Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2009)
359 consumer complaints on file.
- #11552789October 31, 2023AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, STEERING
Took my car in for repair because I was told that my power steering pump and gaskets were bad. Upon further investigation it wasn’t neither. It was the power steering hose that goes from the power steering to the racket pinion. Both of the hoses had holes in them and were rusted out. Here Hyundai upgraded the power steering pump because of problems and I was never notified about the upgrade and you cannot purchase the hoses needed you have to purchase a whole new power steering pump that I don’t need. The airbag light is on and I couldn’t even order the airbag it was on back order when asked. The seat belt on the right passenger side in the back will not lock in place due to I don’t know what. Campaign 947 the under body corrosion treatment didn’t protect what it was suppose to causing my frame and control arms to go bad. I have had to replace upper and lower ball joints more than 4-5 times since I purchase this vehicle new from the dealership.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11549606October 12, 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1.) Throttle Control failure, and is available for inspection 2.) My and the public saftey was put in risk, as I lost control of the vehicle an almost had an accident, and could have hit another vehicle or person or building. 3.) The problem has not occured again other than the multiple times on 10/10/2023. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I had O'Reilly Auto Parts check for failure codes on 10/10/2023 and found none. 4.) The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. 5.) There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The next morning when I started the vehicle the "Cruise" lamp was on. While idling in heavy traffic, vehicle throttle began over revving with my foot on the brake, I was not using Cruise Control, I had not used Cruise Control for over a week. I did not see the Cruise indicator on. I had to push hard on the Brake to keep the vehicle from lurching forward, I almost could not keep the vehicle from ramming the car in front of me. I pulled off of SR 32 in Eastgate, OH into a parking lot and it did it again, I put the vehicle in park and turned off the ignition. After a minute I started the vehicle again and it did it again, I turned off the ignition and waited longer. I started the vehicle again and within an hour, vehicle did it again in Covington, KY, I had to pull into a Motel parking lot and stomp on the Brake and throw the vehicle into Park with Throttle Running away. I turned the Ignition off and waited. Vehicle then acted normally.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11545630September 20, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2009 Hyundai Sante Fe Mileage as of 9/16/2023 145608 I took the vehicle there on Saturday, 9/16/2023 to have the oil changed. I always bring my own oil and filter, so I only have to pay for the labor. Each time, I do this, the mechanic always over fill the oil. The manual book indicates that it should be 5 ½ quarts, and they use the entire 6 quarts, which overfills the oil. Also normal, the dealership checks the vehicle out for possible issues. This time I had a note indicating that “Inspection is due in the end of November, the frame is rusted and will not pass inspection most like not repairable.“ They provided two (2) pictures as well that I will attach to this document. In 2017, there was a recall where they sprayed the undercarriage for rust. However, the car had been rusting almost immediately since I purchased it. I feel that the metal that was used on the frame is inferior, and can not stand the climate in the United States? [XXX] , the service advisor advised me that normal moisture, mother nature would make the car rust. I can understand this to a certain point, but not to the point that the car is not repairable any longer. I still have 7 years, or 54000 miles left on the warranty from Colonial Hyundai. Bottom line the car has been rusting for some time, and several mechanics around here have advised me that Hyundai vehicles overall are known to rust. I have had to replace the front arms and a few other things on the vehicle. I don’t drive the car that much especially in bad weather because I work from home since 2020. In addition, I get my car washed every week, and more often if there is bad weather and there is lots of salt on the road. However, in PA, there has not been many bad winters over the last few years. The frame is rusty – then the entire car is not safe to drive, hence not passing inspection, and most likely it is not repairable, which concerns me. How many other people are in this same boat? Car is available to look INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11542467September 4, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
I am having a serious issue with my car that mechanics are unable to figure out. On multiple occasions, while driving at low speed in preparation for making a turn, my car has completely shut off, making it impossible for me to steer, brake or accelerate. I lost all control of my vehicle. I noticed the ‘check engine’ and ‘battery’ lights illuminated each time, but this information, along with incident descriptions, has proven less than helpful when I’ve taken it into a shop for inspection/repair as mechanics have been unable to reproduce the event or to accurately identify the problem. This has happened on the road (at intersections and once at a traffic circle) and on two occasions while I had a passenger in the vehicle with me. I currently have my vehicle back in an auto shop because it happened most recently about a week ago. However, since the problem has yet to be successfully identified and since I feel as though this is a serious safety issue that could impact others with the same type of vehicle, I am filing this official complaint.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11516503April 11, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rails have rusted through with big holes showing! I did bring it to dealer in 2017 for campaign 947 for rust issues. I brought it to dealer about 2 weeks ago to see if they could put it on the hoist to see if vehicle is safe to drive but was told they don't look for rust. I have a claim number with Hyundai but haven't heard back in over a week. I am a 1 owner on this vehicle. I have always kept good care on this vehicle. I don't think this vehicle is safe to drive. The whole car could buckle while I am driving down the road!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11510904March 8, 2023STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Paint is peeling/delaminating off the car in chunks - from the roof and the hood. Paint peeled off of the hood in a large chunk while I was driving, and got stuck on the windshield & caught up on the wipers while in use. This damaged the wipers and created a dangerous situation, as it blocked my vision while driving. The paint peels off and flies off the car in chunks and can land on another car windshield as well and block their view. I brought the car to the dealer years ago when the paint first starting peeling, and was told it was just past the warranty and there was nothing they could do. I read online that there was a class action suit on this exact issue and it has been a problem for many, many years and Hyundai continues to manufacture this paint despite being aware of the problem. I contacted Hyundai corporate to report this issue, and they said there is nothing they can do. So I have decided to report the issue to warn other drivers, as the last chunk that peeled off became a safety hazard. Note: Car was only used occasionally, has very low mileage, and is garaged for a portion of the year. The paint should not be in this condition - it is defective. I paid extra for this particular pearl white paint when I purchased the car new - it was an upgrade, presented as self-healing paint.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11510054March 3, 2023SUSPENSION, STEERING
While I was driving home, I went to make a turn and I heard a cracking noise and it felt like the steering wheel went one way and the frame was going the opposite way. I drove very slowly to a service station and when they looked at it they said they couldn't believe I drove the car without getting into an accident, they said the car was undrivable because the frame broke, They went on to say it was due to rust. I'm a 2nd owner and when I called the Hyundai corporate Headquarters they informed me there was a recall #947 Santa Fe underbody corrosion. I was told I should've received the recall when I received the new registration, I never received the recall, where do I stand with getting my car repaired, is Hyundai responsible to do the repair, I left a message with the service group at the dealership and haven't received a response yet.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11509922March 2, 2023AIR BAGS
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED DUE TO COMING TO A CONCLUSION WITH THE DEALER*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11499242December 28, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator failed Due to valve gasket leaking, Hyundai issued a recall during time vehicle was in probate, I did not receive notification and had the valve gasket, manifold gasket, and alternator replaced. In June 30, 2022, When I learned the recall had been issued I filed for reimbursement of repair costs, Approximately $1900. The reimbursement claim was transferred to warrant department. The claim was transferred to claim reimbursement 8/29/2022, I received an email stating it would be 3-4 weeks for reimbursement. I called 9/29 and was informed it would be 120 days from submission date, On 12/6 additional information was needed. I was not notified, and saw the status changed, and called for update on 12/13. I submitted the same day. On 12/22, I received the repayment notification, but not the amount. I called on the phone for 4 hours for amount $727.74 breakdown missing $410 of labor costs.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11490460October 23, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Pulling into driveway. Car engine accelerated suddenly. Was just coasting in. The car wouldn't stop. Hit front of a home. The engine sounded like a race car.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11487322September 30, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle's check engine light came on and the fuel gauge shows "E". I did an OBD scan and it shows the fuel sending unit has issues. The gauge will work intermittently and the check engine light will go away. Further reviews from others show the same issues with their vehicle with each needing a bad sending unit replaced.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11486122September 23, 2022SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was decelarating after going highway speed on the highway and the car stalled electrical still worked but braking power steering acceleation all stopped working and engine lights turned on and esc and other lights i retarted the car and no engine lights turned on i went to my mechanic he said it dosnt show on diagnostics so he cant fix it this is just one incident its happend numerous times and it almost caused accident its dangerous and must be dealt with right away
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11483730September 9, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 times within 2 months vehicle was driving less than 50 mph slowing to turn right and everything died. Engine stopped. All dash lights dark. No power steering or brakes. Do I need to detail the hazard involved? The car was started again immediately and ran great, as it was before and after.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479202August 14, 2022SERVICE BRAKES
Previously I taken my car in to be serviced June 6th 2022 due to two recalls at 110 stopwatch switch and the 947 underbody corrosion after leaving the service area it is now August 8th my abs and ESC light is illuminating at the same time and yesterday I called the dealership to schedule an appointment that is not until October 4th however when I pushed on the brakes yesterday it made a funny sound and it was hard for me to stop I'm confused if the dealership fix this why I'm having issues a month and a half later and it is important for my safety that this vehicle is running correctly as I have children and kids that commute in the car or ride with me everyday I'm afraid to continue to drive it however I need to get back and forth to work so I'm hoping the dealership provides a rental car until my appointment
