10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,155 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

May 092023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2009 Santa Fe's paint is peeling in large portions. It started on the driver's side door right below the window and has continued to crack and bubble all the way down the door. There has been no safety issues as of yet, but it will be a safety issue if I am driving and pieces or chunks of the paint fly off. If pieces or chunks fly off and land on my or another driver's windshield and blocks the ability of our vision it could be very dangerous and potentially cause an accident. I am not talking about little chips of paint here and there, I am talking about large size chunks. I know that I am not the only person who is having this issue, there are hundreds of people having this same issue and why there has not been a recall for this yet is blowing my mind. What is Hyundai waiting for a accident, a fatality" This is something that they need to make right, we work hard and when we purchase a vehicle for a lot of money and we take care of it so it will last us a long time and then the paint starts peeling all over the place and makes it look horrible not to mention it will begin to rust, how does Hyundai not feel obligated to fix it and make it right"

- Gladstone, OR, USA

problem #28

Sep 162023

Santa Fe

  • miles
2009 Hyundai Sante Fe Mileage as of 9/16/2023 145608 I took the vehicle there on Saturday, 9/16/2023 to have the oil changed. I always bring my own oil and filter, so I only have to pay for the labor. Each time, I do this, the mechanic always over fill the oil. The manual book indicates that it should be 5 ? quarts, and they use the entire 6 quarts, which overfills the oil. Also normal, the dealership checks the vehicle out for possible issues. This time I had a note indicating that -??Inspection is due in the end of November, the frame is rusted and will not pass inspection most like not repairable.-?? They provided two (2) pictures as well that I will attach to this document. In 2017, there was a recall where they sprayed the undercarriage for rust. However, the car had been rusting almost immediately since I purchased it. I feel that the metal that was used on the frame is inferior, and can not stand the climate in the United States" [XXX], the service advisor advised me that normal moisture, mother nature would make the car rust. I can understand this to a certain point, but not to the point that the car is not repairable any longer. I still have 7 years, or 54000 miles left on the warranty from Colonial Hyundai. Bottom line the car has been rusting for some time, and several mechanics around here have advised me that Hyundai vehicles overall are known to rust. I have had to replace the front arms and a few other things on the vehicle. I don-??t drive the car that much especially in bad weather because I work from home since 2020. In addition, I get my car washed every week, and more often if there is bad weather and there is lots of salt on the road. However, in PA, there has not been many bad winters over the last few years. The frame is rusty -?" then the entire car is not safe to drive, hence not passing inspection, and most likely it is not repairable, which concerns me. How many other people are in this same boat" Car is available to look INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM

- Kennett Square, PA, USA

problem #27

Mar 272023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Frame rails have rusted through with big holes showing! I did bring it to dealer in 2017 for campaign 947 for rust issues. I brought it to dealer about 2 weeks ago to see if they could put it on the hoist to see if vehicle is safe to drive but was told they don't look for rust. I have a claim number with Hyundai but haven't heard back in over a week. I am a 1 owner on this vehicle. I have always kept good care on this vehicle. I don't think this vehicle is safe to drive. The whole car could buckle while I am driving down the road!

- Hales Corners, WI, USA

problem #26

Nov 122022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Paint is peeling/delaminating off the car in chunks - from the roof and the hood. Paint peeled off of the hood in a large chunk while I was driving, and got stuck on the windshield & caught up on the wipers while in use. This damaged the wipers and created a dangerous situation, as it blocked my vision while driving. The paint peels off and flies off the car in chunks and can land on another car windshield as well and block their view. I brought the car to the dealer years ago when the paint first starting peeling, and was told it was just past the warranty and there was nothing they could do. I read online that there was a class action suit on this exact issue and it has been a problem for many, many years and Hyundai continues to manufacture this paint despite being aware of the problem. I contacted Hyundai corporate to report this issue, and they said there is nothing they can do. So I have decided to report the issue to warn other drivers, as the last chunk that peeled off became a safety hazard. Note: Car was only used occasionally, has very low mileage, and is garaged for a portion of the year. The paint should not be in this condition - it is defective. I paid extra for this particular pearl white paint when I purchased the car new - it was an upgrade, presented as self-healing paint.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #25

Aug 302022

Santa Fe

  • miles
2 times within 2 months vehicle was driving less than 50 mph slowing to turn right and everything died. Engine stopped. All dash lights dark. No power steering or brakes. Do I need to detail the hazard involved? The car was started again immediately and ran great, as it was before and after.

