general problems of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

Vehicle will suddenly shutdown in the middle of the road. This could easily have caused a crash at any time. Several batteries have been replaced due to alternator not charging the battery. Then the battery has to be jumped for emergencies. I have taken the car in for repairs of the recall twice. I was told that the front end would come off and parts would have to be replaced because of the age of my vehicle they would not fit again. I need a solution to this problem.

[xxx] we took out stanta fe to the hyundia dealership in columbia, TN 38401. The installed a new rover cover gasket left and service kit. The purpose was to stop oil from leaking into the alternator. I would like to point out we did not see any visible signs of the gasket was leaking. We had our regular scheduled oil change in Feb of 2025 and no report of an oil leak. We had a service event at the end of June 2025 and were told there was a visible leak was present and appeared to be about 3 months old. We took it back to the dealership and reported the recall issue was occurring. This was 7/25 and just outside of a year. The stated it would not be covered under warranty/recall now. I called and complain to hyundia corporate. Waited 2 weeks to say it would be taken care of by the dealership. Called them today to arrange for bring the car in but they had no record of what I was told by hyundia corporate. I believe this breaking faith w the whole recall process with the ntsb. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am having a serious issue with my car that mechanics are unable to figure out. On multiple occasions, while driving at low speed in preparation for making a turn, my car has completely shut off, making it impossible for me to steer, brake or accelerate. I lost all control of my vehicle. I noticed the ‘check engine’ and ‘battery’ lights illuminated each time, but this information, along with incident descriptions, has proven less than helpful when I’ve taken it into a shop for inspection/repair as mechanics have been unable to reproduce the event or to accurately identify the problem. This has happened on the road (at intersections and once at a traffic circle) and on two occasions while I had a passenger in the vehicle with me. I currently have my vehicle back in an auto shop because it happened most recently about a week ago. However, since the problem has yet to be successfully identified and since I feel as though this is a serious safety issue that could impact others with the same type of vehicle, I am filing this official complaint.

Alternator failed due to valve gasket leaking, Hyundai issued a recall during time vehicle was in probate, I did not receive notification and had the valve gasket, manifold gasket, and alternator replaced. In June 30, 2022, when I learned the recall had been issued I filed for reimbursement of repair costs, approximately $1900. The reimbursement claim was transferred to warrant department. The claim was transferred to claim reimbursement 8/29/2022, I received an email stating it would be 3-4 weeks for reimbursement. I called 9/29 and was informed it would be 120 days from submission date, on 12/6 additional information was needed. I was not notified, and saw the status changed, and called for update on 12/13. I submitted the same day. On 12/22, I received the repayment notification, but not the amount. I called on the phone for 4 hours for amount $727. 74 breakdown missing $410 of labor costs.

Two times my car has stalled while driving, one at 10 mph and one at 20 mph. There are no signs that the car is going to stall. Have no lights, brakes, steering, can't even use hazard lights.

I purchased this car used in 2011. Over the years, at random times, the radio will "pop" off and back on again. It doesn't seem to affect the rest of the electrical system in the car, but it's a little scary when it happens - mechanic can't replicate. Now, twice in the last week, my car has stalled while slowing down, once on a multi-lane street and once after decelerating coming off the expressway (complete loss of power, steering, brakes, etc). I put the car in neutral and it started right back up, but this has happened in heavy traffic and scared the p out of me! I'm terrified that this might happen at a higher speed on the expressway. I have seen several mentions of similar power losses for this same vehicle. I have no check engine lights and no codes come up when scanned. No recalls reported either, although a power loss at the wrong time could kill someone. Not sure if this is electrical, engine or fuel system related - I had over a half a tank of gas in the car during both occurrences.

After driving at highway speeds and decelerating, Hyundai Santa Fe 2009 vehicle abruptly stalls with no warning. No error codes show. This is extremely dangerous as vehicle immediately shuts down and is an accident risk. All power steering and brake operation shut down.

