2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: 2 recalls, 181 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V613000 · 2010 · 1,785 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of the rear brake calipers May not have been properly machined.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V113000 · 2013 · 1,712,336 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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…
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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #11E040000 · 2011 · 2,254 vehicles
What's wrong: The units are not water-tight and moisture can seep into the converter module and defeat the module's internal circuit protection.
Why it matters: Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Curt manufacturing will notify owners and replace the tow package wiring harness. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 17, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (64): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (27), warning light on (15).
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are fire / smoke (11), electrical failure (8).
- Speed control / throttle (24): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), stalls / loses power (8), warning light on (5).
The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has 181 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 26 Santa Fe model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 295). Complaints peaked in 2013 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 44,100 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (259 complaints, 2 recalls), 2012 (353 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (64), electrical (25), speed control / throttle (24).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.