2007 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2007 Hyundai Santa FE — 8% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine complaints

share of all complaints

93,132 mi

median reported incident mileage

1 / 2

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“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 problem was quoted at…”
filed Feb 17, 2026
“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 Code 976 / Campaign…”
filed Jan 15, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
24-01-026H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 9, 2024
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 19, 2023
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 19, 2023
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 3, 2023
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 3, 2023