2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 6, 2023 · Engine · SC

I was driving the car on a 4 lane road when suddenly the engine shut off and the car was no longer functioning. I lost power steering and had to coast into a nearby parking lot, otherwise I would have caused a major accident in the middle of a busy intersection with another 4 lane road. Upon taking the car to Hyundai for evaluation, it was declared to be total engine failure. Given the other issues with Hyundai engines failing and the fact that I VERY NARROWLY AVOIDED A MASSIVE COLLISION, I would like the federal safety agency to be aware that this problem may go back farther than Hyundai has addressed so far.

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 Dec 30, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 140,000 miles · CO

As I was driving my family home from a soccer match in denver to our home in breckenridge my car(hyundai, santa fe 2011) lost all power with out the engine dying. We were heading west and in the tunnel. It was extremely scary and put my family in danger. No warning lights have ever come up on my car before or after. This is the first time of many incidents that this has happened and not only when I have been driving but also my daughter, she has her permit! It doesn't just happen on the interstate but also around our community while driving. I have had it checked it out with my mechanic and they couldn't find the issue as the diagnostic came up with nothing. This is a serious safety hazard not only for myself but my family and others on the road.

Filed Apr 12, 2018 · Steering · 67,000 miles · FL

The vehicle was moving about 35mph on a street when the power steering high pressure line failed, we were traveling on a straight road and by the time I heard the whining of the pump, the power steering fluid had leaked out and of course we lost power steering. The failure was due to corrosion of the the metal pipe where the it couples to the flexible hose from the pump. Fortunately this only resulted in having to drive home without power steering. The high pressure line was replace by a local shop. The vehicle has 67k miles on it and has not been used in any extreme corrosive environment. I contacted hyundai to report this as well, waiting for a response.

Filed Sep 10, 2016 · Engine · 101,000 miles · AZ

Multiple times the engine just shuts off. This has happened at idle and at speed. Full loss of power, all lights on dash illuminate, loud bang when at speed. If you put in neutral and re-engage ignition car will start. This has happened multiple times. Last was 9/6

Filed Nov 18, 2015 · Acceleration, Steering · 54,000 miles · CA

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. All the lights on the dashboard cleared and there are no diagnostics on the computer that reflect this problem. It is unknown what is causing the issue. Months prior (6 months) I was driving at a higher rate of speed (approx 30 MPH) on the same freeway, early morning, and the same problem also happened. This could have caused me to be rear ended badly or worse.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Engine · 38,550 miles · OH

Driving on interstate 1 hour east of asheville, nc in heavy traffic. At approximately 230 pm on 8/20/2014 the check engine light came on, the car shuddered and lost all acceleration. Complete loss of power managed to coast to the side of the road and turned car off. Restarted and drove to hyundai dealership in asheville, nc about 30 miles away. They performed a software update and stated problem was resolved. Continued driving on highway (traveling back to dayton oh), and within 1 hour check engine light came on, at about 700 pm, a complete loss of power and no acceleration, and had to coast to the side of the road, restart the engine, etc. Again, incredibly dangerous situation on a busy interstate. The same exact situation happened 2 more times on our way home on the interstate, until we could finally take it to our dealer where they replaced the throttle control assembly and did another software update. This was incredibly dangerous, could easily have resulted in a very bad accident and merits investigation. Please contact me if I can provide additional information. Thank you for your consideration.

Filed Nov 1, 2013 · Engine · 19,000 miles · MN

While driving at slow speed 10-15 MPH and braking the car completely stalled, once while turning left and once while going straight. Loss of power steering and power brakes and narrowly avoiding hitting another vehicle. No check engine light came on and no codes stored.

Filed Sep 30, 2013 · Engine · 37,237 miles · WI

9/26/13 - while going up to the next level of a parking structure at a slow speed, the vehicle stalled. Put it into park and restarted it and drove it to a parking spot. Later that day was able to drive it to the dealership; they have had it for 4 days (2 of which were over the weekend). No codes registered in the computer system; they are waiting to hear from a hyundai tech. According to research online, this is a common (and dangerous) problem with the santa fe. Prior to this episode, on 2 other occasions (9/13/13 and 8/3/2012), was driving the vehicle at 70mpg and 50mph respectively and lost power and the ability to keep or increase my speed and had to pull over and get towed to the dealership, both times. This too appears to be common among online forums for santa fe's.

Filed Aug 19, 2012 · Transmission · 13,300 miles · CA

The engine shut down twice while driving it. First shut down on 5/8/2012: after beginning to accelerate for a left turn after being idle at a left turn red light the car's engine lost power before the turn was completed. Power steering went out. Got honked at as cars behind noticed something wrong. Coasted to the side of the road after completing the turn and had to turn the ignition in the off position to turn the engine back on. Second shut down on 8/3/2012: while turning left in a shopping center parking lot the car's engine lost power. Power steering went out. After coming to a stop had to turn the ignition in the off position to turn the engine back on.