Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
ABS and traction control lights always on. Dealership stated a faulty right rear wheel bearing sensor faulty was the cause and needed to be replaced. This caused a problem with the ABS and traction control systems. Hyundai has issued a recall for ABS/traction control for my vehicle's make model year, but not my exact trim.
I read the recall on vehicles of my type and it sounds like the issues I have been experiencing. I'm thinking the car was recalled and repaired ineffectively before I got it. The brake fluid is leaking with no obvious fix, I've taken it to a few mechanics to check.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle experienced a period of unintended acceleration. As a result, the contact crashed into a brick wall. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained burns from the air bag and a neck injury which required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 01/12/16 updated 4/18/18
First of all I know our 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is not made in USA, it is a korean 2.4 l, 7 seater bought in panama. I wrote to the Hyundai complaint website and they very politely answered that the car was a non-us model and they sent me a link to a website where I could file the complaint. I did it but I have not received an answer, yet. My first problem after the crash was the unavailability of parts for repairing the car. I filed a complaint with our local consumer authority here in panama. Our car was in the shop for more than 9 months, its running now but still some parts missing. The issue is that after getting the car back from the shop I received a call from our local Hyundai dealer (petroautos) telling me about the campaign of the faulty brake switch (just as in the us models) and that I had to take the car to the dealer. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while entering a parking area at 10 MPH, the brake failed to engage as the brake warning light failed to illuminate. The contact attempted to avoid a crash however, crashed into an ice embankment. The contact sustained injuries to both hands. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was not filed. The contact also stated that NHTSA campaign number 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic) letter was received after the crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving various speeds, the rear calipers seized. Also, when the brake pedal was applied, the pedal felt spongy and traveled to the floorboard. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the calipers seized and the master cylinder and brake pads needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number: 10V613000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after the brake pedal was released, the brakes became stuck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear brakes and brake pads needed to be replaced. The brakes were replaced three times; however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that the battery warning indicator illuminated continuously. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving various speeds, the brake fluid warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear brake calipers failed and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V613000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
There is a rear caliper recall on Hyundai santafe 2011 manufactured sep.28 - nov.25 2010 , my vehicle is manufactured in this time frame - nov.16.2010 and have the exact same problem as described in the recall but the Hyundai reps refused the repair because my VIN is not on the "list"? NHTSA campaign number: 10v-613 Hyundai recall 098: brake calipers
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle was making an abnormal noise coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,759.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 santa fe vehicles manufactured from September 28, 2010, through November 25, 2010. Some of the rear brake calipers May not have been properly machined.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on December 17, 2010. Owners May contact Hyundai roadside assistance at 1-800-243-7766.
Brake complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, 12% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › caliper (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-613 (caliper, Dec 9, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.