2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 681 complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System as the top reported area.
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has 681 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 681
- Crash-related complaints
- 30
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the fuel/propulsion system for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and engine before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the fuel/propulsion system for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and engine before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with the most reports concentrated in the fuel/propulsion system and airbag malfunctions. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall pattern suggests potential issues in several key systems.
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints are the most numerous among all components.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for a significant portion of complaints.
- Electrical Faults and Brake System issues are also frequently reported.
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
All 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 121 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 102 | 10 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 97 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Brake System | 85 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 71 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 68 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 58 | 9 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 44 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 44 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 43 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 40 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 38 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 35 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 31 | 4 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 30 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Engine valve cover gaskets leaking oil, causing oil drip on pavement. Could cause fire and alternator failure. My mechanic pin-pointed the leak location. The google search indicated that other Hundai vehicle owners also had this problem. Mechanic estimated cost to repair the pro…
I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at Lakeland Hyundai (1500 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair (Recall C…
UNKNOWN Went to the grocery store and vehicle was working fine. Upon leaving the store, started the car, ESC OFF light was on and when I went to press the brake to put the vehicle in reverse, the gearshift was locked and I couldn't move the gear. Long story short, I had to get m…
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the underbody of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that…
My vehicle had an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover onto the alternator. the oil damaged the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. On 11/09/2021, the engine light came on and my car turned …
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the contact was informed by another driver that while coming to a stop the brake lights were inoperable. The contact was informed that the brake lights failed to function properly. The vehicle wa…
All 4 tires had the belts Seperate within a year. Less than 15k miles on each. The car started riding rough and pulling hard. Size: 235 /65 R16 103T SL BSW
The E .C. M. PART# 39110-3C561 started faulting out, causing stalling abruptly while stop at an intersection an merging into traffic.This events were randomly happening causing higher risks of accidents. I took the vehicle for service an was informed that the "ECM" was causing …
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in neutral, and restarte…
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the battery exploded leaving a hole in the hood of the vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The contact referenced Hyundai Campaign Number: 976. The local dealer was contacted, b…
Case [XXX] . The frame is rusted through. Unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had the recall done for the rusty frame and sub floor, to arrest the rust. The frame is now rusted through. I have a hole big enough to put my fist in. I call Hyundai customer care center Case #[XXX]. When driving this car if the frame breaks I will lose control of the car and…
Yesterday, Dec 15, 2023, I was driving in a local shopping mall and applied my brakes as I was turning into a store's parking lot. My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe initially slowed upon braking, then suddenly lurched forward, propelling me at least 20 feet forward and past the store par…
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was "running lean on bank 1" and determine…
The Dealer at Selma Hyundai (2505 Highland Ave. Selma, Ca. 93662) was unable to complete the the recall. Dealer stated “unable to complete PODS update attempted multiple times. Current Scan tool does not support hook-up to cables and option is to update no present. Air bag light …
My car has active recalls for the brake switch (prevents brake lights from working properly) and systems related to proper airbag deployment. In addition, there is a service recall (it doesn't show in your database, but it is Hyundai Service Campaign 936 [XXX] ) related to the v…
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mil…
There was a problem with the steering, so thought may be my wife hit a pothole found out the sub frame was severely corroded rusted and falling apart. My family could seriously got hurt. There was no accident, But there very well could have if she continued to drive ,there has t…
Did oil change. Valve cover was leaking. Put in manufacturer recommended oil. Engine chatter after oil change. Also did valve cover gaskets at said time of oil change.
Check Engine Light was lighting up on and off sporadically and fuel gage was showing E with light on and now both are not working properly. The check engine light stays on and fuel gage always shows empty even when it is full.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 681 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (121 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (102 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (97 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, NHTSA complaints include 30 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 681 total complaints. 32 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel/Propulsion System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.