CarModelProblems.com

2010 Hyundai Santa FE Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 5.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
256Complaints
3Recalls
8Crashes
6Fires
7Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (25.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Power Train complaints here are 5.0× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train65 · 25.4%RecalledRecall 11V261000
Power Train:automatic Transmission44 · 17.2%RecalledRecall 11V261000
Engine36 · 14.1%not available
Electrical System26 · 10.2%not available
Vehicle Speed Control21 · 8.2%not available
Suspension14 · 5.5%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN65 · 25.4%
ENGINE36 · 14.1%
Unspecified / other22 · 8.6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL21 · 8.2%
SUSPENSION14 · 5.5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10 · 3.9%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9 · 3.5%
AIR BAGS9 · 3.5%

Percentages are the share of the 256 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 11E040000 · 2011 · reported 10/06/2011

WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 2013 · reported 04/01/2013

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 11V261000 · 2011 · reported 04/28/2011

DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE…”NHTSA complaint 10594634 — filed 05/28/2014 · POWER TRAIN
“EVENT HAS OCCURRED ON 2 OCCASIONS. FIRST EVENT: WHILE BACKING UP IN A PARKING LOT, WITH NO FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND VERY SLIGHT FORCE…”NHTSA complaint 10592212 — filed 05/18/2014 · POWER TRAIN
“SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN 2011, VEHICLE HAS STALLED, LOSING POWER WITHOUT WARNING IN 6 SEPARATE INCIDENTS. ROAD SURFACES WERE LEVEL AND SPEEDS RANGED FROM 0-50…”NHTSA complaint 10585396 — filed 04/28/2014 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

9201219272014133420161520201820162020136202218320241062026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 65 of 256 NHTSA complaints (25.4%), followed by power train:automatic transmission (44), engine (36), electrical system (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE have?

256 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 11E040000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.