2010 Hyundai Santa FE
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 683 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 358 |
| 2010 | 258 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 493 |
| 2015 | 254 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 957 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2022 | 196 |
| 2023 | 205 |
| 2024 | 140 |
| 2025 | 127 |
| 2026 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: power train — 111 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100913
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicleâs transmission slips while driving on the highway at approximately 65â75 mph. The slipping occurs at highway speeds and appears to affect the vehicleâs ability to maintain consistent power and acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260815
14% of complaints: engine — 37 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to immediately start, but started after several attempts.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260325
On XXX I was waiting at a light and the check engine light was blinking. When I started up, the car was very sluggish. It continued to be sluggish on my trip home - 5 miles. I brought it to Meineke [XXX] [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 20260801
11% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My 2010 Hyundai Sante Fe caught fire on 9/27/23 while I was operating the vehicle and this fire ultimately caused my electrical systems to overheat and the wiring to melt.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231026
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END IMPACT . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101202
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON 6/17/2018 @ APPROXIMATELY 5:00PM WHILE DRIVING MY SANTA FE, I BEGAN TO HAVE SURGING POWER. I ATTEMPTED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT COULD NOT. I WOULD SLOW DOWN ONLY TO SPEED RIGHT BACK UP AS IF I HAD PUSHED THE RESUME BUTTON, I HAD NOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180621
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAD JUST PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A HOUSE I OWN THAT I RENT; I WAS THERE TO MEET MY TENANTS TO DISCUSS A COUPLE OF REPAIRS THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE IN THE HOUSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130519
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
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 S
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 CENTE
Campaign 11V261000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 M
Campaign 11E040000 — check if this car was fixed
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, 2008-2
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 13V113000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V261000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E040000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V113000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.