YearToAvoid

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 27 brake complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, 15% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median mileage at failure of 48,512. There is a related recall (10V613000) for improperly machined rear brake calipers.

Brakes complaints
27
15% of 181
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
48,512 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of braking and steering together, often during a slow turn or lane change, forcing the vehicle to coast to a stop.
  • Some drivers describe the brake pedal engaging at the same time as the accelerator, causing unintended rolling into intersections.
  • Several complaints describe a spongy or soft brake pedal with reduced stopping power, traced to rear calipers needing replacement.
  • Some owners report the brake warning light failing to illuminate when the brakes did not engage properly, contributing to a crash.
  • Multiple complaints link a stall while turning to a simultaneous shutdown of brakes and power steering, with warning lights coming on.

When 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 11, 2011, latest Aug 19, 2024.

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Jul 2011Mar 2013Sep 2013Jul 2014Aug 2015Nov 2016Apr 2019Jan 2020
27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2011 to Aug 2024; peak May 2013 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

  1. NHTSA 10V613000Dec 9, 2010Brakes1,785 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    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.

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

Brakes complaints by Santa Fe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (5%)
  2. 201127 (15%)
  3. 201230 (8%)
  4. 201372 (12%)
  5. 201467 (14%)
  6. 201529 (11%)
  7. 201619 (8%)
  8. 201769 (7%)
  9. 201819 (17%)
  10. 201914 (7%)
  11. 202010 (5%)
  12. 20216 (4%)
  13. 202211 (6%)
  14. 202325 (12%)
  15. 202413 (9%)
  16. 20254 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 27 brake complaints for the 2011 Santa Fe, which is 15% of the 181 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. Recall 10V613000 covers rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined; dealers inspect and replace the caliper if needed.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2011 Santa Fe?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2011 Santa Fe is 48,512 miles.
Did the brake problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint area shows 3 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.