2007 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 12, 202696,538 miNHTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and discovered that there was oil leaking from the valve cover onto the alternator. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V415000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11756531 · source
2. Filed Feb 17, 2026GAEngine

   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)

   NHTSA complaint #11718459 · source
3. Filed Jan 15, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11711184 · source
4. Filed Mar 6, 2025SCElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11646887 · source
5. Filed Nov 22, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11626940 · source
6. Filed Sep 12, 202482,500 miUTEngineLightingAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11614166 · source
7. Filed Sep 1, 2023120,000 miIDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11542181 · source
8. Filed Aug 17, 2023LAAirbagsBrakesEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11539042 · source
9. Filed Apr 26, 2023AZEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11519131 · source
10. Filed Jan 31, 2023WVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11504801 · source
11. Filed Dec 21, 2022200,169 miNCEngine

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11498386 · source
12. Filed Dec 15, 2022ILElectrical SystemEngine

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11497605 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology