2008 Hyundai Santa FE Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 4%of 541 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE, 4% of the 541 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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“The rear differential caught on fire. I heard a clunk on entering reverse in the morning. After 35 miles other drivers alerted me that my car was on fire. After pulling off the road us 90 in newton ma the fire dept was called after the fire went out on it's own. The vehicle was not destroyed.”
NHTSA complaint #10436936, filed 2011-11, 58,797 miles“Hyundai's slave cylinder is a faulty part known about online and in mechanic shops. It has failed twice in 65,000 miles and caused additional damage. It recently failed while driving as the vehicle slowed to turn and shifted to accelerate again. The clutch was damaged by this part and we had a $2,000 bill. There was nothing wrong with the clutch prior to this and the dealership even informed us it was damaged by the slave cylinder. Hyundai doesn't consider the slave cylinder part of the powertrain warranty and is denying our claim for reimbursement.”
NHTSA complaint #10992975, filed 2017-06, 65,000 miles“I have a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe with 35,000 miles on it. Last week I was driving at 25 miles/hr and it suddenly accelerated. I tried to brake multiple times but the car would not stop. I put the car in park and turned off the ignition and it stopped. Over the past two weeks I have had multiple incidences of sudden acceleration while pressing lightly on the gas and at other times while letting up on the brake. I brought my car to ther dealer in reisterstown, maryland. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386369, filed 2011-03, 35,000 miles“Throttle accelerated by itself and was stuck wide open. Could not get the throttle to disengage. I tried tapping the gas pedal several times and this did nothing. Managed to hold both feet on brake and downshift into low. I got vehicle onto shoulder and put it in neutral and the engine continued to run full throttle. I shoved it into park and turned the key off. The engine did not disengage until the key was turned off. Very bad for transmission to shove it into park but I had no other options. Very scary. I have been told that there is no recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10578604, filed 2014-04, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253274Apr 9, 2024Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâs valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator…
- 10196546May 21, 2021Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or…
- 10174807Apr 17, 2020The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10170899Jan 2, 2020This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
- 10163279Jun 4, 2019This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
- 10160098Apr 15, 2019This bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module…
- 10138240Apr 6, 2018If you are servicing a vehicle with a harsh and/or delayed shift, use the GDS as shown in the Service Procedure to measure shift engagement time.
- 10082455Aug 9, 2016"the pcm or tcm contains logic to adjust solenoid duty and line pressure as needed to compensate for normal clutch wear over the life of the transaxle. This bulletin provides the…
- 10032908Oct 1, 2009Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may…
- 10031906Sep 1, 2009Hyundai: rear hub bearing replacement 4wd. The procedure to replace the rear hub bearings on certain santa fe vehicles. The procedure includes installation instructions for dust…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 8% |
| 2025 | 22 | 16% |
| 2024 | 45 | 29% |
| 2023 | 45 | 21% |
| 2022 | 57 | 28% |
| 2021 | 51 | 30% |
| 2020 | 26 | 12% |
| 2019 | 37 | 18% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 166 | 17% |
| 2016 | 21 | 9% |
| 2015 | 22 | 9% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 52 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 7% |
| 2011 | 21 | 12% |
| 2010 | 109 | 42% |
| 2009 | 24 | 7% |
| 2008 | 24 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 11 | 5% |
| 2004 | 21 | 7% |
| 2003 | 35 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2008 Hyundai Santa FE
273 complaintsElectrical system
74 complaintsAir bags
70 complaintsEngine
60 complaintsVehicle speed control
52 complaintsBrakes
29 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