10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,533 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe brakes problems

brakes problem

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2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #43

Aug 152023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car has active recalls for the brake switch (prevents brake lights from working properly) and systems related to proper airbag deployment. In addition, there is a service recall (it doesn't show in your database, but it is Hyundai Service Campaign 936 [XXX] ) related to the valve gasket literally dumping oil out to the point that it destroys the alternator - it destroyed my AC Compressor, too! That's not the main point of this, but it's relevant in general. I have been attempting to schedule an appointment to get these issues resolved, but all local dealers tell me the recalls have "expired" and refuse to even look at the car. Some legitimately stop answering the phone when I call at this point, it just rings forever. The online tool to make an appointment from the official Hyundai site has you pick a time to bring the car in, but the dealers to not allot any slots to this so none are available to select. I contacted Hyundai Corporate Customer Service to resolve this, and was told I'd need to "continue trying to work with the dealers." It was no help at all. I am trying to fix the issues myself - my car is currently half-assembled in my garage, and I am technically proficient (I hope!), but it seems ridiculous to be denied service for active safety recalls - and keep in mind, I am only trying to do it myself because the dealers refuse to and I don't want to die in a fiery car crash. I shouldn't be forced to do this. Oh, in addition - Hyundai won't reimburse me for the repairs (I bought my own alternator/compressor once work was refused)... because they aren't being done at a dealership! It'd be hilarious if it wasn't so scummy. Thank you for any help you can offer. I am legitimately losing my mind at this point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Prairieville, LA, USA

problem #42

Feb 132019

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that her daughter informed her that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and also while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced tire failures with the vehicle despite having the front-end aligned. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic who aligned the wheels and replaced the tires. The contact was unsure if any other repairs had been performed on the vehicle. The failure had persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #41

Jun 292020

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
Hyundai issued a recall recently related to the ABS module, which can result in a fire. I called Hyundai and scheduled a service appointment in advance, and after waiting for an hour on the day of the appointment was told that they would need to order parts. They knew the problem and what needed to be replaced before I came for the appointment, this does not make sense and puts drivers in danger by extending time spent driving with this combustion hazard. It has now been two weeks (on Monday) since the Hyundai dealership ordered the parts and I still have not received a call back to schedule the repair. I called last week to check in and they said that the part still had not been received and that they would call me when it arrived. Given that this is a serious safety hazard that has the potential to cause serious injury or death, it seems totally unacceptable that Hyundai is taking this long and not providing a safe alternative vehicle while affected customers are waiting on the parts.

- Athens, GA, USA

problem #40

May 222020

Santa Fe

  • 100,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle began to accelerate independently without warning. Due to the unintended acceleration, the contact had to depress her brake pedal to the floor board as well as use her emergency hand brake in order to slow down the vehicle. Once the contact eased her foot of the brake pedal, the vehicle began to accelerate. Due to the force applied to her brakes, smoke began to emit from vehicle's exhaust pipe. The contact had to coast the vehicle until a parking lot until the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact then turned off the vehicle and called titus-will Hyundai 2255 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502 where they informed her to have the vehicle towed to there dealer. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealer, she received a call from the dealer stated that they were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,700. Invalid VIN.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #39

May 052020

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
Car has recall. Dealer told me to bring it in they would fix it. Dealer then tells me corporate Hyundai will not allow them to do the work even though dealer has the part. 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.

- Beverly Hills, MI, USA

problem #38

Feb 082019

Santa Fe

  • 160,000 miles
Brake lights remain on, stability control is turned off and cruise control doesn't work. This is a safety hazard to vehicles following, a lack of vehicle stability control, an inability to maintain a constant speed on the freeway. There has been a historic recall on this issue - but not for this specific VIN. This vehicle obviously is using the same defective part. Battery runs down and vehicle won't start unless battery is disconnected (due to brake lights remaining on)

- Bethel Heights, AR, USA

problem #37

Oct 132018

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine light stays on after a professional reset brakes light wont go off unless I unhook the battery

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #36

Oct 122018

Santa Fe

  • 147,000 miles
Check engine light came on and the diagnostic code (P0504) revealed that it was the brake light switch.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #35

Apr 092018

Santa Fe

  • 99,450 miles
I had just gotten on the interstate and the car started and continued accelerating on its own. I had the wipers going; cruise was not turned on or set, there was nothing obstructing brake or accelerator petals. I turned the lights to auto then down to running lights then to the on position. Just at that moment when I put the lights in the on position is when it took over the accelerator. I tried stepping on the break and it did nothing as the vehicle continued to accelerate. I made it to the off ramp to get off the interstate immediately. I tried turning cruise on then off and down shifting. Then I put it into neutral and it stopped accelerating but I still could not brake. I started to push on the emergency brake and we started to slow down until we coasted into a gas station and shut the car off. I called roadside assistance and was towed to a garage. I called Hyundai service and they told me if nothing is found or it can't be fixed that I should contact Consumer Affairs. I did some research and found over 50 complaints for this same thing. Apparently this has to do with the fact that the throttle control is driven by the computer/electric. Because of this something like a power surge happens that causes the acceleration and the brakes to not work. If this would have happened to me with more traffic, I would have crashed. It appears to be fine now but I understand it is intermittent and can't be duplicated; therefore, Hyundai will not do anything about it. The fact of the matter is they don't know what to do. But it doesn't change the fact that this causes accidents and is a safety issue. I am now scared to drive my own vehicle. Complaints/investigations/recalls were found on: NHTSA.gov, forum.edmonds.com understanding issue found on: Suddenacceleration.com

- St Francis, WI, USA

problem #34

Mar 162018

Santa Fe

  • 110,000 miles
I have a problem with the ESC unit. I can be driving down the road and the right hand front break will all of a sudden at radium grab and jerk the car to the right. This problem has occurred at speeds ranging from 35 to 70 mph. I have taken the car to the Hyundai dealership 3 or 4 time to get the problem fixed and have spent $1,300 and they still haven't fixed the problem. I am being told we don't find anything wrong. We never know when it is going to happen and I can only hope that it doesn't happen when in a situation that it causes someone to get hurt or killed. I have asked that either disconnect the ESC system or reverse it so that it is not on until you need it and the Hyundai service people say that can't be done. I do not believe that is correct but they are the smart people on the car. I will tell you this if this problem causes an accident that someone gets hurt I will be seeking an attorney and notifying the insurance of the problem and the fact that Hyundai has not fixed the problem. Please help me with this problem. Thanks

- Gibsonville,, NC, USA

problem #33

Jan 012016

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Sensors -are bad. Have to turn off ESC to keep from ABS pulling me off the road. Feels like brakes are falling out. Someone else I saw said she had same issue. I paid over $2,000 to get brakes fixed at dealership-never fixed issue. I turn off button only give me a chance to drive.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #32

Dec 182017

Santa Fe

  • 111,149 miles
Crankshaft harmonic balancer broke apart which caused loss of control: ( of the steering, brakes, lighting, etc. ) the vehicle was in motion at a very low speed while turning into a driveway! fortunately I was able to immediately stop and shut off the engine which prevented excessive damage from shrapnel. If this occurred at the interstate speeds, it could have proved catastrophic for myself, passengers and other highway travelers. My checking online disclosed there are many occurrences of this nature! unfortunately I did not take photos.

- Nokomis, FL, USA

problem #31

Oct 132017

Santa Fe

  • 173,910 miles
Sometimes when I make a left or ight turn, the anti lock brakes cause the vehicle to slow down. This isn't the only issue but the car turns off and the steering locks. Im not able to turn or stop. This happens when im at a very slow speed while turning. It happened numerous times. I went online and it was many compliants and reviews on the 2003 to 2006 models. Im really afraid this can cause a collision. Im not the only person who had issues with my vehicle. This happened when I got off the interstate and made a turn on a street while steering. Someone need to investigate this issue. I had other recalls on my vehicle in the past.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #30

Jul 012017

Santa Fe

  • 141,511 miles
Approximately 2015 the fuel level sensors began malfunctioning and then failed completely within a few weeks causing the vehicle to constantly show an empty fuel light even when full. In 2017 at some the passenger side rear brake caliper bracket pins seized with no noticeable driving difference until drivers side rear rotor began to fail. I do not know how long I have been driving with only 1 rear brake. Hyundai doesn't sell the parts that need to be replaced. The whole caliper must be purchased not just the defective parts.

- Stanton, KY, USA

problem #29

May 042016

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. After driving a short distance, the electronic stability control warning indicator also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, which produced failure codes for the fuel senders and brake light switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V113000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #28

Aug 112016

Santa Fe

  • 171,000 miles
While driving through an intersection at approximately 40 mph my 2007 Santa Fe started to decelerate even as I pushed the gas pedal realizing something was wrong started looking for a place to pull over then all my gauges went crazy fuel gauge showed empty RPM gauge was showing 3000 RPM(engine was off) all dash lights came on and the engine would not start. Oil leaking from front valve cover had shorted out the alternator there for killing my battery. Repair was not cheap

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #27

Sep 152015

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the electronic function panel on the driver side failed to work and all of the doors randomly failed to lock on the inside and outside. The vehicle was to be taken to the dealer for further inspection and diagnosis. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V122000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The brake pedal was applied several times and traveled to the floorboard. The contact had to pump the brake pedal each time the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #26

Mar 052013

Santa Fe

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the brake ESC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter failed to go into reverse or park and the ESC brake light illuminated. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #25

Nov 092015

Santa Fe

  • miles
I own a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The air bag light, engine check light, the electric stability control (ESC) light, ABS and the traction control light illuminated steadily on the dash, when the vehicle is turned on. The gas gauge sometimes works even when the tank was full. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who stated that the failures were not recall related. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but restated the position of the dealer, offering no help. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000

- Pardeeville, WI, USA

problem #24

Jun 292015

Santa Fe

  • 25,764 miles
Our 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has loud noise from the back wheels. Took to the dealer. The dealer said the brake rotors and calipers were rusted. For safety concern, the dealer advised that we have both rotors and calipers changed. It was 6/29/2015 and the car has driven only 257664 miles. Reportedly, dealer replaced rotors and caliper with oem parts. Within 3 months. We notices the rotors are rusted. We took the car back to the dealer on 9/26/2015 and was told, nothing they can do. Asked us to contact Hyundai Corp. On 9/29/2015, we contacted Hyundai usa, but Hyundai kept saying it has passed the 5-year warranty for brake, and ignore the oem parts rusted with 3000 miles and 3 months. When pointed this out, Hyundai practically ignore our concern. Our cars are always kept inside garage. With this rust problem, we began to check on rotors of cars in any parking lot when we went out and parked the car. We found that all most all Hyundai, does not matter which model, their rotors are all rusted. But not other makers vehicles. I also found similar "premature rust" of rotors complaints from Hyundai car owners in the internet. I believe the oem rotors and calipers shall carry the same 5-year warranty as original parts in the car. For safe of customers, Hyundai shall not be allow to use such defected parts in their vehicles. Will NHTSA take action on behalf of us?

- West Chester, PA, USA

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