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that she received a notice for Hyundai TSB: sb-10058931-4495 and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the campaign was complete. The contact stated that while an oil change was being performed, she was informed that the valve cover gasket was leaking. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer both fuel senders and o rings, the spark plugs and the valve cover gasket were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The dealer replaced the oil sending unit; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to to an independent mechanic, where the valve cover gasket, the valve cover gasket kit and the spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that the dealer later replaced the oil pan because it was leaking. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to make a left turn from a complete stop, the vehicle chugged and started losing electrical power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it she was informed that the alternator internally shorted, the vehicle was stuck in drive (d) and the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer performed an unknown repair. The contact stated that she received a notice for Hyundai TSB: 23-01-076h and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed the right bank valve cover gasket was fractured, distorted and was leaking onto the alternator. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the left valve cover gasket was leaking; however, the part was not covered. The dealer only replaced the right bank valve cover gasket. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 74,936.

~tl the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving various speeds, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the fuel gauge displayed an incorrect reading. The dealer (hatfield Hyundai, 1400 auto mall pkwy, columbus, OH 43228) diagnosed that the fuel sender assembly and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe v6 3. 3 liter has experienced occasional, random stalling over a few years, always while braking and often while turning. The problem seems to happen after a period of steady speed driving and then slowing down and turning. When this happens, the vehicle steering instantly gets very difficult and braking ability likewise becomes increasingly difficult. After putting the vehicle in neutral, or pulling over and parking the vehicle, it will always start right back up and run fine. The throttle position sensor has been replaced but the problem persists. I am a 50 year old man who can wrestle the car to safety (so far), but my wife, children, or others may not be so fortunate. There are repeated mentions of other Hyundai vehicles with similar problems, and these mostly mention a tps replacement and an accompanying ecu firmware update. There are no apparent recalls or tsbs with Hyundai that affect this vehicle and engine combination, and this is a huge safety problem for which there appears to be a remedy path.

For the last year, my fuel gauge has been malfunctioning. At first, it only happened every once in a while, but once I got to about 8 months, the gauge has constantly told me the wrong fuel level. I have asked a mechanic about it and it is the fuel level sensors located in the gas tank that are malfunctioning. Apparently, this is a problem with many of the Santa Fe's that were built around that time. I have a low mileage vehicle. It was bought in 2016 with 22,000 miles. The gas gauge problem started around 40,000 miles and only happened a few times. The constant check engine light illumination and constant malfunction of the gas gauge started at 50,000 miles and I am now at 60,000 miles. The problem happens when the car is stationary and while I am driving it. I have to keep a full tank at all times just do I don't run out if gas.

My esc,abs& awd symbol came on at the same time & I know other people who own Hyundais & had this issue im guessing this is something major because when I called the dealership they knew exactly what I was talking about they all came on while I was driving.

On several occasions while driving the car completely shuts off no steering no gas nothing quite dangerous and quite scary while the car is in motion on the street.

Contact owned 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe sport utility vehicle. At 2pm on July 7, 2017, driver experienced a sudden, uncommanded acceleration that caused a fatal crash that resulted in the death of the driver and two passengers. Manufacturer was informed about the subject incident. Hyundai is aware of a statistically significant number of unintended accelerations with this generation of vehicles. Other public voqs and private consumer complaints support the contacts allegations that the vehicle had a catastrophic failure with the electronic throttle control system. The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe was not equipped with available �Smart pedal� brake throttle override technology. In 2012, Hyundai admitted that "with virtually all cars using electronic throttle control today, there remains the remote possibility for an unforeseen electronic throttle control malfunction, causing a vehicle to accelerate contrary to driver input. Although very unlikely due to various built-in electronic safety protocols, unforeseen circumstances could still exist that could cause this type of malfunction. � Hyundai introduced `this critical safety technology' on 100 percent of its new models anticipating the government might mandate it sometime in the future. �with Hyundai's brake pedal throttle override capability, any brake pedal input by the driver, even with a runaway throttle condition, completely overrides any throttle malfunction,� stated the director of certification and compliance affairs for Hyundai's american technical center, inc. (hatci), said in a statement. �it is no longer possible to have increasing engine power once the brake pedal is depressed by the driver. This adds a reassuring, incremental safeguard of control for Hyundai drivers. � per consumer affairs, �local police agency suggests that Hyundai accelerated on its own before fatal crash�. Special crash investigation.

Gas gauge and light always on empty when tight after it is full of gas and loud humming sound from fuel pump. Stalled out in middle of intersection multiple times.

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the heater and air condition spontaneously activated without warning and failed to turn off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

My fuel gauge is no longer working. It doesn't register the amount of gas. The gauge goes up and down randomly and mainly stays on empty.

Fuel gauge not working properly, it will go from showing there is gas in the tank to completely empty, then back to gas in the tank. This has lead to the check engine light coming on. I don't want to get stuck out in this cold weather with an empty tank due to a faulty fuel gauge.

The check engine light went on because of the fuel gauge. It was running on a city street. Now I can't tell how much gas I do, or don't, have.

Fuel level gauge becomes erratic and non-responsive to actual fuel levels. Most of the time the level gauge on the instrument cluster will read an empty tank with the fuel warning light lit, even after filling up the tank with gas. First symptoms occured while driving at highway speeds.

The fuel gauge stopped working around 67,000 miles after filling up the gas. The gauge would float between full and empty regardless of gas usage usually resting at empty. Then the check engine light started going on because of the fuel gauge malfunction. This is unsafe because there is no way to gauge the amount of gas in the car,. It is also unsafe to have the check engine light always on, because there is no other way to alert the driver of safety issues.

I noticed that when I was in park, the car would just shut off. This happened three times within a few week's time. I was concerned and wondered if the car would ever just shut off while I was driving on the freeway or a busy street. To my horror, it happened! a few days ago I was turning into a parking lot and the car just shut off!. . . There was a car behind me that came to a screeching halt! again my greatest fear is that the car will stall on me while the vehicle is in motion and if that happens on a road where cars are travelling at high speeds, then I would probably not live to tell the story.

The engine lights stays on when you fill the gas tank it still says empty when driving everything will shut off this is for the second time in less than a year.

At around 90,000 miles, the fuel gauge stopped working. Evidently, this is a common problem. Even after filling the tank with gas, the gauge shows "empty". The problem seems to be the fuel sending units in the tank - the sensor brushes break off and the unit no longer sends a signal to the gauge. This poses safety issues to people who don't carefully track their car's fuel use, which could result in a car stalling on the highway due to fuel exhaustion. The problem sets trouble codes and lights the "check engine" light.

We were exiting west bound I-10 in pensacola, FL, and when turning right onto the surface road at slow speed the engine died and we lost power including steering and brakes. We were able to pull off of the road into a restaurant parking lot and restart the car, but had a close call with suddenly reduced speed in merging traffic. This is the second time this has happened to us in this car. The first incident was in Aug, 2013 and was reported as incident report #1053149. At that time, the dealer was unable to reproduce the issue, so no repair was made. We believe that this is a safety issue and should be investigated.

This has happened on 4 separate occasions, both while driving in town at slow speeds and on a highway at high speeds. The check engine light will come on and the car will cut off, no power at all. On each occasion I put the car in neutral and restarted the car immediately and it resumed it's normal driving capacity. It is very scary to be driving along and then all of a sudden the car cuts off for no reason. The last time it happened I was in the middle of a sharp curve, so not having power steering at that point was not very safe, as I ended up in the other lane but thank goodness there wasn't a car coming in the other direction at the time.

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving at 60 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Vehicle stalls while slowing down. When this happens, headlights and power steering and braking are lost, and the check engine light and battery light come on. Imagine driving down a dark windy road at night and losing power steering and braking and not being able to see the road. This is accurate to the experience. If I turn car off and back on, it starts just fine. It happens everywhere, on the freeway, while parking, etc. Every person I have talked to with same vehicle confirms the same. I have yet to find anyone with a fix. There is a recall out for 2010 and on for a similar issue. This issue started happening in 2015 when I purchased the car, and it has continued to happen for years.

