2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 64 2 crash 5 fire 2 injury

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #10521561, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10501225, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 ya…”
NHTSA complaint #11639951, 2024 · fire

Electrical System 25 1 crash 2 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11404455, 2021 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11080980, 2018 · fire

“About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us”
NHTSA complaint #11563989, 2023 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 24 4 crash 3 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10781147, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #10521561, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10501225, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 22 3 crash 2 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10781147, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10544404, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 ISSU…”
NHTSA complaint #10541823, 2012 · crash

Power Train 21 1 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10501225, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11730232, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11203767, 2019

Steering 20 2 crash 1 fire 4 injury 1 death

“DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY WHICH RESULTED IN THE DRIVERS FATALITY, PREVIOUS DRIVER OF VEHICLE INDICATED SOMETHING WAS "ODD" WITH THE STEERING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10482407, 2012 · crash · 1 death(s)

“WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT NORMAL SPEED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE CLOSER TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN OPPOSING TRAFFIC ON A TWO LANE ROAD. AS I SWERVED A BIT TO THE RIGHT IN AN EFFORT TO GIVE THE OPPOSING VEHICLE MORE ROOM, I WENT TOO FAR TO THE BRIM OF THE ROAD. AS I TRIED TO CORRECT IT, I LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING ME TO DRIVE STRAIGHT ACROSS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WENT HEAD ONTO INTO THE TREE, BOUNCED OFF, AND SLID BACKWARDS DOWN INTO A DRAINAGE CULVERT. THERE WAS MELTING SNOW ON THE BRIM OF…”
NHTSA complaint #10682832, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11404455, 2021 · fire

Suspension 16 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH , THERE WAS A LOUD POP HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED FROM THE IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER DIAGNOSED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10449746, 2011 · crash

“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, 2025

“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, 2021

Exterior Lighting 14 4 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10781147, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10544404, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11021322, 2017 · fire

Structure 10 3 crash 2 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11361175, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #10521561, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 ISSU…”
NHTSA complaint #10541823, 2012 · crash

Engine And Engine Cooling 8 1 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10436180, 2011 · fire

“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 repla…”
NHTSA complaint #11582127, 2022

“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 W…”
NHTSA complaint #10611353, 2014

Air Bags 7 4 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10781147, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us”
NHTSA complaint #11563989, 2023 · crash

“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, 2023 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 7

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11230032, 2019

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11091981, 2018

“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 BELIEV…”
NHTSA complaint #10789431, 2015

Unknown Or Other 7 1 crash

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11435545, 2021 · crash

“Unexplained battery drain has been an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11425441, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11396695, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 5

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11385612, 2020

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11235040, 2019

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11229448, 2019

Visibility 4

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10691189, 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 TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10535325, 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 T…”
NHTSA complaint #10444974, 2012

Wheels 4

“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, 2021

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11066869, 2017

“DURING MAINTENANCE I WAS INFORMED THAT MY REAR TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. IS THIS A SAFTY PROBLEM?”
NHTSA complaint #10784984, 2015

Fuel System 3

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10607870, 2012

“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. 01/04/2…”
NHTSA complaint #10375329, 2011

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10373998, 2011

Visibility/Wiper 2

“TWO DIFFERENT TIMES IN 1 YR OUR BACK GLASS SHATTERED WHILE PARKED ONCE AT HOME ONCE WHILE AT WORK”
NHTSA complaint #11099068, 2018

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10479985, 2012

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“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 INDIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10382013, 2011

Seat Belts 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10670580, 2015

Tires 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10650014, 2014