How common are engine problems in the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?

NHTSA has 87 engine complaints for the 2011 Santa Fe, which is 48% of all 181 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Santa Fe engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine component on this model year.

At what mileage do engine problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 38,550 miles.

Do engine problems on the 2011 Santa Fe involve fires?

Yes, NHTSA records 6 fires and 3 injuries connected to engine complaints for this model year, along with 4 crashes.

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 87 engine complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, 48% of all complaints filed for the year. Owners report engine fires, stalling, sudden knocking or grinding noises, and unintended acceleration, with a median failure mileage of 38,550 miles. No related recalls are listed for this component.

Engine complaints: 87; 48% of 181
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 6
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 38,550 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine emits a loud banging or grinding noise followed by stalling and, in several cases, an under-hood fire.
Sudden unintended acceleration reported after braking or shifting into park, leading to crashes into walls or objects.
Engine loses power or hesitates at highway speed with a burning smell before smoke and flames appear.
Metal-on-metal screeching or grinding noise reported soon after purchase, with dealers unable to find a cause.
Engine knocking that grows louder over time, sometimes ending in a rod failure or complete engine loss.

When 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 30, 2011, latest Apr 9, 2026.

87 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q2 to 2026 Q2; peak 2013 Q2 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Santa Fe model year

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

200559 (27%)
200626 (25%)
2007122 (18%)
2008115 (21%)
2009116 (32%)
201063 (24%)
201187 (48%)
2012264 (75%)
2013293 (48%)
2014289 (59%)
2015163 (64%)
2016157 (67%)
2017701 (73%)
201859 (54%)
201980 (40%)
202088 (41%)
202142 (25%)
202264 (32%)
202348 (23%)
202420 (13%)
202520 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?: NHTSA has 87 engine complaints for the 2011 Santa Fe, which is 48% of all 181 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Santa Fe engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine component on this model year.
At what mileage do engine problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 38,550 miles.
Do engine problems on the 2011 Santa Fe involve fires?: Yes, NHTSA records 6 fires and 3 injuries connected to engine complaints for this model year, along with 4 crashes.