2011 Hyundai Santa FE
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 681 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 357 |
| 2010 | 256 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 352 |
| 2013 | 604 |
| 2014 | 492 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 937 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 193 |
| 2021 | 162 |
| 2022 | 187 |
| 2023 | 199 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 116 |
| 2026 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: engine — 64 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12 2018 MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED UP THE WHOLE FRONT END.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181213
CAR WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 10 MILES AND THEN PARKED INSIDE AN ATTACHED GARAGE. NO ISSUES WERE PRESENT DURING THE DRIVE. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND KEY REMOVED FROM VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR HAD PASSED THE CAR STARTED ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180322
I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND MADE CONTACT WITH SOMETHING WHICH I COULD NOT SEE FROM MY REAR VIEW OR SIDE VIEW MIRRORS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130304
14% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us
NHTSA ODI report, 20240107
CAR WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 10 MILES AND THEN PARKED INSIDE AN ATTACHED GARAGE. NO ISSUES WERE PRESENT DURING THE DRIVE. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND KEY REMOVED FROM VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR HAD PASSED THE CAR STARTED ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180322
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND MADE CONTACT WITH SOMETHING WHICH I COULD NOT SEE FROM MY REAR VIEW OR SIDE VIEW MIRRORS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130304
11% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY WHICH RESULTED IN THE DRIVERS FATALITY, PREVIOUS DRIVER OF VEHICLE INDICATED SOMETHING WAS "ODD" WITH THE STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20121026
SAFETY TIMELINE
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 28, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 25, 2010. SOME OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MACHINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CALIPERS AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 17, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AT 1-800-243-7766.
Campaign 10V613000 — check if this car was fixed
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 55538, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009
Remedy: CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT M
Campaign 11E040000 — check if this car was fixed
Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure
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, 2008-2
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 13V113000 — check if this car was fixed
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V613000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E040000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V113000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.