2008 Hyundai Santa Fe - Consumer Discussions

Hyundai Santa Fe Climate Control Questions and Problems

• Re: Heater Hot on drivers side - cold on passenger side. [bobd_]

  Written by: mese68 on Mar 7, 2013 3:20:12 PM

  I too have a 2008 santa fe and also have the same exact problem with the air blowing cold on the drivers side when its freezing cold out. I just fixed the fuel gauge problem replacing both fuel sending units which is also a common problem with the santa fe but i had to pay out of pocket due to my vehicle having over 60,000 miles. Not only did i run ... Read More

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• Re: Faulty TPS found in 2008 Santa Fe [blueyes554]

  Written by: stannards on Mar 1, 2013 3:31:22 AM

  Hi - we started the FB page - although it doesn't say that much - we sold our car after getting it repaired and were very very upset with Hyundai ignoring the problem. It is now nearly four years since our incident and I have been amazed at just how frequently the problem is occurring. If you send me your FB or email details I can probably give you the link ... Read More

• Re: Faulty TPS found in 2008 Santa Fe [stannards]

  Written by: blueyes554 on Feb 28, 2013 7:42:37 PM

  Hi - can anyone please let me know where the facebook site (Don't buy Hyundai) is and where the Hyundai Santa Fe video is. I desperately need your help.

Hyundai Santa Fe Climate Control Questions and Problems

• 08 Santa Fe cabin heat blows cold on drivers side

  Written by: mese68 on Feb 21, 2013 6:26:48 PM

  I have a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited in very good condition that i purchase brand new. It currently has 70,000 highway miles. I commute to and from work by train since i past around 60,000 miles. Sometime after 60,000 the check engine light came on. Now the gas gauge is inaccurate and cannot determine how much gas is in the tank. Also it is winter and inside the cabin the ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Sun Visor Falls Off

• Re: Let me know if you were able to use the link [roscoe33]

  Written by: southsloper on Jan 2, 2013 9:50:13 PM

  Yes, as Steve replied, the link worked and I've copied your photo to my PicasaWeb account so I could link directly to it and have the photo appear inline. I will try that fix myself, and if that fails, I got a note from a member of the Hyundai Forum, to find a 2008/2009 version of the visor from a used parts dealer (i.e. scrap yard), here's that thread: 2007 sante-fe-sun-visor-broken ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Climate Control Questions and Problems

• Heater Hot on drivers side - cold on passenger side.

  Written by: bobd_ on Nov 12, 2012 3:50:25 PM

  I have a 2008 Santa Fe Limited, just noticed when trying to get heat in auto or out of auto the passenger side blows cold air while drivers side works properly. Both sides seemed to work correct using AC this summer(last week). I have read several posts but haven't seen a definite answer. Tried to also get into Hyundai Webtech but was unable to create an account. Any answers out there? ... Read More

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• Unintended Acceleration 2008 Santa Fe 4 WD

  Written by: santafescared on Oct 22, 2012 9:41:39 AM

  I too live in Canada, in Peterborough Ontario. Last Friday night, October 19, 2012 I was traveling a County road to go and pick up my dog from the breeders. My 23 year old daughter was with me. The unintended acceleration happened when I made a right signal change to veer to the right on a ramp and then when I accelerated to get back up to driving speed I could ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• Re: Losing Power "2008 Hyundai Santa Fe" [sea2sea]

  Written by: stevewfd on Aug 3, 2012 8:33:46 PM

  Same thing yesterday with my 2008 V6 Quote from Repair slip "Verify Concern, GDS Test Code P2106, P1295, P2135. Perform Bulletin 10.FL.010, Replace TPS Sensor and UPDATED ECM 1 35107-3C100-NFFF TH'SENSOR ASSY (TPS) I guess time will tell if it was fixed Hope this helps you

• Losing Power

  Written by: sea2sea on Jul 19, 2012 7:06:57 AM

  I have a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The first time I lost power -- going from 50 to 20 in a matter of seconds, and the engine light went on, I read the manual which said the gas cap was loose. No mention of bringing it to the dealer. So, I tightened the cap and the car started and drove for almost a month just like before. Two days ago I ... Read More

• Re: Recommended Service ? [chucko6]

  Written by: omar6575 on Apr 29, 2012 10:33:44 AM

  well, remember this guys are there to run a business, if they can get you to do anything on top of any warranty claims its surely money in their pocket,. at 25k miles the coolant change might be a bit early. However the induction service might be relevant. I have a 2008 santa fe ltd with the 3.3L engine. Around 32k during cold stars the truck would stumble for a few ... Read More

• Fuel Sender Units

  Written by: LS37 on Apr 1, 2012 8:46:02 PM

  I have a 2007 Santa Fe, Limited, purchased new in 2008. Just had the car to the dealer to have the Air Bag recall issue resolved. Got an estimate of over $500.00 to have both of the fuel sending units replaced. I am told this is a VERY common known problem but Hyundai is not covering the repair under warranty. Just curious as to how many other people have run into ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Paint

• Re: roof paint peeling [soapy5]

  Written by: mbeaumont on Apr 3, 2012 11:44:35 AM

  Hi, everyone I don't know where you guys are from but I guess you're from the USA. I live in Canada (Quebec Province) and have similar problems w. my 2008 Kaki Santa Fe paint job. The paint is peeling off the passenger side's tip of the roof rack rails and had peeled and bubbled at the windshield line of the same side, as well as on the hood line. The dealer ... Read More

Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Santa Fe

• Help

  Written by: shelly2988 on Feb 12, 2012 7:55:21 PM

  Hello, I am a new driver and this is my first car. I am IN LOVE with the 2008 Pilot however want to start off "small" before I get to it! I have been interested in the Honda CRV 2000-2005 but have been recently introduced to the Hyundai Santa Fe. I must say I am interested in the Santa Fe as well. Honda's are great cars and want to make sure ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Climate Control Questions and Problems

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe A/C [mackie3]

  Written by: conau79 on Feb 5, 2012 3:33:31 AM

  HELLO IS THE PREHEATER http://www.google.com.cy/imgres?q=HYUNDAI+SANTA+FE+PREHEATER&hl=el&noj=1&tbm=isc- h&tbnid=OCiJW-baSiscgM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gobizkorea.com/productCategory.do%3- FcurrentPage%3D5%26totalCount%3D6278%26unspsc%3D25000000%26itemCount%3D30%26list- Style%3DL&docid=-9et_C3RZS8f1M&imgurl=http://www.gobizkorea.com/att/cat/addtec19- 99/tp_html/img/addtec1999_cat_5_small_img_2.JPG&w=292&h=219&ei=m2guT8rxHtHm8QOJs- LTvDg&zoom=1&biw=1024&bih=632 THIS IS A FOTO OF THE PART IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDEE OF THE [LACE THAT THE PASSENGER PUT HIS FEET. HOPE I HELPED YOU REGARDS CON FROM CYPUS

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: Hyundai just released another TSB [iv6tec]

  Written by: diannesey on Nov 28, 2011 11:10:07 AM

  We just experienced the same problem. We have replaced the throttle body twice on this 2008 Santa Fe. It just dies and we have no acceleration at all. It wasn't covered under warranty because it was done by a different dealer and because it was warranted for 50,000 miles. I have never had such a problem on any vehicle and am concerned about suddenly losing acceleration on the highway. I will ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• Hyundai's are Reliable

  Written by: srz948 on Aug 4, 2011 5:47:05 AM

  Sounds like it's the Throttle Position Sensor. I had the same problem as many people did on my 2008 Santa Fe Limited AWD. While I did get stuck and had to have it flat bedded to the dealer, it is the only problem I've had in 3 years and 40k miles This is my third Hyundai. I purchased a new 2000 Tiburon for my son in college. He then passed it ... Read More

• Re: Loss of power [sfgijoe08]

  Written by: wachsf on May 6, 2011 8:05:35 PM

  My wife's 2008 Santa Fe with only 13,000 miles had the same problem. The car went into limp mode and she had to restart the engine to get going again. I drove the car later that night and it happened to me 3 more times, with the Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Drive, and Malfunction Indicator Lamp all lit up simultaneously. I called Hyundai Roadside Assistance, and they arranged for a ... Read More

• 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe: Hard to move when steered left or right

  Written by: tito2011 on Nov 8, 2011 1:46:45 PM

  I just had the throttle position sensor replaced and ended up with another round of problem. The vehicle slugs and is hard to move when the steering is turned left or right at almost 60 to 90 degrees (when moving forward or reversing). Took it to the dealer with initial thought that the AWD was on but nothing was found wrong with the AWD. Eventually had to do rear differential service ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Real World MPG

• Re: Santa Fe 09 poor gas mileage [graceh]

  Written by: ncsu602 on Mar 31, 2011 11:16:17 AM

  Not sure if this will help any of you guys but it's worth a shot. We've got a 2008 Limited FWD that my wife drives. Normally she's about 70%/30% city in stop and go traffic and the computer says anywhere from 20-21 mpg. On the highway it normally says 25-26, but drops severely after 70mph to around 21-22 at 80. I'm actually scared to check it manually, I'm afraid as to ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: May still get one [joe919]

  Written by: bokonon3 on Nov 9, 2010 9:40:48 AM

  I own an early production 2007 Santa Fe. Two of our next door neighbors have Santa Fes (one a 2009, and one a 2010). Several of our friends own them as well. What can I say ... they are popular here in Colorado. The AWD versions make good ski cars. None of us in our circle of owners have had any transmission troubles. That includes some strenuous driving in the Rocky ... Read More

Need Fog Lights on Hyundai Santa Fe 08 GLS

• Re: 2007 Santa Fe fog lights [dave315]

  Written by: parag1 on Oct 25, 2010 5:31:36 PM

  I just got the Fog lights installed from the Hyundai dealer on My 2008 Santa Fe. My car did not have fog lights when I bought the car. The deale Mechanic relayed the lights through my fuse box. They are connected to my head lights and also I have a seperate switch for fog lights too. But If I turn of the car the fog lights also turn off. Make sure ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe with Transmission Issues

  Written by: tntalso29 on Aug 27, 2010 9:24:55 PM

  I have loved my 08 Santa Fe...until until about the last month of so. Have approx. 25k miles on the car. There had been no issues until a computer sensor had to be replaced, after the car had stalled while driving on the freeway around town. After that service, there was a growing humming noise under the car. Noise contined to get louder until I took the car in to have ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Questions

• Re: Wiring harness for a 2008 Santa Fe [gwilly]

  Written by: tcharlton on Jul 7, 2010 12:23:22 PM

  Hello- I have a 2009 Hyundai SF and I pull a tent trailer with electric brakes, I installed a Hidden Hitch and wiring code 30159 from etrailerand I purchased7/4 way kit ETBC7 from them. I have not purchase the brake control yet as I did not want to install it on my dash as my wife said no.. My question is what brand control did - gwilly install under the hood ... Read More

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

• Re: Santa Fe and Sorento [oscar_gata]

  Written by: mtnman1 on Jun 24, 2010 1:31:27 PM

  CR stated that Santa Fe's Fit & Finish had slipped. The Sorento is not recommended for only one reason and one reason only. It is too new according to CR. You better hope it's recommended because starting 2012 both cars will be the same vehicle and are essentially the same now with the same drive train. I also don't know what you are looking at when you state the Sorento is ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• Re: Loss of power [srz948]

  Written by: sfgijoe08 on May 23, 2010 3:06:42 PM

  Hello 2008 Hyundai Santa fe experience the same issue while wife was driving lost power and contacted Dealer and was able to get it in that day and the check the Code and found P2106-lime Home Force Limited Power, P1295-Limp home Mode Power management and P2135 throttle Position Sensor 1&2 signal Voltage correlation. Per TSB. Replace the Throttle Position Sensor and updated the ECM. Got the vehicle back and very happy. ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe iPod/iPhone Questions

• 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Ipod/Iphone Adapter Kit install experinces

  Written by: sfgijoe08 on May 23, 2010 2:44:58 PM

  Hello I bought a 2008 Hyundai santa fe SE. It did not come with the IPod/Iphone Interface and i had try the Ipod kit that use radio frequency thur listen to music and i did not like the way it sound so i went out and bought the PAC iPod/iPhone and Auxiliary Audio Input Interface with HD Radio™ Option for Hyundai Santa fe. I shop around for places to install it ... Read More

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  Written by: rodsein on May 5, 2010 12:15:57 PM

  Hi to all from Toronto, Canada. My 2004 Santa Fe did have the same problems in the end of 2008, the begining of 2009 and recently Just Yesterday May 4/2010. The very first time when i backed it into my garage, the second time when I tried to park it at my work's parking spot. I was trying to back it into my spot, it suddenly engine accelerating very high forward ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Well, I did it.. !

  Written by: rocdred on Apr 12, 2010 8:35:38 PM

  After months of aggrevation with my Audi A6, I started looking and was slowly going crazy over purchasing a new car. Looked at a wide range of cars and was almost lured into an 2008 CPO Acura RDX.. It was nice, had a lot of power in the turbo and was really clean. Not entirely sure why I didn't jump, but I waited. Looked at a Nissan Murano and other cars. ... Read More

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• Re: Faulty TPS found in 2008 Santa Fe [bryancos]

  Written by: stannards on Apr 6, 2010 4:27:14 AM

  Hi - I have just loaded a few photos onto a Facebook group - Don't buy Hyundai - not sure how to link it. You can also find a video on YouTube if you search for Hyundai Santa Fe this could save your life. Again I am not sure how to do the link. It is interesting to find that there are new reports with this vehicle coming through regularly now, ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe New Owners

• New SF owner

  Written by: tdyson on Apr 4, 2010 8:24:05 PM

  I just bought the Santa Fe SE FWD in Venetian Red. I was very skeptical about Hyundais (given their past performance) and never thought I'd buy one. After researching SUVs (this is my first one), I decided to give the SF a test drive --and ended up buying it that day. I thought for sure that I'd buy a Toyota RAV-4, but the SF impressed me, especially since the price of ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: 2008 Hyundai Sante Fe LTD 4WD [srz948]

  Written by: scott190 on Mar 27, 2010 5:46:49 PM

  I kid you not, my wife just called and she's stranded up the street with the same problem. Her will start but it won't move. Same Santa Fe model and year.

• Re: 2008 Hyundai Sante Fe LTD 4WD [turtle100]

  Written by: srz948 on Mar 17, 2010 4:52:37 AM

  2008 Santa Fe LTD AWD. 20K miles. My wife called on the way to work this morning with the same problem. Loss of power, ESC light on, AWD icon flashing &CHECK ENGINE light on. She shut off the car and the ESC switch to off. Restarted and the ESC OFF light is on as well as theCHECK ENGINE light. The car seems to run ok though. Any answers before I call ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe iPod/iPhone Questions

• Re: 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Ipod/Iphone Adapter Kit install experinces [sfgijoe08]

  Written by: tidester on Mar 12, 2010 9:36:47 AM

  any question email me Let's keep the discussion here so everyone will benefit. tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• Re: Faulty TPS found in 2008 Santa Fe [bryancos]

  Written by: tinx on Mar 3, 2010 1:36:21 AM

  My 2007 Santa Fe did a smiliar thing in December 2009. I drove it just fine to a meeting, then on my way home as I was backing out of my parking spot the car starting shaking and rattling, I also noticed the 'check engine' light. I immediately put it in park, waited a few moments and tried it again. Any time I had it in drive or reverse it would ... Read More

• Re: Faulty TPS found in 2008 Santa Fe [turtle100]

  Written by: stannards on Feb 17, 2010 1:59:33 AM

  We don't know for sure that it is permanently fixed, but an independent engineer attributed the immediate cause of the fault in our vehicle to cable positioning and fixed that - given Hyundai's non-reaction to the severity of the problem we didn't trust them to do it and given the extent of damage our insurers insisted on it going to a specialist repair shop anyway Virtually every panel on the vehicle ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe SE ticking sound from engine when cold and in gear [gospelb]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Feb 4, 2010 6:57:31 AM

  Your engine's valves are adjustable and this might be the issue. Not a big deal or immediately necessary, but if it gets annoying or stays audible after the engine is warm, I'd certainly consider having the valve clearance checked: Intake 0.17-0.23mm (0.0067-0.0090in.) Exhaust 0.27-0.33mm (0.0106 0.0129in.) I don't have a labor rate for that job but I'd guess a couple hours. You should be under warranty but unless the valves are ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: New Transmission on my new Santa Fe [SouperWay]

  Written by: omar6575 on Jan 27, 2010 2:48:30 PM

  my 2008 santa fe ltd with 15,000 miles has develop some issues with the transmission from the moment they change the tps sensor ( GOT CODE P2135.) . well the car ran find after for about a day,then while slowing down to a light the car would kick hard, took it back, they re-calibrated the tps sensor. and 3 tech took it for a ride, according to them the car was ... Read More

2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift?

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift? [dannyd3]

  Written by: sfdreamin on Jan 24, 2010 2:29:15 PM

  Hi, sorry for the delay in replying. I am in Edmonton AB Cdn and we have had some really cold temps this year. We were one day, the coldest place on the planet, -48 degrees celsius. At -40, celsius and farenheight are the same, so you can see that it gets real cold here sometimes. My Santa Fe shifts from 2nd to 3rd with a bit of a pause in between. ... Read More

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• problem fixed by local dealership

  Written by: hawrysz on Jan 22, 2010 10:06:40 AM

  As noted earlier my wife had an unexpected acceleration incident on Jan 17 with our 2008 Santa Fe. After researching this problem on Edmunds (here) I took it into a local hyundai dealer and explained to them what hapened... They tok it for a test drive and the problem did not re occur; however, I told them about the possibility of it being in the ACM. they kept it overnight and ... Read More

• Faulty TPS found in 2008 Santa Fe

  Written by: bryancos on Jan 11, 2010 8:25:08 PM

  I found this case which indicated a problem with a faulty Throttle Position Sensor.. only in this instance the vehicle would not accelerate... Still, it provides evidence that a TPS can and does cause trouble! NHTSA.GOV: ODI ID Number : 10286003 Make: HYUNDAI Model: SANTA FE Year: 2008 Complaint Number: 10286003 Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND APPLYING ... Read More

• Sudden Accelleration Incident on 2008 Santa Fe

  Written by: bryancos on Jan 11, 2010 8:13:26 PM

  Found another post: Posted by: Steve | Dec 31, 2009 902 PM Bryancos, we have a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe and we have had the same exact 2 instances that you mentioned with sudden unintended acceleration, one on city streets at below 55 mph, the second one just yesterday at 75-80 mph on I-35. My wife is now afraid to drive or ride in the car. We also took it to ... Read More

Crossover SUV Comparison

• Re: CX-9 vs Buick Enclave [airbornedoc]

  Written by: thegraduate on Dec 28, 2009 7:15:15 AM

  Why would your 16 year old need a large-family sized vehicle? If you're really wanting a crossover vehicle, I certainly wouldn't start them on something brand new, and that large/expensive. I'd look at some things like a pre-owned (2007-2008 or so) CR-V, RAV-4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe or Tuscon, for around $15k. Still plenty of room and all the modern safety equipment, but without the bigger gas bills or high-school ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: New Transmission on my new Santa Fe [papayamoo]

  Written by: poun on Dec 23, 2009 5:45:23 PM

  Hi Guys My SF 2008 SE is driving me crazy. On one day the car drives very smooth and shift very well, on another day it drivers like if I'm polling a truck behind me, stiff and slow shifting from gear 1 to 2. I took it to Hyundai dealer three time , and every time they told that the car is perfect and there in no error or code to ... Read More

Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Santa Fe?

• Similar SUA event on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

  Written by: bryancos on Dec 18, 2009 10:21:18 AM

  Found this on a Consumer Reports Article comment section: Posted by: Charlie K. | Nov 27, 2009 129 PM I wonder how wide spread the sudden acceleration issue is to vehicle makes beyond the current recall. We own a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. My wife has frighteningly experienced this problem with our car, and the dealer mentioned receiving a Hyundai service report on the issue, although mostly concerning sudden deceleration.

• Re: Anyone experience Sudden Unintended Acceleration in a Hyundai Santa Fe? [bryancos]

  Written by: lucky15 on Dec 18, 2009 7:47:44 AM

  I own a 07 Sante Fe with the 2.7 engine, I have not had this problem on mine yet and hope not to in the future, but I did have this problem on a 2004 Hyundai XG350L with 21,000 miles, it has the same "drive by wire" setup as the Sante Fe`s, It did it twice in 2008, I took it in and they checked everything and found out there was ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• 2008 Santa Fe SE ticking sound from engine when cold and in gear

  Written by: mhtn on Dec 11, 2009 2:12:37 PM

  when the engine is started cold and put in gear, I can hear the ticking sound from the engine. But when I accelerate the ticking disappear and when I come to a stop, I can hear it again. However, after the engine warms up to normal temperature (after driving 4-5 miles) the ticking sound disappears altogether. I found this on Youtubelink title and the Santa Fe ticking characteristic is very similar ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: Hyundai Transmission Failure 2008 Santa Fe Brand New 24 hrs old [rsaizon]

  Written by: espo35 on Dec 1, 2009 1:38:22 PM

  Reading this thread, I see TWO people complaining about their transmissions in a YEAR'S worth of thread. Not too bad.

• Re: Hyundai Transmission Failure 2008 Santa Fe Brand New 24 hrs old [08santafe]

  Written by: rsaizon on Dec 1, 2009 11:29:11 AM

  I had the same problem on my new 2008 Santa Fe. Transmission was replaced at 36,000 miles. This morning big jerk when I stopped at a red light. Called Hyundai, they want me to bring it in. Do not believe them they will say that they have never heard of this but they are lying. This is the second time I am having trouble. I am also starting procedures to get ... Read More

2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift?

• Re: 2009 abrupt 2nd to 3rd shift.. [dannyd3]

  Written by: paulnz on Oct 28, 2009 4:55:12 PM

  Danny, I have meant to post again about the problem (I am the person that started this thread). My 2008 Santa Fe Limited 3.3L AWD still has the "problem". I still don't like it, but have learned to live with it. I did find that the threshold temperature at which it will shift hard on that first 2nd to 3rd shift is 65 degrees F. Below that temp it does it ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Air Bag Light

• Re: [flower6]

  Written by: toosnick on Sep 12, 2009 6:52:22 PM

  We have been dealing with this for a year. Just took our 2008 Santa Fe back to the dealership because the air bag light came on on the DRIVER'S SIDE and stayed on. I checked the Hyundai Manual that came with the car, and it said "routine service check." For an airbag light? Routine? Huh? Took it to the dealership to be addressed. I mentioned the problem with the passenger airbag. ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Brake Problems

• Re: 07 Santa Fe worn our left rear brakes @ 29000 miles! [jaco0062]

  Written by: chuck114 on Sep 11, 2009 6:20:50 PM

  K, I live in Canada and I have a 2008 Santa-Fe. I did all the maintenance steps, 1,2,3,1,2, etc... Last month I spent over $600 to have my rotors replaced as there was a rusting problem with the calipers. My car went through one winter and was only slightly older than one year with a little over 30,000 kilometers. Apparently it is because of the salt and all brands of cars ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Air Bag Light

• Re: [JBrabbit]

  Written by: joehio2 on Sep 11, 2009 4:17:29 PM

  My wife and I purchased a new 2008 Santa Fe LTD this past April. We bought the 2008 because the 2009 were filling up the lots and we knew we could get a good deal. We like the vehicle but the passenger side air bag will not work for my wife when she is a passenger. She is 5' 2" and 125 lbs so I don't see how it is mistaking ... Read More

Need Fog Lights on Hyundai Santa Fe 08 GLS

• Re: 2009 Santa Fe Fog Lights [joma1]

  Written by: parag1 on Aug 17, 2009 6:50:03 AM

  Hi, I had started this post originally I wanted to install fog lights on my 2008 Santa Fe GLS by a Hyundai dealer only. BUT FINALLY I DROPPED THE IDEA. U see the things is when u go to the dealer he takes ur VIN and then looks for the part numbers which if u have GLS will not come but if he knows what part numbers to order and if ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Air Bag Light

• Re: [antonio27]

  Written by: JBrabbit on Aug 10, 2009 1:36:30 PM

  Note....I think everyone having a problem with their Santa Fe Hyundai (ours was a 2008) passenger side air bag light NEEDS TO READ THIS. We settled with Hyundai re purchasing our vehicle back in June 2009. We went through BBB auto line, lemon law...... the arbitrator ruled in our favor. It was alot of hassle and constant headache for sure. We had a choice of repurchase or another vehicle. We loved ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Paint

• Re: Poor Paint [saskicat]

  Written by: hyundaigirl3 on Jul 7, 2009 12:45:14 PM

  I have a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe in the white. The paint job on it is BRUTAL! All around the windshield there are tiny little pin holes and they are rusting. Anywhere a rock has hit the car, it is rusting! The paint is peeling off the roof rack and off the front bumper. Then on the back passenger door, up by the window, the paint bubbled and split and that ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: Hyundai Transmission Failure 2008 Santa Fe Brand New 24 hrs old [08sant

  Written by: shmshen on Jun 29, 2009 7:50:27 AM

  See my old post: The dealer where I purchased found that the transmission has problem and needs to be replaced. Wow, it is a brand new car!! Should I just accept the replacement? Or can I do anything else? It is a brand new car with only 1650miles!!! You are not alone.

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Santa Fe Lease [tjruss]

  Written by: iamknott on Jun 25, 2009 12:06:41 PM

  TJ I spent the last 6 months+ waiting Hyundai Financial to come up a lease special on the Santa Fe, first on the 2008s, then on the 2009s. It didn't happen. Unfortunately, the dealers' rates (from local lessors) were crap. Finally got a decent rate from Honda on a CR-V and went with that at $100 less per month. I would have preferred the Santa Fe, but (to quote the immortal ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe AWD Questions

• NEW OWNER IMAGINATION

  Written by: hatehyundai on Apr 17, 2009 10:07:34 AM

  My husband and I bought a 2008 Santa Fe Limited on 14Feb09. We purchased on a Saturday. The car went back into the dealers shop on the following Tuesday 17 Feb09 for a severe shaking in the front end. The dealer service manager stated that the tires needed to be balanced and put wheels form another car in the lot on my car. I returned the same day 17 Feb09 at ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

• reply to Maibach Post #2926

  Written by: wjaner on Apr 16, 2009 2:26:07 PM

  First, I compliment you on your good comprehensive composition. It made me want to reply. I too took delivery of a 2008 Santa Fe in Nov 2008. Hyundai's marketing strategy needs some refining. I bought the GLS with the standard Transmission as I ocassionaly tow the vehicle behind a motor home. Hyundai haphazardly distributes the Santa Fe with the manual tranny on a low volumn basis and the dealers cannot order ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2008/2009 Santa Fe [donovan846]

  Written by: NY_Maverick on Apr 16, 2009 7:55:47 AM

  Donovan, I bought the vehicle you wanted in October 2008 (2008 SF Limited AWD no-NAV no-DVD). I got bonafide offers from Towne Hyundai, Hyundai of Denville, and Hudson Hyunda (Jersey City) for 23K to 23.5K OTD (excl TTL). At that time, there was a LOT of inventory to choose from. As such, I cannot believe that Hyundai has cleared their 08's from the supply chain to the North East, espeically given ... Read More

• Re: 2008/2009 Santa Fe [donovan846]

  Written by: nace on Apr 15, 2009 7:28:33 PM

  for what it's worth, a chicago area dealership is advertising 25% off of MSRP on all new hyundais. that should give you a starting point.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

• Why has Hyundai not posted 2009 info yet?

  Written by: andil1 on Apr 8, 2009 4:17:17 PM

  To the corporate folks that monitor these boards: why hasn't Hyundai updated their website for the 2009 Santa Fe? I know there are still 2008's on the lot, but it's not 2008 any more! I have a 2005 Tucson which I purchased in October, 2004. I'm thinking of trading the car in and want a little larger SUV, preferably AWD, and like the current styling of the Santa Fe. But I ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: Hyundai Transmission Failure 2008 Santa Fe Brand New 24 hrs old [08santafe]

  Written by: parag1 on Mar 18, 2009 2:11:22 PM

  Hi, I have also bought the new '08 Hyundai and I was talking to someone from Hyundai customer support about some accessories I wanted which do not come on GLS (Fog Lights) and the customer associate told me if my car is less then 500 miles then dealer ship should be able to fix me up with the new car since less then 500 miles is considered as new car. You ... Read More

• Re: Hyundai Transmission Failure 2008 Santa Fe Brand New 24 hrs old [cdnbikerdude]

  Written by: 08santafe on Mar 17, 2009 9:35:37 PM

  Hi! I just had almost the exact same situation happen to me. I just bought a 2008 Santa Fe SE and just picked it up last Thursday night. We were going out of town on Friday so we got to our destination (about 200 miles from our home). We were parking in a parking garage to go to dinner when the car wouldn't reverse by that I mean it would go ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Looking for a good Dealer, price & everything. [natalicious]

  Written by: NY_Maverick on Mar 5, 2009 6:36:22 AM

  Hi Natalie! First of all, nice FONT! I'm posting from Northern NJ (Essex County) so I hope to give you some good, local insight. If you have not already did the Edmund's TMV pricing report, by all means do it now. It will give you the mental starting point of how much you will be paying for your Santa Fe. Rick 2456 is right on. I concur that you should stay ... Read More

• Looking for a good Dealer, price & everything.

  Written by: natalicious on Mar 4, 2009 8:16:44 PM

  Hello all, I'm a 29 y/o woman (budget-minded), I live in Piscataway, NJ and i'm trying to find a good Hyundai Dealer in my area. I don't want to have to travel too far to buy but will if the price is right! I've contacted Brad Benson for a quote & i was told that they don't email quotes...whatever! I'm trying to do thorough research but it's so overwhelming! At this ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD [newcrvman]

  Written by: slateblue on Feb 10, 2009 8:26:13 AM

  Check out Fitzmall if your serious about a Hyundai, they have 42 Santa Fe Limited AWD with the majority of them priced well below what you were quoted for an SE.

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD [cmcjenkin]

  Written by: newcrvman on Feb 10, 2009 7:31:23 AM

  Thank you so much for your prompt answer, and for your help. "Hyundai's production plant in Montgomery, Alabama, will have 11 days cut off from its remaining schedule for 2008. Due to decreasing demand of the Santa Fe crossover SUV and the Sonata passenger car, the Alabama plant will switch to a four-day work week, beginning this Friday" - and I need to go to Arkansas from AL to get AWD ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD [newcrvman]

  Written by: cmcjenkin on Feb 10, 2009 6:42:41 AM

  Here is some food for thought... Hyundai has an allocation process. We don’t actually get to order cars from Hyundai even thought the factory is right down the road. The AWD models get sent to Oregon and other places where AWD models sell better. My store has had quite a few customers wanting an AWD that we just simply couldn’t get our hands on. And we don’t have the option of ... Read More

• 2008 Santa Fe SE AWD

  Written by: newcrvman on Feb 10, 2009 6:13:11 AM

  Hello, After getting stuck 2 or 3 times, I have decided to upgrade my FWD CRV with an AWD car. I think Santa Fe may be a great option, so I decided to check the prices for SE AWD model. I have 4 dealers in my area (Birmingham AL, actually, Hyundai Montgomery plant is only 2 hrs from us), and here are some strange things I hear from all of them. ... Read More

2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift?

• Abrupt shift to drive when engine coldÉ

  Written by: joe204 on Feb 4, 2009 8:38:37 PM

  I also bought a 2008 Santa Fe, and it shifts very abruptly, jerking the entire car when first placing the card into drive when engine is cold. It is less abrupt when engine is completely warm, but it takes a very long time to warm up, this is obviously not normal. Hyundai continues to advise they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle and a hard shift is not indicative of ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

• 3rd Row Option

  Written by: ryanor on Dec 9, 2008 5:23:31 AM

  I noticed the 2007 Santa Fe had a third-row option on all trim lines (GLS, SE, and Limited). However, in 2008, it is no longer available on the GLS. Does anyone know why Hyundai made this decision? Thanks, Ryan

Hyundai Santa Fe Air Bag Light

• passenger air bag sensor light inconsistent

  Written by: JBrabbit on Jan 28, 2009 2:04:03 PM

  Safety issue!! Airbag sensor system is very inconsistent! With a person who weighs 120#, 5'4" it is constantly OFF/on. Our experience with Hyundai's HMA was not pleasing. He said the OCS system is operating correctly after our ride. "I told him after our ride I still felt like the OCS system was very inconsistent (watching Off sensor light on and off during our entire ride)". Having to sit just right with ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [miffed]

  Written by: cmcjenkin on Jan 24, 2009 7:19:34 AM

  Thats absolutely right. "...from the original purchaser." If the vehicle has never been titled there is no "original purchaser" so you get the full warranty no matter how many miles are on the vehicle. The vehicle would still have an MSO - the document the manufacturer gives the dealer when the dealer purchases the vehicle from the mfg. If the vehicle has a title, it has a previous owner, therefore the ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [cmcjenkin]

  Written by: miffed on Jan 22, 2009 8:20:25 PM

  I know I'm not wrong. The car came from Missouri on a dealer trade to a dealer in Iowa. that dealer used it as a service vehicle but the dealer in iowa did not title it. I guess since you own a dealership that you must be correct about the warranty? Sorry bubba you don't. i called 3 customer reps and talked to a customer service manager they all told me ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [miffed]

  Written by: cmcjenkin on Jan 22, 2009 2:45:10 PM

  Somewhere in this story something is wrong. The only way the 10 / 100 warranty goes away is if the vehicle has been titled. Now some states may have goofy laws about dealer tags and titling vehicles. So it may be that in your state a service loaner or demo has to be titled to the dealer (or some owner) to be driven by the dealership. In that instance the power ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [cmcjenkin]

  Written by: miffed on Jan 22, 2009 12:57:06 PM

  You are correct in the explanation of a service vehicle. But it is considered a used vehicle by Hyundai if it has more than 500 miles on it. Just call the customer service people at Hyundai they will tell you. If it has more than 500 miles you get the remaining 5 yr 60,000 warranty only. I found out the hard way. Make sure that if you answer these blogs you ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [slateblue]

  Written by: miffed on Jan 22, 2009 12:49:24 PM

  I would like to share something on this service loaner issue. In October 08 I purchased a 09 Sonata it was a dealer trade with 2000 miles on it. The only reason i considered it was because it was silver blue and had a grey interior. which is exactly what I wanted. I know I asked was it a service vehicle or a rental the dealer told me no it was ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [cmcjenkin]

  Written by: slateblue on Jan 17, 2009 12:02:03 PM

  Spoken as a true Hyundai associate. This car was "used" by the dealer for 8,000 miles which are applied against the overall warrenty and offered at an inflated price. The point being it was not a good deal then and is not a good deal now as another poster also pointed out. Hyundai warranty or not.

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [slateblue]

  Written by: cmcjenkin on Jan 17, 2009 7:58:36 AM

  Two points here... The "Service Loaner" is actually a Hyundai program. It’s not a title the dealer made up to fool a customer as you implied earlier. It’s a program for offering complimentary vehicles (as opposed to charging for rental cars) that requires us to keep a vehicle in service loaner status for a minimum of 4 months. Then we can turn it over; order a new group of loaners. Sometimes, ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• Re: 2008 santa Fe brake failure intermitent [paulnz]

  Written by: pali123 on Jan 13, 2009 7:35:53 PM

  "I think "can't duplicate, can't fix" could apply to some minor things, but for brakes - NO WAY!!!" My exact words to the service rep this am especially when he told me how the brake pedal can be depressed to the floor if the car is at a dead stop. I told him there were a couple of things wrong with his scenario. First, the car was never at a stop ... Read More

• Re: 2008 santa Fe brake failure intermitent [pali123]

  Written by: paulnz on Jan 13, 2009 11:06:31 AM

  cars66 and pali123, I think "can't duplicate, can't fix" could apply to some minor things, but for brakes - NO WAY!!! At the very least, they should provide you with a different Santa Fe as a loaner and keep yours for as long as it takes them to figure out what is going on. To me it is not right that the consumer should have to drive a new vehicle that ... Read More

• Re: 2008 santa Fe brake failure intermitent [cars66]

  Written by: pali123 on Jan 13, 2009 10:28:50 AM

  Thank God - I thought my wife was losing her mind:) The Hyundai service department said exactly the same thing to us - "can't duplicate, can't fix." Any suggestions?

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited FWD service loaner - a good deal? [slateblue]

  Written by: cmcjenkin on Jan 13, 2009 7:03:11 AM

  In a reputable Hyundai dealer a service loaner is actually a new vehicle used by service to provide to service customers. Its a program by Hyundai that allows the dealer to offer a complimentary vehicle to service customers. As opposed to a rental car that the customer pays for like most Toyota dealers do. In order to participate in the program the Hyundai dealer has to keep the unit in service ... Read More

• Sante Fe purchase

  Written by: bobmc3 on Jan 12, 2009 7:39:45 AM

  I thought I might add this info that may not be known concerning buying a 2008 model. Hyundai is offering a $1,500 rebate on all 2008 models. The stipulation is that you must be a current owner of a Santa Fe. Good news to anyone wishing to up-grade! This runs through Feb. 1, so will need to move soon. Also, I read that they are enticing new 2009 models with leasing ... Read More

LF suggestion: how to bypass the headlight cover for accessories

• LF sugestion: how to bypass the headlight cover for accessories

  Written by: arasem on Jan 11, 2009 12:51:45 AM

  Hey all, so I notced that this is an interesting group about hyundai santa fe. I have 2008 Santa fe and I decided to pimp it up a bit. Iam trying to do the piming by myself but I am stuck with somethign maybe someone can help out with. I have bought some extra colorfull LEDS that are supposed to glow when I turn the engin on and the actual head(or ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2007+)

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe Limited Heated Seats [NY_Maverick]

  Written by: torscotty on Jan 8, 2009 8:49:11 AM

  Thanks NY Maverick. This is interesting as it seems either there is a huge differentiation in the product quality of the seat elements made by Hyundai or people are all really that different. In my car on a cold morning it can take up to 15 minutes before the seat gets warm to what I would consider high, but it never gets hot enough for me to turn it off out ... Read More

• 2008 Santa Fe Limited Heated Seats

  Written by: torscotty on Jan 7, 2009 10:06:36 AM

  I have a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited built in February 2008. I have a question on the heated seats as they have been driving me nuts and I have been searching everywhere to find out if mine are operating "normally" or there is something wrong. The passenger seat will heat up when set on high or low just fine (takes awhile) but it does heat up, however after 10 minutes ... Read More

2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift?

