Model year
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 541 complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (215), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (70), ENGINE (60). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,350–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 209 complaints
- 2002 165 complaints
- 2003 308 complaints
- 2004 303 complaints
- 2005 216 complaints
- 2006 106 complaints
- 2007 684 complaints
- 2008 541 complaints
- 2009 359 complaints
- 2010 260 complaints
- 2011 181 complaints
- 2012 355 complaints
- 2013 605 complaints
- 2014 493 complaints
- 2015 255 complaints
- 2016 236 complaints
- 2017 970 complaints
- 2018 109 complaints
- 2019 203 complaints
- 2020 217 complaints
- 2021 167 complaints
- 2022 201 complaints
- 2023 211 complaints
- 2024 155 complaints
- 2025 135 complaints
- 2026 37 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
13V113000 · Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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,…
12V354000 · Jul 25, 2012
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
11V472000 · Sep 9, 2011
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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…
08V272000 · Jun 19, 2008
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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…
Complaints
541 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 17, fire flag on 7, injury field 12, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP21003 | Throttle control system vulnerabilities · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE | Nov 12, 2021 | Jun 20, 2023 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2WD · 2.7L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Santa Fe 2WD · 2.7L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Santa Fe 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Santa Fe 4WD · 2.7L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Santa Fe 4WD · 2.7L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Santa Fe 4WD · 3.3L · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.