2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: engine stalls while driving

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G (engine rod bearing / knock sensor campaign). The dealership replaced the knock sensor but subsequently claimed my vehicle's P1326 condition did not qualify under Campaign T6G. Immediately after the knock sensor replacement, the vehicle began stalling and completely shutting off at idle — a condition that did not exist before the dealer's service. I returned the vehicle to the dealership to address this new issue. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over three (3) weeks with no diagnosis update, no repair timeline, and no communication from the service department. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1. Safety concern: An engine that stalls and dies at idle presents a serious risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or at intersections. 2. Service Campaign T6G: I believe the underlying condition and the dealer-caused stalling issue are both connected to the knock sensor system covered by this campaign. I request that the federal safety agency review whether this vehicle qualifies under Campaign T6G and whether dealer-caused damage following campaign-related service should be addressed under the campaign or a related recall. The dealership's failure to communicate for 3+ weeks and their claim that my vehicle is not covered under Campaign T6G warrants regulatory review.

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 Jul 16, 2022 · Engine · GA

Engine stalls

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 Jan 14, 2019 · Engine · 121,064 miles · CA

My 2011 hyundai santa fe began to drive rough on the freeway, slight tugging, rattling sound under the hood and would not accelerate above 60mph, check engine and oil light came on. I exited the freeway and it stalled at red light. Started it up and then stalled 3 more times at every red light on the way home. I added oil and made service appt. Brought in for service died once on the way and again at the service center but did not start back up. Mechanic said engine failed due to crank shaft spun bearing. Sensors did not appear in advance sensors appeared too late causing damage to engine. My car is only 7 years bought brand new out of show room no previous major issues. Multiple complaints on line showing same problem with others. Unacceptable and dangerous

Filed Jan 10, 2018 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai santa fe. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted after two attempts. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed May 23, 2017 · Engine · 62,376 miles · SC

Engine stalled twice during 35mph drive home this eve, making steering away from oncoming traffic extremely challenging and terrifying. Occurred on #3 and #4 of 6 right turns.

Filed Mar 24, 2017 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · MN

The car stalls completely for seconds while doing slow speed turns, particularly during right hand turns. And when the gas paddle is pressed it regains speed. There a a lot more people who has similar problem. There is a complete thread at the website link provided below about the problem people have faced. Https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t39009_ds785550

Filed Dec 29, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 72,150 miles · IN

2011 hyundai santa fe stalls, loses power, will not accelerate, gives no warning. This could cause a major accident and multiple deaths. This happens suddenly while driving along city streets and highways and while turning.

Filed Nov 10, 2016 · Steering · 25 miles · NY

I purchased this car brand new, and I have been having problems from the beginning. I was told at first that it was a defective automatic starter which was removed, and was never replaced for fear of experiencing such an episode. I would be driving, and suddenly the car will shut off. I would have people honking, and cursing at me for almost causing an accident. Several times I had to swerve to avoid hitting pedestrians when the car stalls. I have taken the car back to the dealership with no avail, because the problem does not happen when they have the car. I only drive the car for short distances for fear of getting stuck on the highway etc. Recently my son borrowed my car and was almost killed on the road when the car stalled with him. Luckily, he was able to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. Needless to say, he refused to drive the car back home for fear of losing his life. I do not want to sell this car knowing the dangers it can cause, and I know that the dealer will not give me much for it at this point. This problem needs to be addressed especially if there were any accidents or deaths involving sante fes. The speed of the vehicle would vary from 10 to 35 miles in the city, sometimes it happened while driving straight, or while turning a corner. It has been the case in any weather with my last incident occurring on 10/11/16.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Engine · 70,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai santa fe. While driving at high speeds, there was a sudden increase and sudden decrease in engine rpms. The contact stated that the electrical functions of the vehicle failed and a loud noise emitted from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine stalled briefly, but was able to resume normal operation. While driving at low speeds, the failure recurred; however, the engine stalled completely. The contact maneuvered to the emergency lane and was able to restart the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed for hesitation of the motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 09/18/15

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 51,000 miles · IL

Vehicle stalled when leaving stop light lost speed would not accelerate have read other complaints on line some are afraid to drive vehicles I agree saftey is an issue dealer or manufacture cannot find solution to problem.