Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System — runs 7.7× the fleet median for that category across the 1400 model-years tracked on this site.
541Complaints
6Recalls
17Crashes
7Fires
12Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System (39.7% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints here are 7.7× the median for that category across the 1400 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Fuel/propulsion System
215 · 39.7%
not available
—
Electrical System
70 · 12.9%
not available
—
Engine
60 · 11.1%
not available
—
Fuel System, Gasoline
57 · 10.5%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
50 · 9.2%
not available
—
Air Bags
49 · 9.1%
Recalled
Recall 12V354000 · Recall 11V472000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 541 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY FLUCTUATES FROM EMPTY TO 1/4 TANK. DIGITAL DISPLAY ALSO NOT REGISTERING. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF THIS, NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT…”NHTSA complaint 10512762 — filed 05/20/2013 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AND GOING OFF. WHAT I NOTICED WAS THAT IT WAS IN CONJUNCTION WITH MY GAS GAUGE INDICATING THAT…”NHTSA complaint 10510618 — filed 05/04/2013 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND ALSO CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO GO ON AN OFF.”NHTSA complaint 10509371 — filed 04/24/2013 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE?
Fuel/propulsion system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 215 of 541 NHTSA complaints (39.7%), followed by electrical system (70), engine (60), fuel system, gasoline (57). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE have?
541 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 17 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 12V354000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.