general problems of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Nine problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2008 Santa Fe.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2026

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 and ac climate control buttons.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/24/2025

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal the cruise control briefly failed to disengage. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The electronic power control (epc) and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the stop lamp switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 13v113000 (exterior lighting); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2024

My car has a recall, and the dealership is unable to fix it. There is also an issue with the oem control module that they are unable to get the part and unable to fix this because they do not have the correct software.

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2022

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall notification of NHTSA campaign number’s: 21v936000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 12v354 (air bags). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that the brake stop switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that while driving, the tire pressure monitoring system, measuring system, passenger seat belt and the esc indicator warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2015

After 141,000 miles the engine threw a rod, I had heard a clicking noise for a while but was assured it was a normal engine sound after taking it to the dealer. I change my oil regularly and have my slips, the engine completely failed while driving. In the last year and a half I am having to replace approximately one low beam headlamp per month.

6 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2015

Our gas gauge shows empty, and the fuel light stays on, all the time. This occurs even after we fill the car up. This occurs whether the car is stationary or running. We have to track our fuel level by keeping track of the mileage. Also, if we turn the car off when fueling, it will not turn back on. We have to try over and over again until it turns on. We have found that if we leave the car running while fueling, it usually stays running; however, a lot of times, the car stops running and then, we struggle to get it started again. This is our 2nd Santa Fe (our first was a 2004, with which we never had a problem). If Hyundai doesn't do something to fix this problem, this will be our last Hyundai. This is dangerous on many levels, and as we all can see, there are currently about 350 other 2008 Santa Fe owners who have posted on this site with the same problem, this is an obvious safety defect, and needs to be recalled. Also, I noticed someone else mentioned they change low beams about once a month. We too, are having the same problem. We have changed more headlamps in this car than we have in all of our cars combined over 40 years.

7 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2014

The dash lights started flashing, the wipers stopped working in the middle of a down pour, the lights went dim. The traction system started detuning the engine. All dash lights on. We find that it is a leaky value cover gasket. Drips on the alternator and causes it to go bad. The service manager said "they are all starting to have this problem and it's $700. 00. If I was the orginal owner Hyundai would replace the gasket, but I would need to pay for the altenator. $600. 00 uhgg!!! now for the fuel guage. Two sensors under the back seat and good as new. $200. 00.

8 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2013

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph the vehicle unexpectedly failed to accelerate with the illumination of the esc and engine warning indicator. The engine was turned off. The vehicle resumed upon restarting; however, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. The failure recurred eight times. In addition, on numerous occasions when depressing the accelerator pedal hesitation would follow. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 13v113000 (exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic). The recall remedy was performed on two occasions and the failure persisted after each repair. The vehicle was currently being repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 92,099.

9 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/30/2013

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated at 70 mph, he applied the brakes but the cruise control would not disengage. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed of a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign number: 13v113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The dealer replaced the stop lamp switch per the recall however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 76,000.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Exterior Lighting problems
9
Headlights problems
1
Fog Light Switch problems
1

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