Home › Hyundai › Santa Fe › 2007
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2007 Santa Fe has 684 owner complaints with NHTSA, the third highest of any Santa Fe year[1][2], led by fuel gauge sensors, passenger airbag sensing, electrical faults and brakes[3][4][5][6]. It also has 7 recalls, including an ABS module fire risk, so checking recall work matters more than usual with this year[7][2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 684 owner complaints for the 2007 Santa Fe[1]. Of those, 30 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 32 an injury and 2 a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system[3] | 121 | 2 | 0 | 90,000 |
| Air bags[4] | 102 | 10 | 17 | 43,864 |
| Electrical system[5] | 97 | 1 | 0 | 82,000 |
| Brakes[6] | 85 | 5 | 5 | 52,900 |
| Engine[9] | 70 | 1 | 1 | 83,100 |
| Electronic stability control[10] | 68 | 0 | 0 | 83,100 |
| Speed control[11] | 58 | 9 | 10 | 66,654 |
Fuel gauge and fuel sensors. This is the largest group, with 121 complaints[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a fuel gauge that sits on empty or jumps between empty and half full, and a mechanic or dealer finding failed level sensors inside the tank[3]. Several of these owners say the check engine light came on at the same time, and some paid for the repair after the warranty ended[3]. A wrong gauge can leave you out of fuel, so keep track of miles between fill-ups if yours acts up.
Passenger airbag sensing. Air bag complaints come with 10 crashes and 17 injuries, and the median mileage is just 43,864[4]. In the sample we read, owners describe the passenger airbag light showing the airbag as off, or flickering, with an adult in the seat[4]. Others describe an airbag warning light that kept coming back after the dealer replaced parts[4]. A recall later updated the passenger sensing software, covered below[12].
Brakes that drag and overheat. Owners in our sample describe calipers that stick, often at the rear, leading to very hot rotors, a burning smell, noise and pads worn out early[6]. Several tie it to rust[6]. Brake complaints include 5 crashes and 2 fires[6].
Electrical faults. The electrical group has 97 complaints and 5 fires[5]. In the sample, owners describe smoke or fire inside the cabin, sometimes while parked, and, in a few texts, a sudden loss of power steering during a turn with a warning light on[5].
Speed control. This group is smaller at 58 complaints but lists 9 crashes and 10 injuries[11]. We did not read sample texts for it. Two brake light switch recalls note that a faulty switch can stop the brake pedal from cancelling cruise control[13][14].
Recalls
There are 7 recalls on file for the 2007 Santa Fe[2]. Check that each one was done on any car you look at. Repairs for the first six recalls below are free at a Hyundai dealer[7][13][12][15][14][16].
- ABS module fire (20V061). Moisture can get into the anti-lock brake module and short it[7]. That can start a fire in the engine bay even with the car turned off[7]. Dealers add a relay in the main junction box to stop the short when the car is off[7]. The 2007 Santa Fe was added to this recall in February 2020[7].
- Brake light switch (13V113). The switch may fail, so the brake lights may not come on and cruise control may not cancel when you press the brake[13]. It can also let the shifter leave Park without the brake pressed, make push-button start work on and off, and turn on the ESC warning light[13]. Dealers replace the switch[13].
- Passenger airbag sensing (12V354). On cars built from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008, the seat sensing system may not recognize small adults[12]. The passenger airbag might then stay off in a crash[12]. Dealers update the software[12].
- Driver airbag clock spring (11V472). On cars built from April 19, 2006, through March 20, 2008, a part that carries power to the driver airbag can wear out[15]. The driver airbag might not deploy in a crash[15]. Dealers replace the clock spring[15].
- Brake light switch (09V122). An earlier recall for the same kind of switch[14]. The brake lights may stay off or stay on, the shifter may get stuck in Park, the ESC light may come on and cruise control may not cancel with the brake[14]. Dealers replace the switch[14].
- Weight rating label (08V272). On cars with P235/60R18 tires, the label on the driver side center pillar lists the wrong axle weight ratings[16]. Overloading could hurt handling and braking and damage tires[16]. Hyundai mailed a corrected label, and a dealer can install it[16].
- Fuel tank baffle (06V317). A part inside the fuel tank may be too thin, which could lead to a fuel leak and fire[17]. Dealers inspect the fuel tank and replace it if needed[17]. This covered only 139 vehicles, and none had reached buyers when it was filed[17].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on engine, gearbox and drive[8][18][19][20][21][22][23]. All versions use regular gas[8][18][19][20][21][22][23].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD 2.7L, Automatic 4-spd[8] | 18 | 24 | 21 |
| 2WD 2.7L, Manual 5-spd[18] | 18 | 23 | 20 |
| 2WD 3.3L, Automatic 5-spd[19][23] | 17 | 23 to 24 | 19 to 20 |
| 4WD 2.7L, Automatic 4-spd[20] | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 4WD 2.7L, Manual 5-spd[21] | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 4WD 3.3L, Automatic 5-spd[22] | 17 | 24 | 19 |
The 2WD 2.7L automatic is the most efficient at 21 MPG combined, with an EPA estimated fuel cost of $3,200 a year[8]. The other versions are estimated at $3,350 to $3,550 a year[18][19][20][21][22][23]. EPA bases these costs on current fuel prices, not prices from 2007.
Safety ratings
NHTSA rates the 2007 Santa Fe at 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[24]. Keep in mind the two airbag recalls above[12][15].
Engine and size
The EPA lists two engines, a 2.7L 6-cylinder and a 3.3L 6-cylinder[8][19]. The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[25].
| FWD 2.7 GL | FWD 3.3 GL | AWD 3.3 GLS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 184 in | 184 in | 184 in |
| Width | 74 in | 74 in | 74 in |
| Height | 71 in | 71 in | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | 106 in | 106 in |
| Curb weight | 3,728 lb | 3,847 lb | 4,120 lb |
How 2007 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 | 4 |
| 2002 | 165 | 4 |
| 2003 | 308 | 4 |
| 2004 | 303 | 3 |
| 2005 | 216 | 3 |
| 2006 | 106 | 1 |
| 2007 | 684 | 7 |
| 2008 | 541 | 4 |
| 2009 | 358 | 2 |
| 2010 | 260 | 2 |
| 2011 | 181 | 2 |
| 2012 | 354 | 1 |
| 2013 | 805 | 7 |
| 2014 | 657 | 7 |
| 2015 | 339 | 4 |
| 2016 | 306 | 3 |
| 2017 | 1,326 | 7 |
| 2018 | 432 | 5 |
| 2019 | 229 | 3 |
| 2020 | 217 | 2 |
| 2021 | 187 | 8 |
| 2022 | 265 | 8 |
| 2023 | 290 | 2 |
| 2024 | 191 | 7 |
| 2025 | 238 | 5 |
| 2026 | 56 | 4 |
Among the 27 Santa Fe model years in NHTSA's records, 2007 has the third highest complaint count at 684[2]. Only 2017 (1,326) and 2013 (805) have more[2]. It has the most complaints of any year from 2001 through 2012[2].
The years around it look calmer. 2006 has 106 complaints and 1 recall, 2008 has 541 and 4, and 2009 has 358 and 2[2]. The 7 recalls for 2007 tie it with 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2024, and only 2021 and 2022 have more with 8 each[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a year that sold more may simply have more reports.
Should you buy a used 2007 Santa Fe?
The 2007 Santa Fe draws more complaints than almost any other Santa Fe year, with 684 on file[1][2]. Owners report fuel gauge sensor failures, passenger airbag sensing trouble, sticking brakes and electrical faults including fires[3][4][5][6]. The 7 recalls cover serious risks such as an ABS module fire and airbags that may not deploy, and each of these has a free dealer fix[7][12][15][2]. If you shop for one, ask for proof that every recall was done, check that the fuel gauge reads correctly, and have the rear brakes inspected[6]. If those check out, it can be a fair buy, but the 2009 through 2012 years each have fewer than 400 complaints on file[2].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- The largest NHTSA complaint groups are the fuel/propulsion system with 121 complaints, air bags with 102, the electrical system with 97 and brakes with 85[3][4][5][6]. Owners describe faulty fuel gauge sensors, passenger airbag sensing trouble and sticking rear brakes[3][4][6].
- How many recalls does the 2007 Santa Fe have?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls[2]. They cover an ABS module that can catch fire, two brake light switch faults, two airbag problems, a wrong weight label and a fuel tank part[7][13][12][15][14][16][17].
- What gas mileage does the 2007 Santa Fe get?
- EPA ratings run from 19 to 21 MPG combined[8][19][22]. The 2WD 2.7L automatic is best at 18 city, 24 highway and 21 combined[8].
- Is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
- It has 684 complaints on file, the third highest of 27 Santa Fe years listed[1][2]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, but the count is high next to 2006 with 106 and 2009 with 358[2].
- Which Santa Fe years have the fewest complaints?
- Leaving out 2026 and 2027, which have had little time to collect reports, 2006 has the fewest with 106, followed by 2002 with 165 and 2011 with 181[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 684 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (30 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 32 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Santa Fe model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 121 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 102 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 17 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,864). NHTSA vehicle records
- 97 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 85 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,900). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 20V061, filed February 4, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 70 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- 68 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- 58 complaints name the speed control component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,654). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 12V354, filed July 25, 2012: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V113, filed April 1, 2013: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 09V122, filed April 15, 2009: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V472, filed September 9, 2011: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V272, filed June 19, 2008: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 06V317, filed August 31, 2006: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV AWD 3.3 GLS: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,120 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV FWD 2.7 GL: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,728 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV FWD 3.3 GL: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,847 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov