Problems · NHTSA complaints
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
Owners filed 684 complaints about the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe with NHTSA between Oct 2006 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (121).
Complaints
684
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
30
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
32
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
18
38
26
48
55
67
75
83
76
51
37
26
25
14
9
8
9
7
3
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 18 |
| 2008 | 38 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 48 |
| 2011 | 55 |
| 2012 | 67 |
| 2013 | 75 |
| 2014 | 83 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Fuel/propulsion system
121 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Air bags
102 reports10 crashes1 fire2 related recalls
“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.””
Electrical system
97 reports1 crash5 fires
“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…”
Electronic stability control (esc)
68 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. ALSO, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIESTA HYUNDAI (1955 ST MICHAELS DR, SANTA FE, NM 87507, (505) 428-7100) WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY, THROTTLE BODY POSITION SENSOR, AND SPARK PLUGS WERE ALL REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.”
Vehicle speed control
58 reports9 crashes
“The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in neutral, and restarted the vehicle for the cruise control to disengage. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 82,500. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Engine
54 reports1 crash2 fires
“Engine valve cover gaskets leaking oil, causing oil drip on pavement. Could cause fire and alternator failure. My mechanic pin-pointed the leak location. The google search indicated that other Hundai vehicle owners also had this problem. Mechanic estimated cost to repair the problem was quoted at $700.00 dollars. Thx, [XXX]”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.