Hyundai Santa Fe 2007–2012
2nd generation (CM)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20263,281 complaints, 2,665 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 2,665
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Engine (15.3%)
- Recalls
- 7
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 30,000 and 100,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Santa Fe 2007–2012 · 2,665 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 217 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 18 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 6,700
- 25%
- 30,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 100,000
- 90%
- 131,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 217 | 8.1% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 104 | 3.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 84 | 3.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 80 | 3.0% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 106 | 4.0% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 65 | 2.4% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 62 | 2.3% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 49 | 1.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 82 | 3.1% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 60 | 2.3% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 92 | 3.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 85 | 3.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 117 | 4.4% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 93 | 3.5% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 123 | 4.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 124 | 4.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 140 | 5.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 101 | 3.8% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 91 | 3.4% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 95 | 3.6% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 99 | 3.7% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 75 | 2.8% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 71 | 2.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 62 | 2.3% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 65 | 2.4% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 32 | 1.2% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 51 | 1.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 29 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 51 | 1.9% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 12 | 0.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 26 | 1.0% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 14 | 0.5% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 17 | 0.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 21 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 23 | 0.9% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 3 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 10 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 18 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 3,281 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2,665 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 30,000 and 100,000 miles. The median is 70,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the engine (15.3% of complaints, typically around 88,000 miles), the fuel and propulsion system (14.3% of complaints, typically around 85,000 miles), the electrical system (9.8% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles).
7 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2007–2012 Hyundai Santa Fe last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2007–2012 Hyundai Santa Fe were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 131,000 miles — figures drawn from 2,665 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
18 reports (0.7%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Santa Fe reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2007–2012 Santa Fe: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,665 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine — 2.4l theta ii (family context) on 2010–2012 (2.4L only) cars. The 2.4L Theta II introduced here belongs to the engine family later subject to the connecting-rod bearing failure actions. IMPORTANT PRECISION: Hyundai's engine recalls concentrated on the GDI (direct-injection) Theta…
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, with a median of 70,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the fuel and propulsion system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The fuel and propulsion system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 85,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Hyundai Santa Fe 2007–2012
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Throttle and speed control247 reports38,00018,000–73,000Throttle and speed control: 247 reports, median 38,000 miles, middle half 18,000 to 73,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline234 reports40,0007,000–91,000Transmission and driveline: 234 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 7,000 to 91,000 miles.
- Airbag system227 reports44,0003,500–80,000Airbag system: 227 reports, median 44,000 miles, middle half 3,500 to 80,000 miles.
- Brakes149 reports60,00030,000–107,000Brakes: 149 reports, median 60,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 107,000 miles.
- Electrical system320 reports80,00048,000–106,000Electrical system: 320 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 48,000 to 106,000 miles.
- Fuel and propulsion system468 reports85,00065,000–105,000Fuel and propulsion system: 468 reports, median 85,000 miles, middle half 65,000 to 105,000 miles.
- Engine502 reports88,00051,000–119,000Engine: 502 reports, median 88,000 miles, middle half 51,000 to 119,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 502 | 15.3% | 88,000 | 51,000–119,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 468 | 14.3% | 85,000 | 65,000–105,000 |
| Electrical system | 320 | 9.8% | 80,000 | 48,000–106,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 247 | 7.5% | 38,000 | 18,000–73,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 234 | 7.1% | 40,000 | 7,000–91,000 |
| Airbag system | 227 | 6.9% | 44,000 | 3,500–80,000 |
| Brakes | 149 | 4.5% | 60,000 | 30,000–107,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 139 | 4.2% | 87,000 | 54,000–108,000 |
| Fuel system | 121 | 3.7% | 70,000 | 50,000–83,000 |
| Steering | 113 | 3.4% | 72,000 | 19,000–106,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Hyundai Santa Fe 2007–2012 · 2,665 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 41% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 67% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 85% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.7% of reports (18) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
41% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 51,000–119,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 48,000–106,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — middle half 18,000–73,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 7,000–91,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 3,500–80,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 30,000–107,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 65,000–105,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
67% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Throttle and speed control — median 38,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 44,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 51,000–119,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 65,000–105,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 48,000–106,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 7,000–91,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 30,000–107,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
85% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine — median 88,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — median 85,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 80,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — median 38,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 40,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 44,000 mi
- Brakes — median 60,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 70,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 15.3% of complaints (502 reports, 389 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 88,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 51,000 and 119,000 miles.
The fuel and propulsion system accounts for 14.3% of complaints (468 reports, 398 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 85,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 65,000 and 105,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 9.8% of complaints (320 reports, 254 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 48,000 and 106,000 miles.
Throttle and speed control accounts for 7.5% of complaints (247 reports, 226 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 38,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 18,000 and 73,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 7.1% of complaints (234 reports, 201 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 40,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 7,000 and 91,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 6.9% of complaints (227 reports, 163 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 44,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 3,500 and 80,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2007 model year drew the most — 983 complaints — while 2011 drew the fewest at 268. The median year sits at 490.
That makes 2007 an outlier: roughly 2.0 times the median year of this generation. A single year standing that far apart usually reflects either a first-year issue that was later corrected, or a component change introduced for that year. Anyone shopping this generation has a straightforward reason to prefer a different year, all else being equal.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (2), the airbag system (2), the engine (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 3,281 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 199 (6.1%)
- Fires
- 71
- Injury reports
- 103
- Fatality reports
- 7
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine — 2.4l Theta Ii (family Context) 2010–2012 (2.4L only)
The 2.4L Theta II introduced here belongs to the engine family later subject to the connecting-rod bearing failure actions. IMPORTANT PRECISION: Hyundai's engine recalls concentrated on the GDI (direct-injection) Theta II from MY2013 onward; the 2010-2012 Santa Fe's port-injected 2.4L Theta II is not the primary recall population. State the family relationship, not a recall, on this page.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 983 | 802 |
| 2008 | 718 | 605 |
| 2009 | 506 | 393 |
| 2010 | 332 | 265 |
| 2011 | 268 | 221 |
| 2012 | 474 | 379 |
Recalls (7) — is your car included?
Mar 2021 · 2012 · EngineA damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
What can happen. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Apr 2020 · 2007 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAn electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
What can happen. An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Apr 2013 · 2007–2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai
What can happen. 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. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Sep 2012 · 2007–2009 · Air BagsImproper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a…
The defect. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008. The occupant classification system (OCS) may need recalibration to accurately detect small statured adults.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the classification software free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
May 2012 · 2007–2008 · Air BagsIf the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy…
The defect. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Hyundai veracruz vehicles manufactured from december 26, 2006, through march 21, 2008, and model year 2007-2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from april 19, 2006 through march 20, 2008. The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's air bag supplemental restraint system (srs) may become damaged through usage over time. The driver's air bag electrical circuit will experience a high resistance condition, potentially causing the driver's air bag to not deploy.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Hyundai dealers will replace the vehicle's driver's air bag clock spring contact assembly free of charge. The safety recall began in november 2011. Owners may contact Hyundai customer connect center at 1-800-633-5151.
Jun 2011 · 2010 · Power TrainDamage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2010 Santa Fe 2wd vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from october 15, 2009 through march 5, 2010. The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission.
What can happen. Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
Dec 2010 · 2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating…
The defect. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from september 28, 2010, through november 25, 2010. Some of the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined.
What can happen. As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on december 17, 2010. Owners may contact Hyundai roadside assistance at 1-800-243-7766.
What owners reported
When i sit in the passenger seat, the airbag light indicates "off". I weigh 130 lbs and i have read the owners manual on this topic. It does not matter how i am positioned in the seat, this function does not work correctly. I have visited my service department and called Hyundai consumer affairs. They state that the…
2007 · Airbag system
The passenger front air bag sensor located in the seat does not correctly classify my wife (130 lbs.) As an adult. As a result, the passenger front air bag and passenger side impact air bags are not consistently activated. The "passenger air bag off" indicator light located on the dash is on at least 30% or more of…
2007 · Airbag system
I own a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. The seat belt for the passenger rear seat (40) does not stay up and available to new occupants. It always falls down the seat belt slot and is extremely difficult to retrieve for the passenger. Passenger invariably seat themselves into 60 portion of the seat directly behind the…
2007 · Seat belts
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe. I have had three major issues with the car and one small cosmetic issure. The major issues have been with the structure of the car, the wheel axel, the alignment, and the engine block. All of these items have either been loose, broken, or defective. Yes, they keep fixing the car, but it's a…
2007 · 20 miles · Engine and its cooling system
Built from 2,665 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page