2011 Hyundai Santa FE Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 11%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE, 11% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 noticed my steering wheel had play in it and when braking would severly shake.. Took to Hyundai dealer and they stated I needed a coupler and intermediate shaft and bolts to be replaced. My vehicle has roughly 77,000 miles.I had to pay for repair since this was a safety issue. Now there is a recal regarding power steering. I have had this car for over 2 years with nothing but saftey concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #10872872, filed 2016-06, 77,000 miles“Nothing has happened so far, my complaint is that every 4-6 months, I need to buy parts for my Santa Fe. It starts with a knock on the right front end of the car. I need to get to work, so I take my time getting there. I also was about to get on the highway, and the spring broke on the on ramp. I see all the horror stories about this model Hyundai with issues with the front end . I can send you repair bills of what parts have been replaced over the last 5 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11361299, filed 2020-09, 85,000 miles“Steering wheel is loose in the steering column, moves as if it loose. I have owned a total of four Santa Fe's. This is the first one that has a loose steering wheel. I have taken it to the dealer twice. They say nothing is wrong. There is something wrong. I am not sure if it is the steering shaft, or a worn out bearing.”
NHTSA complaint #10500999, filed 2013-03, 34,000 miles“While driving at a rate of less than 5-10 mpg in heavy traffic on the 105 west freeway. The car suddenly lost power steering abilities and all power in the vehicle without notification lights or any other strange peculiarities. Both the check engine and oil lights went on. I managed to pull over with whatever residual power remaining as not to impede traffic but it was a terrifying struggle. The gears were also locked and unable to shift. I turned off the ignition and restarted the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10794672, filed 2015-11, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244994Oct 26, 2023Hyundai Motor America is offering steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011 â 2017MY vehicles that are not eligible for Service Campaign 993 anti-theft software. This…
- 10238383Jun 15, 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), in response…
- 10238381Jun 15, 2023Hyundai Motor America is offering steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011 â 2017MY vehicles that are not eligible for Service Campaign 993 anti-theft software. This…
- 10196577May 14, 2021The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 8 | 7% |
| 2017 | 27 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 52 | 11% |
| 2013 | 95 | 16% |
| 2012 | 16 | 5% |
| 2011 | 20 | 11% |
| 2010 | 8 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 5% |
| 2008 | 14 | 3% |
| 2007 | 38 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 16 | 10% |
| 2001 | 13 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Hyundai Santa FE
64 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 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 31, 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