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2011 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS V6 Auto AWD

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS V6 Auto AWD is a 276-hp V6 with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $26,595 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.

It makes 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

The Santa Fe measures 184.1 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,054 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$26,595 ($38,432 *)
MSRP with Destination$27,390 ($39,581 *)
Destination Charge$795
Engine
Engine TypeLambda II G6DC 3.5L DOHC V6, MPI, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower276 hp
Torque248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke92 x 87
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive
Differential TypeElectronically controlled AWD with driver-selectable 50/50 lock
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson strut with coil springs
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link with trailing arms, coil springs, and gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers
Turning Diameter35.8 ft
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 in
Wheels Rear17 in
Tires Front235/65R17
Tires Rear235/65R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length184.1 in
Width74.4 in
Height67.9 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Front Track63.6 in
Rear Track63.8 in
Ground Clearance8.1 in
Cargo Volume34.2 ft³
Curb Weight4,054 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.2 in
Headroom Rear39.6 in
Legroom Front42.6 in
Legroom Rear36.8 in
Shoulder Room Front59.5 in
Shoulder Room Rear58.6 in
Hip Room Front55.8 in
Hip Room Rear55 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (16.9 % risk)
Tested variant: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 4WD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD: overall not rated

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai SANTA FE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 1, 2013 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

NHTSA campaign 13V113000

Oct 6, 2011 · EQUIPMENT

CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 55538, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.

NHTSA campaign 11E040000

Dec 9, 2010 · 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.

Consequence: AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WILL LEAK, FOLLOWED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IS LOW AND SHOULD BE CHECKED, THEN A SOFT OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL, AND IF NOT SERVICED, REDUCED BRAKING POWER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

NHTSA campaign 10V613000

181 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai SANTA FE

Owner Complaints

181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai SANTA FE (12 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine64
Electrical System25
Vehicle Speed Control24
Service Brakes22
Power Train21
Steering20
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 9, 2026 · Power Train, Engine
“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…”
Dec 10, 2025 · Structure
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken…”
Sep 26, 2025 · Engine
“CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. With no prior indications, the engine seized while driving on side street at 25mph. Engine blew hole in block and dumped engine parts, including piston rod, piston and…”
Jun 17, 2025 · Suspension
“The undercarriage is completed rusted and is not drivable, I had the treatment done by the dealer to have it coated to protect it from rust. well, its rusted.”
Jan 31, 2025 · Engine 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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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