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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FENHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2011 · Hyundai
Hyundai Santa Fe problems
181 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.0 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Santa Fe?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints on the engine
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 Santa Fe· cruise control
As I was driving my family home from a soccer match in denver to our home in breckenridge my car(Hyundai, santa fe 2011) lost all power with out the engine dying. We were heading west and in the tunnel. It was extremely scary and put my family in danger. No warning lights have…
2011 Hyundai santa fe stalls, loses power, will not accelerate, gives no warning. This could cause a major accident and multiple deaths. This happens suddenly while driving along city streets and highways and while turning. *tr
I bought this 2011 Hyundai sante fe I have a noise coming from the back rear I have called and brought this back 5 x and kept being told its wind so I called corp. And field a complaint and got no where a guy showed up and read the report he claimed he was from corp. And…
While traveling approx 55 MPH, I hit a fairly significant pothole. The check engine light immediately came on and, at the very same instant, the gas pedal ceased to function. The engine remained running, however the gas pedal had no affect - e.g. Pressing the gas pedal did…
Had a problem with your 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
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Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 santa fe vehicles manufactured from september 28, 2010, through november 25, 2010
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.
Fix: 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.
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
Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: 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 manufacturing at 1-715 831-8713.
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
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.
Fix: 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 number is 110.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints on the engine; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 48 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,905 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 50,915 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Santa Fe has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 181 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Hyundai/Santa Fe.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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