2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

181 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict CAUTION 67/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Engine64
Electrical System25
Vehicle Speed Control24
Service Brakes23
Power Train21
Steering20

In the owners’ words

“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 part”NHTSA complaint, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe owner
“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 complaint, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe owner
“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 complaint, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
06/10/2011EquipmentCURT 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 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDA
01/04/2013Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch SAFETYHyundai 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, 2009-2
09/12/2010Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper SAFETYHYUNDAI 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.

Questions owners ask

Is the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

On the federal record it scores 67/100: 181 owner complaints (12.07 per year on the road) and 3 recall campaigns, 2 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 64 of 177 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe scored 67/100 on the federal record.

Full 2011 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Santa Fe yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking