Hyundai Santa Fe 2007+

mrmister2000

Why not? Because its a Hyundai?

Not at all, pelican19. I have no doubt that this is an excellent vehicle. I am now about 4 weeks away from trying to lease one. I also saw another Red Limited yesterday on the highway (only the 3rd '07 Santa Fe I've ever seen on the road) and I got all excited as it drove by.

What I meant by that was that as I know them, Porsche's are generally meant to do one thing... go fast. That's why my uncle has owned several of them... 2 944's (one Turbo) and a 911 Turbo. I did not even think that the Cayenne would be offered in a version that could only manage 0-60 in 8.8 seconds. Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a Porsche, if you ask me. But yes, 500HP sounds pretty sweet!

mrmister2000

Yep, I'm sure they'll probably have the dome light problem fixed in time for next year. Considering how much different the new version is compared to the old it's not hard to see that they left out a few minor details. I'd rather see small details like that left out during the first year, rather than see massively troublesome problems (engine, tranny, etc.) arise.

Maybe at some point later this year they'll be able to come out with a permanent fix for the dome light and will instruct all the dealers to take care of it ahead of time.

stm378

There's actually a fix to the lack of lighting problem posted somewhere either in here or in the repairs & maintenance section. I think that it was intially performed on a Sonata, but it's the same for the Fe. Try searching for it in here, or possibly google sonata and map light and door. The fix basically wired up the map lights so that they came on with the dome light when the car door opened. It didn't look terribly difficult, but messing around with wiring on your new car can be somewhat intimidating.

edmac1

I suspect that during the final design phase of the 07 Santa Fe a bunch of engineers were sitting in a meeting with the Chief Bean Counter and the CBC informed them that they would have to eliminate some other things to bring the price down a little more. Somebody suggested the driver's window auto up and the light over the front seat when you open the door. I have seen a lot of complaints about the light in these forums and I think I read that this has been fixed in the latest SF's. DJBUBLM's complaint is the first mention I have seen about the window, so maybe a few more gripes about this will give Hyundai something to think about. Personally the auto up window would not be high on my list of possible improvements.

mrmister2000

I've never had a vehicle with auto-up windows and I actually didn't even know there was such a thing until I started on this forum a little while back. But, I do see situations where it could come in handy though... such as when you're driving along with your windows all the way down and see a big dust-cloud kicked up by an earth-mover or dozer coming towards you. Then, the auto-up would really come in handy, since you would not have your other hand off the wheel for too long to get the windows closed. If the windows already have the necessary circuitry/linkage to have an auto-down feature then I don't see how it would be all that more expensive to have auto-up, as well. Could be something as simple as some software re-programming I would think, although I could be totally wrong on that.

I had remembered reading that there was a wiring, or fuse fix for the dome light issue, but I make it a note not to mess with stuff like that when it comes to cars. That's why I think it's such a big deal that the pro's (dealer mechanics) do it ahead of time.

Soon I'll be hitting the Hyundai dealerships and I'll have to make an effort to remember to ask them about the dome light while I'm there.

pelican19

The MAP LIGHT issue has been fixed in the second generation Santa Fe's. AS for the mod mentioned in earlier posts, I looked into it. Its originally for an Elantra I think. Someone tried it and followed the directions to the letter and found out that it works to SOME extent. The map lights will go on but they are dimmer than expected. Some kind of voltage drop happens. So its not a fix but a real sloppy work around for the Santa Fe. I dont suggest anyone else try it until its perfected IMO.

budh

Finding a SUV (or crossover CUV) with some luxury and with all of the following:

1. AWD/ABS/stability control/traction control
2. Highway mileage at least 22 miles per gallon
3. Enough driver’s seat headroom and legroom for someone 6’3”, 32” inseam, and a LONG TORSO

has been exasperating, to say the least! The headroom has been the major problem for me.

Given the following possibilities:

Hyundai Santa Fe

and also Nissan Murano, Lexus RX350, and Mazda CX-7

which one would be the easiest to special order most or all the “bells and whistles” in a Limited type edition but avoid having a moonroof?

