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 NOTHING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO IDLE AND, …
2011 hyundai Santa Fe powertrain problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, VEHICLE DROPPED SPEED WHILE I ACCELERATED. IT COASTED ALONG AT 1-2 MILES AN HOUR. THE CHECK ENGINE, ANTILOCK BRAKE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE 'SKID' INDICATORS ALL LIT UP ON THE DASH BOARD. I HAD TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER CLEARING A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. THIS HAS OCCURRED FOUR ADDITIONAL TIMES AFTER THE DEALERSHIP ASSURE…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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