NHTSA lists 259 complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE, 8 of them mention a crash and 6 mention a fire. 6 complaints mention an injury, with 7 injuries and 1 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-09.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as HYUNDAI SANTA FE.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
2 recalls.
Date: 2013-04-01. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Defect: 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 T (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2011-04-28. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SANTA FE 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 5, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPME (excerpt)
Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
3 investigations; 0 open.
DP22003
Opened: 2022-09-12. Closed: 2023-12-12.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints i
Systems: ENGINE.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
DP21003
Opened: 2021-11-12. Closed: 2023-06-20.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007
Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
PE11010
Opened: 2011-04-07. Closed: 2011-05-10.
Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can preve
Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Linked campaign numbers: 11V258000, 11V261000.
Manufacturer communications
119 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 36 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 30 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 29 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 9 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 6 |
|---|
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 4 |
|---|
11032522
Date: 2026-04-10. Type: Other. Systems: AIR BAGS.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit drivera side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prio
11032523
Date: 2026-04-10. Type: Other. Systems: AIR BAGS.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous drivera s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the ve
11030330
Date: 2026-03-26. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE.
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehiclea s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 a Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
11030331
Date: 2026-03-26. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE.
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehiclea s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 a Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
11025476
Date: 2025-11-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary
11006829
Date: 2024-08-19. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: ENGINE.
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine bearing noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in
10251285
Date: 2024-02-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY, VISIBILITY/WIPER.
This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, w
10247189
Date: 2023-10-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
10240082
Date: 2023-07-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (A?A A HMAA?A A ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (A?A A Class VehiclesA?A A ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and in some circumsta
10235566
Date: 2023-04-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moist