Model year guide

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 141 on record.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints541
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$7,051

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls 6

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #12V354000 · 25/07/2012

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.

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #13V113000 · 01/04/2013

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 2…

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.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #11V472000 · 09/09/2011

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 …

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.

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #08E016000 · 07/02/2008

THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL 08E-055. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFOR…

Fix: HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #08E055000 · 03/09/2008

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. SOME CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE…

Fix: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS RECALL CONDUCTED BY HYUNDAI AFFECTING THE SAME TRAILER HITCH WIRING COMPONENTS CONCERNING HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1. (PLEASE SEE 08E016). OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR TRAILER HITCH REPAIRED UNDER THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIV…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #08V272000 · 19/06/2008

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 88,943 MY 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P235/60R18 TIRES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE BLACK CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE CENTER PILLAR, INCORRECTLY LISTS THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR).

Fix: HYUNDAI WILL MAIL CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABELS ALONG WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 541 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-DR w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,175

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe worth?

Low
$4,200
Typical price
$7,051
High
$10,300

From 137 comparable 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,200
Total$21,075
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($7,051) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,870), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · Limited · SE
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl 185 hp · 3.3L 6-cyl 242 hp

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Santa Fe model years

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Based on 541 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, exterior lighting.

What is the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe worth?

Comparable 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe listings run roughly $4,200–$10,300, typically around $7,051 (from 137 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.