VehicleVerdict

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 718 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Santa Fe year — the 2008 model ranks #4 of 26 Santa Fe years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 274 reports (38% of the total).

718

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

32

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Santa Fe years?

See all Santa Fe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System27438%
Electrical System9213%
Airbags7010%
Engine7010%
Speed Control527%
Brakes304%
Transmission243%
Other233%
Body & Structure223%
Steering142%
Lighting112%
Suspension112%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Seat Belts61%
Tires & Wheels61%
Seats41%
Latches & Locks20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

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, 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

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.

12V354000AirbagsJuly 25, 2012 · 199,118 units

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.

11V472000AirbagsSeptember 9, 2011 · 205,233 units

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 BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.

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.

08E055000Trailer HitchSeptember 3, 2008 · 3,387 units

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 BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY SEALED TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONTACT. THE MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN CIRCUIT BOARD CORROSION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT 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 THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED HARNESS INSTALLED. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

08V272000OtherJune 19, 2008 · 88,943 units

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 AT 1-800-633-5151.

08E016000Trailer HitchFebruary 7, 2008 · 3,387 units

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 SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1 COULD CAUSE HEAT RELATED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WAS SECOND VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVERRIDING BRAKE, AND HIT BACK OF VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHER DRIVER. HAD PEDESTRIANS BEEN IN FRONT, COULD EASILY HAVE RUN OVER THEM. MONTHS PRIOR, TWICE ON SAME DAY ENGINE POWER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 5, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BECAME EXCESSIVELY HOT. THE PASSENGER OBSERVED THAT THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO HER HANDS AND BUTTOCKS BUT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 10, 2016 · fire

2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DESIGN FLAW WITH AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE PROPELLANT THE DEPLOYS THE AIRBAG THE CONTAINED A CHEMICAL THAT LEFT THE CONSUMER WITH TWO SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON THE ARM.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 1, 2016 · crash

i change the oil on 4/18/2023 in walmart i park the car in my house i used on 04/23/2023 on i-75 southbound the oil light came out and them smoke star on the car fallow by fire me and daugther an husband where on the suv was tereffied

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 23, 2023 · fire

WAS SECOND VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVERRIDING BRAKE, AND HIT BACK OF VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHER DRIVER. HAD PEDESTRIANS BEEN IN FRONT, COULD EASILY HAVE RUN OVER THEM. MONTHS PRIOR, TWICE ON SAME DAY ENGINE POWER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 5, 2013 · crash

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe — common questions

Is the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 718 complaints put the 2008 model at #4 of 26 Santa Fe years. It is one of the Santa Fe years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Santa Fe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (274 complaints), electrical system (92 complaints), engine (70 complaints).

Does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among Santa Fe years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.