(As a general comment, also, which manufacturer would be most apt to allow you to delete an option, like the moonroof, and still get nearly all the other available options?)

Oh, and I don’t have any problem waiting several months for a special ordered vehicle to arrive.

Bud H

4pmg

I also recently purchased a new 07 SantaFe Limited (3/23). The first night I had the car, I thought the interior light was turned off. As we all know it isn't. My SantaFe was manufactured in December and was one of the first to reach my dealer with XM radio...unfortunatly it was built before the light fix. As I use my vehicle at night often I found this a major safty issue. I was really surprised that the dealer had not had any complaints about this. I have been persistant with this issue since the second day after discovering this problem. The good news is there is a fix...and one that Hyundai will provide to all comsumers who have complained about this issue. Once the parts are available a Hyundai Consumer Affairs Representative will call you to have the issue corrected, however you must have contacted Hyundia Consumer Affairs and have been issued a file number. I have been told the parts should be available in about a month.

gizzer777

Thanks 4pmg.

Just spoke with both the dealer and Hyundai Consumer Affairs....neither was aware of the interior lighting issue???

I did get a file # and we shall see what develops....Thanks again

edmac1

Installation of auto-up windows is more complicated and thus more expensive than auto-down because auto-up has to include the mechanism to reverse the window if any resistance is met, such as a child's neck. This is similar to the auto-reverse on garage doors, except in the opposite direction.

pelican19

Thats great news. Thanks to you and your persistance we will get this fixed.

ppborceb

Hi Bud:
I have a 2007 Santa Fe Limited, AWD with only the standard equipment with everything you mentioned. I had to wait two months to get this baby and it was well worth the wait. My dealer went the extra mile and so can yours. Go to the dealer and tell them exactly what you want and they can put in a request for that specific vehicle and it can get allocated to the dealership the next time one is produced. I was told that you could NOT order from Hyundai like you can from Ford or GM, but that is NOT entirely true... you can if you are willing to wait!!!
Good luck, you won't be disappointed.

1bythesea

4pmg,

Thank goodness I found your post! I test drove a '07 Santa Fe manufactured in December today and asked about the map lights not coming on when front doors opened. The salesman was very nice but seemed surprised I noticed and never mentioned a 'fix' would be available soon. Over all, I was impressed with the vehicle but the unlit map courtesy lights REALLY bothered me. I plan on doing one more test drive this coming Monday or Tuesday and will be taking a copy of your post with me. We'll see what the dealer says.

Did Hyundai mention how the fix was going to be done? I assume this will be cost free to the customer...

rangersrock

I am pleased to hear about the possibility of a fix for the map lights. It's not a huge deal to me, but it would be a nice feature. As for the auto up window, I am glad the Santa Fe does NOT have that. Our '01 Maxima has that feature, and I always wondered if it was a defect. It engages with the slightest pull of the window button. It seems like a huge safety issue to me.

mrmister2000

Hi everyone,

It just occured to me to ask this... is there currently an Owner's Pictures section set up for Santa Fe'ers who wish to show of their rides? The Mitsu Outlander forum has a similar thread for owners pics and I have to say that it's nice being able to see pictures of other people's rides and the different paint colors. If we don't currently have a thread like this could we possibly have one set up?

tidester

You can do that right here: http://www.carspace.com/mrmister2000

Your login for the Forums should work there.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

mrmister2000

Thanks for the help, tidester!

For anyone who's interested and would like to share some pictures of their new '07 Santa Fe, please feel free to do so by going here.

4pmg

No, I have no idea how Hyundai plans to correct the map light issue. I actually have been dealing with Hyundai's USA Corporate office, in Ca. and not a call center manager or consumer affairs rep. The news of the fix may not have filtered down yet to the Consumer Affairs or dealer networks. And...yes, the fix well be free of charge.

djdublm

More than likely the wires that run back to the dome light run right through the same area as the map lights, and they will splice into them somhow so that they come on with the door and then fade out the same way. They will also probably competely replace the maplight section to include a door button and just like the dome light is. Then again since there doing it for free they may just rely on the dome light door button. Now since you have friends in high places it sounds like get my auto up driver window button fixed...lol.. that will never happen im sure to many sensors and such involved that arent already there. Wishfull thinking though.

rangersrock

I sent an email to Hyundai's customer affairs office inquiring about the fix so that the map lights would come on automatically when a door is opened. Based on this response, I don't think they comprehended the issue or even understood my email. Here is their response:

In order to properly address your concerns, contact with the service department of your Hyundai dealership must be made to have the vehicle inspected and diagnosed and see what information they have as far as changing the lights goes.

gizzer777

Standard fare answer...As suggested, I got a file # from consumer affairs who had no idea what I was talking about...my dealer was well intentioned but also had no clue. It would appear that Hyundai needs to get its communication together. Whenever I have asked them about something, the response is ?...the SF is still so new....heck it is coming on a year now isn't it? we shall see what comes of it

If it were not for the kind soul here, I would not have gotten my trip computer (temp) fixed. When I presented the dealer with the TSB (from a forum member), then they found and repaired it....they just did not know!

Off topic: meantime I have put about 1000 mi on my SE (haven't been driving too much yet)and must say it is a nice ride. quite and comfortable, good in snow too...time will tell the rest....got it just in time for the gas increases...Blah

serenoa1

I too have been upset with the interior lighting and for the 1st time yesterday saw the many posts on it. I went to the form letter I received from one Don Dees, VP Service, and talked to a case mgr named Troy at Ext 54248. All this was news to him and he said he would look into it, but gave me the spiel that there was nothing wrong with the car--that's the way it was designed when I decided to buy it. He called me back this AM and completely stonewalled me, saying that there was no fix available and wouldn't be and that it would be up to me to do whatever I wished about the problem. I gave him the info to look at these postings, but he refused, saying that people can say anything on the internet.
The tel# is 1-800-633-5151 which I assume others have used. If we could get the identity of the case mgr who is saying things differently, maybe we could get them together and thrash this out.
It appears that customer service with Hyundai is going to be a lot different than it has been with Lexus and Infiniti. I guess you get what you pay for.

mikes2

1bythesea, since it sounds like you haven't purchased a SF yet, just wanted to clarify that Hyundai have changed this on all SFs manufactured from sometime in January onwards (not sure what the exact change-over date was). Ours was built on Jan. 29th, and the front map lights come on whenever the car's unlocked, or the doors are opened.

Before buying a SF in a dealer's inventory, I would check the manufacture date, or even better, just check out the front lights before buying!

Good luck,

Mike

jimsist

talked to hyundai yesterday the rep was very nice and was well informed on the issue.said that they are working on it and gave me a case number and told me to go ahead and tell the dealer to get on his list.would inform me when the parts caome in. also another probleam is if you look on the right side floor up at the top theres a bolt with a nut and threads showing. could get cut on bolt if bare foot or kids :confuse: are playing and foot goes up toward the top. told hyundai they were to investate this and get back with me. she said to take it to the dealer and show them so they could get a record of it.

gllund

I have emailed Hyundai Canada twice. Here are their answers
1st response....
February 19, 2007

Thank you for writing Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

We have forwarded your comments in regards to the dome light to the appropriate department for review. There is no fix available for this.

The specifications for the 2008 Santa Fe have not yet been released, however we have passed on your comments to our product planning department.

Kind regards,

Customer Relations
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

2nd response....
March 19, 2007

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for writing Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Your Santa Fe is built to specifications in regards to the interior lighting. Based on this, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has not released any modification information or directions in regards to the lighting.

