RoadVitals

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
181
Latest Apr 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
20

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

72
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G (engine rod bearing / knock sensor campaign). The dealership replaced the knock sensor but subsequently claimed my vehicle's P1326 condition did not qualify under Campaign T6G. Immediately after the knock sensor replacement, the vehicle began stalling and completely shutting off at idle — a condition that did not exist before the dealer's service. I returned the vehicle to the dealership to address this new issue. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over three (3) weeks with no diagnosis update, no repair timeline, and no communication from the service department. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1. Safety concern: An engine that stalls and dies at idle presents a serious risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or at intersections. 2. Service Campaign T6G: I believe the underlying condition and the dealer-caused stalling issue are both connected to the knock sensor system covered by this campaign. I request that NHTSA review whether this vehicle qualifies under Campaign T6G and whether dealer-caused damage following campaign-related service should be addressed under the campaign or a related recall. The dealership's failure to communicate for 3+ weeks and their claim that my vehicle is not covered under Campaign T6G warrants regulatory review.

NHTSA ID 11730232 · filed Apr 9, 2026

CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. With no prior indications, the engine seized while driving on side street at 25mph. Engine blew hole in block and dumped engine parts, including piston rod, piston and engine block remnants, and oil on street. Very dangerous as power steering stopped and was unable to turn. Very low miles, 40,680, with all maintenance performed by dealer. Filed a report with Hyundai USA, no action taken.

NHTSA ID 11689997 · filed Sep 26, 2025
All 72 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I pulled up into my grandma's driveway, put the car in park. The car continued moving forward and when I depressed the brake pedal, the car accelerated for some unknown reason. So I put both feet on the brake and it still continued to accelerate. My car crashed into my grandparents garage door, then into their car, then pushed their car into their washer and dryer, causing those appliances to push against the wall, breaking the structure, busting water lines, smashing the washer and causing damage.

NHTSA ID 11517326 · filed Apr 16, 2023

AS I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY HOME FROM A SOCCER MATCH IN DENVER TO OUR HOME IN BRECKENRIDGE MY CAR(HYUNDAI, SANTA FE 2011) LOST ALL POWER WITH OUT THE ENGINE DYING. WE WERE HEADING WEST AND IN THE TUNNEL. IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY AND PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER. NO WARNING LIGHTS HAVE EVER COME UP ON MY CAR BEFORE OR AFTER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME OF MANY INCIDENTS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND NOT ONLY WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING BUT ALSO MY DAUGHTER, SHE HAS HER PERMIT! IT DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN ON THE INTERSTATE BUT ALSO AROUND OUR COMMUNITY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED IT OUT WITH MY MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND THE ISSUE AS THE DIAGNOSTIC CAME UP WITH NOTHING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 11385612 · filed Dec 30, 2020
All 29 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us

NHTSA ID 11563989 · filed Jan 7, 2024

While driving about 35mph a fast ticking sound came from the turn signal/steering column area then it started smoking so I turned on the turn signal and it stopped ticking I almost panicked. Incident has happened 2 more time's but I put on the turn signal quickly before it overheated and it did not smoke. The car has not been to a service center or dealer and there we no warning lights on or prior symptoms

NHTSA ID 11432097 · filed Sep 8, 2021
All 25 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS and traction control lights always on. Dealership stated a faulty right rear wheel bearing sensor faulty was the cause and needed to be replaced. This caused a problem with the ABS and traction control systems. Hyundai has issued a recall for ABS/traction control for my vehicle's make model year, but not my exact trim.

NHTSA ID 11609304 · filed Aug 19, 2024

I read the recall on vehicles of my type and it sounds like the issues I have been experiencing. I’m thinking the car was recalled and repaired ineffectively before I got it. The brake fluid is leaking with no obvious fix, I’ve taken it to a few mechanics to check.

NHTSA ID 11513437 · filed Mar 23, 2023
All 24 reports naming brakes

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS and traction control lights always on. Dealership stated a faulty right rear wheel bearing sensor faulty was the cause and needed to be replaced. This caused a problem with the ABS and traction control systems. Hyundai has issued a recall for ABS/traction control for my vehicle's make model year, but not my exact trim.

NHTSA ID 11609304 · filed Aug 19, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THEIR RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER (HORNE HYUNDAI 1360 E AUTO CENTER DR, APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85119 (480) 771-8213) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING TURN SIGNALS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.

