2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
180
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
40 complaints
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.
Sep 26, 2025
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.
Jan 31, 2025
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.
Apr 02, 2024
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.
Oct 06, 2023
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.
Jan 19, 2023
+ 35 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaints
While driving about 35mph a fast ticking sound came from the turn signal/steering column area then it started smoking so I turned on the turn signal and it stopped ticking I almost panicked. Incident has happened 2 more time's but I put on the turn signal quickly before it overheated and it did not smoke. The car has not been to a service center or dealer and there we no warning lights on or prior symptoms
Sep 08, 2021
WHEN TRYING TO START THE TRUCK USING THE REMOTE STARTER THE AREA WHERE THE TURNING SWITCH IS STARED TO SMOKE AND THE SMELL OF BURNING WIRE WAS SMELT AND THE SOUND LIKE MY HAZARD LIGHT WAS HEARD I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF THEN TURN IT BACK ON THE NOISE WAS GONE. THE TRUCK WAS STATIONARY( PARK) AND THE TURNING SWITCH WAS NOT BEING USED, AND THE HEADLIGHT WAS OFF . I WAS TRYING TO WARM THE TRUCK UP.
Feb 08, 2021
BLINKERS KEEP GOING ON BY THEMSELVES. SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS RUNNING WHETHER DRIVING OR IN PARK.
Mar 29, 2019
AFTER SIGNALING LANE CHANGE/TURN FROM HIGHWAY, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH CONTINUED CLICKING WHEN TURN WAS COMPLETED AND TURN SIGNAL WAS IN OFF POSITION. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT VENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, STARTED THE VEHICLE, CLICKING CONTINUED, TURN SIGNALS WERE IN THE OFF POSITION, LEFT SIGNAL WAS FLASHING. I REMOVED FUSE BOX COVER INSIDE VEHICLE AND SMELLED THE ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING. CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND WAS ADVISED THERE IS NO RECALL INVOLVING SIGNALS.
Oct 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 10, 2018
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
9 complaints
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.
Jun 17, 2025
PURCHASED USED VEHICLE SEP 2018 FROM USED CAR CHEVY DEALER. 3 DAYS INTO DRIVING THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE FORCING ME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE QUICKLY, LUCKILY WITHOUT ACCIDENT. CAR TOWED & REPAIRED BY DEALER. HYUNDAI WOULD NOT RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EVEN THOUGH HAVE SEEN OTHERS WITH SAME ISSUE. CAR SOUNDED HORRIBLE AND I HAVE HAD THE SUSPENSION STRUTS AND COILS REPLACED NOW TWICE WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS DUE TO BAD WEAR, ABRASIONS AND SQUEAKING IN THE SUSPENSION. REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT WORK DONE AGAIN ON SEP. 2020. POOR QUALITY METAL AND PARTS WITH THIS VEHICLE BRAND AND DESIGN.
Sep 25, 2020
FRONT RIGHT STRUT SPRING RELEASED FROM THE MOUNTING WITH A LOUD BANG AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THIS HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT STRUTS.
Sep 08, 2020
BROKEN COIL SPRING. COULD HAVE COLLAPSED ONTO TIRE WHILE MOVING. GARAGE FOUND THE PROBLEM AND HAD IT REPAIRED WITH NEW QUICK STRUTS.
Sep 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Mar 22, 2017
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STEERING
8 complaints
STEERING WHEEL LEFT SIDE DETERIORATING. HOLE ALREADY. CONCERNED IT MAY COME APART CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I REPORTED TO BROWNS HYUNDAI WHERE I HAVE HAS SERVICE FOR 10 YEARS. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS 10 YEARS AND 100,000 MILES. UNDER 10 YEARS BUT OVER MILEAGE. OTHERS SEEM TO HAVE EXPERIENCED :HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/THREADS/OFFICIAL-STEERING-WHEEL-PEELING-THREAD.146456/; HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/THREADS/STEERING-WHEEL-PEELING-AND-ITS-NOT-LEATHER.228945/. DEALER TRIED TO GET HYUNDAI TO ALLOW A GOODWILL ASSISTANCE BUT THEY REFUSED. CONCERNED THIS STEERING WHEEL WILL COME APART.
Nov 02, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TT UPDATED 10/5/18*JB
Jun 14, 2018
THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ABOUT 35MPH ON A STREET WHEN THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE LINE FAILED, WE WERE TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AND BY THE TIME I HEARD THE WHINING OF THE PUMP, THE POWER STEERING FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT AND OF COURSE WE LOST POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE THE METAL PIPE WHERE THE IT COUPLES TO THE FLEXIBLE HOSE FROM THE PUMP. FORTUNATELY THIS ONLY RESULTED IN HAVING TO DRIVE HOME WITHOUT POWER STEERING. THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE WAS REPLACE BY A LOCAL SHOP. THE VEHICLE HAS 67K MILES ON IT AND HAS NOT BEEN USED IN ANY EXTREME CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI TO REPORT THIS AS WELL, WAITING FOR A RESPONSE.
Apr 12, 2018
I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW, AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FROM THE BEGINNING. I WAS TOLD AT FIRST THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC STARTER WHICH WAS REMOVED, AND WAS NEVER REPLACED FOR FEAR OF EXPERIENCING SUCH AN EPISODE. I WOULD BE DRIVING, AND SUDDENLY THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF. I WOULD HAVE PEOPLE HONKING, AND CURSING AT ME FOR ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SEVERAL TIMES I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING PEDESTRIANS WHEN THE CAR STALLS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO AVAIL, BECAUSE THE PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN THEY HAVE THE CAR. I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR FOR SHORT DISTANCES FOR FEAR OF GETTING STUCK ON THE HIGHWAY ETC. RECENTLY MY SON BORROWED MY CAR AND WAS ALMOST KILLED ON THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STALLED WITH HIM. LUCKILY, HE WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK HOME FOR FEAR OF LOSING HIS LIFE. I DO NOT WANT TO SELL THIS CAR KNOWING THE DANGERS IT CAN CAUSE, AND I KNOW THAT THE DEALER WILL NOT GIVE ME MUCH FOR IT AT THIS POINT. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ESPECIALLY IF THERE WERE ANY ACCIDENTS OR DEATHS INVOLVING SANTE FES. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VARY FROM 10 TO 35 MILES IN THE CITY, SOMETIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, OR WHILE TURNING A CORNER. IT HAS BEEN THE CASE IN ANY WEATHER WITH MY LAST INCIDENT OCCURRING ON 10/11/16.
Nov 10, 2016
I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL HAD PLAY IN IT AND WHEN BRAKING WOULD SEVERLY SHAKE.. TOOK TO HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY STATED I NEEDED A COUPLER AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND BOLTS TO BE REPLACED. MY VEHICLE HAS ROUGHLY 77,000 MILES.I HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIR SINCE THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. NOW THERE IS A RECAL REGARDING POWER STEERING. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS WITH NOTHING BUT SAFTEY CONCERNS.
Jun 06, 2016
+ 3 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
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.
Dec 03, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO MOISTURE INSIDE THE LIGHT FIXTURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND REPAIRED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Jun 01, 2020
WATER IN SIDE FRONT HEAD LIGHT AND INSIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT.. CLEAR COAT COMING OFF
Aug 16, 2019
WHILE DRIVING,I SIGNALED A TURN AND SMOKE CAME FROM BEHIND MY STEERING WHEEL.MY BLINKER WORKED BUT WAS MAKING A FAST CLICKING SOUND AS IF THE BLINKER WAS GOING OUT.THE NOISE WILL NOT STOP AND THE SMOKE IS INTERMITTENT.CONTACTED HYUNDAI BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM PER THE INTERNET BUT THEY ACTED LIKE THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT.
Sep 04, 2017
THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS HAVE A VERY SHORT RANGE. THERE IS A DEFINITE HORIZONTAL CUT OFF JUST A FEW FEET OFF THE GROUND. ANY THING ABOVE THE CUT-OFF LINE IS NOT ILLUMINATED AT ALL, NIGHT VISIBILITY IS FAR TOO SHORT JUST A FEW FEET BEFORE THE CAR. DIFFICULT TO SEE PEOPLE CROSSING THE ROAD AT NIGHT OR ANY OBJECTS, CREATING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. EXAM OF THE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY REVEALS A DEFINITE CUT-OFF OF THE UPPER PART OF THE REFLECTOR CONE, REDUCING THE AVAILABLE LIGHT. THE HIGH BEAM CONE IS ROUND, HAVING NO SUCH CUT-OFF. DEALER COULD NOT CORRECT BECAUSE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW.
Jul 23, 2015
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
BOUGHT THE SANTA FE USED WITH 96046 MILES ON IT. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT IT BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE REAR END WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT ESPECIALLY STARTING OUT ON AN UPGRADE. ALSO MAKES THE NOISE WHEN BACKING UP IN WET GRASS OR MUDDY CONDITIONS. SOMETIMES SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE BACK END IS GOING TO FALL OFF THE CAR. UNFORTUNATELY NO WARRANTY. THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION. NEEDS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Apr 25, 2019
THE CAR STALLS COMPLETELY FOR SECONDS WHILE DOING SLOW SPEED TURNS, PARTICULARLY DURING RIGHT HAND TURNS. AND WHEN THE GAS PADDLE IS PRESSED IT REGAINS SPEED. THERE A A LOT MORE PEOPLE WHO HAS SIMILAR PROBLEM. THERE IS A COMPLETE THREAD AT THE WEBSITE LINK PROVIDED BELOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM PEOPLE HAVE FACED. HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T39009_DS785550
Mar 24, 2017
2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE VIBRATION ISSUES. *SMD THE DEALER DETERMINED THE REAR COUPLER WAS BROKEN. IT WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT AXLE WAS BROKEN AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. THE DEALER BELIEVED THE CENTER DRIVE TRAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED*JB
Mar 09, 2015
WHIRRING SOUND FROM DRIVE SHAFT/TRANSMISSION NOTE THERE ARE SIMILAR REPORTS ON INTERNET. *TR
Jan 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LOCKED. AS A RESULT, IT FAILED TO SHIFT FROM TO OTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,566.
Sep 10, 2012
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Oct 01, 2014
THIS CAR HESITATES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I AM GETTING AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT AND I START TO GO I TURN THE WHEEL AND THE CAR HESITATES AND LUNGES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO STEP ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW IT DOWN. MY FOOT IS NOT STUCK ON THE PEDAL AND THE CARPET IS NOT DOING ANYTHING. I WENT ON LINE AND LOOKED UP MY CAR SANTA FE HESITATIONS. I MUST OF READ TWENTY ARTICLES ON THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. NOT ONLY THIS YEAR BUT A LOT OF OTHER YEARS OF THE SANTA FE. THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS LIKE ONCE A WEEK.. IT'S SCARY.OTHER PEOPLE HAVE WENT TO HYUNDAI AND WHERE TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. PLEASE GET ME AN ANSWER. THANK YOU. *TR
May 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED TO 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER UPDATED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE ACCELERATOR BLOCK WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED HOWEVER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
May 06, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESISTATED WHEN ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A BRIEF HESITATION THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES, BUT THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE THROTTLE, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE IT WITHOUT DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Nov 20, 2012
ON DECEMBER 19,2011 I WAS SLOWING DOWN COMING TO A STOP SIGN AND ON OR ABOUT THE TIME AS I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE MOTOR STARTED RACING OUT OF CONTROL. I PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR, THEN SLAMMED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED THE MOTOR OFF. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DID DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SAID THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. RELUCTANTLY, I ACCEPTED THE CAR BACK. ON FEBRUARY 6, 2012 THE SAME INCIDENT OF THE MOTOR RACING OUT OF CONTROL HAPPENED WHEN I SLOWED DOWN COMING TO A STOP SIGN. I AGAIN PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN TURNED OFF THE MOTOR. THE CAR WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICES AND ADVISED THEM OF THE TWO INCIDENTS OF THE MOTOR RACING OUT OF CONTROL. THEY SUGGESTED THAT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAVE A SERVICE TECHNICIAN DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 250 MILES TO SEE IF THIS "RACING MOTOR" INCIDENT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I AGREED TO THEIR RECOMMENDATION. ON FEBRUARY 11,2012 THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN WHO DROVE MY THE CAR FOR 250 MILES CALLED ME AND SAID THE MOTOR RACING OUT OF CONTROL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN . HE SAID HE DID RE-PROGRAM THE COMPUTER AND I COULD PICK UP THE CAR. HE SAID THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT I FEAR THIS UNSAFE INCIDENT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND HYUNDAI NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO REMEDY THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM AND PREVENT ANY FUTURE INJURIES FROM HAPPENING. *TR
Feb 12, 2012
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STRUCTURE
5 complaints
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.
Dec 10, 2025
02
Feb 28, 2024
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.
Nov 29, 2022
ON JUNE 14,2020, I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT IN A LOT OUTSIDE A GROCERY STORE AND MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACK HITTING A BARRIER POLE. WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE, IT LEAPT FORWARD AND SPED BETWEEN A POKE AND A PARKED CAR, RACED DOWN A TEN-FOOT EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO THE CORNER OF A BRICK BUILDING. I LATER LEARNED THAT THIS WAS CALLED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND THAT THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK WHEN SUA HAPPENS. IT WAS ALL OVER WITHIN SECONDS AND I HAD NO TIME TO ACT. MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND I SUFFERED RIB CAGE AND STERNUM CONTUSIONS FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR SCRAPED THE PARKED CAR AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID FOR THAT DAMAGE.
Sep 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PARKED ON A SNOW BANK, THE DRIVER SIDE BUMPER COVER POPPED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO FIX THE COVER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE COVER BACK IN TEMPORARILY BUT IT WAS NOT FULLY REPAIRED. UPDATED 03/29/11 *BF UPDATED 04/06/11 UPDATED 04/06/11
Mar 07, 2011
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
The brakes on this Santa Fe have produced some unexplainable issues? A complete brake job was done approximately six months ago by a reputable brake shop because of similar issues with the brakes that occurred again last week and yesterday. Additionally, all fluids were normal during routine oil change and fluid check on Aug 13th. Last week while backing up the normal brake would not stop the vehicle and the car was stopped by using the emergency brake. On Oct 4, 2021 the brakes did not work causing the Santa Fe to "rear-end" another car at a red light. Speed was approximately 35-40 mph. Air bag deployed and no one was seriously hurt in the accident. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer; just a complete brake job 6 months ago by a brake shop. Vehicle is now at the tow facility awaiting the inspection by insurance company and can be inspected by anyone interested in doing so. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to failure. Additionally, this car's blinkers have randomly stopped working with no notice and just randomly started working again after a period of time. Emergency flashers worked but not the normal blinkers during this malfunction. This vehicle definitely has some Gremlins!! It's unknown why this model Santa Fe has produced a similar problems as other Santa Fe's with no recalls on this particular model or VIN # ?
Oct 05, 2021
Unexplained battery drain has been an issue.
Jul 19, 2021
WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR SIMPLY STOPS ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE REDUCES THE VELOCITY TO 5MPH AND OTHER CARS COMING IN MY BACK HAVE TO STOP ALSO STOP OR MOVE TO THE OTHER LINE TO AVOID COLLITION. AT THIS MOMENT WE CAN'T BE IN THE ROAD SAFETY. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A REASON FOR RECALL YET. MY CAR IS A 2012 MODEL WITH 64K MILES! ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE CAR JERKED WHEN I WANT TO PARK SO THE CAR DOES NOT CHANGE FROM DRIVE TO PARK OR REVERSE.
Feb 17, 2021
HI, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE (2) DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY/ACTUATORS ON BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS. THE LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN OR CLOSE WHEN USING KEY FOB OR MANNUALLY. 7-18-17 & 4-20-18.
Apr 23, 2018
WHEN L WAS IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO CHANGE THE CAR CUT OFF AND I IMMEDIATELY PUT IT IN PARK TO RESTART THE CAR IT HAS DONE THIS FOR ABOUT 10 TIMES IT IS BACK IN THE SHOP THE DEALER CANNOT RESOLVES THE PROBLEM! THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY!!
Mar 20, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
5 complaints
THIS IS TO MAKE AWARE OF POTENTIAL/ POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE CAUSE IN SOME HYUNDAI VEHICLES. I OWN A 2011 SANTA FE. AT LESS THAN 70K MILES THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER AND LEAK OIL. DEALERSHIP INDICATED I RUINED ENGINE AND I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS DUE TO BLA BLA BLA. I TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT SHOP AND THEY FOUND AND REPLACED DEFECTIVE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH HYUNDAI #9475037000 WHICH LEAKED OIL ONTO TOP ENGINE, CREATED A LARGE POOL OF HOT OIL THAT SAT THERE HIDDEN UNDER OTHER COMPONENTS. ( FIRE HAZARD ). THEN- AT 130K MILES IT HAPPENED AGAIN. REPEAT REPLACEMENT OF GENUINE DEFECTIVE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH AND HOT OIL ON ENGINE (FIRE HAZARD) CONTACTED HYUNDAI TO EXPLAIN THE FIRE HAZARD DEFECTIVE OIL SWITCH ISSUE. ALL THEY COULD SAY WAS TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP. WELL I DID JUST THAT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED SO WHY GO BACK AND GO THRU THE SAME BS. THE 2 SWITCHES FAILING AND HIDDEN OIL POOLS ON A HOT ENGINE SHOULD BE A RED FLAG AND MAYBE AN ANSWER TO ALL THE PAST CAR FIRES REPORTED HERE. INCLUDED IS PHOTO OF THE DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT WHERE REPLACED. NOTE- THE SWITCH LOCATION IS IN THE V CAVITY UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AND IF IT STARTS SPEWING HOT OIL OUT THERE'S NO WAY SEE IT. *TR
Jan 08, 2020
SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE , HARNESS OR MODULE , ALLOWS THE COMPUTER TO OVERHEAT SUDDENLY , THROUGH 3 BATTERS AND 2 ALTERNATORS IN 4 MONTHS LAST ALTERNATOR LASTED 2 DRIVES... CAR DIES NANCY DEPRESSIVE LIGHT SHOW AND DIED THEN THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR IS FRIED. HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP REFUSING TO CHECK HARNESS OR MODULE BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T LISTED IN RECALL ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS IN THE RECALL. THE CAR HAS DIED 4 TIMES REQUIRING TOWING. THE CAR DIED WHEN DRIVING AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES . CAR HAS BRAND NEW BATTERY. STARTER WORKS FINE. IT DIED IN THE MIDDLE IF A STREETCEACH TIME TWICE WAS AT NIGHT. AND I AM A DISABLED WOMAN WHO USES A WHEELCHAIR. MONDAY JUNE 24TH WAS THE MOST RECENT TIME AT 1 PM IN 104 DEGREE HEAT FOR 5 HOURS WITH A HEART CONDITION WHICH WAS DOUBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE BATTERY DIED EVENTUALLY LEAVING ME WITH NO HAZARDS. WHAT TO CHARGE ME TO REPLACE A 3 RD ALTERNATOR WITHOUT CHECKING HARNESS OR MODULE A SCAM!
Jul 01, 2019
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. FLAMES WERE VISIBLE BEHIND THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND FRONT RIGHT WHEEL. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HARMED. THE FIRE CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE GARAGE AND HOME. FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT EXTERNAL TO THE VEHICLE.
Mar 22, 2018
2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND CAR DIED. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE SLOWED DOWN TO GO AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. HE COULD BARELY GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. TECH SUPPORT, RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY, SINCE THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, ON MARCH 1, 2014, WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE NOT OPERABLE. HE LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE RE-STARTING IT. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, AND AFTER A THOROUGH EXAMINATION, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Apr 21, 2014
I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE REPORTED IN OTHER ODI COMPLAINTS. SPECIFICALLY, MY VEHICLE STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. ODI ID #10460671, #10453272, AND #10412636, ALL SEEM TO REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. OCCASIONALLY, WHILE BRAKING OR ALLOWING THE CAR TO STOP, IT WILL STALL OUT. WHEN IT DOES, ACCELERATING, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKING ARE ALL DISABLED. ONCE THE CAR GEAR IS SHIFTED TO PARK AND THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, THE PROBLEM RESOLVES AFTER RE-STARTING THE CAR LATER. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD WORKED ON THIS CAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOUR TIMES WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO 1. DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND 2. COME UP WITH AN ADEQUATE REMEDY. EVEN THOUGH THE TECHNICIANS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE STALLING, THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT WAS IN THE SHOP, THREE DIFFERENT REPAIRS WERE MADE. THEY HAVE ALL INVOLVED COMPUTER FIXES, INCLUDING CHANGING OUT THE CONTACTS, REPLACING THE JUNCTION BOX, AND UPDATING SOFTWARE. HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF MY ISSUE AND THE PENDING LEMON LAW ARBITRATION CLAIM THAT I HAVE MADE. HYUNDAI HAS CURRENTLY MADE THE UNILATERAL DETERMINATION THAT THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A LEMON, WHICH I DISPUTE BECAUSE 1. THIS DETERMINATION IS NOT CAPABLE OF BEING MADE UNILATERALLY, AND 2. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT AND MORE THAN A "REASONABLE" AMOUNT OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. A MANAGING ENGINEER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT FINDING ANY PROBLEMS, AND I'M CURRENTLY WORKING WITH HYUNDAI TO HAVE A "FLIGHT RECORDER" INSTALLED TO RECORD DATA WHEN THE CAR STALLS NEXT. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITHOUT A SHOULDER ON THE FREEWAY--A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. I CONSIDER THIS CAR TO BE AN UNRELIABLE SAFETY THREAT ON THE ROADWAYS AND HAVE COMMUNICATED THIS TO HYUNDAI, BUT ITS REPRESENTATIVE DO NOT HAVE THE SAME SENSE OF URGENCY I HAVE. *TR
Jul 18, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaints
THERE IS A REAR CALIPER RECALL ON HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2011 MANUFACTURED SEP.28 - NOV.25 2010 , MY VEHICLE IS MANUFACTURED IN THIS TIME FRAME - NOV.16.2010 AND HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL BUT THE HYUNDAI REPS REFUSED THE REPAIR BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT ON THE "LIST"? NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V-613 HYUNDAI RECALL 098: BRAKE CALIPERS
Jun 07, 2019
TAMARA RECALL. MY CALIBERS KEEPING STICKING ON THE ROTORS. I REPLACED THEM BOTH AND 1 MONTH LATER IT KEPT STICKING AND WORE THE BRAKES AND ROTOR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 2009 HYUNDAI DANTE FE.
Nov 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,759.
Aug 05, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED PIECES OF METAL NEAR THE VEHICLE ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROTORS HAD CORRODED AND RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,512. UPDATED 9/12/14*CN UPDATED 02/4/2015 *JS
Jul 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL SPONGY FEELING WHEN DEPRESSED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN BRAKING POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V613000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Mar 24, 2014
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WERE NOT ANY OTHER CARS NEAR ME. MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED! IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WENT OFF. THE GLASS SEEMED TO HAVE DISAPPEARED INTO THIN AIR! I POSTED ON FACEBOOK HOW CRAZY THIS IS AND I STARTED RECEIVING INFORMATION FROM FRIENDS HOW THIS IS COMMON WITH HYUNDAIS. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT EVEN CONSIDER THAT IT MAY BE A DEFECT, DESPITE ME FINDING SEVERAL SANTA FE OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THEIR SUNROOFS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR
Feb 27, 2015
MY DAUGHTERS AND I PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. BEFORE GETTING OUT, THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF AND TOOK A CHUNK OF GLASS FROM THE WINDSHIELD. MY CAR STILL HAS MANUFACTURE WARRANTY, SO I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MONDAY JULY 29. I WENT TO BURLINGAME HYUNDAI WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "NO WAY DID THAT MIRROR FALL OFF. HYUNDAI WON'T COVER IT." I THEN CALLED HYUNDAI CORPORATE WHO SAID IT'S UP TO THE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO DECIDE IF THE WARRANTY COVERS THE WORK. THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. I WENT TO SERRAMONTE HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THAT MY MIRROR WAS NOT ORIGINAL MANUFACTURE INSTALLED MIRROR AND WOULD NOT COVER THE COST TO REPLACE THE GLASS.I THEN WENT BACK TO ENTERPRISE CAR SALES WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY DETERMINED IN THEIR RECORDS THAT THE MIRROR WAS ORIGINAL AND NOT REPLACED. ENTERPRISE TALKED TO SERRAMONTE HYUNDAI ABOUT WARRANTY REPLACEMENT, HOWEVER THEY ALSO SAID "THE MIRROR CAME OFF WITH A FORCEFUL PULL." I AM COMPLAINING THAT THE GLASS AND OR GLUE USED ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CAUSED THE MIRROR TO FALL OFF AND DAMAGE THE WINDSHIELD. I BELIEVE THE HYUNDAI WARRANTY SHOULD REPLACE IT. I DID NOT PULL IN ANY FASHION ON THE MIRROR. I HAVE READ VIA GOOGLE SEARCH THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE IN VARIOUS CAR MAKES. THIS OCCURRENCE IS NOT THE FIRST TIME A MIRROR HAS FALLEN OFF THE GLASS LEFT A CHUNK OF GLASS MISSING. IT IS MOST LIKELY A GLASS MANUFACTURE DEFECT. PLEASE HELP MAKE HYUNDAI HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. *TR
Aug 14, 2013
ABOUT 10 MINUTES IN TO A TRIP ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WINDSHIELD STARTED FOGGING UP. THE CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL WAS IN AUTO, BLEND WITH PART OF THE AIR GOING TO WINDSHIELD, PART TO FLOORBOARD, TEMP SET TO 72DEGREES ENGINE WAS FULLY WARM, AND WE WERE AT 55MPH. THE FOGGING WAS NOT GRADUAL, FROM THE TIME I NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD STARTING TO FOG, UNTIL VISIBILITY WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ALL THE WAY TO THE DASH WAS LESS THAN 2 MINUTES. IT WAS IF A SYSTEM HAD SHUT OFF. I ACTIVATED THE FRONT DEFROST BUTTON,, HIGH FAN TO CLEAR THE WINDOW AND IT ACTUALLY WAS WORSE FOR A FEW SECONDS. I TURNED UP THE HEAT TO 85, AND THE WINDSHIELD STARTED CLEARING. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS. WEATHER OUTSIDE TEMP ABOUT 45 DEGREES, LIGHT RAIN. WHEN THE TRIP STARTED THE WINDSHIELD WAS PERFECTLY CLEAN AND CLEAR OF ANY INTERIOR FOG. *TR
Jan 23, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY A HEAVY RAINSTORM BEGAN. IT WAS VERY HUMID AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS MODERATE. WITHIN A FEW MOMENTS THE DEFROST BECAME OVERWHELMED AND OUR VISIBLITY DECREASED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL. WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN IN ORDER TO GET ENOUGH AIR MOVING TO REMOVE THE CONDENSATION FROM THE FRONT WINDOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OTHER OCCASSIONS SINCE. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS US NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TT
Oct 27, 2011
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
4 complaints
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE SLIGHTLY BEGINS TO MOVE BUT NO ACCELERATION COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS RESULTS IN A VERY SLOW 1-2 MPH MOVEMENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A HANDFUL OF OCCASIONS AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. OFTEN WHEN PULLING OUT INTO A HIGHWAY WHEN ACCELERATION IS NEEDED THE VEHICLE JUST CREEPS INTO TRAFFIC. APPEARS THAT THE ENGINE IS JUST IDLING WITHOUT ANY INCREASE IN RPM WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. EVENTUALLY WHEN PULLING OFF TO SAFE AREA AND STOPPING WITH TRANS IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE ACTS NORMAL WITH PROPER ACCELERATION. SHIFTING INTO DRIVE WILL RETURN TO THE SAME PROBLEM. PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY SLOWLY DISSOLVE AFTER "PLAYING" WITH THE ACCELERATOR WHEN STOPPED AND THEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE TO BEGIN ACCELERATION. *TR
May 14, 2013
THIS COMPLAINT IS SIMILAR TO A COMPLAINT I ALREADY FILED IN DECEMBER 2012 AND IS A RECURRING ISSUE. ON 3/18/13, WAS TRAVELING APPROX 55 MPH UP A STEEP HILL WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY THE GAS PEDAL CEASED FUNCTIONING AS WELL. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING, HOWEVER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DID NOTHING. THIS CREATED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME WAS NOT AWARE MY VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN AND I HAD NO ABILITY TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED A MINUTE, AND RESTARTED IT. AT THIS POINT THE GAS PEDAL WAS FUNCTIONING AS EXPECTED, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. WENT TO THE DEALER, HOWEVER THEY INDICATED THE FIX FOR THE ISSUE (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, #12-FL-004) HAD BEEN APPLIED AFTER THE 12/2012 INCIDENT AND THEY FOUND NOTHING NEW WRONG THIS TIME. ON 3/22/13, THE EXACT SAME ISSUE HAPPENED TWICE DURING ONE COMMUTE TO WORK. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WHO HAS NO IDEA WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND FROM OTHER REPORTS SEEN ONLINE, A RECALL SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Mar 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IN PARK ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR, CAUSING IT TO ROLL AWAY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 03, 2013
AFTER LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUSHED ON THE PEDAL AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE FOR SECONDS. CAR HESITATES ALL THE TIME. AFRAID TO MAKE LEFT TURN FROM A STOPPED POSITION BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE IF THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE. VEHICLE ALSO HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS SLOW MOVING VEHICLES. REPORTED ISSUE TO DEALER AND DEALER WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM. READ AND HEARD OF OTHER SANTA FE ACCELERATION ISSUES. *TR
Jul 27, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
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.
Apr 10, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO EMIT A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. A STATE TROOPER APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 673.
Nov 17, 2011
NEW SANTA FE, 45 DAYS OLD, SCREECHING / METAL ON METAL GRINDING SOUND. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. AT 3 MONTHS OLD, CAR ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. DO NOT TRUST CAR. *TR
Jun 30, 2011
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
3 complaints
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 ASSURED ME THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN RECTIFIED. IT IS PRESENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER HAVING BEEN TOWED IN FOR THE FIFTH (5TH) TIME. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. *TR
Dec 22, 2013
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. LATER, WHEN THE EMERGENCY WORKERS WERE LOADING ME INTO THE AMBULANCE, I WOULD SEE THAT THE OBJECT WAS A LOW, CEMENT POLE, WHICH PROTECTED A FIRE HYDRANT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE PARKING SPOT I PULLED OUT OF. AS I PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR (DRIVE) WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, TO PULL AWAY FROM WHATEVER I BACKED IN TO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD (THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT IS THE WAY A PINBALL BOUNCES OFF OF A BUMPER ON A PINBALL MACHINE) AND CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD, EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE DROVE FORWARD INTO THE PARKING SPOT I HAD STARTED FROM, OVER A CURB AT THE FRONT OF THE PARKING SPOT, THROUGH A PATCH OF LOW LYING PLANTS AND OVER A WALL WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY FOUR TO FIVE FEET IN HEIGHT. MY VEHICLE WAS AIRBORNE AND CAME TO REST IN THE LOWER LEVEL PARKING LOT, STRIKING A PARKED VEHICLE. IT WAS ONLY THEN THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ITS FORWARD MOTION. MY ARMS HAD BEEN LOCKED ON THE STEERING WHEEL, MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. MY LEFT LEG ABSORBED THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH INTO THE LOWER LEVEL PARKING LOT. I WAS TAKEN AWAY IN AN AMBULANCE WITH A BROKEN LEG AND SEVERELY DISLOCATED ANKLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE CARRIER. I WAS ADVISED THAT A CLAIMS INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT TO THE INSURANCE-COMPANY-AUTHORIZED COLLISION SHOP TO WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED. EVEN THOUGH THE EMERGENCY WORKERS ADVISED ON THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT THAT THE CAR WAS NOT IN A DRIVABLE CONDITION, I WAS ADVISED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THE INVESTIGATOR DROVE THE VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE COLLISION SHOP AND HE WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TR
Mar 04, 2013
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, AFTER LETTING UP ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD ON ITS OWN AT APPROX 20 MPH, MORE THAN EXPECTED UNDER NORMAL IDLE CONDITIONS. THIS CONDITION LASTED FOR APPROX 5 MIN UNTIL I COULD PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, WAITED A MOMENT, THEN RESTARTED IT. AT THIS POINT THE GAS PEDAL WAS FUNCTIONING AS EXPECTED, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER WHO NOTIFIED ME OF AN EXISTING TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, #12-FL-004, FROM HYUNDAI. THEY ALSO INDICATED THIS WAS A "KNOWN ISSUE" RELATING TO THE "ECM SOFTWARE." *TR
Dec 26, 2012
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
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.
Apr 16, 2023
BROUGHT CAR IN FOR SERVICE ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL,AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE,BAD SMUDGE MARK ON WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE WHICH DEALER COULD NOT FIX AFTER SEVERAL TRIES BUT NEVER WROTE UP A SERVICE ORDER. WHEN CAR IS SET AT 50MPH AND WE ARE COMING TO A LEFT TURN I TURN ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL CAR LURCHES FORWARD AT VERY HIGH SPEED.DEALER CLAIMS BECAUSE ON INCLINE, BUT I DO IT WITHOUT TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT SPEED UP. AIRBAG PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENT DEALER CLAIMS CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. ALSO WHITE POWDER SHOWS UP ON DASHBOARD ABOVE GLOVE COMPARTMENT,WE WIPE IT OFF COMES BACK POSSIBLYLEAK IN AIRBAG PASSENGER SIDE DEALER CLAIMS NOT POSSIBLE. THOUGHT DEALER SHOULD HAVE FIXED WINDSHIELD UNDER 5 YR WARRANTY? ALSO NOTICED 2014 HYUNDAI SPORT THEY SCANNED ME INTO BUYING HAS PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG PASSENGER SIDE OFF LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
Apr 09, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THEIR RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER (HORNE HYUNDAI 1360 E AUTO CENTER DR, APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85119 (480) 771-8213) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING TURN SIGNALS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.
Mar 23, 2021
MY MULTI STALK SWITCH IS SMOKING AND CONSTANTLY CLICKING AS IF MY BLINKER IS ON. IT ALSO CAUSES MY SIGNAL LIGHTS TO COME ON AND STICK. THIS IS HAPPENING THE WHOLE TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING. IT FIRST STARTED SMOKING YESTERDAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND IT ALSO SMOKES WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A HUGE HAZARD BECAUSE I AM AFRAID IT WILL START A FIRE.
May 14, 2017
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
NOTHING HAS HAPPENED SO FAR, MY COMPLAINT IS THAT EVERY 4-6 MONTHS, I NEED TO BUY PARTS FOR MY SANTA FE. IT STARTS WITH A KNOCK ON THE RIGHT FRONT END OF THE CAR. I NEED TO GET TO WORK, SO I TAKE MY TIME GETTING THERE. I ALSO WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE SPRING BROKE ON THE ON RAMP. I SEE ALL THE HORROR STORIES ABOUT THIS MODEL HYUNDAI WITH ISSUES WITH THE FRONT END . I CAN SEND YOU REPAIR BILLS OF WHAT PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS.
Sep 26, 2020
STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, MOVES AS IF IT LOOSE. I HAVE OWNED A TOTAL OF FOUR SANTA FE'S. THIS IS THE FIRST ONE THAT HAS A LOOSE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE. THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS THE STEERING SHAFT, OR A WORN OUT BEARING. *TR
Mar 01, 2013
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
MY CAR STARTED RUNNING HOT PERIODICALLY, THE THERMOSTAT GAUGE KEPT GOING UP AND DOWN. THERE WAS A BUBBLING SOUND IN RADIATOR RESERVE CONTAINER. MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY CRANKED.
Jul 26, 2019
ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE WOULD REV UP THE RPM'S AND THEN SLOW WAY DOWN AND VEHICLE PAUSED FOR ABOUT 5-10 SECONDS THEN REENGAGED. ALSO, THE ENGINE SEEMS ACCELERATES AND SLOWS DOWN ON ITS OWN, DOESN'T FEEL LIKE TAKING FUEL AT TIMES. MY COMPLAINT SOUNDS SIMILAR TO NHTSA ID# 10744564, HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE DID NOT MAKE A LOUD SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH. I HAVE HAD MY 60000 MI SERVICE COMPLETED AND ISSUE PRESENTED AFTERWARDS. LUCKILY, THESE 3 INCIDENTS HAPPENED ON LOW VOLUME TRAFFIC STREETS. I HAVE HAD SERVICE AFTER AT DIFFERENT HYUNDAI DEALERS WITHOUT EXPLANATION.
Sep 23, 2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
2011 SANTA FE LEAKS OIL CONSTANTLY. IT'S MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, BECAUSE OUR DRIVEWAY IS ALWAYS COVERED WITH OIL STAINS. OTHERS HYUNDAI MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOT THE SANTA FE. THE LEAK HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, EVER SINCE I OWNED THE CAR. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR AND NOTICED THE ISSUE.
Jul 04, 2019
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN LATE MARCH 2013 AND THE MILEAGE WAS AROUND 50,800. EVERY SINCE THEN IT PERIODICALLY HESITATES TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS ROLLING FORWARD VERY SLOWLY. IN EVERY CASE THE GAS PEDDLE (THROTTLE) IS FULLY RELEASED AND WHEN I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDDLE, NOTHING HAPPENS. THE MOTOR DOES NOT SPEED UP, THE THROTTLE IS NOT ENGAGING ANYTHING. SEVERAL TIMES I PUSHED THE PEDDLE HALF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THEN ALL AT ONCE, IT CATCHES, AND THE CAR TAKES OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE CAR IS NOT "CODING" SO THE BRUNSWICK, GA HYUNDAI DEALING WILL NOT REPAIR WHAT IS WRONG. AND NATURALLY IT HAS NOT HAPPENED THE FEW TIME THEY HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR. THIS IS A HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD RESULT IN DEATH WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP ON TO A BUSY ROAD. IT IS NERVE RACKING TO THINK, THIS MIGHT BE THE TIME THE CAR WON'T MOVE! I TOOK A QUICK LOOK AT THE DATA BASE OF COMPLAINTS AND THIS SAME COMPLAINT IS IN YOUR DATA BASE. AGAIN IT IS A PERIODIC HAPPENING WHICH MAKES IT MORE DANGEROUS. *TR
May 29, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED VERY HIGH, THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING FORWARD AND CRASHING INTO A WALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,279.
Nov 19, 2018
VEHICLE STALLED WHEN LEAVING STOP LIGHT LOST SPEED WOULD NOT ACCELERATE HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE SOME ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLES I AGREE SAFTEY IS AN ISSUE DEALER OR MANUFACTURE CANNOT FIND SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 25, 2014
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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.
Aug 19, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us
Jan 07, 2024
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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.
Mar 23, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
NORMAL DRIVING TURN SIGNAL LEVER STARTED TICKING BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE BASE CONTINUES TO TICK INTERMITTENTLY AND SMOKES IN MOTION WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
Jan 18, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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 EVER COME UP ON MY CAR BEFORE OR AFTER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME OF MANY INCIDENTS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND NOT ONLY WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING BUT ALSO MY DAUGHTER, SHE HAS HER PERMIT! IT DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN ON THE INTERSTATE BUT ALSO AROUND OUR COMMUNITY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED IT OUT WITH MY MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND THE ISSUE AS THE DIAGNOSTIC CAME UP WITH NOTHING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD.
Dec 30, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR CALIPERS SEIZED. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE PEDAL FELT SPONGY AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CALIPERS SEIZED AND THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V613000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.*DT*JB
Jan 03, 2020
AIR BAGS
1 complaint
PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IN 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS MALFUNCTIONING/ BROKEN. ONLY WAY TO REPLACE IS BY PURCHASING AN ENTIRELY NEW SEAT, $4000, IN ORDER FOR THE AIR BAGS TO WORK PROPERLY. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI ABOUT THE ISSUE THEY WERE UNHELPFUL AND TOLD ME I SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. DON'T FEEL I SHOULD EVER HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A FAULTY AIRBAG SENSOR EVEN IF IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THE FACT THAT THE ENTIRE SEAT HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY DON'T SELL THE SENSOR ANY OTHER WAY IS ROBBERY. AIRBAGS SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO BE MAINTAINED OR FIXED ON A VEHICLE WHEN THERE IS NO FAULT BY THE OWNER. ESPECIALLY ONLY AFTER 8 YEARS AND LESS THAN 50,000 MILES.
Nov 19, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER WAS COLLECTING IN THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINNER HYUNDAI (591 S DUPONT HWY, DOVER, DE 19901, (302) 877-2489) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SEAL FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
Sep 16, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WARNING LIGHTS FOR ABS AND ESC SYSTEMS COME ON WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AND DO NOT GO OFF AS THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. APPEARS TO BE AN EQUIPMENT FAILURE. LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN VEHICLE IN MOTION. BOTH LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY.
Jul 08, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE BRAKES BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKES AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Apr 09, 2019
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TWO DIFFERENT TIMES IN 1 YR OUR BACK GLASS SHATTERED WHILE PARKED ONCE AT HOME ONCE WHILE AT WORK
May 31, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. PREVENTS SHIFTER TO GO INTO PARK. MUST RURN ENGINE OFF ON NUETRAL THEN TURN CAR ON TO ELIMINATE TRACTION CONTROL ERROR IN ORDER RO PUT SHIFTER INTO PARK
May 04, 2018
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
THE FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING CRACKED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE SALT ON ROAD. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ABOUT 25 MPH GOING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET . THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE , SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN HURT OR DEATH COULD OCCUR . I'M GLAD NO ONE WAS HURT OR WORSE . THE RECALL NUMBER IS HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 947 SANTA FE .THE CASE NUMBER IS 10917499.
Feb 04, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE STALLED TWICE DURING 35MPH DRIVE HOME THIS EVE, MAKING STEERING AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC EXTREMELY CHALLENGING AND TERRIFYING. OCCURRED ON #3 AND #4 OF 6 RIGHT TURNS.
May 23, 2017
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Dec 29, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V613000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Nov 10, 2016
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT A RATE OF LESS THAN 5-10 MPG IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE 105 WEST FREEWAY. THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING ABILITIES AND ALL POWER IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT NOTIFICATION LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER STRANGE PECULIARITIES. BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS WENT ON. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER WITH WHATEVER RESIDUAL POWER REMAINING AS NOT TO IMPEDE TRAFFIC BUT IT WAS A TERRIFYING STRUGGLE. THE GEARS WERE ALSO LOCKED AND UNABLE TO SHIFT. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE CAR. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CLEARED AND THERE ARE NO DIAGNOSTICS ON THE COMPUTER THAT REFLECT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS UNKNOWN WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUE. MONTHS PRIOR (6 MONTHS) I WAS DRIVING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED (APPROX 30 MPH) ON THE SAME FREEWAY, EARLY MORNING, AND THE SAME PROBLEM ALSO HAPPENED. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED BADLY OR WORSE.
Nov 18, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
IN OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR, MY 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT AND GET TO SAFETY, BUT IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I AND MANY OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN 2012 AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT. SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT, THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF RECALLS DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE. I THINK IT DEALS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE IDLE SYSTEM. OBVIOUSLY IT IS STILL A VERY DANGEROUS CAR TO DRIVE. I BELIEVE YOU NEED TO INVESTIGATE THIS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
Nov 09, 2015
WHEELS
1 complaint
DURING MAINTENANCE I WAS INFORMED THAT MY REAR TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. IS THIS A SAFTY PROBLEM?
Oct 21, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PERIOD OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS FROM THE AIR BAG AND A NECK INJURY WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/12/16*LJ UPDATED 4/18/18*JB *TR
Oct 09, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE WIRING WAS RECONNECTED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500. MA 10/15/2015 THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 01/05/16.*JB
Sep 03, 2015
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
PURCHASED 2011 SANTA FE W/ 29000 MILES ON 5/15/2015. NOTED EXCESSIVE RUST ON REAR SUSPENSION AND FRAME COMPONENTS, PARTICULARLY AT WELD JOINTS AND ON SUSPENSION MEMBERS - TO THE EXTENT THAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT VEHICLE SAFETY. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AT TWIN CITY HYUNDAI IN KNOXVILLE AND RECEIVED EVASIVE ANSWER ABOUT HOW IT WAS A NEW YORK CAR AND THAT THE LEVEL OF CORROSION WAS BASICALLY TO BE EXPECTED. NO OFFER TO CONDUCT ANY REPAIR WORK. VEHICLE IS IN WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR IN ALL RESPECTS (INTERIOR, ENGINE BAY, AND OTHER BODY WORK IS EXCELLENT). I GREW UP IN COLORADO AND HAVE NEVER SEEN CORROSION THIS EXTENSIVE ON ANY VEHICLE AND DO NOT FIND THE DEALER RESPONSE ACCEPTABLE. CORROSION RESISTANCE PREPARATION DURING MANUFACTURE APPEARS TO BE INADEQUATE.
May 10, 2015
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
I GOT IN MAKE VEHICLE TO GO TO THE STORE AND MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT FASTEN I TRIED EVERYTHING AFTER AN HOUR I GAVE UP
Jan 06, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WE OWN A 2011 HYNUDAI SANTA FE AND HAD AN INCIDENT LAST NIGHT PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WHICH APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED: SUA SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE MOTOR JUST STARTED RACING FULL THROTTLE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I MASHED ON THE BRAKE AND FELT IT FADE OUT UNDER THE FORCE OF THE INCREASED MOTOR RPM. I QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE BUT I HAD MY FOOT COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR PEDALS. I THEN SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. MY WIFE AND I WERE SHAKEN BUT UNINJURED. AFTER COMPLETING OUR REASON FOR THE STOP, THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY AND WE RETURNED HOME WITH NO FURTHER INCIDENT. BUT OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE HAS GONE TO ZERO. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED SO FAR ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Dec 06, 2014
TIRES
1 complaint
KUMHO TIRE KL21 P235/65R/17 PURCHASE 2013, SLOW AIR LEAKED AND TIRE HAS LESS 10K MILES AND CHECKED BY DEALER/TIRE CENTER WITH NO APPARENT PUNCTURE ON TIRE. *TR
Oct 26, 2014
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I PERCHED IT ON SEPT. 9. 214 I REPORTED THIS IN SEPT 214 PROBLEM THE BACK WHEELS SOUND LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE AS SOON AS YOU PICK UP SPEED OF 50 TO 65 MILES HOUR THEY REPLACE TIRES AND STILL NO CHANGE I HAD THE TECH. TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO HERE IT AND HOW LOUD IT WAS ON HIGHWAY. THEN THEY THOUGHT IT WAS OUT OF LINIMENT SO THE DID THAT, AND STILL NO CHANGE, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WHEELS ARE WOBBLY AND IT WILL CONTINUE.SO. I WAS TOLD TO GIVE IT 2 WEEKS OR SO, BUT WHEN YOU GO ON HIGHWAY ITS LOUDER THEN VIBRATES AND WHEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES YOU CAN FEEL IT ALSO AND THE TECH. ALSO FELT IT, AND AT THIS POINT THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK DO TO A FRIEND THAT RECOMMEND IT AND KNOW THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.AS MINE AND THEY ALSO COMPLAINED I BOUGHT THIS DO TO, I AM DISABLED AND NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE AND NOT BIG PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOT YET MADE A PAYMENT ITS NOT DUE UNTIL OCT. 29,2014. *TR
Oct 15, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON JUNE 11, 2014 MY 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ( 55051 MILES) STARTED MAKING A WHINING SOUND WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED. I TOOK THE CAR INTO A HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE PULLEY IDLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORTUNATELY MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON JUNE 27TH, 2014 MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE (55376 MILES), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR DID NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE. ABOVE 20 MPH. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THE 55376 PO638 LOST COMMUNICATION AND HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE SENSOR. COMING HOME TODAY JULY 17TH 2014, THE CAR WAS A LITTLE HESITANT WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND TRYING TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL. HAS ANYONE REPORTED THESE PROBLEMS? *TR
Jul 17, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. IT HAPPENS AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES A MONTH. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN STOPPED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, BUT HAS OCCURRED ON A LEVEL STREET. THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD. IF ON AN INCLINE, THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS. I HAVE TO KEEP MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE NOW AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR WITH THE RIGHT FOOT. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE. *TR
Jul 02, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO THE COMPLAINT I MADE ON 5/13/2013. AT THAT TIME MY VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM I HAD BEEN HAVING WHICH WAS THAT MY CAR WOULD RANDOMLY STALL WHILE MAKING A TURN, WHETHER LEFT OR RIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE PANEL WOULD LIGHT UP LIKE CHRISTMAS AND EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE BRAKES WOULD CEASE TO WORK. I HAVE TO COAST TO A SAFE LOCATION (IF POSSIBLE) TO TURN OFF CAR AND THEN RESTART IT. I HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE THAT ME OR MY FAMILY HAVE NOT BEEN HIT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. UPDATE TO LAST REPORT: MY CAR STAYED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS HOWEVER THE PROBLEM WAS NOT DUPLICATED. THEIR SOLUTION (HYUNDAI USA AND MY DEALERSHIP) WAS TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED ON 1/19/2014. I DON'T THINK HYNDAI USA WILL BE SATISFIED UNTIL THERE'S FATALITIES UNFORTUNATELY. *TR
Mar 18, 2014
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY HYUNDAI 2011 SANTE FE AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A CITY ROAD. SUDDENLY, I FELT THAT I WAS CUT OFF, THERE WAS NO CONTROL ON BRAKE OR THE STEERING WHEEL (BOTH WERE TOO HARD TO OPERATE). SO, ALL I COULD DO WAS TO DRIVE STRAIGHT, AND I WAS LITERALLY CROSSING SOME BUSY STREETS (LUCKILY, THERE WERE NO CARS WHEN I WAS CROSSING THESE STREETS) ON RED SIGNALS, WITH MY BLINKERS ON. LUCKILY, MY CO-PASSENGER KEPT COOL AND SUGGESTED IF I COULD OPERATE MY PARKING BRAKE, AND I TRIED THIS, AND MY CAR SLOWLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AT THIS MOMENT, I PUT MY CAR ON PARK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, I DROVE BACK TO A SAFE PLACE (IN A MILE), CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND GOT IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER. THE DEALER FOUND NO MAJOR BREAKDOWN (!!!) OR ANY INACTIVE LOG ON THE CAR COMPUTER (!!!), ONLY REPLACED A BRAKE LIGHT (WHICH WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS) AND DECLARED THE CAR TO BE 'SAFE TO DRIVE'. IT IS STILL VERY SCARY TO DRIVE THE CAR (IT HAS BEEN ABOUT A WEEK NOW AFTER THIS INCIDENT), BUT NOT SURE IF HYUNDAI WILL HAVE AN ANSWER TO THIS. *TR
Nov 20, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS STALLED IN TRAFFIC WHEN DRIVING UNDER 10MPH AND ALSO WHEN AT A STANDSTILL AT A FOUR WAY INTERSECTION. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP 5.13.2013 AND A THROTTLE BODY PART WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED 5.21.2013. VEHICLE AGAIN STALLED TWICE AT LOW SPEED AND ON 10.11.2013 (MILEAGE 37,710) AN ECM UPGRADE WAS DONE. YESTERDAY,10.26.2013, THE CAR STALLED AGAIN. *TR
Oct 27, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING AREA AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE AS THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A CRASH HOWEVER, CRASHED INTO AN ICE EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO BOTH HANDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) LETTER WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Sep 19, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
FIRST OF ALL I KNOW OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IS NOT MADE IN USA, IT IS A KOREAN 2.4 L, 7 SEATER BOUGHT IN PANAMA. I WROTE TO THE HYUNDAI COMPLAINT WEBSITE AND THEY VERY POLITELY ANSWERED THAT THE CAR WAS A NON-US MODEL AND THEY SENT ME A LINK TO A WEBSITE WHERE I COULD FILE THE COMPLAINT. I DID IT BUT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN ANSWER, YET. MY FIRST PROBLEM AFTER THE CRASH WAS THE UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS FOR REPAIRING THE CAR. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH OUR LOCAL CONSUMER AUTHORITY HERE IN PANAMA. OUR CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR MORE THAN 9 MONTHS, ITS RUNNING NOW BUT STILL SOME PARTS MISSING. THE ISSUE IS THAT AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK FROM THE SHOP I RECEIVED A CALL FROM OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER (PETROAUTOS) TELLING ME ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN OF THE FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH (JUST AS IN THE US MODELS) AND THAT I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. SO I LOOKED UP IN INTERNET AND I FIND SEVERAL RECALLS RELATED TO THE BRAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE SWITCH. SO IM WONDERING IF THIS WAS RELATED TO THE CRASH BECAUSE I ALWAYS HAD MY DOUBTS OF WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I BRAKED THAT DAY. FINALLY THERE WAS A CRASH AND ALTHOUGH I KNOW THIS MAY ONLY BE FOR YOUR INFORMATION OR FILES, AND THAT YOU CAN'T HELP ME; PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT FOR YOUR EVALUATIONS. THANKS.
Sep 04, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TWICE, THE ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF, WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM AN IDLE OR STOPPED POSITION. LUCKILY, BOTH INCIDENTS WERE IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. THE ENGINE SIMPLY STOPPED RUNNING AND I HAD TO PUT IT INTO PARKING GEAR, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. *TR
Jul 17, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ON JUNE 11, 2013 I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE. I WAS STOPPED AND PUTTING MY CAR INTO PARK. AS I REACH NEUTRAL MY CAR ACCELERATED FAST...THIS WAS MORE THEN A LUNGE FORWARD, IT WAS MORE LIKE A POWER SURGE. MY CAR CONTINUED FORWARD AT A VERY FAST SPEED, DESPITE MY BRAKING ( THERE WERE SKID MARKS) AND HIT A WALL. I ENDED UP WITH LOTS OF MASSIVE BRUISING AND SPRAINED MUSCLES. PLUS I WAS VERY FRIGHTENED. THERE WAS LOTS OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED IT. IT IS SILL IN THEIR BODY SHOP. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT I CHECKED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THERE WERE LOTS & LOTS OF EXAMPLES OF THIS, SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM, WITH THE 2011 SANTA FE. I DON'T SEE ANY RESPONSES FROM HYUNDAI. THIS PROBLEM HAS TO BE DEALT WITH. *TR
Jun 24, 2013
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF DRIVE INTO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL UNTIL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
May 20, 2013
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
SINCE I RECEIVED MY SUV IN 2011 I'VE EXPERIENCED 3 VEHICULAR CUT-OFFS WHILE DRIVING. THE CUT-OFF ALWAYS OCCURS DURING A SLOW MOVING TURN, WHETHER GOING LEFT OR RIGHT. I WOULD START TURNING OR SWITCHING LANES IN ONE CASE AND THE CAR WILL STALL. ALL PANEL LIGHTS WOULD COME ON, THE STEERING WOULD SHUT-DOWN SO I CANT CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES SHUT-DOWN AS WELL. I HAVE TO COAST TO A STOP AND PLACE IN PARK. THIS IS A VERY VULNERABLE SITUATION WHERE I'VE BEEN AT THE MERCY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THANK GOODNESS THAT MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WASN'T IN THE VEHICLE ANY OF THE TIMES. THE SUV ALWAYS STARTS BACK UP AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. THIS PROBLEM IS SO RANDOM AND THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS, IT'S JUST HAPPENS. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT PERHAPS THEIR COULD HAVE BEEN AIR IN THE GAS LINE, I DON'T BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I HAD LESS THEN A QUARTER TANK OF GAS, THE SECOND ABOUT A HALF TANK AND THE LAST A FULL TANK. CURRENTLY MY CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY'RE HOPING THAT THEY CAN ONCE AGAIN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY'VE HAD IT FOR 6 DAYS SO FAR. *TR
May 13, 2013
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 LIMITED TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A STALL CONDITION. IMMEDIATELY LOST THE ABILITY TO SAFELY CONTROL THE VEHICLE, COMPLETE LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING. ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAD COASTED TO A STOP, SHIFTED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVE POSITION TO THE PARK POSITION. TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION. IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE START POSITION AND ENGINE RESTARTED. ENGINE LIGHT INDICATOR IN DASH PANEL WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOCATE THE ROOT CAUSE. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE. FILED AN INCIDENT REPORT WITH HYUNDAI USA. *TR
Apr 14, 2013
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AFTER HEAVY SNOW I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES OVER A SNOW PILE. WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT OVER THE SNOW, THE SOFTWARE TOOK CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND TURNED TO VEHICLE 270 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED IN THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODE. I HAVE OVER 500,000 MILES DRIVING 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES IN OVER 50 YEARS AND HAVE LIVED AND WORKED IN HEAVY SNOW STATES. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY USED THE SAME TECHNIQUE TO GO OVER SNOW WITH NO PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SOFTWARE IS TO AGGRESSIVE. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS REPORTED AFTER THE SNOW STORM WHERE VEHICLES WERE REPORTED TO HAVE SPUN OUT. I WINDER HOW MANY WERE CAUSED BY THE SOFTWARE. I NOW TURN THE STABILITY CONTROL OFF DURING SNOW. *TR
Mar 03, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LAST MONTHLY SINCE PURCHASE IN AUGUST 2011. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP PLACEMENT OF ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS CAUSES MY FOOT TO PRESS BOTH PEDALS AT SAME TIME. YESTERDAY WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A "T" INTERSECTION THE FRONT END ENTERED THE INTERSECTION AS ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING. QUICK ACTION BY THE OTHER DRIVER AVOIDED A COLLISION. MY BROTHER SAID HE HAD SAME PROBLEM (FOOT ON BOTH PEDALS AT SAME TIME) WHEN TEST DRIVING HIS WIFE'S SANTA FE. *TR
Oct 31, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I WAS SHOWING MY NEW/USED 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE TO SOME FRIENDS WHEN WE HEARD A POP AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. NO ONE ELSE WAS AROUND THE VEHICLE AND WHERE IT WAS PARKED THERE WAS NO WHERE SOMEONE COULD HAVE SHOT THE WINDOW WITH A PELLET GUN OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. EARLIER IN THE MORNING I HAD THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON TO CLEAR LIGHT FOG OFF THE REAR WINDSHIELD. IT WAS ONLY ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES UNTIL I SHUT IT OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Oct 13, 2012
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DRIVING SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC DOWN A HILL MY STEERING WHEEL, GEAR SHIFT AND BRAKES LOCKED UP. IMMEDIATELY MY GENERATOR LIGHT CAME ON MY DASHBOARD. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND SOMEHOW GET THE CAR IN PARK. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND REALIZED THROUGH MY MANUAL MY GENERATOR LIGHT WAS ON. I OPENED THE HOOD AND COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING. WHEN TURNING THE CAR BACK ON THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THAT MONDAY I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING. PUT THE CAR UP TO A COMPUTER, DROVE IT AROUND, TEST EVERYTHING COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM SINCE BUT SOMETHING HAD TO OCCUR FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I AM PLEASE WITH MY CAR OTHERWISE. JUST HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. IT COULDN'T BE WEATHER RELATED BECAUSE IT WAS NEITHER SUPER WARM OR SUPER COLD IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 50 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. FORTUNATELY I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC OTHERWISE IF I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT THIS COULD HAVE ENDED UP VERY BADLY POSSIBLY EVEN FATAL. *TR
Mar 27, 2012
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
ON MAY 26TH 2011 AROUND 6:20 PM WHEN I DROVE ON A LOCAL DOWN HILL ROAD WHICH IS ABOUT 400 YARD LONG, AT A SPEED ABOUT 20 MPH, MY CAR LOST BRAKE AND POWER STEERING. I SUPPOSED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND MAKE A LEFT TURN. WHEN I PRESSED MY BRAKE PEDAL, MY CAR CAN'T STOP AND THE PEDAL WAS VERY HEAVY, AND I CAN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER. MY CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. I KEPT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD AND MY CAR FINALLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET GRADUALLY. WHEN I LOOKED, I NOTICED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT WERE ON. I THEN TURN OFF MY CAR AND REST A WHILE. I THEN TURNED MY CAR BACK ON AND FOUND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT WENT OFF AND EVERYTHING SEEMED BACK TO NORMAL. WORTH TO NOTE THAT IT WAS HOT THAT DAY ABOUT 90 DEGREE AND I RIDE ON BRAKE SLIGHTLY FOR ABOUT 300 YARD ON THAT DOWN HILL ROAD BEFORE THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SLOWLY BACK HOME THAT DAY AND BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE CLOSEST HYUNDAI DEALER AT 7:30 AM THE NEXT MORNING. HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILURE AND FOUND NOTHING. I THEN CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND HYUNDAI CREATED A CASE NUMBER AND SUGGESTED ME GO TO THE SELLING DEALER. ON JUNE 7TH, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE SELLING DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE FAILURE EITHER AND ASKED ME TO COME BACK TO THEM WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. HOWEVER, IT COULD BE DANGEROUS WHEN MY CAR LOSES BRAKE AGAIN WHEN I AM DRIVING. I AM WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY OTHER WAY TO INVESTIGATE ROOT CAUSES OR STRESS MY CAR TO REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Jul 11, 2011
STEERING,SUSPENSION,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT (THE SIDE I WANTED TO PASS ON) WHEN PASSING GEAR WAS USED. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING THE CAR TO MY LEFT. THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL DUE TO TORQUE KNUCKLE STEERING. (IT HAPPENED WHEN HE DROVE MY SUV AND HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO IT!!! WE ALSO TRIED ANOTHER SUV AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, PLEASE NOTE; THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT BIGGER TIRES WOULD PROBABLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT THE SUV IS UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD NOT PAY FOR THEM HE DROPPED THE SUBJECT). I HAVE TRIED THE MANEUVER INDICATED WHEN THERE IS NO TRAFFIC AND IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF ANYONE WITHOUT MY QUICK REFLEXES. I HAD NOTICED THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THE PASSING INCIDENT ON A STRAIGHT ACCELERATION, BUT BELIEVED IT MIGHT BE AN UNEVEN PAVEMENT CAUSING IT. )I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT THINK THERE IS A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE STEERING AND THE DRIVE TRAIN THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 02/14/11 *BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. UPDATED PORTABLE 02/25/11
Feb 08, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ NEW VEHICLE HAS DISCHARGED HEAVY FUEL FUMES AND ODORS OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE CREATING A POSSIBLE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE/EXPLOSION AND CAUSING OBNOXIOUS IF NOT HAZARDOUS BREATHING. 12/31/2010 SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED 01/01/2011 AT START-UP, THERE WAS A "POP" AND ENGINE STARTED. REPLICATED AT DEALERSHIP AND RAW GAS WAS SMELLED. DEALER KEPT VEHICLE FOR SERVICE SHOP TO OPEN ON 01/03/2011. 01/03/2011 DEALER REPLACED PURGE CONTROL VALVE (P/N 28910-3C100). TOOK VEHICLE, SMELLED GAS FUMES IN GARAGE @ RESIDENCE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. 01/04/2011 RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. PART ORDERED AIR FREIGHT. 01/05/2011 DEALER INSTALLED FUEL TANK AIR FILTER (P/N 31543-3J501-R). TOOK VEHICLE HOME, SMELLED GAS FUMES IN GARAGE @ RESIDENCE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. 01/06/2011 FUMES IN GARAGE NOT PRESENT. THOUGHT ISSUE CORRECTED. FUELED VEHICLE, RAN ERRANDS, SMELLED FUEL OUTSIDE VEHICLE. HAD LUNCH, SMELLED FUEL INSIDE OF CAR. NOT PREVIOUSLY SMELLED INSIDE VEHICLE.RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP. 01/07/2011 DEALER ADVISES THAT THEY ARE DISMANTLING VEHICLE ABOUT THE FUEL FILL AREA TO EXPLORE FOR DEFECTS. *TR
Jan 09, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A HYUNDAI, NOT EVEN ONE MONTH AGO. DECEMBER 12TH 2010. VIN [XXX] HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2011 IT IS SUPPOSED TO GET 20-26 MILES PER GALLON. WHILE DRIVING THE HIGHWAY FROM FLORIDA TO NC IT GOT 15 MILES TO THE GALLON. ON THE WAY BACK THE SAME THING. IN ADDITION THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT AND MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE SEVERAL TIMES. WE DID NOT THINK WE WOULD GET HOME. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AND REPORTED IT TO HYUNDAI. THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THAT THE CAR JUST NEEDS TO BE BROKEN IN. I WENT ON LINE AND SAW MANY CONSUMERS HAD THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND HYUNDAI IGNORED THEIRS AS WELL. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN. I NEVER HEARD OF A CAR NEEDING TO BE BROKEN IN. THE MILEAGE IS A LIE. THE CAR IS NOT GETTING WHAT THEY CLAIM IT SHOULD AND OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME THING TO HYUNDAI. THERE APPEARS TO BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND WITH THOSE OF OTHER CONSUMERS AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP. CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 03, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe have?
The 2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe currently has 180 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?
The most common problems reported for the 2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2011 HYUNDAI Santa Fe comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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