2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Engine · 280,000 miles · WI · fire

The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact idled the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames after the occupants exited the vehicle. The contact's daughter and daughter's friend were occupants of the vehicle at the time of the failure. No injuries were sustained. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Engine · 135,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on six occasions over 12 months, the vehicle overheated while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe on the rear passenger’s side and the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the last failure. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was taken to the residence, and on other occasions, the vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat housing and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Engine · MT · fire

We have (had) a 2011 Hyundai Sante Fe. On 9/21/21, driving to Bozeman, just west of Livingston MT, on I-90, the car had a sudden stalling, loss of power (check engine light, oil light came on), then knocking sound that increased in volume and frequency. Smoke began pouring from under the hood as we pulled to the side of the highway, then very quickly accompanied by flames. We exited the vehicle. I opened the hood, the flames shot into the air. We moved away from the car. 911 had been called and the local fire department arrived within 10-15 minutes. Fire extinguished after about 20-30 minutes, but engulfed (destroyed) the entire engine compartment. Flames did not spread to passenger area of the vehicle. No one injured from the fire (although possible smoke inhalation before and as we exited vehicle). Car totaled, towed from highway. 1. Component: engine, all components in engine compartment (available for inspection, see photos uploaded); 2. Safety threat: smoke, fire quickly engulfed engine compartment, threat of spread to passenger area of vehicle; 3. Not yet confirmed by dealer or independent service center; 4. Inspection: by police/fire department that responded to the incident indicating mechanical malfunction, without further detail; 5. Warnings: check engine light and oil light occurred prior to or at time of incident and before severe knocking sounds began, but at same time as stalling/power loss.

Filed Feb 8, 2021 · Electrical · 88,604 miles · MI

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.

Filed Mar 29, 2019 · Electrical · 115,600 miles · NY

Blinkers keep going on by themselves. Smoke coming from steering column. Happens when car is running whether driving or in park.

Filed Dec 13, 2018 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NM · fire

While driving home on wednesday december 12 2018 my hyundai santa fe engine caught on fire and burned up the whole front end.

Filed Mar 22, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 117,000 miles · MI · fire

Car was driven about 10 miles and then parked inside an attached garage. No issues were present during the drive. The ignition was turned off and key removed from vehicle. After approximately 1 hour had passed the car started on fire. Flames were visible behind the front right headlight and front right wheel. Luckily no one was harmed. The fire caused significant damage to the garage and home. Fire department investigation concluded that the cause of the fire was not external to the vehicle.

Filed Oct 8, 2017 · Electrical · 99,800 miles · WI

While on a long trip about 100 miles into the drive while driving on the freeway with the cruise control set to 78 MPH the steering columns (from the turn signal side) starts smoking and it smelled like electrical wiring burning. I immediately slowed down but did not stop in fear of being stranded in the middle of nowhere. At the same time the turn signal started making this very fast clicking noise that sounded like the turn signal was stuck on, but it was not on. No idiot lights ever came on to indicate a problem. After about 15 minutes the smoke finally stopped the the smell went away. However the fast turn signal clicking noise continued off and on for the remainder of the trip. I continued to drive the next 250 miles home with the clicking noise. I was able to turn the engine off and on again when I stopped for gas and it started just fine. I plan to take the car into the dealership on monday morning to have the issue diagnosed. Just after this happened I called my dealership for advise on what to do and he thought there might be a recall on this issue. My biggest fear was that the inside of the car was going to catch on fire and I was going to be stranded in the middle of no where with no help. Not to mention the fear on me catching on fire as the steering column in right in front of my body. Very dangerous situation. Please recall for this issue.

Filed Sep 4, 2017 · Lights · 110,000 miles · TX · fire

While driving,I signaled a turn and smoke came from behind my steering wheel.my blinker worked but was making a fast clicking sound as if the blinker was going out.the noise will not stop and the smoke is intermittent.contacted hyundai because it is a known problem per the internet but they acted like they had never heard of it.

Filed Jan 17, 2017 · Electrical · 51,100 miles · NY

Directional was blinking fast and was not on then smoke came from steering wheel.

Filed Nov 17, 2011 · Engine · 673 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2011 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while driving 68 MPH, the engine began to emit a loud banging noise and caught on fire. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and stopped. A state trooper appeared on the scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an authorized dealer. The failure was not diagnosed and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileages were 673.