2007 Hyundai Santa Fe

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.

Hyundai Santa Fe
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Luxury AWD in Hampton Grey, front left, 2024-06-30. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD 3.3 Gls, 4dr SUV FWD 2.7 Gl, 4dr SUV FWD 3.3 Gl
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
Length
184.3 in
Curb weight
3,728–4,120 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2007 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.7L 6-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,120 lb (4dr SUV AWD 3.3 Gls).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 13% better than the 2007 SUV - average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2007

  • New body dimensions: 7.1 in longer, wheelbase +3.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.3L 6-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl

Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Santa Fe →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD 3.3 Gls184.3 in74.4 in70.9 in106.3 in63.8 / 63.8 in4,120 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD 2.7 Gl184.3 in74.4 in70.9 in106.3 in63.8 / 63.8 in3,728 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD 3.3 Gl184.3 in74.4 in70.9 in106.3 in63.8 / 63.8 in3,847 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Santa Fe 2WD2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21+13%$3,200423
Santa Fe 2WD2.7L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20+8%$3,350444
Santa Fe 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+8%$3,350444
Santa Fe 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+2%$3,550468
Santa Fe 4WD2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+9%$3,550468
Santa Fe 4WD2.7L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+9%$3,550468
Santa Fe 4WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19+9%$3,550468
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2007 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2007 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car)21 MPGNot rated4
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser13 MPGNot rated1
2007 Toyota RAV423 MPGNot rated13
2007 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated12
2007 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2007 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2007 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (4)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Feb 4, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V061000 · 476,111 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Jul 25, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V354000 · 199,118 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008. The occupant classification system (OCS) may need recalibration to accurately detect small statured adults.
Risk
Improper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the classification software free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Air Bags › Frontal · Sep 9, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V472000 · 205,233 vehicles

Problem
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 26, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 20, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
Risk
IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix
HYUNDAI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

270Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System80
Electrical System50
Engine42
Unknown Or Other40
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)32
Service Brakes25
Air Bags21
Vehicle Speed Control17
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/03: 122/06: 122/08: 122/09: 122/10: 122/12: 223/01: 223/04: 123/05: 223/08: 223/09: 123/12: 124/02: 324/09: 124/11: 124/12: 225/03: 125/04: 125/09: 126/01: 126/02: 126/07: 126/08: 126/10: 122/0322/0923/0123/0824/0224/1225/0926/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System — 80 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  3. Electrical System — 50 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 42 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Santa Fe years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Santa Fe36–Not rated00
2026 Santa Fe36190.2 inNot rated458
2025 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★5240
2024 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★7191
2023 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★2290
2022 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8265
2021 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8187
2020 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★2218
2019 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★3229
2018 Santa Fe24184.6 in★★★★★5432
2017 Santa Fe24184.6 inNot rated71,327
2016 Santa Fe23184.6 inNot rated3306

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →