Representative model. Photo: Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2008 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 6
Park-it warnings: 0
Complaints: 541
Latest campaign: Apr 1, 2013

Recall summary by component6

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Latest	Campaign IDs
Air bags	2	Jul 25, 2012	12V354000 11V472000
Trailer hitches	2	Sep 3, 2008	08E055000 08E016000
Exterior lighting	1	Apr 1, 2013	13V113000
Equipment	1	Jun 19, 2008	08V272000

Safety recalls6

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

0Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Apr 1, 2013Latest campaign


Apr 1, 201313V113000	Exterior lighting: brake lights switch Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 13V113000 What's 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. Campaign NHTSA 13V113000 · Apr 1, 2013
Jul 25, 201212V354000	Air bags: frontal sensor/control module-inactive 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 12V354000 What's 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. Campaign NHTSA 12V354000 · Jul 25, 2012
Sep 9, 201111V472000	Air bags: frontal 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,… DetailsHide details for campaign 11V472000 What's 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. Campaign NHTSA 11V472000 · Sep 9, 2011
Sep 3, 200808E055000	Trailer hitches A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER MODULE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. DetailsHide details for campaign 08E055000 What's wrong HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. SOME CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY SEALED TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONTACT. THE MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN CIRCUIT BOARD CORROSION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. Risk A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER MODULE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. Remedy THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS RECALL CONDUCTED BY HYUNDAI AFFECTING THE SAME TRAILER HITCH WIRING COMPONENTS CONCERNING HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1. (PLEASE SEE 08E016). OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR TRAILER HITCH REPAIRED UNDER THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED HARNESS INSTALLED. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151. Campaign NHTSA 08E055000 · Sep 3, 2008
Jun 19, 200808V272000	Equipment: other labels OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. DetailsHide details for campaign 08V272000 What's 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. Campaign NHTSA 08V272000 · Jun 19, 2008
Feb 7, 200808E016000	Trailer hitches EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AREA AND MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. DetailsHide details for campaign 08E016000 What's wrong THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL 08E-055. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1 COULD CAUSE HEAT RELATED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE. Risk EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AREA AND MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. Remedy HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151. Campaign NHTSA 08E016000 · Feb 7, 2008

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Hyundai recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component541

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

541Complaints filed

17Involving a crash

7Involving a fire

12Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Fuel/propulsion system	215	40	0	0	0
Electrical system	74	14	0	4	1
Air bags	70	13	5	0	6
Engine	60	11	2	1	0
Fuel system	59	11	1	0	0
Gasoline	58	11	1	0	0
Vehicle speed control	52	10	7	0	3
Service brakes	29	5	4	2	2
Power train	24	4	0	1	1
Structure	20	4	2	0	2
Unknown or other	19	4	2	1	0
Electronic stability control (ESC)	16	3	1	0	1
Steering	14	3	2	0	1
Hydraulic	13	2	1	1	1
Exterior lighting	11	2	0	0	0

13 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

Electrical system
“Engine rattles noise when starting the car after sitting for more than an hour it makes that sound another issue is that when i turn the headlights on all interior lights shuts off including the instrument cluster radio…”
Filed 03/20/2026 · ODI 11725733
Electrical system
“I have taken my car to my local dealership for the Service Campaign 976 (Oil Gasket leak) back in Nov 2023. Ever since then my car has had starting issues until one day it needed a jump start in 2024 during the summer.”
Filed 02/27/2026 · ODI 11720879
Electrical system
“I took the car to get this recall done: Hyundai has decided to conduct a service campaign to inspect (and if necessary replace) the alternator and replace the front valve cover gasket on certain 2007-2009 model year…”
Filed 10/22/2025 · ODI 11695026

Other Hyundai Santa Fe model years

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Other Hyundai models

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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe recall questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have?

NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recent, 13V113000 (reported April 1, 2013), concerns exterior lighting. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls for?

The largest group is air bags, with 2 campaigns. Others: trailer hitches (2), exterior lighting (1), equipment (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Fuel/propulsion system is the most-reported component, named in 215 complaints out of 541 filed with NHTSA (40%). Across all complaints, owners reported 17 crashs and 7 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Hyundai recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Hyundai dealer.

Check a specific Hyundai by VIN

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