NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
17 reportsClear category filter53,500 miles · Jan 10, 2017
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED WITH A 3.3 LITER ENGINE WITH APPROXIMATELY 53,500 MI. I WAS SETTING STOPPED ON A CITY STREET WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED REVVING UP AS FAST IT COULD GO (APP 6K TO 7K RPM'S). IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM TAKING OFF AND SLAMMING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRO…
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2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED WITH A 3.3 LITER ENGINE WITH APPROXIMATELY 53,500 MI. I WAS SETTING STOPPED ON A CITY STREET WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED REVVING UP AS FAST IT COULD GO (APP 6K TO 7K RPM'S). IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM TAKING OFF AND SLAMMING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT WAS CREEPING ALONG AND TAPPED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHICH NOT TO MY SURPRISE CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. AFTER I TALKED TO THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP THEY CONTACTED HYUNDAI WHO IS SUPPOSEDLY LOOKING INTO IT. NOT THAT I BLAME HER MY WIFE IS VERY RELUCTANT TO DRIVE IT UNLESS THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10944110
65,000 miles · Dec 5, 2016
Fuel System, GasolineFuel/propulsion System
FAULTY FUEL SENSOR GAUGE. WHEN TRYING TO FILL AN EMPTY TANK THE PUMP SHUTS OFF AFTER ONLY A COUPLE OF GALLONS. IF I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS FULL. I'VE SEEN COMPLAINTS THAT THE FUEL GAUGE STOPS WORKING ON THIS CAR AT SIMILAR MILEAGE, IF THAT HAPPENS TOO I WON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY CAR. I COU…
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FAULTY FUEL SENSOR GAUGE. WHEN TRYING TO FILL AN EMPTY TANK THE PUMP SHUTS OFF AFTER ONLY A COUPLE OF GALLONS. IF I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS FULL. I'VE SEEN COMPLAINTS THAT THE FUEL GAUGE STOPS WORKING ON THIS CAR AT SIMILAR MILEAGE, IF THAT HAPPENS TOO I WON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY CAR. I COULD THEN RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING AND LOSE POWER STEERING. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10930006
95,000 miles · Nov 1, 2016
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT
NHTSA ODI #10920441
163,400 miles · May 11, 2016
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY ADDRESS IS [XXX]. MY NAME IS [XXX]. THE PROBLEM IN MY CAR IS FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WHEN I DRIVE IN HIGHWAY MY FUEL GAUGE IS GOES CRAZY THEIR GOING UP THEN DOWN THEN WARNING LIGHT NO FUEL IN TANK BUT FUEL IS FULL THAT THE PROBLEM IN MY CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)…
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MY ADDRESS IS [XXX]. MY NAME IS [XXX]. THE PROBLEM IN MY CAR IS FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WHEN I DRIVE IN HIGHWAY MY FUEL GAUGE IS GOES CRAZY THEIR GOING UP THEN DOWN THEN WARNING LIGHT NO FUEL IN TANK BUT FUEL IS FULL THAT THE PROBLEM IN MY CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10864442
111,000 miles · Jan 2, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline
AS WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS, WE SHARE THE FUEL SENDER SENSOR PROBLEM WITH OUR 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE . THE CODES ARE FOR BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, MEANING BOTH WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL GAUGE EMPTY LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL. QUOTED FROM $350 TO $620 DO…
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AS WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS, WE SHARE THE FUEL SENDER SENSOR PROBLEM WITH OUR 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE . THE CODES ARE FOR BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, MEANING BOTH WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL GAUGE EMPTY LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL. QUOTED FROM $350 TO $620 DOLLARS FROM LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS. WE FAILED NJ INSPECTION DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT, AND THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND COSTLY PROBLEM, AND WE RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE BUSY GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WITH OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR, INCURRING TOWING CHARGES. IT IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HYUNDAI IS AVOIDING. I HAVE ANOTHER 2009 HYUNDAI (ACCENT) WITH NO PROBLEMS, SO IT IS SAFE TO ASSUME ( WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ) THAT IT IS A SANTA FE PROBLEM. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI LOOK INTO THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM . THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10669555
73,500 miles · Sep 30, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL GAUGE READING FLUCTUATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL GAUGE READING FLUCTUATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500.
NHTSA ODI #10640122
79,452 miles · Jun 21, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, FAILS NJ EMISSIONS, DEALER WILL NOT FIX A KNOWN ISSUE!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10604917
65,231 miles · Jun 2, 2014
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
THE VEHICLE LOOSES ALL POWER. IT ALSO SURGES AND STALLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595674
86,000 miles · Jun 2, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING TO CAPACITY, THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WOULD SHOE EMPTY WITHIN 50 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING TO CAPACITY, THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WOULD SHOE EMPTY WITHIN 50 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #10595632
43,000 miles · May 22, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAVE 2009 SANTA FE. THIS HAPPENED FIRST TIME IN FEBRUARY 2014 THAT I WAS FILLING GAS (I ALWAYS DO FULL) AND AS I STARTED LEAVING THE GAS STATION MY FUEL GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY. I WENT BACK TO THE GAS STATION AND ASK THE ATTENDANT THAT THERE IS A MISTAKE, MY TANK IS NOT FULL IT IS EMPTY. BUT I WAS WRONG, BECAUSE HE TOLD ME THERE IS…
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I HAVE 2009 SANTA FE. THIS HAPPENED FIRST TIME IN FEBRUARY 2014 THAT I WAS FILLING GAS (I ALWAYS DO FULL) AND AS I STARTED LEAVING THE GAS STATION MY FUEL GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY. I WENT BACK TO THE GAS STATION AND ASK THE ATTENDANT THAT THERE IS A MISTAKE, MY TANK IS NOT FULL IT IS EMPTY. BUT I WAS WRONG, BECAUSE HE TOLD ME THERE IS NO WAY THE PUMP MACHINE WILL LIE AND HE FILLS 100S OF VEHICLE PER DAY FROM EACH OF HIS MACHINE. JUST TO DOUBLE CHECK, THE NEXT FILLING I USED A DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. NOW THIS HAS BECOME ROUTINE AND SINCE MY LAST TWO VISIT AT PUMP, EVEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON NOW. I HAVE TO WAIT FEW DAYS AND MILEAGE TO PUT ON THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WILL GO OFF BUT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL STILL SHOW LESS THAN HALF THE TANK. AT THIS MOMENT, I KNOW MY CAR AND CAN PREDICT WITH SOME DEGREE OF CERTAINTY ABOUT THE MILEAGE MY CAR WILL PROVIDE BUT AS THE CAR AGES AND OTHER THINGS IN THE ENGINE AGES, IT WILL BECOME MORE DIFFICULT TO PREDICT THE GAS LEVEL. SO I MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE STRANDED ON HIGHWAY OR IN CITY DURING RUSH HOUR. ALSO I FOUND ONLINE THAT THIS IS NOT JUST MY PROBLEM, MANY OF OTHER SANTA FE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. THEREFORE, I THOUGHT I SHOULD ALSO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE HERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593364
Official recalls
2Apr 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.
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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