Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 68 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 68, in the owner's own words
Engine valve cover gaskets leaking oil, causing oil drip on pavement. Could cause fire and alternator failure. My mechanic pin-pointed the leak location. The google search indicated that other Hundai vehicle owners also had this problem. Mechanic estimated cost to repair the problem was quoted at $700.00 dollars. Thx, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall Code 976 / Campaign 24-01-026H). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483.36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required Upper Timing Chain Guide repair quoted at $58.38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29.99 for a Multi-Point Inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a P0300 code, and instructed me to return the loaner and retrieve my now-undrivable vehicle. My vehicle remains at Lakeland Hyundai and is undrivable due to issues that arose immediately following recall service. I respectfully request guidance and resolution regarding responsibility for the damage, loaner coverage, and loss of transportation.
My vehicle had an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover onto the alternator. the oil damaged the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. On 11/09/2021, the engine light came on and my car turned off. I had it towed to my mechanic and on 11/10/2021 he replaced the valve cover gaskets, alternator and belt. On 12/2023, I found out there was a manufacture recall related to the valve cover. I placed a claim in 12/2023. They have asked for several versions of documents and then stop communicating and eventually deny/close the account. I have filed approximately 4 claims and they stop communicating. The last claim was filed on 1/2/2025 and I have only received an email stating "Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America." I have tried to ask for an update and no response. I have called and it refers me to the recall portal. What do I have to do to get reimbursed for the towing and repair work I that I have paid for.
The E .C. M. PART# 39110-3C561 started faulting out, causing stalling abruptly while stop at an intersection an merging into traffic.This events were randomly happening causing higher risks of accidents. I took the vehicle for service an was informed that the "ECM" was causing this faults. The vehicle had the check engine light on during this time. The service shop advised me to bring the vehicle in to the Hyundai dealer, because the problem is likely to increase. The Hyundai dealer verify that the "ECM " is faulty an extremely difficult if not impossible to find. This faulting "ECM " part has literally but my vehicle totally useless.
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in neutral, and restarted the vehicle for the cruise control to disengage. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 82,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was "running lean on bank 1" and determined that the Engine Control Module needed to be reset. The vehicle had been repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated whenever gasoline gauge was below 1/2 tank full. The contact stated that the check engine warning was light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and it was determined that the timing belt, spark plugs, and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with running lean on bank 1 and 2 and that there was a small leak on the manifold and the manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
My car has active recalls for the brake switch (prevents brake lights from working properly) and systems related to proper airbag deployment. In addition, there is a service recall (it doesn't show in your database, but it is Hyundai Service Campaign 936 [XXX] ) related to the valve gasket literally dumping oil out to the point that it destroys the alternator - it destroyed my AC Compressor, too! That's not the main point of this, but it's relevant in general. I have been attempting to schedule an appointment to get these issues resolved, but all local dealers tell me the recalls have "expired" and refuse to even look at the car. Some legitimately stop answering the phone when I call at this point, it just rings forever. The online tool to make an appointment from the official Hyundai site has you pick a time to bring the car in, but the dealers to not allot any slots to this so none are available to select. I contacted Hyundai Corporate Customer Service to resolve this, and was told I'd need to "continue trying to work with the dealers." It was no help at all. I am trying to fix the issues myself - my car is currently half-assembled in my garage, and I am technically proficient (I hope!), but it seems ridiculous to be denied service for active safety recalls - and keep in mind, I am only trying to do it myself because the dealers refuse to and I don't want to die in a fiery car crash. I shouldn't be forced to do this. Oh, in addition - Hyundai won't reimburse me for the repairs (I bought my own alternator/compressor once work was refused)... because they aren't being done at a dealership! It'd be hilarious if it wasn't so scummy. Thank you for any help you can offer. I am legitimately losing my mind at this point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Did oil change. Valve cover was leaking. Put in manufacturer recommended oil. Engine chatter after oil change. Also did valve cover gaskets at said time of oil change.
Check Engine Light was lighting up on and off sporadically and fuel gage was showing E with light on and now both are not working properly. The check engine light stays on and fuel gage always shows empty even when it is full.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, excessive force was needed to depress the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact also stated that when he exited the vehicle, there was fluid leaking from underneath the engine compartment. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was then taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,169.
In 2015 Hyundai issued service campaign 936 for 2007-2009 Santa Fe valve cover & alternator due to the valve cover leaking & dripping oil onto the alternator, potentially damaging the alternator resulting in the charging system becoming inoperative. My 2007 Santa Fe was repaired under this campaign. Now with less than 30K miles since the repair the same problem exists, the valve cover is leaking oil onto the alternator again. I've contacted my local Hyundai dealer but they refuse to repair the issue under the campaign a 2nd time. The issue was detected by the local dealership during a routine oil change & they advised me that the cost to replace the valve cover gasket & the alternator would be in excess of $1,000.
The contact's daughter owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that her daughter informed her that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and also while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced tire failures with the vehicle despite having the front-end aligned. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic who aligned the wheels and replaced the tires. The contact was unsure if any other repairs had been performed on the vehicle. The failure had persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Park N Fly Mississauga Canada. Vehicle in parked position. Vehicle reversed from position and driven for 50-75 feet. Driver made a left turn and within two seconds the vehicle started accelerating on its own. Driver’s head and hands bounced off the steering for a brief moment and then returned. Engine could be heard revving continuously in an increasing manner. Nothing on the gas pedal nor was it manually depressed. The pedal felt stuck with no recoil like what is usually felt when ones foot is taken off the accelerator. Driver attempted to depress brakes to maximum capacity but the system would not override the acceleration and the motion the car was travelling. Car continued to pickup speed to about 70 km/hr. Attempted to slightly turn into a side lane. Cars were parked in facing each other position. Driver clipped the first vehicle, then deflected and ran into three other vehicles before becoming wedged. Passenger front tire continue to spin and burnt thread. Driver front tire intact
The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated after charging the battery and at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a shopping center and purchased a quart of oil to add to the engine oil. When the contact opened the hood, oil had leaked all over the engine. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact was concerned after doing research that oil had leaked onto the alternator and caused the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Oilfilter cap leaks all over transmission and won't stay sealed all cleaned and put new stuff still a puddle on the the tranny had to Bondo my filter cap she runs poorly when it's not sealed but it's tight
THE VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AFTER BEING REPLACED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL IN THE SAME MANNER AND OIL LEAKS DIRECTLY INTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING IT TO ULTIMATELY FAIL.
VALVE COVER RECALL WAS REPAIRED BUT THE SAME ISSUE SHOWING UP AGAIN. THE FORUMS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINTS. IT IS LEAKING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR AGAIN. HAS NOT FAILED YET BUT WILL HAVE TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED TO REPAIR IT. IT IS ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST SHIELD COULD CATCH FIRE.
POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND ENGINE FAILURE. OIL LEAKING FROM TOP, ANTERIOR, PASSENGER SIDE OF ENGINE AGAIN CAUSING ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND ALTERNATOR FAILURE. MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES, CAR NOT STARTING, CLOCK RESETTING, DRAINING OF BATTERY. SOLUTION: REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKET AT OWNERS EXPENSE FIRST TIME AT 114900 MILES, BEFORE SERVICE CAMPAIGN 936 WAS KNOWN. MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES AGAIN, CLOCK RESETTING, CAR NOT STARTING, TRIPOMETER RESETTING. SOLUTION: DEALERSHIP REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKET SECOND TIME AT 136,434 MILES, UNDER RECALL. DEALERSHIP ALSO REPLACED FAULTY, OIL COVERED ALTERNATOR. DEALERSHIP NOTED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN COVER WAS LEAKING OIL. THE TIMING CHAIN COVER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN 936, BUT SHOULD BE AS THE LEAK IS THE SIMILAR ISSUE TO THE VALVE GASKET COVER. *TR
AFTER EXTENSIVE TRIPS TO THE MAINTENANCE SHOP (PEPBOYS) MY SANTA FE IS NOW NEEDING TO GET THE ENGINE REBUILT. THE CAUSE SO I AM TOLD IS A FAILED OIL PUMP IN THE ENGINE. I WAS PICKED UP AFTER HAVING TO GO BACK THE THE SHOP BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TOWED IN TO PEPBOYS, AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A ONE OFF WITH THE STARTER AND ALL WAS GOOD NOW. I PICKED UP THE SUV AND DROVE IT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT DOWN THE STREET ONLY TO HAVE THE ENGINE SHUT OFF MID DRIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS TOWED BACK INTO PEPBOYS AND NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS A OIL PUMP FAILURE AND THE ENGIN IS LOCKED UP AND IT NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. IS THIS A FACTORY ISSUE
MY SON, [XXX] WAS DRIVING THE CAR. WHILE DECELERATING DOWN FROM 60 MPH ON APPROACH TO BRIDGE TOLL PLAZA, AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO WORK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2007 SANTE FE ALTERNATOR ISSUE. POST RECALL FIX, OIL LEAK STILL HAPPENING AND THIS TIME THE ALTERNATOR ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE. SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HAD TO PULL OVER AND POUR WATER ON THE ALTERNATOR TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE. CAR BECAME DISABLED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. FAMILY WAS IN CAR WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING.
FRONT CORNER OF VALVE COVER IS LEAKING OIL ONTO MY ALTERNATOR CAUSING IT TO BECOME SATURATED WITH OIL AND ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN. THE SAME OIL IS SPREADING ALL AROUND MY DRIVE BELT FROM THE ALTERNATOR AND SATURATING ALL PULLIES AND THE ENTIRE DRIVE BELT AS WELL. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS CHARGING MY BATTERY ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWNS ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITH OTHER COMPONENTS SUCH AS STEERING, A/C AND BELT NOT WANTING TO GRIP THE PULLIES THAT IT RIDES ON. VERY DANGEROUS. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS SIMULAR TO THE SAME EXACT ENGINE ON THE HYUNDAI CROSSOVER THAT HAS THE SAME ENGINE TYPE BUT WAS RECALLED TO FIX. WHY ARE SANTA FE OWNERS LEFT OUT OF THIS RECALL IF IT IS THE SAME EXACT ENGING AS THE CROSSOVER THAT WAS RECALLED AND FIXED.
HYUNDAI RECALLS SANTA FE FOR ALTERNATOR OIL LEAK.SANTA FE CROSSOVER TO FIX AN OIL LEAK, CAUSED BY A FAULTY VALVE COVER GASKET, THAT COULD AFFECT ALTERNATOR PERFORMANCE..DEALER SAID THEY WONT HONOR THE RECALL CAUSE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY.ALSO THE COIL WAS NOT REPLACED AND A RECALL WAS SENT OUT ALSO ON COIL SPRING. THE WONT HONOR THAT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE SOUND MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO CONCENTRATE ON THE ROAD. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED BEANS HYUNDAI (1106 E LINCOLN HWY, LANGHORNE, PA 19047), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
THE SUB FRAME THAT'S HOLDING THE ENGINE IS RUSTING APART ALMOST MISSING A HUGE PART OF IT WHICH IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY CHILDREN. ESPECIALLY BEING THAT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS ISSUE UPON PURCHASING THIS AS A "CERTIFIED VEHICLE". ONLY HAD IT FOR ONE YEAR.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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