Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe engine complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 70 of 70, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My wife indicated that when she got on the ramp to rt. 80 , the car completely shut down. She also stated that she almost had an accident since she had no brakes nor power steering. This occurrence has been reported to the national highway safety by a number of owners yet you continue to ignore the problem which could be attributed to oil dripping from the valve cover on to the alternator. I guess you're waiting for some accidents to happen before taking action....maybe a few deaths resulting from a crash. Very proactive!
My santa fe awd 2008 was bought in june 2009 and now has ~99k mileage. I had four or five similar incidents with my santa fe starting on 4/21/15, which LED to significant power loss and speed loss of the car on the road. The first time, I was driving on a local road at ~25 MPH. Suddenly I felt the car lost the power and began to slow down. I stepped down on the accelerator, but the car could not accelerate (the speed dropped to ~10 MPH). I saw 3 system indicator/warning lights on: the ESC off(electronic stability control) and check engine indicators had a steady light and the awd system warning light was flashing. I pulled off to the side of the road, shut off the car, waited ~1 minute, and then restarted the car. The check engine light stayed on, but the other lights went out. Then I drove the car to continue to my job. The 2nd incident occurred on my way home. The same scenario except that I was driving at ~40 MPH at the time. The sudden power loss caused the car speed quickly dropped to ~10 MPH and probably LED the car behind mine to make a sudden stop to avoid a crash. Again, I pulled off to the side of the road, shut off the engine, and then restarted the car with the check engine light staying on. The other times I was on the cresent city connection (bridge) in the center lane. I had to work my way over two lanes to turn the vehicle off to restart to continue on my way to or from work. After the 5th time, I did some research online and found an article stating that this problem was on the tsb (technical safety bulletin). Maybe someone somewhere should be aware of more than one vehicle having this problem.......
Front valve cover gasket keep leaking oil on to the alternator causing the alternator to go out . The second time it happen the core of the alternator burned .I have replace the alternator 3 times and valve cover gasket twice. Hyundai have a recall on the veracruz for this some issues but will not recall the santa fe for this issues .
Safety issue: failure of the fuel sending unit permanently turns on the "check engine light" which denies the use of the "check engine light" for other serious conditions. Many consumers have previously reported the failure of the fuel sending unit. These units cost between $800 to $1200 to fix so most drivers do not fix it and instead use the odometer reading to determine when fuel is needed. Unfortunately, driving with the "check engine light" on at all times prevents the driver from seeing the "check engine light" illuminate when a serious condition exists. Therefore, this is a safety issue. Considering the number of consumer reports already sent to the federal safety agency regarding failed fuel sending units, hyundai should immediately issue a safety recall to fix these units.
After several hours of normal highway driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power as the engine computer entered "limp home" mode. Pressing the accelerator had no effect. Diagnosed as throttle position sensor failure. This problem occurred several times, with an engine restart clearing the problem temporarily. While these incidents did not result in a crash, they could easily have, depending on traffic circumstances.
I was driving to a stop light on a down hill slope with my whole family in the car when all of the sudden my car turned off. All at once my check engine light came on, my battery light came on, and I couldn't get the car to re-start. I turned on the emergency flashers and at the middle of a busy intersection I tried to restart my car but nothing happened. A few moments later I tried again and it started but it wouldn't let me accelerate almost at all (through an intersection!). There was also a clicking sound coming from the front of the car. I pulled into a parking lot, afraid if I was going to be able to drive anywhere, turned the car off, waited about five minutes, restarted it, successfully. I let it idle for a while unsure what else to do. I proceeded to drive home with no other incident. The clicking was off and on the entire drive home but has since gotten quieter.
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.
