CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has a problem with the engine stalling while driving. Both our data & the NHTSA's complaint data show a significant defect trend at low mileage.

In a 2-page letter sent August 2014 to Santa Fe owners, Hyundai claims the engine stalling only occurs under a "specific set of operating conditions".

However a class action lawsuit filed around the same time details multiple claims from Sante Fe owners that claim the engine stalling happens at any time, under any conditions.

8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
57,750 miles
Total Complaints:
25 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (25 reports)
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #5

Dec 092013

Santa Fe LS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,312 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is the FIFTH (5th) time my vehicle is in service for the same repair. I was to hear from the dealership's Technical Team Leader by last Thursday, 12/19/2013, AT THE LATEST to hear what solution the whiz kids at Hyundai Motor America's Field Service Engineer has come up with.

I lack total confidence that this vehicle can be repaired properly. Five times is outrageous and more patience than I should be expected to show under such a dangerous situation. I have a loaner from the dealership which I refuse to return until I receive a replacement vehicle comparable to my inoperable one. I don't feel I should be the guinea pig to see if they were REALLY able to make the necessary repairs this time. Let the "Technical Team Leader" or the "Field Service Engineer" drive my car for a month or two WITH THEIR families inside to see if it happens again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- jaybarry1946, Huntington Station, NY, US

problem #4

Feb 082013

Santa Fe 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

this is the second time this has happened and like everyone today your car is a must. I do not feel confident in taking this car out on the road for fear this will happen again. the first time I was on a very busy road and when I made my turn after the light had turned it completely stops. I was very lucky that I was not hit by another car. very scary. now I am in the same situation and I can only say I am afraid of this car. what a shame as I was enjoying it. I can only hope that Hyundai will take notice and fix the problem for this is not funny and I consider it very serious. I did let the service gentleman know that I was not happy and being afraid to drive your car is not a pleasant feeling.

- Sandra L., Ballwin, MO, US

problem #3

Feb 092012

Santa Fe Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,850 miles

Has stalled three times in the seven months we've had it. Bought it new. Completely dies- no engine lights or anything. If I turn the car off and then back on, it seems fine. I've taken the car back in to the dealership where it was purchased (and serviced) and they've held it for at least a week each time, claiming they've done everything Hyundai reps have told them to do. They're telling me the car is ready to be picked up, and that they can't find anything wrong. Has happened when I was driving (accelerating after a red light), while my husband was driving (going over a speed bump), and once in traffic- accelerating. Really dangerous, especially with two little kids in the car, and the power steering goes out. Dealership has told me they have no reason to hold the car, and if I want to I can call the 1-800 number for Hyundai. Should I be looking into the Lemon Law?

- coejo, Bethesda, MD, US

problem #2

Dec 012011

Santa Fe Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,500 miles

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. Has stalled three times in the seven months we've had it. Bought it new. Completely dies- no engine lights or anything. If I turn the car off and then back on, it seems fine. I've taken the car back in to the dealership where it was purchased (and serviced) and they've held it for at least a week each time, claiming they've done everything Hyundai reps have told them to do. They're telling me the car is ready to be picked up, and that they can't find anything wrong. Has happened when I was driving (accelerating after a red light), while my husband was driving (going over a speed bump), and once in traffic- while accelerating. Dangerous, especially with two little kids in the car and the power steering goes. Glad i wasnt going faster. Have read psts where others haven't been as lucky. Dealership has told me they have no reason to hold the car, and if I want to I can call the 1-800 number for Hyundai. Should I be looking into the Lemon Law? While searching for info, I'm finding a lot of stalling issues with these newer Santa Fe models!

- coejo, Bethesda, MD, US

problem #1

Apr 012012

Santa Fe Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

Also with a 2011 Limited. Has stalled three times in the seven months we've had it. Bought it new. Completely dies- no engine lights or anything. If I turn the car off and then back on, it seems fine. I've taken the car back in to the dealership where it was purchased (and serviced) and they've held it for at least a week each time, claiming they've done everything Hyundai reps have told them to do. They're telling me the car is ready to be picked up, and that they can't find anything wrong. Has happened when I was driving (accelerating after a red light), while my husband was driving (going over a speed bump), and once in traffic- slowly accelerating. Really dangerous, especially when the power steering goes out and im trying to pull over and I've got two little kids in the car. Dealership has told me they have no reason to hold the car, and if I want to I can call the 1-800 number for Hyundai. Looking into the Lemon Law, and frustrated.

Also had a lot of problems with the rear view camera/radio (not turning on), synching phones, right front tire seems to spin when accelerating at right turns etc. They said they have replaced the radio since I've dropped the car off, but couldn't find any other problems. The stalling is my main concern, for safety reasons, but too many issues for a new car!

- coejo, Bethesda, MD, US

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