2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

A 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe with problems like an erratic fuel gauge or idle is a couple of the top 5 common problems experienced by the 2nd generation. We review their symptoms, causes, and fixes in this article and video.

Common Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013)

1A Auto mechanic reviewing the top 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

1. Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Symptoms of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

  • Check engine light
  • Stalling while driving

Causes of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Sometimes the crankshaft sensor can fail, and sometimes there’s a problem with the wiring.

How to Fix Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Grab a scanner and check and confirm the code is for a crankshaft position sensor. If the scanner can graph, test the function of the crank sensor. The crank sensor is located underneath the hood on the transmission bell housing underneath the cylinder head on the left side.

Read more about crankshaft position sensors

2. Automatic Transmission Problems

Symptoms of Problems with the Automatic Transmission

  • Shiftability problems

Causes of Problems with the Automatic Transmission in the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Shiftability problems are known to occur on the 2nd gen Hyundai Santa Fe, like the RPMs increasing without the normal shifting to follow. It might feel like the transmission is abnormally shifting through gears on its own.

How to Fix Automatic Transmission Problems

Typically, you’ll want to service the transmission to fix this problem. Before doing that, make sure you’re up to date on all your maintenance. If you haven’t serviced your transmission in over 100,000 miles, there could be damage to it, and one way to tell is by seeing metal chunks in the fluid, which means the transmission is destroyed.

To service the transmission, steps include removing the transmission pan and letting the fluid drain. Replace the fluid with specific Honda recommended fluid. Then it’s next best to reset the transmission adaptives, which is not something you can generally do on your own. You could with a scanner or someone who’s experienced, and you can also bring it to the dealership and have them update it to the most current version.

After completed, test the car and make sure it shifts perfectly. If it doesn’t after being serviced, check the transmission fluid and make sure it’s full. Make sure the level stays between the hatch lines on the dipstick where the full level should be. If that doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to replace the transmission.

Fix common problems on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and more yourself with quality auto parts and tips at 1aauto.com

3. Fuel Level Sensor Failure

Symptoms of Problems with the Fuel Level Sensor on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Check engine for p0463
  • Erratic fuel gauge on dash

Causes of a Bad Fuel Level Sensor

The sensor can get debris, build up, or wear down and that can cause an inaccurate reading with the sensor. The fuel level sensor is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump has a fuel level bar with a float. When you add fuel, it’ll lift the float and the bar will come across the gauge to tell the computer how much fuel is in the tank.

How to Fix a Faulty Fuel Level Sensor

If the fuel level sensor is damaged, replace the fuel pump.

4. Alternator Problems

Alternator on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, which can have issues and is one of the top 5 common problems with this models
Alternator on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Symptoms of Problems with the Alternator on the 2nd Gen Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Low battery
  • Electrical parts like headlights not working
  • Electrical problems

Causes of Issues with the Alternator

Oil can run down the engine onto the alternator, which can cause problems with generating electricity.

How to Fix the Alternator

The alternator is on the front side of the engine down along the bottom of the passenger side and it will have a belt running across it. Check the alternator for dirt, which is a sign of an oil leak.

Fix the oil leak, clean the alternator, and test it. Before replacing the alternator, test the charging system to confirm it’s not the battery that’s dead.

5. EGR Valve Issues

Symptoms of Problems with the EGR Valve on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Erratic idle

Causes of EGR Valve Issues

The EGR valve on the 2.7-liter V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines can clog up with carbon. A faulty EGR valve can cause an erratic idle, like when sitting at a red light and seeing the RPMs rise and maybe feeling a shutter in the vehicle. This happens because a dirty EGR valve can disrupt the vehicle’s ability to maintain the proper RPMs. The check engine light could turn on too, but this is less likely.

How to Fix an EGR Valve Causing an Irratic Idle

Carbon is a hard, black substance that typically needs to be scraped out of the system. Remove the EGR valve and clean any carbon from it with carburetor cleaner and a wire brush. Replace the gasket, plug it in, clear the code, and take it for a road test.

If this doesn’t fix it, continue diagnosing. You might have to replace the EGR valve.

2nd Generation Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years

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2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems - Experts Review - 1A Auto
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2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems - Experts Review - 1A Auto
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Learn the top 5 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems of the 2nd generation as our expert mechanics review their tops causes and fixes that apply to this model.
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1A Auto
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One thought to “2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems”

  1. I had to look up what you meant by lest side of the car. I am a layman and only knew passenger side and drivers side. But this video was VERY helpful anyway.

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