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Exterior lightingPart report

2008 Hyundai Santa FE Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
2%of 541 total for the year
Median mileage
90,550miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE, 2% of the 541 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,550 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“After 141,000 miles the engine threw a rod, I had heard a clicking noise for a while but was assured it was a normal engine sound after taking it to the dealer. I change my oil regularly and have my slips, the engine completely failed while driving. In the last year and a half I am having to replace approximately one low beam headlamp per month.”

NHTSA complaint #10870085, filed 2016-05, 141,000 miles

“Our gas gauge shows empty, and the fuel light stays on, all the time. This occurs even after we fill the car up. This occurs whether the car is stationary or running. We have to track our fuel level by keeping track of the mileage. Also, if we turn the car off when fueling, it will not turn back on. We have to try over and over again until it turns on. We have found that if we leave the car running while fueling, it usually stays running; however, a lot of times, the car stops running and then, we struggle to get it started again. …”

NHTSA complaint #10905519, filed 2016-09, 89,000 miles

“The dash lights started flashing, the wipers stopped working in the middle of a down pour, the lights went dim. The traction system started detuning the engine. All dash lights on. We find that it is a leaky value cover gasket. Drips on the alternator and causes it to go bad. The service manager said they are all starting to have this problem and it's $700.00. If I was the orginal owner Hyundai would replace the gasket, but I would need to pay for the altenator. $600.00 uhgg!!! Now for the fuel guage. Two sensors under the back seat and good as new. $200.00.”

NHTSA complaint #10606207, filed 2014-06, 85,209 miles

“Engine rattles noise when starting the car after sitting for more than an hour it makes that sound another issue is that when i turn the headlights on all interior lights shuts off including the instrument cluster radio and ac climate control buttons”

NHTSA complaint #11725733, filed 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal the cruise control briefly failed to disengage. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The Electronic Power Control (EPC) and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the stop lamp switch. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11638264, filed 2025-01, 195,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202421%
202331%
202121%
202031%
201921%
201822%
201740%
201621%
201594%
2014112%
2013163%
2012144%
2011148%
201073%
200993%
2008112%
2007436%
200698%
200552%
200410%
200321%
200221%
200131%

Other parts of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE

Fuel system
273 complaints
Electrical system
74 complaints
Air bags
70 complaints
Engine
60 complaints
Vehicle speed control
52 complaints
Brakes
29 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
24 complaints
Body and structure
20 complaints
Other or unknown
19 complaints
Electronic stability control
16 complaints
Steering
14 complaints
Suspension
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology