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
- 181
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 181 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 684 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 359 |
| 2010 | 260 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 355 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 493 |
| 2015 | 255 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 971 |
| 2018 | 110 |
| 2019 | 203 |
| 2020 | 217 |
| 2021 | 168 |
| 2022 | 201 |
| 2023 | 213 |
| 2024 | 156 |
| 2025 | 138 |
| 2026 | 39 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
35% · 64 reportsShow 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, 2018-12-13
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, 2018-03-22
Also filed under Electrical system
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, 2013-03-04
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
14% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-07
Also filed under Air bags and exterior lighting
Vehicle speed control
13% · 24 reportsService brakes
13% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
12% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2010-12-17Service brakes, hydraulic10V613000 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.
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R
2011-10-17Equipment11E040000 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…
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…
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I
2012-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-06-26 Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure
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2013-04-22Exterior lighting13V113000 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…
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…
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I
2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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I
2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 24 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10V613000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 11E040000 · Equipment
- Recall 13V113000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.