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.
be guessed ABS malfunction, on 11/03/2022 on highway in bumper-to-bumper situation.speed around 40 Mph. the car front Suddenly hit braking hard, I had followed immediately hitting the braking hard but at some point became lost brake and collied at the car front, this a second time, I had another very similar situation years ago but avoided collision
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving 60 MPH, the brakes failed to disengage after the brake pedal was depressed and a burning odor was noticed. The anti-lock braking system and the electronic stability control warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from all four tires. The contact left the vehicle idling for awhile and the smoke stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic and electrical control units failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
I lost power steering and power brakes while stopped at a stop sign going up a very steep grade. I was unable to shift into park so that I could turn my car off. I had to lay on the brake with all my weight to keep from rolling backwards into cars behind me. There were no warning lights. After a minute, which felt like much longer, I was able to shift to park and turn my car off and back on. The second time I lost all power, was a couple months later. I was going about 40 MPH on a curvy hilly road. I was unable to steer, accelerate, decelerate, or apply the brakes. There were cars behind me and I was terrified I would end up off the road or heading into oncoming traffic. The vehicle finally came to a stop when it didn't have enough momentum to make it up a hill. I was able to shift into park and turn the car off and back on. Both times my infant was in the car with me. …
This morning (11/11/18) I was traveling with my wife and kids on highway I-290 eastbound approx. 60 MPH, when our car has started accelerating without me pressing down gas pedal. I hit the brakes, however car was still accelerating and the only way to slow it down was to put it on neutral (I was already speeding over 80mph). When I did it, RPM were at 7000 per min. And didn't go down a bit. I pulled over and turn the engine off. When started back , engine was working at normal level RPM's and reacted to gas pedal movement. I've decided to continue drive to our destination. After few minutes of drive, it happens again! This accelerations were unintended by me and put my family at risk. It's very dangerous and can cause accident and even death. My wife is driving this car daily and she wouldn't know how to handle it if it would happened to her. This should be investigated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the emergency brake would erroneously activate while operating the vehicle. If the vehicle had not been warmed up for at least 15 minutes, the failure would occur. The contact stated that the failure would only occur in cold weather temperatures. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the emergency brake and ESC suddenly activated and the speed reduced to 10 MPH. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer in jamesville, wi was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
I was driving at a low speed, making a left-hand turn when the car lost all power. No brakes, no steering. I was able to get the car into a driveway. I was able to restart . About 1 hour later the same thing, only this time I was making a left-hand turn across a very busy city street.. I was almost hit by an oncoming vehicle. This is very dangerous and will probably sell the car & tell the new owners about my issue. I have not taken it to a garage, as the closest Hyundai shop to me is an hour away. I do not feel safe driving that far.
When driving and you hit the breaks, the vehicle attempts to stall, or if you use the high or low breams the radio shuts off and the GPS turns on or you loses it all, while on high way way if you use your high or low beams the engine starts to stall then keeps going causing the vehicle behind you have to break quickly to avoid hitting you as you loose all power for a matter of seconds this happen while moving or parked, I mhave installed two new alternators in the past three weeks and the problem coniinues
Tl contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 55 MPH a noise was coming from the rear passenger side wheel. Upon examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the wheel was very hot and smelled as if it was burning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the brake calipers were covered with rust. He was also informed that he would be responsible for the repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 30,731.
Brake complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, 5% of the model year's 541 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.