FaultScore

FaultScore report

2011 Hyundai Santa FE problems

Owners have filed 268 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 26 worst.

D

FaultScore 63/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Hyundai Santa FE.

How this is worked out

The numbers

268

Complaints

26

Crashes reported

10

Fires reported

15

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

40,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

47%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 34 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 79 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Hyundai Santa FE. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 79
47% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2011 compares with every other Hyundai Santa FE

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2011 Hyundai Santa FE

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 72 26.9%

2 crashes, 6 fires · median 41,150 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 80,000 mi

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 26,000 mi

Brakes 23 8.6%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,512 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,700 mi

Steering 20 7.5%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 44,000 mi

Suspension 16 6.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,000 mi

Lights 14 5.2%

4 crashes, 1 fires · median 40,000 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 61,500 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 8 3.0%

Median failure at 36,450 miles

Other & Unspecified 7 2.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 58,188 mi

Stability & Traction Control 7 2.6%

Median failure at 64,200 miles

Airbags 7 2.6%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 2.2%

Median failure at 26,522 miles

Wheels 4 1.5%

Median failure at 36,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.4%

Median failure at 1,375 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.4%

Median failure at 43,342 miles

Tires 1 0.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 11 5.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 25 11.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 34 15.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 51 23.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 33 14.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 18 8.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 43 19.5%
150,000+ miles 6 2.7%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 4WD
16.9% risk
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD
17.4% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jan 2011 peak 11 Apr 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP22003 Opened 12 Sep 2022 Closed 12 Dec 2023 ENGINE

Loss of Motive Power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...

DP21003 Opened 12 Nov 2021 Closed 20 Jun 2023 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can b...

PE19003 Opened 29 Mar 2019 Closed 22 Dec 2021 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Rec...

DP18003 Opened 21 Aug 2018 Closed 10 May 2019 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)...

PE12029 Opened 9 Oct 2012 Closed 26 Jun 2013 STEERING:COLUMN

Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE12-029 based on one complaint alleging that a fastener became loose in the steering shaft of a model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle and related Early Warning Reporting field report data.In it's response to ODI's information request letter for PE12-029, Hyundai identified a total of four incidents of steering shaft universal joint failure in early production MY 2011 Santa Fe vehicles, including the incidents that had been identified by ODI. Two of the failures occurred at low mileage early in 2011, shortly after vehicle sale, leading t...

Recalls on the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

13V113000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake tra

Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

11E040000

EQUIPMENT

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 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.

Risk: WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

10V613000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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.

Risk: AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WILL LEAK, FOLLOWED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IS LOW AND SHOULD BE CHECKED, THEN A SOFT OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL, AND IF NOT SERVICED, REDUCED BRAKING POWER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024552 824,695 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2021674 32,431 units in Canada

Engine

Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects Santa Fe models equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine, and Veloster models with a 1.6 L GDI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.

Recall 2020233 3,838 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness kit that could fail. Over time, this could result in a short circuit that can cause overheating of the control module. Note: This recall only affects Hyundai Genuine Accessory trailer wiring harness kits that were manufactured by third parties and sold in Canada. These kits may have been ordered at the time of a vehicle purchase, or purchased separately from a dealer as an aftermarket accessory. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. This risk remains even when the vehicle is parked. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and instruct you to inspect your vehicle to see if it has an affected trailer wiring harness installed. If it does, Hyundai will advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a redesigned trailer wiring harness. Hyundai recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors, and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.

Recall 2016311 40,288 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs may be susceptible to corrosion. Over time, corrosion could cause the springs to fail, potentially damaging front tires and causing rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace coil springs as necessary, under a special service campaign.

Recall 2013099 254,784 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.

Recall 2010430 57 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined and, as a result, brake fluid will leak due to improper sealing. If this occurs, the Low Brake Fluid Level Warning Light on the instrument panel will illuminate indicating that the brake fluid level should be attended to by the driver. If the vehicle continues to be driven with the Low Brake Fluid Level Warning Light illuminated, the driver will experience a soft or spongy brake pedal. In addition if both of these indicators are ignored, braking performance will be reduced. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the affected caliper(s).