Kind regards,

Customer Relations
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

serenoa1

Could you identify the case mgr. who gave you this info that a fix was on the way? Is he in CA? Thanks.

dr_doug

My 07 Santa Fe Limited came with the touring package, which includes "trailer pre-wiring". So far, I've had no luck finding an adapter that converts the pre-wiring harness (two plugs, one 2-pin power & ground, one 4-pin L&R turn & brake) to a more standard 4-pin trailer connection? When asked, my dealer pointed me at a local company who tried to sell me a harness that bypassed the prewiring completely and attached directly to the tail lights. I'd prefer not to go this route if possible. Does anyone have any ideas?

gizzer777

Some one here posted that Hyundai had not finalized the adapter yet...Heck I have the touring pkg and have no idea where the prewiring harness even is....could you tell me. Sometime this summer, I would like to install a hitch and wiring...that is if gas does not continue to go berserk! Would not surprise me to see it above $3.50 since it is already above $3 here on the west coast. If so...the SF will not be towing anything other than me!@!!

I would consider the prewiring mess a pretty good screwup.

dr_doug

The connectors are tucked up under the fender behind the rear tire on the drivers side. The picture in the owners manual is incorrect, since it points to the pop-out where the "pull me out of this ditch" eye-bolt screws into the rear bumper.

I agree Hyundai seems to have dropped the ball on this. After all, its just a trailer electrical connection. Its not rocket science. I don't know why, for the $1300 that the touring package lists for, they couldn't have included a more conventional connector.

trebl

Try going to www.etrailer.com, enter 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, and the wiring harness is part number 118415. The connections are made inside the access panels in the rear cargo area. I've installed it but haven't had the opportunity to "steal" my son's boat......yet. Meter wise, it checks okay.

gizzer777

Thank you for that Dr Doug...never would have found it! You are right..there are only a few trailer connectors...why would Hyundai have to re-invent the wheel and then lose the blueprints too? :mad:

EDIT: WOW...yep there they were...now I know why they haven't finalized a connection...they probably have not got the right connections at NASA!!!! I have never seen anything like those connectors...Call will be going to customer service tomorrow. I am amazed that something so simple could be such a nightmare. I am sure if they do come up with something, it will not be cheap either...I also assume if we do not use the official connection....warranty problems lay ahead! Catch 22

Funny ...they did so much right on the SF and just messed up the small stuff...Interior lighting, smooth slippery leather on the steering wheel,trailer prep connectors and who knows what else awaits...still drives nice though and that is most important I guess. :shades:

gizzer777

Thanks Trebl

I have looked at that but want to give the manufacturer a shot and see what comes out....Why they would put the prewire connectors on like that is astounding! heck, I paid for it...would be nice to use it! I thought I got beat when I could not find the connection...but thanks to Dr Doug....there they were...in plain sight ...sort of....unusable as they are right now

gwilly

I would love to hear what the "Hyundai" folks have to say about the lack of a trailer harness. I've already been there, done that to no avail. It would be nice to get reimbursed for the after-market kit that I had to buy.....yeah right....just like the lighting fix getting resolved.....just like the dealer for FREE setting the automatic 20mph locks.

I also like how the after-market kit says that you should just leave it in the trunk area when not used....WTF is that, if you are putting in a trailer harness for lights it should be at the hitch area permanently. Which just adds more work...drilling a 1-1/4" unibit hole twice to get the flat 4 conductor through.

Also you might think that this harness has a brake wire pre-wired to under the drivers dash....not so. You also have to run this all the way to the front. This is a PIA also, there is no grommets on the driver side, only on the passenger side is there a big wiring harness that goes through the fire-wall and you need to get the rubber assembly off with some crazy metal clip to undo. Then you can feed it through properly.

I'll post some pictures soon. The hitch below and the harness was very easy to install, except for the hole to get the wires through to under the rear of the vehicle.

I did use the 12+(red)12ga.wire and 12-(black)12ga.wire in the trailer pre-wiring for 2 of the terminals on my 7 pole plug though. This whole project took some serious patience...which I do have.

etrailer.com
V82753 Valley Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver ($134.95)
118415 T-one trailer harness ($36.82)
30717 4 pole to 7 pole adapter harness(for my trailer brakes)($15.00)

Total with shipping $187.76

4pmg

I have also contacted NHTSA.dot.gov, their phone number is 888-327-4236. I filed a complaint with NHTSA with respect to the interior lighting issues. In fact, I was surprised that no one had taken the time to do so with all the complaints with the interior lighting issue. This really is a major safety issue. more in this forum need to call NHTSA and file complaints.

