Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2015 to Dec 2014
The most reported issue is air bags problems (79 complaints). 30 complaints involved crashes. 8 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 20V061000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V122000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Risk: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V113000
Component: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 Campaign: 11V472000
Component: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 Campaign: 12V354000
Component: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 Campaign: 08E016000
Component: 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.
Risk: EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AREA AND MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 08V272000
Component: 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).
Risk: OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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 Campaign: 08E055000
Component: 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.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER MODULE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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 Campaign: 06V317000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WALL THICKNESS OF THE RIGHT FORWARD BAFFLE OF THE FUEL TANK MAY BE BELOW SPECIFICATIONS.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. ALL VEHICLES ARE EITHER STILL AT THE MANUFACTURING PLANT OR IN DEALERSHIPS. NO VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CONSUMERS.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 681)
Unknown Or Other →3 issues
Your vehicle's frame has rusted completely through in one or more places, which creates a serious safety hazard. A compromised frame can affect your car's structural integrity and ability to protect you in a collision. Fixing this will likely require professional inspection and frame repair or replacement, which is a major undertaking.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
You had your Santa Fe's frame treated for rust under recall, but the frame has now rusted through completely with a hole large enough to fit your fist. You're concerned that if the frame continues to deteriorate while driving, you could lose control of the vehicle and crash. The dealership said the car is too old and has too many miles to warrant frame repair. Addressing this would likely require frame reinforcement, welding, or potentially frame replacement depending on the extent of the damage.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While braking to turn into a parking lot, your car initially slowed down but then suddenly lurched forward about 20 feet, forcing you past your intended turn. You had to brake hard to stop the car. This unexpected forward surge happened five weeks after the car was serviced at a dealership for a recall work, and you've never experienced this problem before. The issue likely involves the braking or acceleration system and should be inspected by a mechanic to determine if the dealership service may have affected these systems.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,engine →2 issues
Your car's engine control module (ECM) started malfunctioning, causing your engine to stall suddenly while stopped at intersections and while merging into traffic. The check engine light came on during these incidents, and a mechanic confirmed the ECM was faulty but noted this part is extremely difficult to find. Fixing this will require replacing the faulty ECM unit with a new or refurbished one from Hyundai.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Oil leaked from your engine's valve cover onto the alternator, damaging it and causing your charging system warning light to come on before the engine shut off. You had to tow the car and pay for repairs including new valve cover gaskets, alternator, and belt. Though Hyundai later issued a recall for the valve cover, your reimbursement claim has stalled with the company requesting documents repeatedly then stopping communication. The fix would involve Hyundai reviewing your claim documentation and processing reimbursement for the repair costs you already paid.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags →2 issues
Your airbag system has a fault in the passenger occupant detection module (PODS) that's causing the airbag warning light to stay on. The dealer attempted to update the module's software as part of a recall but couldn't complete it because their scan tool doesn't support the necessary connection. Without this update, your passenger airbag system may not function properly in a crash.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your airbag warning light turned on when you started your vehicle. This means there may be an issue with your airbag system that needs to be checked out. You'll need to have a mechanic or dealer scan your vehicle's diagnostic system to find out what's causing the warning.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine →2 issues
Your engine's valve cover gaskets are leaking oil, which drips onto the pavement below your car. Your mechanic has identified the leak location and estimates the repair will cost around $700. This type of leak can potentially damage your alternator and create a fire hazard if oil contacts hot engine components. The repair will likely involve removing the valve covers and replacing the gaskets.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