The gas gauge has not been working for over 2 years and the check engine light is on most of the time but will go off intermittently. We track gas usage with the trip odometer (20 miles per gallon x 17 gal tank=340 miles driven) but fill up around 275 miles driven. But this is not a reliable way to track fuel and it was bound to happen-we ran out of gas-unfortunately on the tollway. Now we want to fix it. We have had estimates ranging from $400-$800 to fix the problem but think that this is a defective part that hyundai has installed in their vehicles. There should be a recall for safety reasons. The car is only 6 years old. We take care of our cars-regular maintenance and parked in a garage. (also had to replace the throttle sensor after 2 years and both HVAC mode door actuators after 4 years. The window washer fluid recently stopped working).
After engine start and while driving any speed the battery light and seatbelt light on the dashboard flashes intermittently. I searched this online and it looks to be an electrical charging issue, namely the alternator is bad. I searched more and found the reason for this is the front valve cover is leaking oil and dripping onto the alternator causing it to malfunction. A recall has been made ( #121) on the 07-12 veracruz for the same issue.
My vehicle experience a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with the etc (electronic throttle control) system related dtc p2135 ( forced limited power) or dtc p0638 (power management).
While driving on I-95, the charging system warning light came on followed by a loss of engine power and then engine stopped completely. Was able to safely make it to the road side. Dealer diagnosed a defective valve cover gasket allowed oil to leak which dripped on and into the alternator causing it to fail. Second identical failure on vehicle in two years. V-6, automatic, 2wd. Found manufacturer just issued a recall on veracruz model which shares the same platform for identical symptoms and failures.
Was turning in to my housing development and car just cut out and stalled in middle of road. Thank goodness no cars were coming toward me. Put it in to park and it started back up. Very dangerous!!! Has happened a dozen more times since the first incident.
My santa fe limited awd 2008 was bought at the end of feb 2009 and now has ~44k mileage. I had two similar incidents with my santa fe today (7/6/2014), which LED to significant power loss and speed loss of the car on the road. The first time, I was driving on a local road at ~45 MPH. Suddenly I felt the car lost the power and began to slow down. I stepped down on the accelerator, but the car could not accelerate (the speed dropped to ~20 MPH). I saw 3 system indicator/warning lights on: the ESC off(electronic stability control) and check engine indicators had a steady light and the awd system warning light was flashing. I pulled off to the side of the road, shut off the car, waited ~1 minute, and then restarted the car. The check engine light stayed on, but the other lights went out. Then I drove the car to continue my grocery shopping (several stops, ~30 miles in total). The 2nd incident occurred on my way home. The same scenario except that I was driving at ~40 MPH and going uphill at the time. The sudden power loss caused the car speed quickly dropped to ~10 MPH and probably LED the car behind mine to make a sudden stop to avoid a crash. Again, I pulled off to the side of the road, shut off the engine, and then restarted the car with the check engine light staying on. After got home safely, I did some search online and found several similar incidents reported on hyundai santa fe suvs before (see the attached links below). So I decided to report this serious issue. The link of websites with similar incidents reported: 1. Http://www.justanswer.com/hyundai/47z2r-hyundai-santa-fe-limited-hi-hyundai-santa-fe-awd-2008.html 2. Http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/9216/hyundai/santa-fe/hyundai-santa-fe-engine-problems/p2 (altosteph post) 3. Http://www.hyundaiforum.com/forum/hyundai-santa-fe-20/4wd-system-warning-light-blinking-loss-power-12357/
The check engine light came on in the car, I took it to be diagnosed and it is a failure of the fuel level sensor. Apparently hyundai is well aware of this very common problem and refuses to issue a recall. Additionally, the entire assembly is only sold together, therefore this is a fix that will cost at least $800 which I cannot afford. So now I just have to drive around with the check engine light on at all times, having no idea how much fuel I have or if any other engine issues have come up. Shame on hyundai.
(2008 hyundai santa fe) the vehicle gas gauge is sticking on empty after filling it up and the check engine light comes on. After 1/4 tank of gas has been consumed the gas gauge will read normal. The check engine light will also go off. There has not been a loss in power to the engine or any other indicators that there is a problem. This issue can be reproduced every time after fill up. The tank does not have to be on empty to reproduce the problem. I have seen tsb's for the 2007 model but nothing yet for the 2008.
