2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 108 1 injury

“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. THE CONTACT RAN TO CATCH THE VEHICLE AS IT INDEPENDENTLY REACHED A STOP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STRUCK THE CONTACT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT TREATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. A THIRD PARTY INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT BY THE MANUFACTURER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INVESTIGATOR FOUND NO FAILURE WITHIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10355301, 2010 · 1 injury(ies)

“The battery warning light illuminated. The alternator was not holding power. I was on the freeway and the vehicle lost total power. After seeing a certified mechanic I was made aware of a oil leak from the valve gasket that was leaking on to the alternator wires and caused it to loose power. There is a recall for the same vehicle with the exact same issues, however my vehicle is not on the list of vehicles affected by this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11642620, 2025

“Transmission will not shift out of 1st. Gear .50000 miles this is second time in less than 2 months. Dealer replaced cable in top of transmission worked for 600 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11608666, 2024

Engine 37 3 fire

“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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the starter, oil filter, and engine filter, and changed the oil. On a hot day, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and it was noticed that the unoccupied vehicle was attempting to start independently. The contact unlocked the vehicle and opened the vehicle door, put the keys in the ign…”
NHTSA complaint #11727026, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact was calling from an insurance company and stated that while the driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to lose motive power and decelerated inadvertently. There was smoke coming from the air vents and flames were seen coming from the front wheel wells. After exiting the vehicle, flames engulfed the vehicle and the vehicle was destroyed. The fire department was called to the scene and a report was taken before the vehicle was towed away. No injuries were reported. The cause of the failure was not determined. Later t…”
NHTSA complaint #11426632, 2021 · fire

“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]. They ascertained that the engine was shot. They flushed out the oil in the engine and there was lots of metal in the oil. They instructed me to go to Hyundai immediately. There was a engine recall and their research showed that I was included under the recall warrenty. I've included their assessment. Both the drives to the Meineke from my house and to Hyundai from Meineke were sca…”
NHTSA complaint #11754183, 2026

Electrical System 28 2 crash 4 fire 1 injury

“PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND I WAS REAR ENDED @ 65 MPH. VEHICLE SUFFERED $14,000 IN DAMAGE WITH A BENT FRAME. THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE IS NOW DIMINISHED DRASTICALLY AND IT IS REPORTED IN CAR FAX REPORT. APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS LATER VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. I SHOULD NOT SUFFER FINANCIAL LOSS DUE TO NEGLIGENT PARTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10836772, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the starter, oil filter, and engine filter, and changed the oil. On a hot day, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and it was noticed that the unoccupied vehicle was attempting to start independently. The contact unlocked the vehicle and opened the vehicle door, put the keys in the ign…”
NHTSA complaint #11727026, 2026 · fire

“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. There was no indication that my alternator was about to fail (no battery light on my dash, no issues with starting my car) and I regularly maintenance my car with oil changes, tire rotations, and I redid my whole brake system in August 2023. My safety, the safety of my passenger, as well as the safety of ALL the patrons in the building that sat above the parking garage I was located in when the fire was burning were put at…”
NHTSA complaint #11551974, 2023 · fire

Unknown Or Other 22 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“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. I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL HOWEVER MY GEER SHIFTER WAS LOCKED INTO DRIVE & I COULDN'T GET THE SHIFTER OUT OF DRIVE. AT TIMES THE CAR WOULD START TO SLOW DOWN AFTER PU MPING THE BREAKS ONLY TO HAVE A SURGE OF POWER AGAIN. AS I WAS DRIVING, I CAME UP TO A SHARP CURVE & WASN'T ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THEREFORE I ENDED UP ROLLING THE SUV & FURTHER SLAMM…”
NHTSA complaint #11103044, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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. There was no indication that my alternator was about to fail (no battery light on my dash, no issues with starting my car) and I regularly maintenance my car with oil changes, tire rotations, and I redid my whole brake system in August 2023. My safety, the safety of my passenger, as well as the safety of ALL the patrons in the building that sat above the parking garage I was located in when the fire was burning were put at…”
NHTSA complaint #11551974, 2023 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, THE BLINKER SWITCH STARTED FRANTICALLY CLICKING, I THAN HEARD ELECTRICAL SPARKS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAN SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE THE BLINKER SHAFT WAS LOCATED. HYUNDAI HAS HAD MY VEHICLE FOR 2 WEEKS, LEAVING ME AND MY 8 MONTH OLD CARLESS. THE DEALERSHIP AND COOPERATE HAS SAID THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE, AND HAS NOT GIVEN ME A COURTESY CALL OR VEHICLE UPDATES. I LOOKED ON THIS WEBSITE, SAFECAR.ORG AND INDEED, I FOUND SOMEONE WHO HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME ISSUE (PLEASE SEE NHTSA ID NUMBER 106294…”
NHTSA complaint #10732467, 2015 · fire

Vehicle Speed Control 21 2 crash 2 injury

“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. I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL HOWEVER MY GEER SHIFTER WAS LOCKED INTO DRIVE & I COULDN'T GET THE SHIFTER OUT OF DRIVE. AT TIMES THE CAR WOULD START TO SLOW DOWN AFTER PU MPING THE BREAKS ONLY TO HAVE A SURGE OF POWER AGAIN. AS I WAS DRIVING, I CAME UP TO A SHARP CURVE & WASN'T ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THEREFORE I ENDED UP ROLLING THE SUV & FURTHER SLAMM…”
NHTSA complaint #11103044, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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. THE CONTACT RAN TO CATCH THE VEHICLE AS IT INDEPENDENTLY REACHED A STOP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STRUCK THE CONTACT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT TREATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. A THIRD PARTY INVESTIGATOR WAS SENT BY THE MANUFACTURER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INVESTIGATOR FOUND NO FAILURE WITHIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10355301, 2010 · 1 injury(ies)

“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. I WAS SLOWING THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS I APPROACHED THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY BY THE SIDE DOOR OF THE HOUSE. THEN I HEARD A SUDDEN, EXTREMELY LOUD ENGINE NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE REVVING VERY FAST AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS PROPELLED FORWARD ABOUT 50 FEET INTO THE BACK YARD AND CRASHED INTO SOME LILAC BUSHES DIRECTLY AHEAD OF ME AND INTO THE STEEP DIRT BANK BEHIND THE BUSHES, WHICH STOPPED THE CAR.…”
NHTSA complaint #10512739, 2013 · crash

Suspension 14

“At any speed period, if i hit a pothole or those little ripple things on side of the country county roads, any of them causes my vehicle to jerk and makes a a sound like the entire right front end is going to fall apart at any moment and it either jerks my vehicle off the road on the right side or it either jerks the vehicle into the opposite lane towards on coming traffic. My truck has caused me to go completely off of the highway into the grass to avoid a collision...and anytime I hit the most tiniest of bumps it sounds Like the entire right side suspension is going to fall completely off a…”
NHTSA complaint #11566683, 2024

“When im driving down the road and the slightest bump is on yhe side of the road, the truck feels like its not connected to the framing or the wheels or something because when i hit the bump it jerks the wheels to the right and that's the only side it does it on and it does it so abruptly at times it almost pushes me into another car or it jerks the steering wheel out of my hands. Im not sure if theres a recall thats causing this or not but my mom has a vehicle like mine but a 2011 model and hers does the same thing on the right side.”
NHTSA complaint #11521906, 2023

“Whenever i hit a bump on the side of the road, the truck jerks really badly and if im not grasping the steering wheel with all my strength, it will jerk me off the highway from the bump making the entire car go off the road. Also, each bump i hit, i hear a very very loud metal on metal knocking sound from the right passenger side of the tire area. Not sure if it is a strut assembly or engine mount that wasn't correctly bolted down during manufacturing. Also, when i press the gas pedal, it sounds as if theres some type of cable thats being stripped or something. And whenever i am holding the st…”
NHTSA complaint #11555182, 2022

Service Brakes 11 2 crash 3 injury 1 death

“VEHICLE STOPPED ON INCLINE OF A HILL, THEN REVERSED (GEAR SHIFT IN DRIVE) BACK DOWN 600 FEET THE HILL AND CRASHED AGAINST A CONCRETE WALL CORNER. HAVE 2 WITNESSES THAT SWITCHED OFF THE ENGINE, INSPECTED WRECK, FOUND NO FAULT CODES WITH A LAUNCH 431-READER BUT FIGURED THAT BATTERY WAS DRAINED AFTER 2 MONTHS. SURVIVING DAUGHTER SUFFERS FROM MEMORY LOSS BUT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT CLAIMS THE BRAKES FAILED.”
NHTSA complaint #10375848, 2010 · crash · 1 death(s)

“PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND I WAS REAR ENDED @ 65 MPH. VEHICLE SUFFERED $14,000 IN DAMAGE WITH A BENT FRAME. THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE IS NOW DIMINISHED DRASTICALLY AND IT IS REPORTED IN CAR FAX REPORT. APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS LATER VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. I SHOULD NOT SUFFER FINANCIAL LOSS DUE TO NEGLIGENT PARTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10836772, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The engine locked down due to the improper power train, driveline, driveshaft. Oil leaking and malfunction of power train, driveline, driveshaft caused motor to knock and lock down”
NHTSA complaint #11643002, 2025

Structure 11

“The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed and excessive amount of corrosion on the subframe. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11519848, 2023

“The back driver side child safety lock is stuck between on and off and the door will not open. I am an Uber driver. If there was an accident a passenger might get trapped inside.”
NHTSA complaint #11464089, 2022

“WHEN TRAVELING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION THERE'S LOSS OF POWER FOR A SPLIT SECOND, AND THEN IT'S BUMPING REAL HARD. IT CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A BUMPING NOISE, CLUNKING NOISE OR THUMPING NOISE. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN BETWEEN 50-70 MPH. ALSO, THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN WORKING OFF AND ON. IT FINALLY HAS STOPPED OPENING THE DOOR ENTIRELY. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE YET TO DIAGNOSE AN ISSUE AFTER TWO INSPECTIONS. AS OF 7/21/20 THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THESE ISSUES.”
NHTSA complaint #11340723, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 1 crash

“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. I WAS SLOWING THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS I APPROACHED THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY BY THE SIDE DOOR OF THE HOUSE. THEN I HEARD A SUDDEN, EXTREMELY LOUD ENGINE NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE REVVING VERY FAST AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS PROPELLED FORWARD ABOUT 50 FEET INTO THE BACK YARD AND CRASHED INTO SOME LILAC BUSHES DIRECTLY AHEAD OF ME AND INTO THE STEEP DIRT BANK BEHIND THE BUSHES, WHICH STOPPED THE CAR.…”
NHTSA complaint #10512739, 2013 · crash

“102,734 MILES AND THE CAR STARTED TO JUMP WHILE DRIVING. FELT LIKE RPM WOULD NOT SHIFT. AFTER MULTIPLE MECHANICS LOOKED AT IT, CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. DUE TO BEING A SECOND OWNER, ONLY BY 1500 MILES HYUNDAI WOULD NOT COVER. THE 2WD WERE RECALLED, BUT NOT THE AWD. CLEARLY THERE ARE ISSUES WITH ALL MAKES. THEN AFTER FIXING THAT THE PURGE VALVE SOLENOID NEEDED REPLACED AND THEN THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT THESE RECALLS WERE NOT ACTIVE FOR THE AWD. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING ON ANY ROAD AND WE ARE LUCKY THE CAR DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS STARTED 9/18/202…”
NHTSA complaint #11386661, 2020