• Re: 2007 Santa Fe transmission problems etc.. [dirkpit222]

  Written by: NY_Maverick on Jan 3, 2009 4:15:14 PM

  dirkpit222, can you elaborate on the circumstances regarding the Rear Quarter Panels? How did this problem manifest itself? I'm asking because there is a new Technical Service Bulletin that documents a CREAKING sound coming from the driver-side rear quarter panel. It is known as TSB 08-BD-008-1. My Santa Fe (Ltd, Awd, Alabama May 2008) has this problem. The fix is very invasive and I'm contemplating if the small creaking sound is ... Read More

• 2007 Santa Fe transmission problems etc..

  Written by: dirkpit222 on Jan 1, 2009 5:51:19 PM

  Good day all, Since purchasing my first 2007 Santa Fe 3.3 AWD in Feb 2007, it has been replaced with a new one by Hyundai Canada in Nov 2007 due to improperly welded rear quarter panels. I am now on my second one which is identical to the first one only manufactured at a later date (May 2008) with the quarter panel issue since corrected on the assembly line in Alabama. ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Significant Drop in MPG

• Re: Significant Drop in MPG [pgatz]

  Written by: paulnz on Dec 26, 2008 10:10:02 AM

  pgatz, You did not specify what year and trim level Santa Fe you have. I have a 2008 Limited and Hyundai specifies 5w-20 oil for it which is somewhat thinner than the "standard" 5w-30 oil. What weight oil did the oil change place put in yours? If it was 5w-30 or (worse) 10w-30, that could account for your drop in mileage. Also, I noticed here in Ohio that when the temperature ... Read More

2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift?

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift? [tenpin288]

  Written by: paulnz on Dec 21, 2008 6:37:58 PM

  I do have access to the service site and have read that TSB (08-AT-003). If you carefully read the TSB, however, its only real diagnostic concern is to see if the shift occurs in 2.0 seconds or less (this is for the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 shifts). I would imagine more diagnostic information can be obtained from the graphs, but the TSB only addresses the 2.0 second max shift time. ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift? [paulnz]

  Written by: tenpin288 on Dec 21, 2008 9:31:12 AM

  If you go to http://hmaservice.com and create an account for yourself there, you can access the same TSB info the Hyundai techs use. Login and look for Santa Fe TSB #08-AT-003 and look it over. It is a very thorough and detailed process a tech should follow to check out and correct harsh shift problems. Print it out and take it with you to your dealership. If they won't perform that ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift? [sfdreamin]

  Written by: paulnz on Dec 21, 2008 8:44:45 AM

  sfdreamin, Thanks for the info. You describe the problem exactly. There are at least 4 of us who have documented the same thing through various forums. If you go to this thread on a different forum => http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t32318-transmission-shift-quality.htm you can see the post of another gentleman who has the same problem. You can see my reply and a link I added to similar problems with the 2009 Sonata (same drivetrain). Hyundai ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift? [papayamoo]

  Written by: paulnz on Dec 19, 2008 11:24:15 AM

  papayamoo, Thanks for the reply. Does yours shift properly once warmed up (like mine does) or does it shift badly all the time? I have seen other posts about full transmission failures, but the problem I and a few others are having is less than that, but still very worrisome. It has already soured me on ever buying another Hyundai. I have owned a many cars over the years and none ... Read More

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe abrupt 2nd to 3rd cold shift? [paulnz]

  Written by: papayamoo on Dec 19, 2008 6:48:21 AM

  This seems like the same problem we're having on our '08 Limited AWD Santa Fe. The dealer reprogrammed the computer and it didn't help at all, brought it back the next day and then was told they will replace the transmission. And our car only has 3,800 miles on it. I think there is an issue out there but Hyundai hasn't issue and recall yet and just fixing them on an ... Read More

Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

• Re: 2008 Santa Fe transmission problem? [shmshen]

  Written by: papayamoo on Dec 15, 2008 11:59:03 AM

  Hi, any update on your Santa Fe? I have a '08 Limited with 3800 miles and just started experiencing the same problem. My wife is freaked out b/c it's our first (and probably only) Hyundai. Can they really fix the car by replacing the transmission? Thanks.

Hyundai Santa Fe Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Great Buying Experience [ceprise]

  Written by: shivelyt on Dec 7, 2008 4:42:57 PM

  Your deals all sound great. But where are the 2009 Santa Fe's? Has Hyundai decided to skip this year. We are almost at New Years and no Santys. I stopped at the dealer in Las Vegas (land of makebelieve) and was told they "weren't being released for a while" whatever that meant. While I was there, two transports pulled in the yard and disgorged cargos of 2008 Santys. No Limiteds. According ... Read More

• Re: About to purchase 2008 Santa Fe limited [bahston17]

  Written by: bahston17 on Nov 29, 2008 3:32:35 PM

  Worked out a deal for the 2008 Santa Fe LTD FWD at West Broad Hyundai in Richmond, Va. 23,300. OTD. See Clyde Ferris. no money down and 2.9%