Hyundai · Santa Fe · 2008
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
6
Recalls
541
Complaints
N/A
NCAP overall
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has 6 recalls and 541 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most frequent stored component label: fuel/propulsion system (177 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 2431
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is fuel/propulsion system with 177 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Compare the recall list with the complaint mix to see whether the most reported issues overlap with formal NHTSA safety campaigns.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe currently shows 6 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 541 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows no overall NHTSA safety rating in our current dataset.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are fuel/propulsion system (177), air bags (56), fuel system, gasoline (41).
- Vehicle
- 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Recalls
- 6
- Complaints
- 541
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- Not available in this dataset
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 2431
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
No overall score is available in our current dataset. The individual results below are not a combined safety rating; compare vehicles within the same test program and model year.
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 13V113000April 01, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 12V354000July 25, 2012
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 11V472000September 09, 2011
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 08E055000September 03, 2008
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 08V272000June 19, 2008
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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).
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 08E016000February 07, 2008
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
541 totalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
Mar 17, 2026
Engine rattles noise when starting the car after sitting for more than an hour it makes that sound another issue is that when i turn the headlights on all interior lights shuts off including the instrument cluster radio and ac climate control buttons
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Oct 19, 2025
I took the car to get this recall done: Hyundai has decided to conduct a service campaign to inspect (and if necessary replace) the alternator and replace the front valve cover gasket on certain 2007-2009 model year Santa Fe vehicles. The recall was done, replacing the gasket an...
Preview excerpt
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Jul 28, 2025
Seem like it burns oil quick
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 24, 2025
My speedometer has stopped working, I had the sensor replaced and fuses checked but it is still not working
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Jun 10, 2025
I have taken my car to my local dealership for the Service Campaign 976 (Oil Gasket leak) back in Nov 2023. Ever since then my car has had starting issues until one day it needed a jump start in 2024 during the summer. Didn't think anything of it at the time, until the beginning ...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
May 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an undisclosed recall repair, and the contact was informed that the valve cover gasket, and the alternator were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
CRASH1 injuryMay 16, 2025
My suv was involved in a Roll Over accident. The front driver tire blew out causing the driver to hit the curb which caused the SUV to roll 4 times. The driver was ejected from the vehicle while wearing a seat belt and not one air bag deployed. Major safety issues
ENGINE
Mar 22, 2025
I had a recall on the oil leak and took care of it to dealership in Weston Fl they had car for 2 days pick car up. I replaced to alternator because it was full oil prior to me taking it to the dealership. Now a few months later there is still a leak and it’s leaking on my alterna...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal the cruise control briefly failed to disengage. The vehicle returned to normal functional...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRENov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty charging. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had ...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 541 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2008 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Santa Fe Years
2009 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.3r355c2007 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.9r681c2010 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.3r256c2006 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.1r106c2011 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.3r181c2005 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.3r216c
More 2008 Hyundai Models
2008 Hyundai SonataAnother 2008 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.5r425c2008 Hyundai ElantraAnother 2008 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.7r315c2008 Hyundai VeracruzAnother 2008 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.7r228c2008 Hyundai AccentAnother 2008 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r101c2008 Hyundai EntourageAnother 2008 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.4r72c2008 Hyundai AzeraAnother 2008 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.7r69c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has 6 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has received 541 owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
An overall NHTSA safety rating is not available in our current dataset for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Individual crash-test results may still be available.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe are fuel/propulsion system (177 reports), air bags (56 reports), fuel system, gasoline (41 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 6 recalls on record for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.