“CAR RANDOMLY STALLS AND SLOWS DOWN TO A CRAWL UNDER ACCELERATION. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS WHEN GOING UPHILL, MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES IT'S JUST NORMAL DRIVING. IT IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT HAS HAPPENED OFF AND ON FOR THE LAST 2-3 YEARS. DEALER IS CLUELESS.”
NHTSA complaint #11098341, 2016

Air Bags 9 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACE AND HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10508600, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END IMPACT . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF REPAIRS, THE SHOP REPLACED THE COMPONENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND SENT THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO CHECK FOR ERROR CODES AND TO RESET THE SYSTEM. ONE OF THE ERROR CODES WOULD NOT CLEAR. THE DEALER, IN WASHINGTON STATE ADVISED THE REPAIR SHOP AND US THAT PURSUANT TO A TSB,01-90-013, HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS THAT THE WIRING HARNESS ALSO MUST BE REPLACED IN ADDITION TO THE STANDARD PARTS OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, WHEN THE AIR BAGS ARE DEP…”
NHTSA complaint #10368655, 2010 · crash

“I am the original owner of a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. It currently has less than 100,000 miles on it as I drive it infrequently. On June 12, 2023, my airbag light lit on the display and has since remained. I immediately contacted the local Hyundai dealership and made the next available appointment. I was concerned because I had recently completed the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) service campaign on 4/3/2023. Initially, I took my vehicle to an auto repair facility where a diagnostic test determined my SUV had a B1620 error code and was advised to take it to a Hyundai dealership. My H…”
NHTSA complaint #11532175, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 9 1 crash 2 injury 1 death

“VEHICLE STOPPED ON INCLINE OF A HILL, THEN REVERSED (GEAR SHIFT IN DRIVE) BACK DOWN 600 FEET THE HILL AND CRASHED AGAINST A CONCRETE WALL CORNER. HAVE 2 WITNESSES THAT SWITCHED OFF THE ENGINE, INSPECTED WRECK, FOUND NO FAULT CODES WITH A LAUNCH 431-READER BUT FIGURED THAT BATTERY WAS DRAINED AFTER 2 MONTHS. SURVIVING DAUGHTER SUFFERS FROM MEMORY LOSS BUT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT CLAIMS THE BRAKES FAILED.”
NHTSA complaint #10375848, 2010 · crash · 1 death(s)

“YESTERDAY WHILE DECELERATING AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP SIGN, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WAS RESTARTED AND CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. I TOOK TO MY DEALER TODAY (NEXT AM) DUE TO MY CONCERN. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND ASKED TO EXTEND MY WARRANTY AND MENTIONED MY CAR HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM DESCRIPTION MENTIONED IN THE ONLINE 929 HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER SAID NO CODE HISTORY OR CODE IS SHOWING AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE BUT TO WAIT AND SEE IF PROBLEM REAPPEARS. I AM CONCERNED…”
NHTSA complaint #10661756, 2014

“VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IN THE RAIN FROM SAVANNAH GA TO JACKSONVILLE FL, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE APX 80 DEGREES, WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON. AIR CONDITIONING ABRUPTLY CEASED BLOWING COLD AIR AND STARTED BLOWING HOT, HUMID AIR, WHICH FOGGED ALL WINDOWS FROM THE INSIDE. SUDDENLY LOWERED VISIBILITY CAUSES DRIVING HAZARD. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE WITH THIS VEHICLE WHEN (1) IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, (2) THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON, (3) IT IS RAINING, (4) THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVING FOR APX 30 TO 45 MINUTES. REMEDY IS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE ENGINE, WAIT 5-10 MINUTES, THEN RESTART CAR. AIR…”
NHTSA complaint #10453959, 2012