NHTSA ID 11404455 · filed Mar 23, 2021
All 20 reports naming steering

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G (engine rod bearing / knock sensor campaign). The dealership replaced the knock sensor but subsequently claimed my vehicle's P1326 condition did not qualify under Campaign T6G. Immediately after the knock sensor replacement, the vehicle began stalling and completely shutting off at idle — a condition that did not exist before the dealer's service. I returned the vehicle to the dealership to address this new issue. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over three (3) weeks with no diagnosis update, no repair timeline, and no communication from the service department. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1. Safety concern: An engine that stalls and dies at idle presents a serious risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or at intersections. 2. Service Campaign T6G: I believe the underlying condition and the dealer-caused stalling issue are both connected to the knock sensor system covered by this campaign. I request that NHTSA review whether this vehicle qualifies under Campaign T6G and whether dealer-caused damage following campaign-related service should be addressed under the campaign or a related recall. The dealership's failure to communicate for 3+ weeks and their claim that my vehicle is not covered under Campaign T6G warrants regulatory review.

NHTSA ID 11730232 · filed Apr 9, 2026

BOUGHT THE SANTA FE USED WITH 96046 MILES ON IT. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT IT BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE REAR END WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT ESPECIALLY STARTING OUT ON AN UPGRADE. ALSO MAKES THE NOISE WHEN BACKING UP IN WET GRASS OR MUDDY CONDITIONS. SOMETIMES SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE BACK END IS GOING TO FALL OFF THE CAR. UNFORTUNATELY NO WARRANTY. THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION. NEEDS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.

NHTSA ID 11203767 · filed Apr 25, 2019
All 20 reports naming powertrain (other)

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The undercarriage is completed rusted and is not drivable, I had the treatment done by the dealer to have it coated to protect it from rust. well, its rusted.

NHTSA ID 11667485 · filed Jun 17, 2025

I read the recall on vehicles of my type and it sounds like the issues I have been experiencing. I’m thinking the car was recalled and repaired ineffectively before I got it. The brake fluid is leaking with no obvious fix, I’ve taken it to a few mechanics to check.

NHTSA ID 11513437 · filed Mar 23, 2023
All 16 reports naming suspension

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was on a national back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11628498 · filed Dec 3, 2024

About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us

NHTSA ID 11563989 · filed Jan 7, 2024
All 11 reports naming exterior lighting

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear chassis was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic performed no repairs on the vehicle. The contact stated that while touching the metal parts the parts were disintegrating. The contact stated that the 4x4 failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the abnormal sound was worsening. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID 11704202 · filed Dec 10, 2025

02

NHTSA ID 11574426 · filed Feb 28, 2024
All 10 reports naming body & structure

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AS I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY HOME FROM A SOCCER MATCH IN DENVER TO OUR HOME IN BRECKENRIDGE MY CAR(HYUNDAI, SANTA FE 2011) LOST ALL POWER WITH OUT THE ENGINE DYING. WE WERE HEADING WEST AND IN THE TUNNEL. IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY AND PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER. NO WARNING LIGHTS HAVE EVER COME UP ON MY CAR BEFORE OR AFTER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME OF MANY INCIDENTS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND NOT ONLY WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING BUT ALSO MY DAUGHTER, SHE HAS HER PERMIT! IT DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN ON THE INTERSTATE BUT ALSO AROUND OUR COMMUNITY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED IT OUT WITH MY MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND THE ISSUE AS THE DIAGNOSTIC CAME UP WITH NOTHING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 11385612 · filed Dec 30, 2020

MY CAR STARTED RUNNING HOT PERIODICALLY, THE THERMOSTAT GAUGE KEPT GOING UP AND DOWN. THERE WAS A BUBBLING SOUND IN RADIATOR RESERVE CONTAINER. MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY CRANKED.

NHTSA ID 11235040 · filed Jul 26, 2019
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us

NHTSA ID 11563989 · filed Jan 7, 2024

I pulled up into my grandma's driveway, put the car in park. The car continued moving forward and when I depressed the brake pedal, the car accelerated for some unknown reason. So I put both feet on the brake and it still continued to accelerate. My car crashed into my grandparents garage door, then into their car, then pushed their car into their washer and dryer, causing those appliances to push against the wall, breaking the structure, busting water lines, smashing the washer and causing damage.

NHTSA ID 11517326 · filed Apr 16, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TWO DIFFERENT TIMES IN 1 YR OUR BACK GLASS SHATTERED WHILE PARKED ONCE AT HOME ONCE WHILE AT WORK

NHTSA ID 11099068 · filed May 31, 2018

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WERE NOT ANY OTHER CARS NEAR ME. MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED! IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WENT OFF. THE GLASS SEEMED TO HAVE DISAPPEARED INTO THIN AIR! I POSTED ON FACEBOOK HOW CRAZY THIS IS AND I STARTED RECEIVING INFORMATION FROM FRIENDS HOW THIS IS COMMON WITH HYUNDAIS. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT EVEN CONSIDER THAT IT MAY BE A DEFECT, DESPITE ME FINDING SEVERAL SANTA FE OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THEIR SUNROOFS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10691189 · filed Feb 27, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I read the recall on vehicles of my type and it sounds like the issues I have been experiencing. I’m thinking the car was recalled and repaired ineffectively before I got it. The brake fluid is leaking with no obvious fix, I’ve taken it to a few mechanics to check.

NHTSA ID 11513437 · filed Mar 23, 2023

THE FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING CRACKED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE SALT ON ROAD. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ABOUT 25 MPH GOING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET . THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE , SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN HURT OR DEATH COULD OCCUR . I'M GLAD NO ONE WAS HURT OR WORSE . THE RECALL NUMBER IS HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 947 SANTA FE .THE CASE NUMBER IS 10917499.

NHTSA ID 11066869 · filed Feb 4, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I GOT IN MAKE VEHICLE TO GO TO THE STORE AND MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT FASTEN I TRIED EVERYTHING AFTER AN HOUR I GAVE UP

NHTSA ID 10670580 · filed Jan 6, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT (THE SIDE I WANTED TO PASS ON) WHEN PASSING GEAR WAS USED. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING THE CAR TO MY LEFT. THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL DUE TO TORQUE KNUCKLE STEERING. (IT HAPPENED WHEN HE DROVE MY SUV AND HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO IT!!! WE ALSO TRIED ANOTHER SUV AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, PLEASE NOTE; THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT BIGGER TIRES WOULD PROBABLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT THE SUV IS UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD NOT PAY FOR THEM HE DROPPED THE SUBJECT). I HAVE TRIED THE MANEUVER INDICATED WHEN THERE IS NO TRAFFIC AND IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF ANYONE WITHOUT MY QUICK REFLEXES. I HAD NOTICED THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THE PASSING INCIDENT ON A STRAIGHT ACCELERATION, BUT BELIEVED IT MIGHT BE AN UNEVEN PAVEMENT CAUSING IT. )I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT THINK THERE IS A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE STEERING AND THE DRIVE TRAIN THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 02/14/11 *BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. UPDATED PORTABLE 02/25/11

NHTSA ID 10382013 · filed Feb 8, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

KUMHO TIRE KL21 P235/65R/17 PURCHASE 2013, SLOW AIR LEAKED AND TIRE HAS LESS 10K MILES AND CHECKED BY DEALER/TIRE CENTER WITH NO APPARENT PUNCTURE ON TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10650014 · filed Oct 26, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED A HYUNDAI, NOT EVEN ONE MONTH AGO. DECEMBER 12TH 2010. VIN [XXX] HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2011 IT IS SUPPOSED TO GET 20-26 MILES PER GALLON. WHILE DRIVING THE HIGHWAY FROM FLORIDA TO NC IT GOT 15 MILES TO THE GALLON. ON THE WAY BACK THE SAME THING. IN ADDITION THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT AND MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE SEVERAL TIMES. WE DID NOT THINK WE WOULD GET HOME. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AND REPORTED IT TO HYUNDAI. THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THAT THE CAR JUST NEEDS TO BE BROKEN IN. I WENT ON LINE AND SAW MANY CONSUMERS HAD THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND HYUNDAI IGNORED THEIRS AS WELL. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN. I NEVER HEARD OF A CAR NEEDING TO BE BROKEN IN. THE MILEAGE IS A LIE. THE CAR IS NOT GETTING WHAT THEY CLAIM IT SHOULD AND OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME THING TO HYUNDAI. THERE APPEARS TO BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND WITH THOSE OF OTHER CONSUMERS AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP. CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10373998 · filed Jan 3, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .