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2008 HYUNDAI Santa Fe

6 recalls Risk Grade: C Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #13V113000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
What Happened
The stop lamp switch in your vehicle is a critical component that controls your brake lights and other safety features. In some Hyundai models from 2006-2011, this switch can malfunction and stop working properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If this switch fails, your brake lights might not turn on when you press the brake pedal, which could cause other drivers to rear-end you. It could also prevent you from turning off the cruise control or make it harder to shift out of park. This could lead to an unexpected car movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Hyundai dealer will replace the faulty stop lamp switch with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible, and you can contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 with any questions.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #12V354000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
What Happened
The occupant classification system in your Santa Fe is what decides whether the front passenger airbag deploys in a crash. In some 2007-2009 models, this system might not work correctly for people of smaller stature.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the front passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash, which could lead to serious injury to the front passenger.
Free Fix
Hyundai will update the software that controls the occupant classification system for free, so you should contact the dealer to schedule the update when you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Improper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger.
Original — Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the classification software free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #11V472000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Manufacturer
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The clock spring in your vehicle's driver's air bag system helps the air bag deploy in a crash. Over time, it can wear out and develop high resistance, which could prevent the air bag from working properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the clock spring fails, your air bag won't deploy in a crash. This means it won't be able to protect you, putting you at a higher risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your Hyundai dealer will replace the faulty clock spring with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Original — Remedy
HYUNDAI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Low Priority #08V272000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
What Happened
Your Hyundai Santa Fe has a label on the driver's side pillar that lists the vehicle's weight limits. Unfortunately, this label is incorrect and may lead to incorrect loading of your vehicle.
Risk if Unfixed
If you overload your vehicle based on the wrong weight limits, it could affect how your car handles and brakes, which might cause a tire blowout and a crash without warning.
Free Fix
Hyundai will send you a corrected label with instructions, and your dealer will install it for free if you prefer. Just schedule the repair when you receive the notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 LABEL AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE CENTER PILLAR, INCORRECTLY LISTS THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR).
Original — Risk if Unfixed
OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Original — Remedy
HYUNDAI WILL MAIL CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABELS ALONG WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #08E055000 Plain English
Component

TRAILER HITCHES

Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
What Happened
The wiring harness on your trailer hitch is a critical part that connects your trailer hitch to your vehicle. In some cases, the converter module on this harness may not be properly sealed, allowing moisture to get in and cause a short circuit.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiring harness shorts, it can overheat and damage the converter module, potentially causing a fire. This could happen while you're driving or towing a trailer, and you might not have time to stop.
Free Fix
Your Hyundai dealer will replace the faulty wiring harness with a redesigned, more reliable one, free of charge. The repair is already underway, and you'll be contacted to schedule the work when it's your turn.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. SOME CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY SEALED TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONTACT. THE MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN CIRCUIT BOARD CORROSION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER MODULE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Original — Remedy
THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS RECALL CONDUCTED BY HYUNDAI AFFECTING THE SAME TRAILER HITCH WIRING COMPONENTS CONCERNING HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1. (PLEASE SEE 08E016). OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR TRAILER HITCH REPAIRED UNDER THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED HARNESS INSTALLED. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #08E016000 Plain English
Component

TRAILER HITCHES

Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
What Happened
The wiring harness for your trailer hitch is a crucial part that keeps your hitch's electrical system working properly. If it's faulty, it can cause overheating and damage to your rear bumper.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiring harness fails, it could lead to a fire in the rear bumper area – a serious risk that could cause damage to your vehicle.
Free Fix
Your Hyundai dealer will replace the faulty wiring harness with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible and contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 to get started.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL 08E-055. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1 COULD CAUSE HEAT RELATED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AREA AND MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Original — Remedy
HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
2 recalls
TRAILER HITCHES
2 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall
EQUIPMENT
1 recall

Other HYUNDAI Santa Fe Years

2019
2 recalls
2018
2 recalls
2017
6 recalls
2016
3 recalls
2015
2 recalls
2014
3 recalls
2013
3 recalls
2012
1 recall
2011
3 recalls
2010
3 recalls
2009
3 recalls
2007
9 recalls
2006
1 recall
2005
3 recalls
2004
3 recalls
2003
4 recalls
2002
4 recalls
2001
4 recalls

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