Fuel System 9

“VEHICLE STALLED AT LOW SPEED OR TURNING ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS .STALLS AND THEN WILL START BACK UP. MOST RECENT INCIDENT, 12-13-2014, IT STALLED 3 TIMES WITHIN 25 MINUTES WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. I'VE TAKEN TO HYUNDAI IN THE PAST, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY AND ISSUE, CHARGED ME $50.00 TO ADJUST BREAK LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH THEY STATED SHOULD FIX IT. I CHECKED ON-LINE & LOCATED THE 3.5 SANTE FE LOW SPEED ENGINE RPM LOGIC REVISION SERVICE CAMPAIGN WHICH THEY WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLES ECM IN CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 3.5 ENGINES. I TRIED TO USE THE ON-LINE VIN VERIFICATION & GUESS WHAT ,IT STATES MINE…”
NHTSA complaint #10664155, 2014

“MY SANTA FE STALLED WHILE MAKING A LOW SPEED RIGHT TURN. NO WARNING THE STEERING BECAME HARD AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT ON AND ENGINE OFF. STARTED RIGHT UP AFTERWARDS. IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AND UPDATED COMPUTER. NO ERROR CODES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10519405, 2013

“PURCHASED 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IN FEB 2010. DROVE TO DALLAS, TX IN MAY 2010 THE CAR STARTED STALLING AFTER BEING IDLE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, ON TURNS AND FROM PULLING OUT AFTER BEING STOPPED. YOU WOULD THE THINK IT WAS GOING DEAD BUT WOULD CATCH UP. THIS OCCURED NUMEROUS TIMES DURING THE TRIP TO & FROM. IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON RETURN BUT THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE THEN, ONCE AT 20 MPH MERGEING IN TRAFFIC AND TWICE TODAY. HAVE TAKEN IT IN 3 TIMES BUT THEY NEVER FIND ANYTHING AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AND DON'T DARE…”
NHTSA complaint #10422339, 2011

Steering 8 1 crash 1 fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, THE BLINKER SWITCH STARTED FRANTICALLY CLICKING, I THAN HEARD ELECTRICAL SPARKS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAN SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE THE BLINKER SHAFT WAS LOCATED. HYUNDAI HAS HAD MY VEHICLE FOR 2 WEEKS, LEAVING ME AND MY 8 MONTH OLD CARLESS. THE DEALERSHIP AND COOPERATE HAS SAID THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE, AND HAS NOT GIVEN ME A COURTESY CALL OR VEHICLE UPDATES. I LOOKED ON THIS WEBSITE, SAFECAR.ORG AND INDEED, I FOUND SOMEONE WHO HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME ISSUE (PLEASE SEE NHTSA ID NUMBER 106294…”
NHTSA complaint #10732467, 2015 · fire

“WARNING: WHILE TURNING LEFT INTO MY DRIVEWAY (IN MOTION), MY 2010 SANTA FE STEERING SUDDENLY LOCKED UP AND I DROVE ONTO MY LAWN. VERY SCARY AND THIS WAS WITHOUT WARNING! SIMPLY MEANING, IF THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS THE ISSUE, THERE WOULD BE NOISE AND A GRADUAL FAILURE; HOWEVER, THIS WAS VERY SUDDEN. AS OF THIS WRITING, THE STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THANK GOD I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND NOW IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSES. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11256594, 2019 · crash

“When im driving down the road and the slightest bump is on yhe side of the road, the truck feels like its not connected to the framing or the wheels or something because when i hit the bump it jerks the wheels to the right and that's the only side it does it on and it does it so abruptly at times it almost pushes me into another car or it jerks the steering wheel out of my hands. Im not sure if theres a recall thats causing this or not but my mom has a vehicle like mine but a 2011 model and hers does the same thing on the right side.”
NHTSA complaint #11521906, 2023

Visibility 8

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE ROAD SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10871696, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS SHATTERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10733878, 2015

“VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IN THE RAIN FROM SAVANNAH GA TO JACKSONVILLE FL, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE APX 80 DEGREES, WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON. AIR CONDITIONING ABRUPTLY CEASED BLOWING COLD AIR AND STARTED BLOWING HOT, HUMID AIR, WHICH FOGGED ALL WINDOWS FROM THE INSIDE. SUDDENLY LOWERED VISIBILITY CAUSES DRIVING HAZARD. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE WITH THIS VEHICLE WHEN (1) IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, (2) THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON, (3) IT IS RAINING, (4) THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVING FOR APX 30 TO 45 MINUTES. REMEDY IS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE ENGINE, WAIT 5-10 MINUTES, THEN RESTART CAR. AIR…”
NHTSA complaint #10453959, 2012

Exterior Lighting 7 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND I WAS REAR ENDED @ 65 MPH. VEHICLE SUFFERED $14,000 IN DAMAGE WITH A BENT FRAME. THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE IS NOW DIMINISHED DRASTICALLY AND IT IS REPORTED IN CAR FAX REPORT. APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS LATER VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. I SHOULD NOT SUFFER FINANCIAL LOSS DUE TO NEGLIGENT PARTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10836772, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SANTA FE BLINKER SWITCH ON STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. I HAVE A VIDEO AS EVIDENCE OF THE SMOKE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. HYUNDAI REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO ME AND MY FAMILY. BLINKERS STARTED STAYING ON AT ALL TIMES WHEN IGNITION WAS ON. BLINKERS WOULD GO LEFT AND GO RIGHT, BUT WHEN IN THE CENTER POSITION THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL STAYED ON OR THE AUDIBLE PART OF THE BLINKERS COULD BE HEARD WITH NO SIGNAL LIGHT. SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE VEHICLE SMELLED AND STILL SMELLS OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I TOOK A VIDEO THAT CLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10629458, 2014 · fire

“The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s side front wheel felt wobbling. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11429664, 2021

Equipment 3 1 fire

“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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the starter, oil filter, and engine filter, and changed the oil. On a hot day, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and it was noticed that the unoccupied vehicle was attempting to start independently. The contact unlocked the vehicle and opened the vehicle door, put the keys in the ign…”
NHTSA complaint #11727026, 2026 · fire

“2010 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INCOMPATIBILITY OF BLUETOOTH WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A GLITCH WITH THE PHONE IN RESPECT TO THE BLUETOOTH COMPATIBILITY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BLUETOOTH WOULD BECOME DISABLED, NOT ACCEPT VOICE COMMANDS OR MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH ANY NUMBER DIALED, IF HE DID NOT TAKE THE TIME TO ANSWER THE CONTACTS DATA QUESTION. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10448733, 2012

“MY 2010 AT SANTA FE STARTED WITH OCCASIONAL LURCHING FORWARD WHEN STARTED, THEN PROGRESSED TO HARSH SHIFTING, BUMPING AND BANGING NOISES FROM THE AT. THIS WAS EPISODIC, WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD. (SEE MY INITIAL COMPLAINT #10379504) SINCE MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT, THE DEALER PUT IN A "DATA RECORDER" TO TRY TO CAPTURE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. DESPITE 2-3 EPISODES OF THIS HAPPENING WHILE THE RECORDER WAS ON, THEY WERE NOT CAPTURED ON THE UNIT. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, YET IT CONTINUED TO GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. AT ABOUT 9000 MILES, IT HAPPENED AGAIN- THE WORST EPISODE YET. AT THA…”
NHTSA complaint #10420973, 2011

Tires 3

“The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed and excessive amount of corrosion on the subframe. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11519848, 2023

“TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. WENT TO DEALER FOUR TIMES ON THIS ISSUE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AS THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR CAN BE AFFECTED BY HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES, RADIO FREQUENCY FROM AN AIRPORT, A POLICY STATION, AN INTERNAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE ATTACHED, ETC. ETC. HOWEVER, UNDERSTAND FROM MY FRIENDS WHO DRIVE TOYOTA AND HONDA THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT EXIST. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10437606, 2010

“SINCE PURCHASING A NEW 2010 HYUNDAI SANTE FE AWD IN MAY 2010, THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH IT'S TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) IN NOVEMBER 2010 AND A REOCCURRENCE NOW IN FEBRUARY 2011. I WAS SO UPSET THAT I WROTE THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY AND ITS NOW BEING OVERSEEN BY THE HYUNDAI EAST COAST REGIONAL OFFICE--BUT STILL NO RESOLUTION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10389683, 2010

Visibility/Wiper 3

“WAS JUST WASHING THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND AS I SPRAYED THE WINDSHIELD TO FIRST RINSE THE POLLEN OFF, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM BOTTOM TO TOP. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY CHIPS OR CRACKS PRIOR TO THAT.”
NHTSA complaint #11414923, 2021

“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 METHOD TO CORRECT THIS FRACTURING. THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER REPEATEDLY OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS.”
NHTSA complaint #10938872, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST SYSTEM WOULD ONLY DEFOG THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10483613, 2011

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“MY CAR HAD A RECALL CAMPAIGN 110 TO REPLACE A STOP LAMP SWITCH IN JUNE 2013. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN BECAUSE MY CAR WAS NOT SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND PARK SOMETIMES. THE CAR WAS STOPPED IN A PARKING AREA AND HAD TO BE BROUGHT TO THE DEALER TO GET A NEW SWITCH. I WANT HYUNDAI TO KNOW THEY NEED TO GET BETTER SWITCHES BECAUSE 3 YEARS SEEMS TO SOON TO REPLACE A SWITCH.”
NHTSA complaint #10907245, 2016

“CONSTANT, UNSAFE, AND UNCOMFORTABLE STEERING TO THE RIGHT, ENOUGH TO CHANGE LANES ON ITS OWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10391368, 2010

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,176.”
NHTSA complaint #10583575, 2014

“ALL DOORS AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK UPON PLACING SHIFT CONTROL IN THE PARK POSITION OR THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. ENTRY MAY BE GAINED BY ANYONE IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGERS. THIS FEATURE CAN NOT BE ALTERED OR DEFEATED TO ALLOW THE DOORS TO REMAIN LOCKED WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10351361, 2010

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Parking Brake 1 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. THE CONTACT WAS STANDING WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPEN AND HEARD A THUMP SOUND. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK BY THE DOOR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO AS SHE WAS DRAGGED BY THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP ONCE IT CROSSED A MAIN ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH A CURB. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER ENTIRE BODY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPO…”
NHTSA complaint #11080951, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Seat Belts 1

“I am the original owner of a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. It currently has less than 100,000 miles on it as I drive it infrequently. On June 12, 2023, my airbag light lit on the display and has since remained. I immediately contacted the local Hyundai dealership and made the next available appointment. I was concerned because I had recently completed the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) service campaign on 4/3/2023. Initially, I took my vehicle to an auto repair facility where a diagnostic test determined my SUV had a B1620 error code and was advised to take it to a Hyundai dealership. My H…”
NHTSA complaint #11532175, 2023

Seats 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10511252, 2013

Wheels 1

“I'VE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED, ALIGNMENT DONE, ROTORS CHECKED, AND IT STILL SHAKES LIKE SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, AND IT'S SCARING ME, I'M HANDICAP, AND I FEEL LIKE MY FRONT END IS GONNA COME APART OR MY CAR IS GONNA FLIP, WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT'S DOING JUST FINE BUT WHEN I GO TO PRESS ON MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN MY CAR IS SHAKING LIKE I'M GOING THROUGH AN EARTHQUAKE OR TORNADO, AND IT ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM LIKE WHEN YOU PUSH PUSH THE GAS TO GET SPEED SO YOU COULD JUMP ON THE HIGHWAY IT LIKE JERKS A LITTLE BETTER SHE IS A LITTLE HARD TO BE ABLE TO CATCH UP AND IT'S NEVER DONE TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11192079, 2019