4pmg

I also just spoke with Hyundai. My case file shows that as soon as the fix(parts) are available Hyundai will contact me to schedule correcting this issue.

gizzer777

I just spoke with Hyundai as well, about the dome light issue as well as the trailer wiring issue. The answer on the trailer wiring was "we have not made it yet and we do not know when" NOT A GOOD ANSWER. The dealer knew nothing as well.....I am beginning to regret my purchase, not because of the SF itself but because of huyndai's inability to resolve these small problems. If they want to grow...this is not the way.

I also suspect that if there is trouble with anything electrical, they would blame an after market trailer wiring job....ROCK AND HARDSPOT! :mad:

dr_doug

I hate to hear that Gizzer, but I'm glad you tracked it down. I emailed my the salesman today (the same one that said "Oh yeah, it will plug right into the prewiring..."). Now he describes the same process gwilly wrote about (i.e. dangling the connector out the tailgate). I told him that was just a sloppy solution and that I wanted something that explicitly plugged into the prewiring harness. I want to hear him say that he charged me for an unsupported, unusable option.

Wonder if there are any electrical engineers on this forum who'd like to make a few bucks cranking out some adapters?

gizzer777

I agree...I am not going to dangle something out of my tailgate, especially since i paid $1300 for the touring Pkg. I really did not need the seats but did like the trans cooler and "prewire" idea. I feel as though I have been shortchanged. It's not like I am towing a lot, but i still want the ability to ! Now that I think about it...the package really should have included a hitch and been ready to tow anyway!!! IMHO!

mrmister2000

I'd have to agree with you, 4pmg.

This is a definite safety issue in my eyes and I'd hazard to guess that just about every other recently-manufactured vehicle out there (regardless of manufacturer) has a front dome light which comes on when the doors are opened. I think the whole thing was probably just a design oversight on Hyundai's part.

gwilly

You bring up a great point, the cost was considerable for the "touring package", we do use the 3rd row seats, but you are correct in that is expensive for what you get.

I mean...pleeeaasse....the fricken hitch that I got was only $134.00, I'm sure that the buying power of Hyundai could source those for at least 1/2 of that price and include that and the flat 4-pole end that most "trailer pre-wired" vehicles come with.

Salespeople are so f'ing vague when answering questions about options. I probably should have made the purchase agreement have a due bill for the trailer harness male end that was(is) not manufactured.

The guy at my Hyundai dealer service area will not budge on me not paying for the auto door lock system to be programmed, and I'm sure he won't be calling me anytime soon to let me get the lighting issue fixed or the trailer harness adapter.

pelican19

I just shot off an e-mail to Hyundai Consumer Affairs about the door lock issue. In a nutshell the feature is disabled by them and should be set at the owners request for free as part of the pre-delivery inspection or fall under the adjustments clause in the warranty. I will post the response ( If any ) when I get it.

gizzer777

Thanks Pelican.

This like many issues appear to be at the dealer level. My dealer just said...if you want it we will do it for free at the 1st oil chg...unless you need it now.
These guys are very cooperative...I had a leaky tail light (let water in) instead of waiting for a replacement part...the svc Mgr just took one off another car on the lot...he just wanted to see me happy!

I have taken a different approach...if it isn't broken, I am not fixin it. Do not have a family so I really do not need the auto locks (also we do not have car jackings hers YET! Since the locks are electric, i figure that it is just one more thing that can break....Conditioned reflex I guess!)

I am going to keep hounding them on the prewire trailer light issue though.

My dealership seems all eager to plz...just is not well informed which I blame on hyundai, not them

jimsist

auto door locks should be programed when ever you want at no charge. they can be set at differant speeds hyundai recomends 15 .they work fine when ever i backup or go forward they auto lock its a saftey issue for my family agenset car jacking and etc. my hyundai has the pre wireing already behind the little plug on the rear bumber left side.the lightig issue igot a case number and hyundai will call me when parts are in.the number is 1-800-633-5151 they know about the lighting issue. take your case number to the dealer so he will have a record of it to.

davesuv

Having had my 2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited with premium and touring packages now for nearly 6 months (over 6000 miles), I'm just as pleased with it now as when I first picked it up. It's still my favorite car I've ever owned.

Dome light: As for the dome light issue, I have always found the dome light to provide sufficient light for getting in and out of the car. If I need more light for some task, I just reach up and flick on the map light. It's a non-issue for me as I probably prefer that the map lights don't come on when I open the door. By the way, our 2007 Lexus RX350 has exactly the same lighting arrangement as our Santa Fe. Only the rear dome light comes on when you open the door.

Trailer wiring: I also plan on installing a trailer hitch on mine (it's been sitting in the basement waiting for warmer weather). I plan to use it mostly for a hitch mounted bike rack, so the electrical connections are secondary to me. I bought the Santa Fe wiring kit with the hitch. I didn't realize the car was pre-wired. I can always cut out the non-standard connector and replace it with whatever one I need for a few dollars. I think the touring package was fairly priced. It's main features are the 3rd row seat and an auxiliary air conditioner, so the rear passengers get better cooling. I'm really glad I got the 3rd row seats. I've only used them twice so far, but they've been invaluable the few times they're needed.

Door locks: Thanks to this great forum, I was aware of the dealer-programmable automatic door locks before I picked up my vehicle. I asked them to program them to lock at 15 mph and it was taken care of while we completed the paperwork.

I can sympathize with people not having their expectations met. If Hyundai wants to move up with the big boys, they need to exceed their customers expectations. So far, they've done that with me. I'm just thankful that nobody is having major engine or transmission problems. For someone who never would even consider a Hyundai in the past, I'm a convert.

2007 AWD SF Limited with touring and premium
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior (I love the color!)

roudy1

The map light is really a non-issue; the rear dome light gives enough illumination when the door is opened and the ignition switch is highlighted with the blue light. If you need more light, reach up and hit the map light switch.

My dealer activated the automatic door locks during the first oil change--no charge.

After 2 months and nearly 6000 miles on the odometer, I'm very satisfied with my decision to purchase a Santa Fe.

davesuv

For anyone that's interested, I installed a trailer hitch on my 2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited. I documented the process with pictures, which can be seen on my Carspace site here: Hitch Pictures

It was an extremely easy do-it-yourself project. I bought the hitch from Etrailer.com. It's specifically made for the 2007 Santa Fe. The brand hitch I purchased is "Hidden Hitch". I like the way it turned out. You can't really see any of the hitch except for the receiver. Here's a picture of the final installation:

See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited with touring and premium packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior

gizzer777

Thanks Davesuv...

I have no doubt about the Hitch...looks very simple (great Pics). The big question is when Hyundai will come out with the adapter for the electrical connection. As has been said before...I have the touring pkg "pre wired" for the towing....I do not want to use the "hang it out the back" solution from etrailer since I paid for the pkg and want use for what I paid for. ...common Hyundai how bout an answer and time frame. The SF is 3/4 yr old now and still no info! I have called a few times and just get stonewalled

davesuv

Hi Dr Doug,

I have the 2007 SF Limited with the Touring and Premium packages. Does this really include pre-wiring for a hitch? I have never seen any mention that pre-wiring is part of the touring package (only 3rd row seat and extra air conditioning). I've checked all around my drivers side rear fender behind the rear wheel and find no evidence of any such wiring. Also, I don't see any mention of it in my owners manual. What page did you see it on?

Thanks

kontent

In Canada, they now offer a towing package on the GLS 7 seater model (top of the line here), which is included in the price!

djdublm

Seems like i read that the towing capacity is like 1500lbs on the SF, why is it so low for the size vehicle it is, i had a 01 Mazda Tribute with a smaller engine and it was 3500lbs.