Consumer Reports gives the small SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe, one of its prized recommendations. Since Santa Fes first began coming out in 2001, appreciation for them has continued to grow. For the most part, electrical problems have been minimal, with the exception of the passenger side air bag in the 2007 and 2008 models.
Contact Hyundai directly if you have an air bag light on in your Santa Fe. It seems to indicate that the passenger air bag doesn't acknowledge an appropriately size person in the seat. The seat sensor appears to be defective and only works part of the time. Unfortunately, you can't plan car accidents around this. Enough complaints have been registered about this problem that a recall or under warranty fix should become available.
Check related fuses, relays or modules if you experience problems with the fuel pump or fuel gauge. These should be the first things checked, because it takes less time and money for a simple electrical repair than for a more complex part replacement.
Investigate inside dash lights and headlights that fluctuate. Check all fuses and relays, and then test your battery's charge. This is a safety issue and can be particularly dangerous at night.
Get an OBD check for quirky electrical problems like the horn going off. If you don't have a defective part, it may be a programming error. Your Hyundai dealer should be able to reprogram your computer module for you.
Test sensors when the check engine light comes on in your Santa Fe. It might be the oxygen sensors, mass air flow sensor or air temperature sensor. Sometimes intake and exhaust manifolds develop cracks that require fixing.
