2008 Hyundai Santa Fe: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 87,000 miles · KS · fire

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 occurred several times while driving on the highway. The vehicle was able to be jump-started. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic had inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was oil leaking onto the spark plugs. The contact stated that the vehicle was chugging while driving. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was leaking onto the alternator and onto other unknown parts. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the alternator under Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The contact stated after driving 7-8 minutes after picking up the vehicle from the dealer, the contact noticed an abnormal odor and smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled into a gas station and parked the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The contact stated she drove to the nearby residence of a friend instead because she needed to report to work. The contact stated upon opening the hood and starting the vehicle the following day, the contact noticed flames in the engine compartment. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the fire had occurred due to an old oil leak; however, the contact stated there was also a noticeable new oil leak under the hood. The dealer later informed the contact that the starter had failed, and that the fire had not caused any further damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and

Filed Jun 20, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 110,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai santa fe. While driving 60 MPH, the brakes failed to disengage after the brake pedal was depressed and a burning odor was noticed. The anti-lock braking system and the electronic stability control warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from all four tires. The contact left the vehicle idling for awhile and the smoke stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic and electrical control units failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2016 · Electrical, Seats · 120,002 miles · OH · fire · 1 injury

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 did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,002.

Filed Jan 25, 2015 · Engine · TN

The first time I came out to start my car and looked up, there was smoke coming from under the hood and wouldn't start. I had it towed. I was informed it was the starter. The starter was replaced and approximately 6 months later, I noticed a brushing sound when I started the car. Over time it became more often. I returned the car several times to the independent auto shop. They couldn't find out the noise. In the mean time I took to a dealership and they told me it was the starter and to take it back and have it replaced. I returned to the independent dealer and they replaced, it was still under warranty. At the dealership, I was told it wasn't catching. Two weeks later it started the same brushing sound when I started the car. I made an appointment with a dealership to inspect and in the mean time the car while warming up had a burnt smell. I turned the car off and it would not start. Had it towed. The dealership put the car on a diagnostic check and put a new starter in. My car was held for 5 days. They told me oil had leaked from the starter and that was where the smoke came from and the brunt smell. Within a week the car when started had the brushing sound again. I tried to record the sound and after I started 4 times it started to smoke and wouldn't start. Had to have it towed again. It is now at the dealership waiting for a diagnostic.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Electrical · 116,000 miles · VA · fire

Car parked in parking lot at my office. No one in vechile. Parked for several hours. Spontaneously burst into flames...apppeared to be electrical box at rear of car for hitch.

Filed Nov 24, 2011 · Transmission · 58,797 miles · MA · fire

The rear differential caught on fire. I heard a clunk on entering reverse in the morning. After 35 miles other drivers alerted me that my car was on fire. After pulling off the road us 90 in newton ma the fire dept was called after the fire went out on it's own. The vehicle was not destroyed.