Valve cover leaking oil onto my alternator causing my original and one I bought to replace to both stop working
The worst 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system157
- Airbags102
- Electrical97
- Brakes87
- Visibility79
- Engine70
- Driver assistance68
- Acceleration58
- Lights46
- Steering38
- Transmission31
- Suspension30
- Body18
- Tires18
- Wheels10
- Seat belts7
- Seats4
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
Check engine light 119Fuel gauge 113Airbag light 57Stalling 25Adaptive cruise 24Loss of power 20Grinding brakes 15Sudden acceleration 15Headlights 13No deployment 12Ball joint 12ABS 11Hesitation 11Engine failure 10Fuel smell 8Brake failure 7Door locks 7Fire or smoke 7Power steering loss 7Pulling 7Won't shift 7Fuel pump 6Jerking 6Overheating 6Tire blowout 6Won't start 6Warning lights 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe mention
P0463 3P0464 3P0504 3B1332 2P2068 2
Recalls 7
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V061000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 13V113000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 12V354000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 11V472000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 09V122000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 08V272000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 06V317000 · Recall details
See all 7 recalls for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
Defect investigations
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the federal safety agency received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. the federal safety agency's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in the federal safety agency's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
DP21003
Stop lamp switch failure
By letter dated april 15, 2009, hyundai notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall number 09v122) to replace the stop lamp switches on many of its model year 2005-2008 vehicles.see recall 09v122 for a complete list. The agency opened its investigation based on five complaints of stop lamp failure across several 2007 hyundai models. The agency also received early warning (ewr) reports on this issue.most of those failures were traced to the improper operation of the stop lamp switch that controls stop lamp illumination.a malfunctioning stop lamp switch can cause the vehicle's brake lights not to light during braking, or alternatively, it can cause the brake lights to stay lit even when a driver takes the foot off the brake pedal. Failure of the stop lamps to illuminate properly creates the hazard of rear end collisions when drivers following the subject vehicle do not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Hyundai reported one crash incident (a frontal impact), without injury, that was alleged to have been caused by this defect.the agency reviewed the incident and cannot conclude that it is related to this defect. There are other potential problems related to failure of the stop lamp switch: failure of the cruise control to disengage, interference with proper functioning of antilock brakes and electronic stability control, and inability to move the gear shift lever out of park position.based on the above safety recall, this investigation is closed.
PE09003
Technical service bulletins for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 81
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger...
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- The federal safety agency has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit...
- The federal safety agency has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag...
- This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the...
- Engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bank’s valve cover onto the alternator
- This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover...
- This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 23-24 | 20-21 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 23-24 | 19-20 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
What 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and discovered that there was oil leaking from the valve cover onto the alternator. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V415000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the battery, check engine, and ABS warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle intermittently stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to return to normal operation. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator was covered in oil from the head gasket leak, and the alternator was failing. The independent mechanic stated that the alternator and head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of Voluntary Service Campaign: MC-10245012-0001. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,538.
Break pedal switch getting hot and disables the gear shifter
Engine valve cover gaskets leaking oil, causing oil drip on pavement. Could cause fire and alternator failure. My mechanic pin-pointed the leak location. The google search indicated that other Hundai vehicle owners also had this problem. Mechanic estimated cost to repair the problem was quoted at $700.00 dollars. Thx, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483.36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required Upper Timing Chain Guide repair quoted at $58.38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29.99 for a Multi-Point Inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a P0300 code, and instructed me to return the loaner and retrieve my now-undrivable vehicle. My vehicle remains at Lakeland Hyundai and is undrivable due to issues that arose immediately following recall service. I respectfully request guidance and resolution regarding responsibility for the damage, loaner coverage, and loss of transportation.
UNKNOWN Went to the grocery store and vehicle was working fine. Upon leaving the store, started the car, ESC OFF light was on and when I went to press the brake to put the vehicle in reverse, the gearshift was locked and I couldn't move the gear. Long story short, I had to get my vehicle towed to the house as the vehicle is non-drivable at this time. Kelly's Blue Book indicated there were a few Hyundai recalls related to the ESC but my make and model was not affected but clearly I believe it is based on my experience and find this very unsafe.
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the underbody of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the undercarriage was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle, due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 947. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
My vehicle had an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover onto the alternator. the oil damaged the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. On 11/09/2021, the engine light came on and my car turned off. I had it towed to my mechanic and on 11/10/2021 he replaced the valve cover gaskets, alternator and belt. On 12/2023, I found out there was a manufacture recall related to the valve cover. I placed a claim in 12/2023. They have asked for several versions of documents and then stop communicating and eventually deny/close the account. I have filed approximately 4 claims and they stop communicating. The last claim was filed on 1/2/2025 and I have only received an email stating "Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America." I have tried to ask for an update and no response. I have called and it refers me to the recall portal. What do I have to do to get reimbursed for the towing and repair work I that I have paid for.
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the contact was informed by another driver that while coming to a stop the brake lights were inoperable. The contact was informed that the brake lights failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
All 4 tires had the belts Seperate within a year. Less than 15k miles on each. The car started riding rough and pulling hard. Size: 235 /65 R16 103T SL BSW
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Other model years
20012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
Is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Owners have filed 684 complaints about the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.9 times a typical Santa Fe model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe year score?
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 32 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 157 complaints, typically around 87,600 miles. Next is airbags (102).
How many recalls does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
7 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 06V317000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Santa Fe have the most fuel system problems?
The Hyundai Santa Fe model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2008 (273 complaints), 2007 (157 complaints) and 2009 (127 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
Official estimates for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.7L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 23-24 highway.
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