YearToAvoid

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 20 steering complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, 11% of that year's 181 total complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 44,000. Two crashes, one fire, and four injuries are tied to this component, and no related recalls are listed for this year.

Steering complaints
20
11% of 181
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
44,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden, complete loss of steering control while driving at low or highway speeds, in some cases leading to a crash.
  • Several drivers describe the steering wheel losing tension or feeling loose, later traced to a loose bolt on the steering shaft or a clock spring needing replacement.
  • Some owners noticed play in the steering wheel along with severe shaking when braking, requiring replacement of a coupler and intermediate shaft.
  • A few complaints describe steering locking up at the same time as the gear shift and brakes, accompanied by a generator warning light.
  • One owner reported smoke coming from the steering column while driving 40 mph, with no warning light illuminated.
  • Multiple reports describe loss of power steering assist occurring together with a broader loss of engine power in traffic.

When 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 8, 2011, latest Aug 19, 2024.

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe steering complaints: complaints filed per month1Feb 2011Sep 2012May 2013Nov 2015Dec 2016Jun 2018Mar 2021
20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2011 to Aug 2024; peak Feb 2011 (1).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Santa Fe model year

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

  1. 20108 (3%)
  2. 201120 (11%)
  3. 201216 (5%)
  4. 201395 (16%)
  5. 201452 (11%)
  6. 20156 (2%)
  7. 20163 (1%)
  8. 201727 (3%)
  9. 20188 (7%)
  10. 201912 (6%)
  11. 20206 (3%)
  12. 20211 (1%)
  13. 20223 (2%)
  14. 20233 (1%)
  15. 20243 (2%)
  16. 20255 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA lists 20 steering complaints for the 2011 Santa Fe, which makes up 11% of the 181 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2011 Santa Fe?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the steering component on the 2011 Santa Fe, though one owner mentioned being told of a recall for power steering.
At what mileage do steering problems tend to show up?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Santa Fe is 44,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Have steering issues on the 2011 Santa Fe led to crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this component lists 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries for the 2011 Santa Fe.
How does the 2011 Santa Fe compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2011 Santa Fe's 11% share of steering complaints is higher than 2010 (3%), 2012 (5%), 2015 (2%), and most later years, though lower than 2013's 16% share.

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.