2011 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems

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 Apr 25, 2019 · Transmission · 96,046 miles · NY

Bought the santa fe used with 96046 miles on it. Shortly after buying it it began making a loud banging noise in the rear end when first starting out especially starting out on an upgrade. Also makes the noise when backing up in wet grass or muddy conditions. Sometimes sounds like the whole back end is going to fall off the car. Unfortunately no warranty. There are plenty of complaints regarding the transmission. Needs addressed before someone gets hurt.

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 Mar 9, 2015 · Transmission · CT

2011 hyundai santa fe. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle vibration issues. *smd the dealer determined the rear coupler was broken. It was replaced. However, the vibration continued. The consumer returned to the dealer, where they found the front axle was broken and it was replaced. The vibration continued. The dealer believed the center drive train needed to be replaced

Filed Jan 30, 2015 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · NY

Whirring sound from drive shaft/transmission note there are similar reports on internet.

Filed Mar 18, 2014 · Driver assistance, Engine · MD

This is a follow up to the complaint I made on 5/13/2013. At that time my vehicle was at the dealership to try to duplicate the problem I had been having which was that my car would randomly stall while making a turn, whether left or right. When this happened the panel would light up like christmas and everything including the brakes would cease to work. I have to coast to a safe location (if possible) to turn off car and then restart it. I have been very fortunate that me or my family have not been hit when this happens. Update to last report: my car stayed at the dealership for 3 weeks however the problem was not duplicated. Their solution (hyundai USA and my dealership) was to replace the throttle body. Everything was fine until the same problem occurred on 1/19/2014. I don't think hyndai USA will be satisfied until there's fatalities unfortunately.

Filed Dec 22, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 44,012 miles · NY

While accelerating from a traffic light, vehicle dropped speed while I accelerated. It coasted along at 1-2 miles an hour. The check engine, antilock brake and 4 wheel drive 'skid' indicators all lit up on the dash board. I had to guide the vehicle to a safe stop by the side of the road after clearing a dangerous intersection. This has occurred four additional times after the dealership assured me this problem had been rectified. It is presently at the dealership after having been towed in for the fifth (5th) time. This car needs to be replaced by the dealer.

Filed Oct 27, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 31,095 miles · CA

Vehicle has stalled in traffic when driving under 10mph and also when at a standstill at a four way intersection. Took the vehicle to hyundai dealership 5.13.2013 and a throttle body part was ordered and installed 5.21.2013. Vehicle again stalled twice at low speed and on 10.11.2013 (mileage 37,710) an ECM upgrade was done. Yesterday,10.26.2013, the car stalled again.

Filed May 20, 2013 · Brakes, Lights · 32,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that on seven occasions, the gear shifter would not move out of drive into reverse or neutral until after several attempts. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 13v113000 (exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was included in the recall however, the failure the contact experienced was not mentioned in the recall. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 14, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 20,000 miles · MI

When accelerating from a stop the vehicle slightly begins to move but no acceleration coming from the engine. This results in a very slow 1-2 MPH movement. This has happened on a handful of occasions and is very dangerous. Often when pulling out into a highway when acceleration is needed the vehicle just creeps into traffic. Appears that the engine is just idling without any increase in RPM when the accelerator is depressed. Eventually when pulling off to safe area and stopping with trans in neutral, the engine acts normal with proper acceleration. Shifting into drive will return to the same problem. Problem will eventually slowly dissolve after "playing" with the accelerator when stopped and then shifting into drive to begin acceleration.