- Monmouth, ME, USA

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problem #24

Jun 042021

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
This has happened on more than one occasion. My car will suddenly try to stop and then it will accelerate really fast. I am not commanding it to do so with my foot. IT is very scary. then my car will just go cold.. The dash lights will all light up, blink on and off and then it leaves me stranded. I have to turn the vehicle off and sit there for a little before it will ignite again. It did this in the Publix parking lot as I was pulling into a spot to park and I almost hit a person walking by. It is like somebody has control of my vehicle and is accelerating and braking. [XXX] [XXX] Thank you for your attention to this matter INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Milton, FL, USA

problem #23

Sep 192020

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle was taken for an oil change at etd service center on Saturday, 9/19/2020. I then drove down the parkway for the weekend. I returned Sunday night and noticed my oil light was blinking while stopped at a light. I returned to etd first thing Monday morning 9/21/2020 who advised that "if it happened again, bring it to the dealer". today on 9/23/2020, the oil light was blinking again while stopped at a light and the vehicle was idling. There is no oil leaking.

- Nutley, NJ, USA

problem #22

Jul 172014

Santa Fe

  • 33,000 miles
When I first "tested" the car I mentioned to the sales person that I thought it was pulling to the right. He convinced me it wasn't. on 7/31/19 I purchased 4 new tires and had a wheel alignment. I took it back for adjustments to the alignment 3 times before the covid outbreak (twice before January). It is now majorly veering to the right and I have to keep it from going that way when driving. I don't drive far to work which is why it wasn't as much of a problem before.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #21

Aug 072019

Santa Fe

  • miles
My 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has stalled more than 4 times while driving since 2010. It loses power without warning rendering the vehicle unsafe and not able to be driven. The first time in 2010 it stopped while on the exit ramp of a highway doing about 50 mph. The car was brought to the dealership and they "could not duplicate the problem" so they did nothing. Brought same vehicle back to dealership in 2011, 2014 and 2019. Each time we are told "could not duplicate at this time". the most recent on August 7, 2019 they replaced the alternator and battery commenting that "vehicle now operates normally. Vehicle does not stall". the vehicle has since stalled again during driving. The dealership will only look again at the vehicle at the cost of $100 per hour. We have contacted the corporate office and they were not helpful, in fact rude and hung up. After reading so M;any complaints on just this site I hope our government can help get Hyundai to be responsible for their vehicles before someone gets hurt or killed.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #20

Jul 052019

Santa Fe

  • 197,000 miles
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 cr 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.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #19

Sep 102018

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the highway the driver side visor fell out of the ceiling as if the wires were cut in half in the hole that held the visor in place. I did not have an accident due to the sudden event but I have barely been able to see while driving early in the mornings or late in the evenings when the sun is low in the sky and shining directly through the window.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #18

May 012018

Santa Fe

  • 110,000 miles
"takata recall" my 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, at approximately 110 miles, developed a problem, which actually results in a serious/safety problem. The problem is with the fuel system fuel gauge displaying the correct amount of fuel available in the tank. I don't know if the problem is with the fuel pumps, or the fuel sensing units in the gas tanks, or with the wiring between the gas tank and the gas gauge, or with the gas gauge itself. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is stationary or moving nor if the vehicle is slanted at an angle. Quite often the problem results in the "check engine" light coming on. So far I've only run out of gas once, and since I was on the freeway this was a very serious safety issue as I lost both my steering and braking systems. Any more I stop for fuel after about 120 miles or so. My Hyundai dealer has quoted my a price of around $3,000 (that's three thousand dollars) to fix the problem, and he said that they can't even guarantee that the problem won't reoccur. And he said that this is not included in the extended warranty which I purchased with the vehicle. This is an issue that "Hyundai" should take care of !!!

