AND HE HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID HITTING ME WHEN MY CAR DIED. I WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CHECKED BYTAKING THE SEATS OUT AND PUTTING IN A NEW SENSOR. HE FILLED THE GAS TANK UP (19.9 GALLONS) AND YET WITH THE NEW SENSOR IN, THE GAUGE STILL READS ONLY HALF A TANK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. SOMETHING ELSE IS WRONG AND I SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR RESOLVED EFFECTIVELY. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? ARE WE SURE SOMEONE HAS NOT ALREADY? *TR
WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED THE GAS TANK EMPTY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND THE EMPTY GAS TANK LIGHT WAS ON, EVEN THOUGH THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED YESTERDAY. THEN FUEL LEVEL GAUGE IS FLUCTUATING FROM FULL TO EMPTY TANK WHEN DRIVING. *TR
MY 2008 SANTA FE IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS AS EMPTY WITH THE LIGHT INDICATOR ON AND CORRESPONDING MILES TO EMPTY INDICATOR READING TO ZERO. THIS CONVENIENTLY HAPPENED AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I SEE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. HYUNDAI IS NOT OFFERING TO REPLACE/REPAIR. THIS IS A $695 FIX AS THE SEA…
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MY 2008 SANTA FE IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS AS EMPTY WITH THE LIGHT INDICATOR ON AND CORRESPONDING MILES TO EMPTY INDICATOR READING TO ZERO. THIS CONVENIENTLY HAPPENED AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I SEE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. HYUNDAI IS NOT OFFERING TO REPLACE/REPAIR. THIS IS A $695 FIX AS THE SEATS NEED TO BE REMOVED TO REACH THE SENSORS. *TR
Official recalls
413V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Apr 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.
12V354000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
11V472000 · Air Bags:frontal
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.
08V272000 · Equipment:other:labels
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.