After an oil change and valve cover gasket replacement, your engine developed a chattering noise. The valve cover was leaking before the service, and manufacturer-recommended oil was used. The chattering started after the work was completed.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Suspension,electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your 2007 Santa Fe was brought to the dealership for a recall repair on the cylinder head cover oil leak. After the work was completed, your vehicle's check engine light came on and it began shaking violently with loud noise — the dealership identified a P0300 code (random misfire) but said they couldn't fix it. Your vehicle is now undrivable after leaving the service department. The repair may require diagnosis and correction of the engine misfire condition, possibly involving ignition coils, fuel injectors, or spark plugs.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Exterior Lighting,vehicle Speed Control,engine →1 issue
Your cruise control didn't turn off when you pressed the brake pedal while driving—you had to shift to neutral and restart the engine to disable it. At the same time, your brake lights weren't illuminating when you pressed the brake pedal, and your check engine light came on. Your vehicle is subject to a recall for the brake light issue, but the repair parts weren't available from the dealer at the time you reported this. The issue appears to stem from a parts distribution problem affecting the recall repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System →1 issue
While you tried to start your 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, the battery suddenly exploded and blew a hole through your hood with no warning light beforehand. Your dealer was contacted but didn't diagnose or repair the vehicle, though the manufacturer was notified of the issue. The battery may need to be replaced and the hood damage repaired.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags,service Brakes,engine →1 issue
Your car has active safety recalls for the brake lights and airbag system that need to be addressed, plus a service issue where a valve gasket leaks oil and can damage the alternator and AC compressor. You're having trouble getting local dealerships to service these recalls — they're claiming the recalls have expired and won't schedule appointments or return calls. Hyundai Corporate Customer Service told you to keep trying the dealers, which hasn't resolved the issue. Getting these safety systems fixed will likely require replacing the brake switch, valve gasket, alternator, and AC compressor, and possibly airbag system components.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Suspension,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car's subframe (the metal structure that holds the suspension and steering) has severely corroded and is falling apart, even though the vehicle has only 67,000 miles and no accident occurred. This corrosion is causing steering problems and could potentially lead to a loss of control if the deterioration continues. The underlying cause appears to be inadequate rust protection on the subframe, which should have held up better at this mileage. Repair will likely require professional inspection of the subframe and potentially replacement or heavy-duty rust treatment and reinforcement.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car's ESC OFF light came on while you were at the grocery store, and when you tried to shift into reverse, the gearshift became locked and wouldn't move, making the vehicle undrivable. You had to have the car towed home. While Hyundai recalls for ESC issues don't officially list your model, you believe your 2007 Santa Fe is affected based on this experience.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Structure →1 issue
Your vehicle's undercarriage has developed significant rust and corrosion underneath. Both an independent mechanic and the Hyundai dealer confirmed the corrosion, but the dealer refused to repair it because of the vehicle's age. The corrosion appears to be a known issue referenced in a technical service bulletin.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your brake lights stopped working while you were stopping, and another driver had to alert you to the problem. A dealer diagnosed the issue as a faulty brake light switch that needed replacement. The fix will involve replacing the brake light switch assembly under your vehicle's dashboard or rear bumper area.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Tires →1 issue
All four of your tires experienced belt separation within the first year and 15,000 miles of use. You likely noticed the car riding roughly and pulling hard to one side. The issue may require replacement of all four tires and an inspection of the wheel alignment.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Fuel System, Gasoline,engine →1 issue
Your check engine light keeps coming on, especially when your gas tank drops below half full. The dealer has diagnosed the engine running too lean (not enough fuel in the air-fuel mixture) and found issues including a small leak in the intake manifold, worn spark plugs, and failing fuel injectors. Despite multiple repair attempts including resetting the engine computer, timing belt replacement, and spark plug changes, the problem has returned. Fixing this will likely require replacing the intake manifold, fuel injectors, and spark plugs to restore the proper fuel mixture.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Power Train,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your check engine light is staying on constantly instead of turning off as it should, and your fuel gauge is stuck showing empty even when your tank is full. Both of these dashboard indicators are malfunctioning and not providing accurate information. The underlying issue likely involves a faulty fuel level sensor, a bad instrument cluster, or a problem with the engine control system that needs diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Get notified when any of these become free repairs
We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.
Related Vehicles
Other Hyundai Santa Fe years:
Other 2007 vehicles: