2011 Hyundai Santa FE Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 14%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,050miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE, 14% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,050 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When trying to start the truck using the remote starter the area where the turning switch is stared to smoke and the smell of burning wire was smelt and the sound like my hazard light was heard I turned the truck off then turn it back on the noise was gone. The truck was stationary( park) and the turning switch was not being used, and the headlight was off . I was trying to warm the truck up.”
NHTSA complaint #11395159, filed 2021-02, 88,604 miles“My multi stalk switch is smoking and constantly clicking as if my blinker is on. It also causes my signal lights to come on and stick. This is happening the whole time the car is running. It first started smoking yesterday while I was driving on the highway, and it also smokes when the car is parked. I believe this to be a huge hazard because I am afraid it will start a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10985607, filed 2017-05, 80,100 miles“I was showing my new/used 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe to some friends when we heard a pop and the rear windshield shattered. No one else was around the vehicle and where it was parked there was no where someone could have shot the window with a pellet gun or something like that. Earlier in the morning I had the rear window defogger on to clear light fog off the rear windshield. It was only on for approximately 5 minutes until I shut it off while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10479985, filed 2012-10, 31,345 miles“Something in the engine , harness or module , allows the computer to overheat suddenly , through 3 batters and 2 alternators in 4 months last alternator lasted 2 drives... Car dies nancy depressive light show and died then the battery and alternator is fried. Hyundia dealership refusing to check harness or module because my VIN number isn't listed in recall although my car is in the recall. The car has died 4 times requiring towing. The car died when driving after about 10 miles . Car has brand new battery. Starter works fine. It died in the middle if a streetceach time twice was at night. …”
NHTSA complaint #11228755, filed 2019-07, 9,600 miles“On june 11, 2014 my 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe ( 55051 miles) started making a whining sound when the car is first started. I took the car into a Hyundai dealer and they discovered that the pulley idler needed to be replaced. Fortunately my car is still under warranty. On june 27th, 2014 my Hyundai Santa Fe (55376 miles), check engine light came on. The car did not want to accelerate. Above 20 MPH. I took the car back to the dealer and they discovered the 55376 po638 lost communication and had to replace the throttle sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10611353, filed 2014-07, 55,369 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 11000314May 9, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 10251282Feb 12, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10251275Feb 1, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249707Jan 22, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249702Jan 22, 2024Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to install a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and…
- 10247611Dec 19, 2023Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10247608Dec 19, 2023Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to install a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and…
- 10210206Mar 10, 2022Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or…
- 10210205Mar 8, 2022Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 14% |
| 2025 | 29 | 21% |
| 2024 | 30 | 19% |
| 2023 | 36 | 17% |
| 2022 | 32 | 16% |
| 2021 | 29 | 17% |
| 2020 | 25 | 11% |
| 2019 | 27 | 13% |
| 2018 | 9 | 8% |
| 2017 | 70 | 7% |
| 2016 | 11 | 5% |
| 2015 | 20 | 8% |
| 2014 | 49 | 10% |
| 2013 | 53 | 9% |
| 2012 | 43 | 12% |
| 2011 | 25 | 14% |
| 2010 | 28 | 11% |
| 2009 | 50 | 14% |
| 2008 | 74 | 14% |
| 2007 | 97 | 14% |
| 2006 | 10 | 9% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 6% |
| 2003 | 28 | 9% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
| 2001 | 35 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE
64 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology