2008 Hyundai Santa FE Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 273about this part
- Share
- 50%of 541 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 273 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE, 50% of the 541 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The fuel pump and sensors went bad. The fuel gauge started glitching and going up and down randomly. After 1-2 months it was showing empty at all times. I changed the sensors and the fuel gauge went to the middle even when the tank was full. I had to replace both sensors and the fuel pump to get it fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11297376, filed 2020-01, 125,000 miles“As the same as everyone else, at 70k miles gas gauge stopped working properly and check engine light is stuck on. We are very concerned about not knowing the amount of gas and running out on the highway. Appears to be a safety concern with the vehicle shutting down. Shocked Hyundai has not recalled this problem. I have owned several Hyundai's but this is the last.”
NHTSA complaint #11083775, filed 2018-04, 70,000 miles“Low fuel light stays on regardless of fuel level. This is an ongoing complaint on this model and needs to be recalled for the safety of drivers. The gauge has been moving periodically but now has stayed at a constant empty state with the warning light on. Luckily we were able to fill the tank. We now are going to move it the tank from using g the trip miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10956975, filed 2017-02, 68,000 miles“My fuel guage in the car show no fuel at time and then 1/2 or 1/4 tank, check engine light is on, I have had the check engine light checked and was advised that it is the gauge in the fuel tank. There are other family with 2008 Hyundai with the same issue?? Help the check engine light stays on..”
NHTSA complaint #11089869, filed 2018-04, 100,000 miles“Fuel guage shows false reading, engine light comes on when tank is filled and shows empty reading. Guage will start rising after many miles (one hundred or more). Fuel guage will drop to empty. Car is stationary when filling, but giving false readings when moving anywhere. We never know when we are going to run out of gas. This is a safety issue and should be recalled!”
NHTSA complaint #10904528, filed 2016-09, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10029229Apr 1, 2009Hyundai: mil on dtc p2135 or p0638 or cold engine rpm fluctuation- tps replacement & ecm update. Some vehicles may experience either slight engine rpm fluctuation at cold warm up…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 12 | 6% |
| 2022 | 33 | 16% |
| 2021 | 10 | 6% |
| 2020 | 17 | 8% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 4% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 32 | 6% |
| 2013 | 42 | 7% |
| 2012 | 12 | 3% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 19 | 7% |
| 2009 | 127 | 35% |
| 2008 | 273 | 50% |
| 2007 | 157 | 23% |
| 2006 | 9 | 8% |
| 2005 | 22 | 10% |
| 2004 | 40 | 13% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 13 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE
74 complaintsAir bags
70 complaintsEngine
60 complaintsVehicle speed control
52 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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