Hyundai Santa Fe fuel gauge problems

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MA

*Problem Parts:I only could check 1 box- should be Brakes and Steering too *ADAS: Lane Keeping Assistance too Over the course of two days, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a serious electrical and safety system failure. It started with the blind spot monitoring lights flickering in the side mirrors and warnings for Forward Collision Avoidance (disabled), ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Downhill Brake Control, Parking Brake & Brake Fluid (blinking red). The rearview camera failed and the screen remained on the radio display when in reverse. The Lane Keeping Assist Indicator shifted from white/green to orange. The next morning, I had trouble opening the vehicle with the key fob. Auto Hold, Master Warning, Forward Collision, ESC, and Downhill Brake Control lights were now steadily on. The MPH numbers on the dash were blurred, and a message appeared saying “Put in P” even though the vehicle was already parked. The accessories light came on, but the engine would not start. Interior lights continued to work. I had to manually open the car and start it by pressing the fob to the button. While trying to exit a parking garage (where a tow truck couldn’t reach me), more warnings appeared: AWD, Low Tire Pressure, Malfunction Indicator (not engine), and Power Steering. I felt tightness in the wheel and had to pull over. The temp and gas gauges dropped to zero along with the RPMs. I have a newer car battery and recently replaced fob batteries, so this was not a simple battery failure. I’ve reported the issue to Hyundai Consumer Affairs. No recall appears under my VIN, despite similar failures being widely reported in this model. I’m a single parent who typically drives with two young children, including one with serious medical needs. I rely heavily on this vehicle for medical travel. The vehicle has since been towed to a Hyundai dealership for diagnostics. This is a serious safety concern and could have led to a loss of control or failure in an emergency situation

Filed Mar 14, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Reference Number: 11520065 This is a follow up to a previously submitted incident involving this same vehicle. My first submission was May, 2023, This vehicle experienced the exact same hazardous condition on February 26, 2024. on I-75 south. After driving on an interstate highway for about 1 hour, I noticed a traffic backup and proceeded to slow down as the traffic was nearly stopped. As I slowed my car down to nearly a complete stop, the engine suddenly surged forward with high rpm's as though the accelerator was pushed to the floor. I immediately pressed on the brake pedal as hard as I could to stop the car from surging forward and then quickly decided to put the transmission into neutral so I would not hit the car in front of me. The car eventually stopped surging and may have stalled. I finally got the car to move again by turning off the ignition and restarting it. I continued on my way and did not have a similar situation for the rest of my 30 minute highway trip. Like all the times before, the floor mat was NOT involved in this sudden acceleration. Last year when I took this car to a Hyundai dealer for inspection, they could not replicate this condition. They said that I needed a new fuel level sensor in my gas tank and a new fuel pump--neither of which I agreed to because first, the gas gauge has no relation to my surging and second, the fuel pump must be working or else I could not drive the car. This surging has occurred perhaps 7 times since I have owned this car since 2008. It is frightening to know that it could happen again with personal injuries or property damage. This condition rarely happens in city driving, but has happened at least 3 times in city driving. Seems like this situation would warrant a manufacturer recall.

Filed Sep 30, 2022 · Fuel system · KY

The vehicle's check engine light came on and the fuel gauge shows "E". I did an OBD scan and it shows the fuel sending unit has issues. The gauge will work intermittently and the check engine light will go away. Further reviews from others show the same issues with their vehicle with each needing a bad sending unit replaced.

Filed Jan 24, 2022 · Fuel system · NJ

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to display an accurate current fuel level. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the fuel lines replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Nov 29, 2021 · Body, Suspension · 72,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while reversing out of his driveway at 1 MPH, the front end on the passenger’s side of the vehicle collapsed almost causing the wheel to detach. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the control arm and ball joint had shattered. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the arrival of the replacement part. The manufacturer was contacted and provided the contact a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Repaired at cost of $1666.67 at Napelton Hyundai 3703 Northlake BLVD Lake Park Florida 33403. The car had a faulty fuel gauge which could NOT be repaired after 3 attempts. Car also experienced loss of power brakes and power steering while driving on the highway.

Filed Jan 2, 2021 · Fuel system · 89,230 miles · NY

Fuel gauge failed. The fuel tank would be full but the gauge read 1/4 tank, (ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere) contacted hyundai, they were aware of this issue but offered no solution as far as recall, they stated the fix would cost approx. $600.00 with parts and labor. I checked this issue on line and this defect in the "fuel sensors" has been going on from approx. 2007 to 2015 effecting thousands of hyundai santa fe's. My question is, why hasn't "the hyundai motor co." corrected this safety problem or issued a recall? They expect customer loyalty but it appears the loyalty goes only one way. I was very happy with my 2008 santa fe but now I'm wondering how many other safety issues are being covered up. I was at my hyundai dealer just prior to the fuel sensor issue looking at the new palisade limited" but now I'll look elsewhere [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Fuel system · GA

I have a 2008 hyundai santa fe that has a faulty fuel level sensor. The gas gauge does not show the correct amount of gas in the tank and the check engine light is always on. About 95 percent of the time it shows empty, even after filling up the tank. Sometimes the gauge will move just over half way, then it goes back to empty. I have taken the vehicle to three different shops to have it checked out and they all say that fuel level sensor not working properly. To fix this issue will be between $700 - $1000. After looking up this issue on the internet, there are multiple complaints about this same issue for the exact my make, model, and year vehicle that I am making the complaint about. This issue is consent if I am moving or stationary. The only way to ensure I do not run out of gas is to fill up about the 250 mile mark to make sure I do not get stranded. I have attached a picture of the indicator after filling up the tank completely. If you need to contact [xxx]. Thanks in advance any help in this matter. Redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Mar 1, 2020 · Fuel system · 49,377 miles · AZ

With 49,377 miles, I added partial fuel (6.9 gallons) and the fuel gauge showed zero with the fuel light on. After a few days the fuel gauge read normally. Since then I've added fuel five more times. Each time the gauge went to zero and then ramped up gradually. Yesterday, february 29, the check engine light came on steady. Today I had the error code read: p0463 fuel level sensor a circuit high input. Although the part required lists for $79.99, it is apparently changed in the fuel tank and very expensive to access.

Filed Mar 1, 2020 · Fuel system · IL

Check engine light on for failed fuel level sensor. Gas gauge is erratic. When I start the car the gauge falls to empty. Never know exactly how much gas I have. Very costly to repair.

Filed Feb 25, 2020 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · OH

My fuel level gauge has become erratic to not working at all causing my check engine light to come on. I have to spend $1700.00 to get this repair made so that I can register my vehicle. The problem is the fuel level sensors, one or both have failed. I have never had the problem with any other vehicle ever. I have googled this and see that it has been a problem also for many others who own a 08 hyundai santa fe. I wanted to get this information out there that it is a known problem which hyundai should recall to fix.