This page covers 2 recalls, 181 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate reports for the 2011 Santa Fe, making up the largest share of owner filings by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe sudden and complete engine failure, engines seizing without warning, connecting rods punching through the block, and oil dumping onto the road. Several owners report this happening at relatively low mileage with documented maintenance histories. Stalling at idle and unexpected shutoffs while driving also appear across multiple reports, sometimes accompanied by burning smells. Electrical system complaints are the second most common, though at a lower volume. Steering also draws a notable cluster of reports, which connects logically to the engine failure pattern, when the engine dies suddenly, power steering is lost with it. A separate thread of complaints involves undercarriage and chassis rust, with owners describing severe corrosion that dealers reportedly coated but which continued to progress regardless.
181
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 recalls, the most serious being a moisture intrusion into the ABS module that can cause an electrical short and start an engine compartment fire, even with the vehicle parked and turned off.
The other two recalls both involve the same rear brake caliper issue: the calipers may not have been properly machined, allowing brake fluid to leak. As the fluid level drops, the brake warning light on the dashboard illuminates, and the brake pedal can feel soft or spongy, reducing stopping ability.
At a glance
What can fail
Some rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined, affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear calipers and replace them if needed at no charge.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake calipers may not have been machined properly, causing brake fluid to leak. This triggers a low brake fluid warning light. If ignored, the brake pedal becomes soft or spongy, and braking performance declines.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