Once my car has gone 200 miles on a tank the check engine light comes on and the fuel gauge is not accurate. The fuel gauge will show completely empty and then change to more than 1/4 tank and back. Once the tank is refilled the check engine light goes off and then comes back on and acts the same after again going 200 miles. The dealer said the warranty is only good to 60000 or 5 years on the fuel sensor but reading online this is a problem that a lot of hyundai santa fe owners are having after reaching 60000 miles. I had the check engine code checked and it listed p0 464 - fuel level sensor a circuit intermittent. With the amount of complaints on this part hyundai should recall and fix this problem at no cost.
Throttle accelerated by itself and was stuck wide open. Could not get the throttle to disengage. I tried tapping the gas pedal several times and this did nothing. Managed to hold both feet on brake and downshift into low. I got vehicle onto shoulder and put it in neutral and the engine continued to run full throttle. I shoved it into park and turned the key off. The engine did not disengage until the key was turned off. Very bad for transmission to shove it into park but I had no other options. Very scary. I have been told that there is no recall. I called hyundai and filed a report but they have not called me back yet with repair options.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that the fuel level sensor circuit was providing erroneous fuel level readings. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were both notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 02/27/14
Gas gauge started to malfunction. Also check engine light comes on. Gas tank is full and is reacting wildly. Dealer says it's a $650 fix. This should be a recall !!! Safety issue.
Upon turning the engine on, my gas gauge showed empty when I knew there was more gas than that. Then it started to fluctuate up and down . I checked my range indicator and it was blinking the word "range" (which normally doesn't) and the numbers were dashes only. As I continued to drive my check engine light came on. It showed quarter tank then empty and back to some gas. The range indicator started going up and down in numbers as well. I put gas in just to see if it helped but didn't, showing about 30 miles fluctuation in the range indicator. I checked some forums and apparently it is a very common problem for santa fes 2008 right as they reach 60,000 miles (as the warranties end and it costs over $600 to repair!). It is a dangerous issue that should be a recall , as it poses a very dangerous problem if a car runs out of gas on a highway or anywhere due to the faulty gas fuel level indicator!
As noted in other complaints, my check engine light came on and my fuel gauge will not register the amount of fuel, it fluctuates from empty to a 1/4 tank to 3/4 tank. The fuel sensors are bad. There should be a recall for this. This is a known problem based on the federal safety agency complaints but yet it appears that hyundai will not take action. This problem began right after I hit the 60,000 mile mark.
On 5/15/13 I had my stop lamp switch replaced per recall campaign 110. The following day, I noticed cold engine fluctuation and surging. This has happened regularly, with the engine sometimes fluctuating up to nearly 2000rpm while the car is in park. Gradually, the issue progressed to difficulty accelerating and a shaking/hesitation feeling while downshifting that feels like the engine is going to stall out, but it does not. This began 6/20/13. Also on 6/20/13 my check engine dash light came on, and the "ESC off" light was illuminated, even though I had not shut the ESC off. Additionally, the awd system light was flashing. Upon restart, only the check engine light remained on. I brought my vehicle to grismer for diagnostics. They found error codes: c1513, c1611, p1295, p2106, and p2135. I revisited my local hyundai dealer (voss hyundai) and they state that they believe the stop lamp switch is working properly and that the throttle positioning sensor needs to be replaced. They refused to cover this cost due to being outside of the warranty. I was told by grismer that the tps issue is directly related to the stop lamp switch issue. I believe that what I am experiencing also relates directly to service bulletin #tsb-09-fl-003-1.
See attached email updated 06/04/2013*lj the occupant classification system (osc) does not consistently recognize small-statured adults, causing the passenger side air bag to deactivate when such person occupy the front seat. Also, there were problems with the transmission, a knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle, the vehicle shutting down, an issue with the throttle cable, and a whining sound upon acceleration.
As I was driving at approximately 35mph going up a hill, my 2008 hyundai santa fe accelerated at a very high rate of speed and pushing the brakes at full pressure only slowed the vehicle it would not stop and the engine revved. I was in a panic because vehicles were in front of me and I almost slammed into them. I managed to pull to the side and travel on the side of the road trying to stop my vehicle. I finally shifted from drive to neutral all the while pushing the brakes and got the vehicle in park. I have never been so scared in my life and fortunately did not hit any other vehicle. I called a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my garage because I was to afraid to drive it. I am awaiting diagnosis.. Unfortunately it was late friday afternoon and the garage was closed. They will not be able to look at until monday.
When trying to park the car, the car does not recognize it is in park, even though the gear shift is in park. Therefore, you cannot turn your car completely off or remove the key from the ignition. The car has been serviced 6 times over the course of 3 years for the same issue.
The gas mileage on my vehicle is 14 mpg city driving; total highway driving is 18mpg and combined 15- 16 mpg. I am a very conservative driver and have driven for 47 years. My mileage is so poor I contacted the hyundai corp. Repeatedly on this. I've spoken on a few occasions with the ceo[xxx], and corresponded with him as well via email after getting no satisfaction/help from the regional person. The ceo's wife grew up in my area (lake oswego, or.) and that is why he called me personally. However, the bottom line was nothing has happened as a result of this call. He offered me the following: he offered to exchange my vehicle which had about 8,000 miles on it by the time he got in touch with me for a new 2009 sonata fwd and it was the old model as hyundai was coming out with a totally revamped 2010 sonata model. I bought my santa fe awd because I wanted a SUV with awd! If I wanted a sedan, I would have bought one! I begged him to give me another comparably equipped santa fe as they could find no reason mechanically why my mileage was so low and I always double check it manually in addition to the computer output. So, I refused to accept this offer and I spend a huge amount on gas and I live on a small fixed income and cannot afford to buy another santa fe! Others I've questioned with the same vehicle and equipped comparably get 20 mpg or more city driving. Reading hyundai has done nothing about so many issues brought up is abominable. Someone needs to do something about this so lives aren't lost and people aren't paying at almost $4/gallon for all this gas I have to keep buying in my case. There is definitely something major wrong with my engine or something that prevents me from getting the mileage I should. As I said, I am a very conservative driver. Please intervene with the manufacturer on all these matters.they truly don't care about consumers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the ESC, check engine and awd warning lights illuminated as the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was restarted and as the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle continued to drive with an extreme loss of power. The contact shut off the vehicle and when restarted, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 14,000.
On 12/26/2010,my husband and 2 children were returning from nj to ct via the garden state parkway, new jersey turnpike and the george washington bridge. Four times during that trip, our hyundai santa fe suddenly lost power. Each time the loss of power occurred there was no precipitating event, just a sudden and random loss of power followed by the ESC light illuminating on the dash. He had to coast thru traffic, find a safe place to stop and turn the car off and back on again to regain power. We took the car to the hyundai dealer in meriden ct and they interrogated the computer. The service tech told us they replaced the tps (throttle position) sensor. We did some amateur research on the internet and within 10 minutes of researching, came across dozens of santa fe owners who experienced the same event. We are wondering why there has been no recall on the santa fe models that are affected. We also want to make sure the proper authorities are aware of the situation so that necessary action can be taken. We are so fortunate that the drivers near us all four times were paying attention and didn't ram us from behind. These are heavily traveled roads with many trucks, tractor trailers and cars, all travelling at a high rate of speed and sometimes following closely. This is a potential tragedy for another family who isn't as lucky.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai santa fe. While driving at 80mph the contact attempted to change lanes and the vehicle started to loose power, the steering failed, and the service engine light illuminated. She was able to move the vehicle unto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer test drove the vehicle and was unable to recreate the failure. The diagnostic testing did not produce a failure code, therefore the dealer stated the vehicle was out of gas. On june 8, 2010 while reversing from the drive way the failure re-occurred. The gear did not release from reverse and the power steering failed. The vehicle was towed the garage to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 541 and the current mileage was 21,817.
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