Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V936000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 12V354000 (Air Bags). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that the brake lamp switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving, the TPMS, passenger seat belt, and the ESC warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
My suv was involved in a Roll Over accident. The front driver tire blew out causing the driver to hit the curb which caused the SUV to roll 4 times. The driver was ejected from the vehicle while wearing a seat belt and not one air bag deployed. Major safety issues
My car has a recall, and the dealership is unable to fix it. There is also an issue with the oem control module that they are unable to get the part and unable to fix this because they do not have the correct software.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to hydroplane without warning. The contact stated that the steering failed and, due to the contact attempting to apply the brakes, the vehicle began to spin. The vehicle crashed into the road divider. The passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact received shoulder and back injuries, which required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ball bearings on the front axle were worn out. The tie rods were replaced, but the calipers needed to be replaced also. The vehicle was repaired. The body of the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the ESC and ABS sensors illuminated. …
On 9/26/2017 at 3:55 p.m. I was involved in a single car rollover accident. I was traveling on hwy 97 in california at approximately 55-60 MPH. No more than 10 miles outside the city of weed. I hit something in the road or blew a tire. The car first went left and then right. The breaks felt as though they locked. When the car hit an asphalt curb it went airborne (there were no guard rails) and went into a small embankment. The vehicle rolled but landed upright. None of the airbags deployed. I also believe the seatbelt did not lock as it is supposed to when a crash occurs. I say that because the right side my head hit the roof of the vehicle and I received a large hematoma. Initially I thought it was because the roof had caved in. When I saw the vehicle the next day it was the left side of the roof that had caved in. …
A week ago, the red lamp on my dashboard for air bag began to stay lit, while driving, parked, anytime the vehicle was running. Then a few days ago, while my 275 lb son was sitting in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag light stayed lit, saying off, indicating it was not working, despite having a passenger in the seat. Both of these have had recalls, (12V354000) and 11V472000, but I have not received notification to have serviced. One I suspect is because my vehicle was manufactured March 27th, and the recalled includes dates though March 21 (2008) but it is the same problem, so my vehicle should be repaired without cost to me. This is a safety concern for both drivers and passengers in this vehicle. I also have a special needs son, who cannot comprehend safety issues....
Hyundai safety recall campaign no. 103: in relation to the above recall, my vehicle did not qualify due to it being manufactured on 2 June 2008. My clock spring for the driver's air bag has become inoperable as indicated by the air bag light illumination and dealer's diagnosis. The dealer states since there in no recall, I must pay for this part and the diagnosis because I have surpassed the 5yr/60K warranty. This is a safety issue and I am surprised it is not covered for free. As seen with the above recall campaign, I was a few months shy of having it replaced for free regardless of mileage. Is there a way to have my vehicle qualify for the recall?
The last week for nov. 2008 I purchased a new Santa Fe for my wife. On 12/26/2008 she was involved in a head on wreck. My 25 yr. Old daughter who is very petty about 110 lbs. Was riding in the passenger seat and the air bags did not deploy. Due to the air bags not deploying she was injured very seriously. I had no idea that there were prior complaints about the air bags it appears that there has been quite a few complaints I hope something is done before someone is killed. The manufacture needs to fix this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving unknown speeds, the driver side air bag indicator illuminated. The contact called a local dealer (plaza Hyundai located at 2740 nostrand ave ste a brooklyn, ny 11210) where it was diagnosed that the driver's seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened case number: 10473827. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 45,000. ...updated 10/19/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the clock spring switch needed to be replaced. In addition, the technician made the contact aware that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11V472000 (air bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: 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.
Airbag complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, 13% of the model year's 541 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-354 (sensor/control module-inactive, Jul 25, 2012); NHTSA recall 11V-472 (frontal, Sep 9, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 13,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.