Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

181 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
82

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 42transmission slipping 9unintended acceleration 8
A recent report: 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…
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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 knock sensor replacement, the vehicle began stalling and completely shutting off at idle — a condition that did not exist before the dealer's service. I returned the vehicle to the dealership to address this new issue. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over three (3) weeks with no diagnosis update, no repair timeline, and no communication from the service department. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1. Safety concern: An engine that stalls and dies at idle presents a serious risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or at intersections. 2. Service Campaign T6G: I believe the underlying condition and the dealer-caused stalling issue are both connected to the knock sensor system covered by this campaign. I request that NHTSA review whether this vehicle qualifies under Campaign T6G and whether dealer-caused damage following campaign-related service should be addressed under the campaign or a related recall. The dealership's failure to communicate for 3+ weeks and their claim that my vehicle is not covered under Campaign T6G warrants regulatory review.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11730232 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
33

Most reports here involve electrical shorts.

electrical shorts 9sudden stalling 7
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11628498 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
19

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

loss of braking 9unintended acceleration 3
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11609304 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Read closely
26

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.

loss of steering 10premature wear 4
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11372699 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
5

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

airbags not deploying 2unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: About this date had accidentair bags failed to go off for any off us

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11563989 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
10

Most reports here involve corrosion. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

corrosion 2sudden stalling 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11704202 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
6

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 6
A recent report: 02

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11574426 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 181 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2026, roughly 12 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.