2008 Hyundai Santa FE Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 541 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,490miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE, 3% of the 541 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,490 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Going down interstate at 70 miles an hour and car shut off put car in nutral and restarted . Then the next day driving to work and car cut off again while driving did same and restarted . Went on line and found out this has ben a problem in these cars for years and am afraid for me and my children s lives”
NHTSA complaint #11277181, filed 2019-10, 170,000 miles“I was driving along and made a right turn into a intersecting road when I encountered loss of steering control. After almost hitting a car I got it off to the side of road and discovered that the engine had just shut off with no warning. It cranked right back up and I drove it home but now I am afraid to drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #11118333, filed 2018-08, 72,228 miles“Lost power steering, without warning. Luckily I was going slow crossing an intersection, and stoping. After that it was a losing tug of war with the steering. Mechanic found rack lines rusted and leaking. If I was traveling at any speed, I may have lost control. Very dangerous! Please help prevent an accident or death.”
NHTSA complaint #10750437, filed 2015-08, 96,490 miles“My car has stalled several times this past week without warning or indication that anything is wrong. The vehicle will suddenly stop and lose power completely while I anxiously try to restart it. It has put me at risk with other drivers where I've had to put my hazards on and hope vehicles are able to stop in time so they don't hit me. I've taken it in for service and they can't seem to replicate the problem. The car is a safety hazard and no one seems to be helping me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10994173, filed 2017-06, 143,000 miles“My 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe stalled twice today. It also stalled on the same day twice last week. This happened each time I came to a stop light or wanted to make a turn. The engine stopped running, the power steering ceased working, and check engine light came on. After each occurrence, I switched my hazard lights on, pushed the transaxle to park and then restarted the car to pull out of traffic. The stalling is often accompanied by loss of power (power steering and brakes too), complete failure to accelerate, and the check engine light comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #11110670, filed 2018-07, 113,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10196577May 14, 2021The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 8 | 7% |
| 2017 | 27 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 52 | 11% |
| 2013 | 95 | 16% |
| 2012 | 16 | 5% |
| 2011 | 20 | 11% |
| 2010 | 8 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 5% |
| 2008 | 14 | 3% |
| 2007 | 38 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 16 | 10% |
| 2001 | 13 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE
273 complaintsElectrical system
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 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