NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 684 owner complaints for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (121) and air bags (102). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Santa Fe model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 171 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 684 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 359 |
| 2010 | 260 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 355 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 494 |
| 2015 | 255 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 972 |
| 2018 | 110 |
| 2019 | 203 |
| 2020 | 218 |
| 2021 | 168 |
| 2022 | 202 |
| 2023 | 214 |
| 2024 | 156 |
| 2025 | 137 |
| 2026 | 37 |
“Check Engine Light was lighting up on and off sporadically and fuel gage was showing E with light on and now both are not working properly. The check engine light stays on and fuel gage always shows empty even when it is full.”
“The Dealer at Selma Hyundai (2505 Highland Ave. Selma, Ca. 93662) was unable to complete the the recall. Dealer stated “unable to complete PODS update attempted multiple times. Current Scan tool does not support hook-up to cables and option is to update no present. Air bag light due to PODS (passenger occupant ECU) fault with loss of calibration. Scan tool will not communicate with passenger seat module.” “No repair at this time.””
“I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483.36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required Upper Timing Chain Guide repair quoted at $58.38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29.99 for a Multi-Point Inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a P0300 code, and…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, V6, 2MODE CLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Santa Fe 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L, V6, CMODE CLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Santa Fe 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, V6 · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Santa Fe 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L, V6, 2MODE CLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Santa Fe 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Santa Fe 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Santa Fe 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 684 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (121), air bags (102), electrical system (97). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).