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ProblemsByVin File / 2010-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE
2010 · hyundai

hyundai Santa Fe problems

1 safety recall. 256 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
102 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
34 reports · avg $3,100
severe
electrical
22 reports · avg $850
severe
cruise control
15 reports · avg $600
severe
suspension
11 reports · avg $900
moderate
body
9 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
steering
8 reports · avg $700
severe
airbags
7 reports · avg $1,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Santa Fe · lighting
THE HEADLIGHT LENS HOUSINGS (2) HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL TO PROPERLY LIGHT THE ROAD. THIS NOT A CASE OF THE HOUSINGS YELLOWING BUT RATHER THE HOUSING MATERIAL HAS DEVELOPED FRACTURES AND IS CRUMBLING ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. THERE IS NO…
12/30/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938872.0
2010 Santa Fe · powertrain
ON MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPS, THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD, AND FEELS LIKE YOU ARE BEING REAR-ENDED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING, HOWEVER HYUNDAI HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR…
12/30/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373429.0
2010 Santa Fe · powertrain
I HAVE A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, GLS. WHILE DRIVING IT, THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER, AND PULL OVER. IT DID NOT MOVE AT ALL. IT JUST HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS OR PREVIOUS PROBLEMS, NOISES, ETC. IT HAS 21,082 MILES / 7MONTHS OF USE. *TR
12/30/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373461.0
2010 Santa Fe · steering
TIE ROD AND FRONT SUSPENSION. WHEN TURNING IT MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND . I'VE HAD TO GET SUSPENSION AND TOE ROAD CHANGED 3 TIMES WITHIN 6 MONTHS
12/29/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163936.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 11V261000 28/04/2011

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SANTA FE 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2

DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 256 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 102 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Hyundai Santa Fe has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 256 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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