While driving on the interstate at approximately 70 mph, using cruise control, the car suddenly lost power. I stepped on the gas and it would not accelerate. I coasted to a stop and pulled onto the shoulder. The engine was running, transmission was in gear, but the car would not move. I turned off the ignition and let it sit for a few minutes. I restarted it, had power, everything seemed normal, except the engine light remained lit. I drove approximately 10 miles to my destination. The car sat for six hours and I was then able to drive the 65 miles home without incident. Repair results: my Hyundai dealer indicated the problem was caused by a 'throttle position sensor'. They replaced the electronic component and reset the error codes in the vehicle's computer.

When entering an up-ramp to a limited access highway at slow speed, less than 30 mph, and turning to the right, the engine suddenly died and power was lost to steering and brakes. We were able to pull off the road and restart, but were just lucky that this didn't happen on a curve at high speed or in heavy traffic. Took the car to the dealer the next day, and they were unable to repeat the problem.

Gas gage indication shows empty when the tank is full or empty. This happened with our 2008 Santa Fe too.

While getting onto the highway from the on ramp the car began to accelerate on its own. The gas pedal began to depress itself without me doing it. The cruise control was not engaged and the floor matt was not the cause. Braking was difficult and the engine continued to rev. I pulled off the highway and stopped the engine. After telling my family about the incident my daughter told me that it had occurred twice before in the same manner about 2 months ago.

Incident 1: (10-20-2010) driver side head light was fogging up constantly. Dealer replaced the head light under warranty. Incident 2: (02-22-2011) upon fill-up of the gas tank, just before it was topped off, there was a series of clunking noises. After taking it to the dealership, the gas tank was replaced. Incident 3: (05-01-2011 approx. ) upon removal of the cabin air filter cover, the little plastic parts that are squeezed to remove the cover broke, which wouldn't allow the cover to go back on. The dealer replaced the part and I have not yet replaced the filter yet. Incident 4: (11-12-2011) driving 60 mph down the highway, I heard a loud banging noise coming from the engine compartment. As I was pulling over to check out the situation, the car lost power steering and air conditioning! my serpentine belt broke! after it was towed, the dealer replaced it, along with belt tensioner and idler pulley! incident 5: (07-30-2012) I was coming up to a stop light and upon deceleration, the check engine light and esc off light came on. After coming to a complete stop, the rpm gage showed 1100 rpm and it felt like the vehicle wanted to move as if I was pressing the accelerator. When I did try to accelerate, there was no power to accelerate ( the engine was still running, etc, but when I pressed the accelerator, I could only move a few miles per hour. ) I pulled over and shut the vehicle off for a few minutes. I started it back up and the check engine light remained on, and I gained acceleration power. I took the vehicle to the dealership. They determined I had a faulty throttle position sensor as well as brake light switch and both were replaced by the dealer. [current mileage on vehicle after all incidents: 48,897].

Continuation of complaint 10302521. Since last service dept visit, dvd player worked fine for approx. 2 months. Now in July 2010, dvd player is back to switching to xm at random at least 1 x wk and up to 1 x day. Mostly after bumpy rds. But service dept refuses it is a loose wire. They have continually stated they do not want to tear apart steering wheel even though that and the actual player are the last areas not replaced. Srvce dept stands by intertwining radio signals, then why is it switching to xm and not picking up the random signal. Feel like I have to live with it. Srvc dept again suggested I leave car so they can search again but no guarantees. Does anyone know if there is a fix.

My 2009 Hyundai sante fe just purchased with 50 miles on in 07/29/09, blew up on me while I was driving and totally burned the front and engine. I have an evaluation from 21st century appraisers required by geico whom diagnosed a total loss ptr ccc valuescope geico claim services market report report reference number: 42157015 adjuster: huffman-parent, brad claim reference: 0180834550101087-01 geico c-code: cag605 loss incident date: 09/04/2009 date submitted: 09/10/2009 insured: lawson owner: cleo lawson policy number: 0311588404 appraiser: huffman-parent, brad introduction geico has conducted an inspection of your 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 4x2 GLS 4 door sports utility located in oklahoma city, ok. The inspection information was then used to conduct research in your local market to determine the market value of your vehicle. The local market value of your vehicle was defined by the zip code 73114 -- oklahoma city, ok the recommended settlement amount based on the loss vehicle description provided by geico is $18,369. 00.