Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
Owners filed 181 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe with NHTSA between Jan 2011 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is engine (64).
Complaints
181
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine64
- Electrical system25
- Vehicle speed control24
- Power train21
- Steering20
- Service brakes17
- Suspension16
- Exterior lighting14
- Structure10
- Engine and engine cooling8
- Air bags7
- Electronic stability control (esc)7
- Service brakes, hydraulic6
- Fuel/propulsion system5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
8
18
28
20
20
6
13
14
16
12
8
3
4
6
4
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 28 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
64 reports2 crashes5 fires
“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…”
Electrical system
25 reports1 crash2 fires
“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”
Vehicle speed control
24 reports4 crashes
“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.”
Power train
21 reports1 crash
“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.”
Steering
20 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Service brakes
17 reports1 crash
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.