IllustrationMY 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR IS FLUCTUATING CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WOULD INDICATED AND EMPTY TANK AFTER THE TANK WAS FILLED AND THEN RANDOMLY WOULD CORRECT ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *TR
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Santa Fe years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe are substantially higher than the model-year median of 212.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
720–25K
4425–50K
11650–75K
11275–100K
92100–150K
25150K+
461 reports with mileage · 80 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 215 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
17 crash reports7 fire reports11 injury reports
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
215 reportsTHE FUEL GAUGE ON DASH HAS BEGUN FLUCTUATING WILDLY EVEN WITH FULL TANK OF GAS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT YET BUT BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ I AM ANTICIPATING A PROBLEM CODE COMING SOON. MY RESEARCH IS POINTING TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, ONLY THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY APPEARS TO BE AVAILABLE AND AS SUCH, IT…
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THE FUEL GAUGE ON DASH HAS BEGUN FLUCTUATING WILDLY EVEN WITH FULL TANK OF GAS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT YET BUT BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ I AM ANTICIPATING A PROBLEM CODE COMING SOON. MY RESEARCH IS POINTING TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, ONLY THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY APPEARS TO BE AVAILABLE AND AS SUCH, IT IS HIGHLY COSTLY TO CORRECT. HYUNDAI SHOULD PROVIDE A RECALL FOR THIS DUE TO THE HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS ALSO BEEN NOTED THAT THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLES TO STALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY - THIS HASN'T HAPPENED TO ME YET BUT CERTAINLY INCREASES MY CONCERN. *TR
UPON TURNING THE ENGINE ON, MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY WHEN I KNEW THERE WAS MORE GAS THAN THAT. THEN IT STARTED TO FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN . I CHECKED MY RANGE INDICATOR AND IT WAS BLINKING THE WORD "RANGE" (WHICH NORMALLY DOESN'T) AND THE NUMBERS WERE DASHES ONLY. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT SHOWED …
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UPON TURNING THE ENGINE ON, MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY WHEN I KNEW THERE WAS MORE GAS THAN THAT. THEN IT STARTED TO FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN . I CHECKED MY RANGE INDICATOR AND IT WAS BLINKING THE WORD "RANGE" (WHICH NORMALLY DOESN'T) AND THE NUMBERS WERE DASHES ONLY. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT SHOWED QUARTER TANK THEN EMPTY AND BACK TO SOME GAS. THE RANGE INDICATOR STARTED GOING UP AND DOWN IN NUMBERS AS WELL. I PUT GAS IN JUST TO SEE IF IT HELPED BUT DIDN'T, SHOWING ABOUT 30 MILES FLUCTUATION IN THE RANGE INDICATOR. I CHECKED SOME FORUMS AND APPARENTLY IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR SANTA FES 2008 RIGHT AS THEY REACH 60,000 MILES (AS THE WARRANTIES END AND IT COSTS OVER $600 TO REPAIR!). IT IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL , AS IT POSES A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM IF A CAR RUNS OUT OF GAS ON A HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE DUE TO THE FAULTY GAS FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR! *TR
DRIVING FROM MY WIFE'S WORK ALL THE SUDDEN THE GAS LEVEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE GAS TANK WAS 3/4 FULL. DROVE 1/2 A MILE AND IT MARKED 1/2 A TANK, STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, WENT TO EMPTY AGAIN IS BEEN DOING IT FORM THAT DAY ON. AFTER TAKING CAR DEALER I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR IS ROUGHLY $680.00 . T…
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DRIVING FROM MY WIFE'S WORK ALL THE SUDDEN THE GAS LEVEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE GAS TANK WAS 3/4 FULL. DROVE 1/2 A MILE AND IT MARKED 1/2 A TANK, STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, WENT TO EMPTY AGAIN IS BEEN DOING IT FORM THAT DAY ON. AFTER TAKING CAR DEALER I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR IS ROUGHLY $680.00 . THIS IS MY 3RD SANTA FE THAT I PURCHASED 2001 2004 & 2008 AND I ONLY ENCOUNTERED SUCH PROBLEM WITH THE 2008 I HAVE SEEN VARIOUS COMPLAINS ON SUCH " PROBLEM" AND WHY IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A "RECALL" BUT THE MANUFACTURER SEEMS IGNORE IT. *TR
I OWN A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 40000 MILES THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE AND IS MOSTLY READS THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY. IT COST ABOUT $650 TO REPLACE . MY OPINION IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.…
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I OWN A 2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 40000 MILES THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE AND IS MOSTLY READS THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY. IT COST ABOUT $650 TO REPLACE . MY OPINION IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. *TR
I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND THE FUEL GAUGE BEGAN TO MOVE UP AND DOWN, SHOWING EMPTY, THEN OVER HALF FULL, THEN JUST UNDER HALF. I SWITCHED TO THE MODE INDICATING HOW MANY MILES LEFT UNTIL I WOULD BE OUT OF GAS, WHICH ALSO FLUCTUATED BY OVER 75 MILES. THIS FLUCTUATION IS CONSISTENT AND NOW IS BECOMING A BIG CONCERN IN REGARDS TO LON…
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I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND THE FUEL GAUGE BEGAN TO MOVE UP AND DOWN, SHOWING EMPTY, THEN OVER HALF FULL, THEN JUST UNDER HALF. I SWITCHED TO THE MODE INDICATING HOW MANY MILES LEFT UNTIL I WOULD BE OUT OF GAS, WHICH ALSO FLUCTUATED BY OVER 75 MILES. THIS FLUCTUATION IS CONSISTENT AND NOW IS BECOMING A BIG CONCERN IN REGARDS TO LONGER TRIPS MY YOUNG FAMILY TAKES. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BASED ON THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGISTERED ABOUT THIS SAME MALFUNCTION. SHOULD MY FAMILY BE STRANDED ON A ROADSIDE, OR WORSE YET, GET INTO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, HYUNDAI WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR NEGLIGENCE ON THEIR PART TO ACT ON A KNOWN VEHICLE DEFECT. *TR
OUR USED SANTA FE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED ON APRIL 28TH, 2013. A MONTH LATER, THE FUEL GAUGE AND MILEAGE REPORTING STARTED TO FLUCTUATE WILDLY, AND FOR THE PAST MONTH WE'VE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FUEL SENSOR ASSEMBLY IS FAULTY. THE ACCURATE REPORTING OF THE FUEL LEVEL IS NOW IMPOSSIBLE AND IT IS CLEAR TO US THAT THIS WILL BE AT LEAST A …
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OUR USED SANTA FE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED ON APRIL 28TH, 2013. A MONTH LATER, THE FUEL GAUGE AND MILEAGE REPORTING STARTED TO FLUCTUATE WILDLY, AND FOR THE PAST MONTH WE'VE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FUEL SENSOR ASSEMBLY IS FAULTY. THE ACCURATE REPORTING OF THE FUEL LEVEL IS NOW IMPOSSIBLE AND IT IS CLEAR TO US THAT THIS WILL BE AT LEAST A $600 REPAIR JOB. HYUNDAI DEFLECTED OUR E-MAILS TO THEM, SO I ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO ALSO WRITE A LETTER TO THEM BY POSTAL MAIL. THE ADDRESS THEY GAVE US IS HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA P. O. BOX 20850 FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92728-0850. IT IS RIDICULOUS TIMING THAT THIS OCCURS AFTER AN EXPENSIVE MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT AND RIGHT AFTER THE SECOND-OWNER WARRANTY EXPIRED. A SYSTEM LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH ONLY 44K MILES ON A VEHICLE, AND HYUNDAI CAN'T CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, AND OWNERS WHO HAVE GONE AHEAD AND DONE THIS REPAIR FOR EXORBITANT FEES NEED TO BE REIMBURSED. IN RECENT NEWS, ASIANA AIRLINES REPRESENTED THE HONOR AND INTEGRITY OF KOREAN CORPORATE CULTURE, I'D EXPECT THE SAME FROM HYUNDAI WHO HAS THUS FAR FAILED IN THEIR DUTY TO THE CUSTOMER. *TR
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR THIS WHEN I CALLED DEALERSHIP. FUEL GAUGE WILL GO BELOW 'E' TO 1/2 TANK IN SECONDS. SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON, THE GAUGE IS BELOW 'E' AND WILL STAY THERE FOR A WHILE THEN GO BACK UP TO GAS LEVEL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON SAYING THERE IS A PROB…
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ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR THIS WHEN I CALLED DEALERSHIP. FUEL GAUGE WILL GO BELOW 'E' TO 1/2 TANK IN SECONDS. SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON, THE GAUGE IS BELOW 'E' AND WILL STAY THERE FOR A WHILE THEN GO BACK UP TO GAS LEVEL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON SAYING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. CLEARED CODE. IT STAYED OFF FOR WEEK OR SO, AND HAS COME BACK ON. I HOPE THIS BECOMES A RECALL...TOO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM! *TR
AS NOTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT REGISTER THE AMOUNT OF FUEL, IT FLUCTUATES FROM EMPTY TO A 1/4 TANK TO 3/4 TANK. THE FUEL SENSORS ARE BAD. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BASED ON NHTSA COMPLAINTS BUT YET IT APPEARS THAT HYUNDAI WILL NOT TAKE ACTI…
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AS NOTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT REGISTER THE AMOUNT OF FUEL, IT FLUCTUATES FROM EMPTY TO A 1/4 TANK TO 3/4 TANK. THE FUEL SENSORS ARE BAD. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BASED ON NHTSA COMPLAINTS BUT YET IT APPEARS THAT HYUNDAI WILL NOT TAKE ACTION. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN RIGHT AFTER I HIT THE 60,000 MILE MARK. *TR
FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY FLUCTUATES FROM EMPTY TO 1/4 TANK. DIGITAL DISPLAY ALSO NOT REGISTERING. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF THIS, NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND AFTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST IT SHOWED FUEL SENSORS NOT WORKING. GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING AT ALL AT THIS POINT, BECOMING QUITE A CONCERN BECAUSE WE NEVER KNOW EXACTLY …
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FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY FLUCTUATES FROM EMPTY TO 1/4 TANK. DIGITAL DISPLAY ALSO NOT REGISTERING. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF THIS, NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND AFTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST IT SHOWED FUEL SENSORS NOT WORKING. GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING AT ALL AT THIS POINT, BECOMING QUITE A CONCERN BECAUSE WE NEVER KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT AND FINDING THAT WE ARE FILLING IT UP EVERY OTHER DAY JUST TO BE SAFE! *TR
Official recalls
413V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Apr 1, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
12V354000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Jul 25, 2012
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
11V472000 · Air Bags:frontal
Sep 9, 2011
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
08V272000 · Equipment:other:labels
Jun 19, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 88,943 MY 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P235/60R18 TIRES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE BLACK CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE CENTER PILLAR, INCORRECTLY LISTS THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OVERLOADING YOUR VEHICLE MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND BRAKING AND MAY CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: HYUNDAI WILL MAIL CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABELS ALONG WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.