CarBrief

The 2008 Santa Fe has 541 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and in the largest group, the fuel/propulsion system, the complaints we read describe a fuel gauge that reads wrong[1][2]. Four recalls are on file, including two air bag fixes that cover only certain build dates, so a VIN check matters before you buy[3][4][5].

541owner complaints[1]
4recalls[5]
19–20MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 541 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Santa Fe[1]. Of those, 17 mention a crash and 7 a fire. They report 12 injuries and no deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below overlap[1].

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries Median miles
Fuel/propulsion system[2] 215 0 0 0 80,100
Electrical system[7] 74 0 4 1 83,000
Air bags[8] 70 5 0 6 13,000
Engine[9] 70 2 2 0 79,000
Fuel system, gasoline[10] 58 1 0 0 72,000
Speed control[11] 52 7 0 3 52,000
Brakes[12] 29 4 2 2 71,500
Power train[13] 24 0 1 1 65,000

Fuel gauge and fuel level sensor. The fuel/propulsion group has the most complaints by a wide margin, with a median mileage of 80,100[2]. In a sample of 12 of these complaints we read, every one describes a fuel gauge that reads wrong, often swinging up and down or showing empty after a fill-up[2]. Seven of the 12 also mention the check engine light coming on at the same time[2]. Owners say dealers or mechanics blamed the fuel level sensor or sending unit, and they describe being quoted for a paid repair[2]. The same gauge fault shows up in samples from the electrical group (5 of 12) and the engine group (4 of 12)[7][9]. None of the recalls in our data covers the fuel gauge[14][3][4][15].

Passenger air bag turning off. Air bag complaints show up early, at a median of 13,000 miles, and this group lists 5 crashes and 6 injuries[8]. In a sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, all 12 describe a fault with the front passenger air bag sensing, and 11 say the system did not recognize an adult in the seat, usually a lighter one[8]. In 5 of those 12, owners say the dealer found the system working to specification[8]. Recall 12V354 later addressed this sensing system with a software update[3].

Loss of power. A few sampled complaints describe the SUV suddenly losing power while driving, often with warning lights on, including on the highway[7][9]. We saw this in 3 of 12 electrical complaints and 3 of 12 engine complaints[7][9]. That is a small sample, so it does not show how often it happens.

Speed control. This group is smaller at 52 complaints, but it lists 7 crashes, the most of any group[11].

Recalls

Our data lists four recalls for the 2008 Santa Fe, and each one has a free remedy[14][3][4][15][5]. Two of them cover only cars built in certain date ranges, so check your VIN[3][4].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings sit close together across versions. Two-wheel drive models are rated 20 mpg combined, and four-wheel drive models 19 mpg combined[6][16].

Version City Highway Combined Annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[6] 18 24 20 $3,350
2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[17] 17 24 20 $3,350
2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd[18] 17 24 20 $3,350
4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[16] 17 23 19 $3,550
4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[19] 17 23 19 $3,550
4WD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd[20] 17 24 19 $3,550

All versions run on regular gas[6][17][18][16][19][20]. The annual cost figures use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2008 Santa Fe 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[21].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines: a 2.7L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual, and a 3.3L 6-cylinder with a 5-speed automatic[6][17][18]. Both engines come with front-wheel drive or four-wheel/all-wheel drive[6][18][16][20].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[22].

Measure FWD GL FWD GLS AWD Limited
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 3,726 lb 3,801 lb 4,125 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

2001: 209 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 165 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 308 complaints, 4 recalls2004: 303 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 216 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 106 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 684 complaints, 7 recalls20072008: 541 complaints, 4 recalls54120082009: 358 complaints, 2 recalls2010: 260 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 181 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 354 complaints, 1 recalls2013: 805 complaints, 7 recalls20132014: 657 complaints, 7 recalls2015: 339 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 306 complaints, 3 recalls20162017: 1,326 complaints, 7 recalls2018: 432 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 229 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 217 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 187 complaints, 8 recalls2022: 265 complaints, 8 recalls20222023: 290 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 191 complaints, 7 recalls2025: 238 complaints, 5 recalls20252026: 56 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Santa Fe model year. The 2008 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20012094
20021654
20033084
20043033
20052163
20061061
20076847
20085414
20093582
20102602
20111812
20123541
20138057
20146577
20153394
20163063
20171,3267
20184325
20192293
20202172
20211878
20222658
20232902
20241917
20252385
2026564

The 2008 Santa Fe has 541 complaints and 4 recalls on file[5]. That is on the high side for this model. Of all the Santa Fe years in NHTSA's list, four have more complaints: 2007 with 684, 2013 with 805, 2014 with 657 and 2017 with 1,326[5].

Nearby years look like this[5]:

These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide[5].

Should you buy a used 2008 Santa Fe?

The 2008 Santa Fe has a high complaint count for this model, with 541 on file[5]. The biggest group is the fuel/propulsion system, and owners in our sample describe a fuel gauge that stops reading correctly, a repair no recall covers[2][14][3][4][15]. Before buying, fill the tank and watch whether the gauge reads full and stays steady. Ask a dealer to check which of the four recalls apply to that VIN, including the passenger and driver air bag fixes, and confirm they were done[14][3][4][15]. Fuel economy of 19 to 20 mpg combined and a 4-star rollover rating are the trade-offs to weigh against those checks[6][16][21].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The largest complaint group is the fuel/propulsion system with 215 complaints, followed by electrical (74), air bags (70) and engine (70)[2][7][8][9]. In the complaints we read, owners describe an erratic or empty fuel gauge and a passenger air bag that switches off with a lighter adult in the seat[2][8].
How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
Four: the stop lamp switch (13V113), passenger air bag sensing software (12V354), driver air bag clock spring (11V472) and a weight rating label (08V272)[14][3][4][15]. Each has a free remedy[14][3][4][15].
What gas mileage does a 2008 Santa Fe get?
EPA rates it 17 to 18 mpg city, 23 to 24 highway and 19 to 20 combined, depending on engine and drive[6][17][18][16][19][20].
Is the 2008 Santa Fe fuel gauge problem covered by a recall?
No. None of the four recalls in our data covers the fuel gauge or fuel level sensor[14][3][4][15]. Owners in our sample describe being quoted for a paid repair[2].
Is the 2008 or 2009 Santa Fe a better year?
By NHTSA counts, 2009 has fewer complaints and recalls, with 358 complaints and 2 recalls against 541 and 4 for 2008[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 541 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (17 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 215 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 12V354, filed July 25, 2012: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 11V472, filed September 9, 2011: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Santa Fe model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 74 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 70 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 70 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 58 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 52 complaints name the speed control component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 29 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 24 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 13V113, filed April 1, 2013: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 08V272, filed June 19, 2008: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  16. 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
  17. EPA rating for Santa Fe 2WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV AWD LIMITED: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,125 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV FWD GL: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,726 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE 4DR SUV FWD GLS: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,801 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.