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 280,000 miles Augusta, WI Fire

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact idled the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames after the occupants exited the vehicle. The contact's daughter and daughter's friend were occupants of the vehicle at the time of the failure. No injuries were sustained. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.

NHTSA complaint #11639951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kellogg, MN Crash

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kellogg, MN Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kellogg, MN Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash

AIR BAGS

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 complaint #11517326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 complaint #11517326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Carrollton, TX

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11730232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carrollton, TX

ENGINE

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 complaint #11730232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,000 miles Bloomfield, NJ

STRUCTURE

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 complaint #11704202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carson City, NV

ENGINE

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 #11689997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manahawkin, NJ

SUSPENSION

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 #11667485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 280,000 miles Augusta, WI Fire

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact idled the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames after the occupants exited the vehicle. The contact's daughter and daughter's friend were occupants of the vehicle at the time of the failure. No injuries were sustained. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.

NHTSA complaint #11639951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bradenton, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 complaint #11628498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Raleigh, NC

STEERING

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 complaint #11609304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Raleigh, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11609304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Holiday, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on six occasions over 12 months, the vehicle overheated while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe on the rear passenger’s side and the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the last failure. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was taken to the residence, and on other occasions, the vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat housing and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11582127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 126,600 miles Steelton, PA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charger indicator warning light illuminated and the engine seized. The battery was recharged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed valve cover gasket leak and that the valve cover gasket and the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for inspection within the week. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,600. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11580615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wesley Chapel, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY

02

NHTSA complaint #11574426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kellogg, MN Crash

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kellogg, MN Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kellogg, MN Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaufort, SC

ENGINE

I was driving the car on a 4 lane road when suddenly the engine shut off and the car was no longer functioning. I lost power steering and had to coast into a nearby parking lot, otherwise I would have caused a major accident in the middle of a busy intersection with another 4 lane road. Upon taking the car to Hyundai for evaluation, it was declared to be total engine failure. Given the other issues with Hyundai engines failing and the fact that I VERY NARROWLY AVOIDED A MASSIVE COLLISION, I would like NHTSA to be aware that this problem may go back farther than Hyundai has addressed so far.

NHTSA complaint #11548601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash

AIR BAGS

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 complaint #11517326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 complaint #11517326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wolf Point, MT

WHEELS

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 complaint #11513437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wolf Point, MT

SUSPENSION

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 complaint #11513437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wolf Point, MT

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11513437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Forest Grove, OR

ENGINE

My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe had 75,000 miles on it in September 2022. It was bought and serviced by the same dealership and I am the original owner. It was last serviced at the end of June 2022. While returning from Corvallis, Oregon to Forest Grove, Oregon, the car's display light all turned on and a second late the car completely stopped. I am thankful that I decided to take the back road home, if I had been on the highway, I am positive I would have been in a serious accident. It has been determined by the dealership that there was a complete engine failure. It has been at the Hyundai dealership for four months now and there is no replacement engine available for it. Not only that, they can't get a reasonably priced replacement engine anywhere. This car would have been a valuable trade in on a new car. The Diagnosis was Engine crankshaft seized. Metal particles on Dipstick, large metal fragments on oil filter, Engine replacement required. The car is now worthless, expect for parts.

NHTSA complaint #11502716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Lancaster, PA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while taking the vehicle to the yearly inspection, the vehicle failed the inspection due to a hole in the rear driver’s side subframe. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11495326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grove City, OH Fire

ENGINE

UNKNOWN warning I’m the owner of a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and a week ago at 185k mikes all of a sudden driving on the freeway it started hesitating and sounded like metal grinding and smoking really bad. Pulled to the side of the freeway on a ramp at that. Tried to restart the vehicle and I heard a bang noise which upon later discovery the engine blew a rod with no warning locked the steering wheel couldn’t get the keys out of the ignition DO NOT buy this car still owe 5k on the vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11475199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hiram, GA

ENGINE

ENGINE STALLS

NHTSA complaint #11474293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.