Does the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on April 1, 2013 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE?

Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (64 complaints), followed by electrical system (25).

How many 2011 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?

12 of 181 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2011 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and problems

2 recalls and 181 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE.

recalls

181

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · reported April 1, 2013 · Hyundai Motor Company · 1,712,336 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, disc, caliper

NHTSA campaign 10V613000 · reported December 9, 2010 · Hyundai Motor Company · 1,785 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 santa fe vehicles manufactured from september 28, 2010, through november 25, 2010. Some of the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined.
The risk: As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on december 17, 2010. Owners may contact hyundai roadside assistance at 1-800-243-7766.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine64
Electrical system25
Vehicle speed control24
Power train21
Steering20
Service brakes17
Suspension16
Exterior lighting14
Structure10
Engine and engine cooling8

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 9, 2026 · Engine
My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for…

Dec 10, 2025 · Structure · 118,000 miles
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…

Sep 26, 2025 · Engine
CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. With no prior indications, the engine seized while driving on side street at 25mph. Engine blew hole in block and dumped engine parts, including piston rod, piston and engine block remnants, and oil on street. Very dangerous as power steering stopped and was unable to turn. Very low miles…

Jun 17, 2025 · Suspension
The undercarriage is completed rusted and is not drivable, I had the treatment done by the dealer to have it coated to protect it from rust. well, its rusted.

Jan 31, 2025 · Engine · 280,000 miles · fire reported
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…

Santa FE model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2008	4	541	17	7
2009	2	359	27	5
2010	2	260	8	6
2011	2	181	12	8
2012	1	355	25	17
2013	3	605	14	41
2014	3	493	16	30

Across all years, the 2017 Santa FE has the most complaints (971). All Hyundai Santa FE years →

Questions

Does the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on April 1, 2013 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE?: Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (64 complaints), followed by electrical system (25).
How many 2011 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?: 12 of 181 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 9, 2026.