- Westport, WA, USA

problem #17

Aug 022018

Santa Fe

  • 85,000 miles
Shifting cabel broke, while in gear, moving

- Sault Ste.Marie, MI, USA

problem #16

Apr 012018

Santa Fe

  • 122,000 miles
First problem, gas gauge stopped working. Fluctuated up and down, then would read empty right after filling the tank. Had to have 2 sensors and fuel pump changed. Very expensive!! now the car stalls when slowing down. Every morning when I leave for work it stalls at least once, it has started back up, but this morning the motor felt very groggy and I did not feel safe in driving it anymore. Took it home. I've brought it to mechanics and it never dies for them and they can not find anything wrong with it, did it two more times after that, taking it tonight to see if they can figure it out. This is extremely unsafe!! it died the first time in the middle of the street! I was so afraid someone was going to run into the back of me! this is a huge problem and all over the internet with other Santa Fe owners for this year. I want Hyundai to step up to the plate and recall these cars! they are unsafe!!!

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #15

Jan 012017

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 5,500 miles
Door panels have become gooy, the vinyl/leather has become gooey and comes off on your hands, arms, clothing, etc. It is very strange and is not normal. Needs to be fixed but not by me. What do I do and where do I take it? thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #14

Feb 092018

Santa Fe

  • 140,000 miles
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.

- Farmington, NH, USA

problem #13

Oct 052017

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • 88,703 miles
Takata recall: On June 2 2017 I took my vehicle to happy Hyundai of oak lawn for an oil change. They determined there was a recall because of rusting of my cars undercarriage. They kept my vehicle until August 17,2017. On October 5th, I was backing in a parking spot, what I know now as my control arm, left axle and left ball joint broke. Had it towed home, called happy Hyundai, has it towed there. After inspectioning my vehicle they determined the control arm & axle were a part of the campaign recall but they are refusing to fix my vehicle. Reuben told me on June 2, they were confiscating it because I could be driving and the bottom of the vehicle could fall off. Thankfully I wasn't driving on the highway. Hyundai returnses an unsafe vehicle to me and are not taking responsibility in repairing my vehicle when they should at least repair they recall since the control arm & axle was included in the recall. I think an investigation should be opened regarding this recall to ensure Hyundai is repairing vehicles up to safety standards. The consumer requested a status update. Updated 12/07/2017

- Blue Island, IL, USA

problem #12

Sep 302017

Santa Fe

  • 115,000 miles
While driving and making right turn engine stalled lost brakes and steering, was able to stop in middle of road with traffic coming up fast, put in park re-started. This second time within a year

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #11

Mar 282017

Santa Fe

  • 96,000 miles
Paint comes off the car in large pieces that, if raining, will stick to windshield of the car and the car behind you, while driving. This blocks the visibility out of the front of the windshield and causes wiper problems as the large pieces get stuck to them. Again this will happen while driving in the rain. The large piece of paint will still come off during normal driving, but the safety concern is while driving in the rain. Pieces as large as 1 inch by 1 inch are not uncommon, with the largest piece currently missing is about 8 inches by 8 inches. Problem started happening over 2 years ago. When the pieces get stuck to the windshield, you have to pull over to remove them from both the windshield and wiper blades. This is also dangerous as we have had to pull over on a major freeway before to remove them from parts of the vehicle, namely the windshield and wipers. This problem again causes problems with visibility out of the front of the windshield of the car and possibly the car(s) behind you while driving in the rain. I don't believe that large pieces (sheets) of paint should be coming off of a car and sticking to a windshield of the affected car and cars around it, while driving in the rain. Truly this is a safety issue.

- Ashland, OR, USA

problem #10

Aug 132016

Santa Fe

  • 93,000 miles
While driving the vehicle and turning onto a side street the engine shut off. There was no indication as to what happened, no check engine light and no error codes showed up. This is apparently a problem Hyundai is aware of and there is a class action lawsuit pending however it only covers model years 2010-2012.

- Orefield, PA, USA

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