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479128August 13, 2022ENGINE
January 2022, I had to have the car towed to the dealership after the car came to an abrupt stop in the middle of driving. Once at the dealership, it was determined that oil leakage from the engine had coated the alternator. I researched this to only discover Service Campaign SB-100058931-4495 (08/15/2015) had alerted dealerships to cylinder head gasket and alternator challenges as described in Campaign 15-01-031 (July 2015). Also referenced was Service Campaign 936. I had not received a notice from my dealer, nor had the 17-point "inspection" revealed this problem any service in the last 6.5 years since the Hyundai alert. This week, 08/09/2022, I drove to the dealership after two days of calling. Eight calls - no answer. I requested the service director (Mr. Matt) look at a video showing smoke rising from the engine compartment after a 30 minute drive and ask him to look at the engine area where oil spray has returned. I am concerned about driving the vehicle for fear of fire hazard, particularly since I must make a 12-hour roundtrip drive next weekend. I was assured there was not fire hazard or safety issue to be concerned about and was scheduled for the next available service appt on August 31, 2022. I drove the car this morning 17 miles and the engine compartment again was releasing visible smoking oil fumes. Apparently, this repair needs to be done again to ensure the engine gasket problem (likely caused by the different metals used on the bolts and screws through the engine block causing the components to loosen) needs to be completed again....under the original Bulletin. I have read the filings and it appears some vehicles have required the service repair up to 3 times. I expect the labor and parts to be covered. In the meantime, rest assured I have plans to rent a vehicle for that long required drive. The dealer has refused to provide any assistance with the loaner. Terrible service. No fire hazard? Really?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11471932July 1, 2022AIR BAGS
Air bag light on by itself without any incident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11462911May 1, 2022STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR
The driver's side sun visor randomly falls out of the connection in the ceiling and then dangles from the electrical cord that operates the light in the visor above the mirror. When this happens it completely obstructs the driver's view of the roadway as the visor is now swaying back and forth in front of the driver's face & the driver must take one hand off the steering wheel to move the visor out of the way to see the roadway. It takes two hands to actually shove the electrical wire and visor arm back up into the ceiling. This issue not only happens when the visor is in the down (in use) position & when it is down and swung to the side to block the side window but it also happens when the visor in not in use and is just clipped up. The ceiling connection piece falls down on the left side then too...thankfully because the visor is not in use, the right hand clip secures that side in place so only half of the driver's view is obstructed. This happens without any warning - you're driving along and suddenly the visor has fallen in front of your face. It is manufacturer defect in the small plastic piece that goes from the arm of the visor up into the ceiling. There is a very small plastic tip that is broken - that tip is the only thing that keeps the visor post secured in the ceiling. When you unscrew the visor attachment that goes into the ceiling the broken piece is right there. The electrical wires go thru it so it's still in there. I have replaced my visor once already and the same piece broke off of the new visor after a couple years. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but there are many reports on the Hyundai forum about this visor issue. Hyundai is aware of this cheap plastic defect as they issued recalls on the sun visors on other models but not on the Sante Fe. They have also changed to a newer visor connection piece on their newer model cars. A recall should be issued for the Sante Fe so that the visors can be replaced w/ an updated version.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11448932January 26, 2022STEERING, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(Service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting, Recall started in 4-1-2013, Recall #13V113000. Car was brought to authorized dealer on the same occasion as mentioned below and told the vehicle did not need that repair performed.) (Air bags : Frontal Sensor/Control module, Recall started 7-24-2012, Recall #12V354000.Car was nbrought to authorized retailer and told Hyundai no longer makes the part in order to resolve this issue.) There are 5-6 different lights, all of which are mentioned for the recalls as stated above and seems to be a solvable issue. I just don't want to learn one day that my husbands cruise control did not disengage and he collided head on full speed. Hyundai needs to to start producing the part in order to fix the cars or recall them all together for fear of multiple lawsuits. Photo evidence of dash lights and screenshots of recalls can be provided upon request.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11443031December 8, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger front and driver side rear door handle breaking off. Normal pulls have cause the handle to come in hand.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11438931November 1, 2021SUSPENSION
Hi, so my mechanic checked my vehicle and my the subframe is Rusting and it’s unsafe to drive the vehicle. The vehicle only have 93k miles. I have pictures and proof about the rusted subframe. Hope to hear from you back because I really need vehicle to go to my job and now this is unsafe to drive.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0