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2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 212.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

212 reports with mileage · 46 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

109 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2011
Power Train

2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL RELATED TO DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL, WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER IT SUDDENLY STOPPED ON…

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2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL RELATED TO DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL, WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER IT SUDDENLY STOPPED ON A SIX LANE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN DESTROYED AND DAMAGED THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10408390

795 miles · Jun 10, 2011
Power Train

THE WEEKEND WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED, V6, WHILE DRIVING IN AREA WITH MODERATE GRADES VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST & 2ND GEARS, 2ND & 3RD GEARS. WE THOUGHT IT COULD BE THE AREA WE WERE DRIVING IN, SO WE CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT TO SEE IF THAT WAS IT. IT WAS NOT. HARD SHIFTING HAS CONTINUED FOR TH…

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THE WEEKEND WE PURCHASED OUR 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED, V6, WHILE DRIVING IN AREA WITH MODERATE GRADES VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST & 2ND GEARS, 2ND & 3RD GEARS. WE THOUGHT IT COULD BE THE AREA WE WERE DRIVING IN, SO WE CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT TO SEE IF THAT WAS IT. IT WAS NOT. HARD SHIFTING HAS CONTINUED FOR THE COMPLETE EXTENT OF OUR OWNERSHIP COMMENCING AT THE START. ON 12/7/2010, TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED, CAUSE: FOUND TRANSMISSION JERKING. MODULE ASSY-AUTO TRANS CONTROL RE, RESET ADAPTIVE TRANS VALUES. RECALL, P0111, ECM UPDATE, PERFORMED CAMP TC7. BRING BACK IF CONTINUES AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS. IT DID CONTINUE, BUT I AM A BUSY PERSON. ON 4/21/2011, RETURNED AGAIN STATING THAT VEHICLE WAS CONTINUING TO SHIFT HARD, JERKING. DEALER SVC STATES COULD NOT DUPLICATE. VEHICLE DUPLICATED FOR ME ON WAY HOME FROM SVC APPT. ON 6/10/11, RETURNED AGAIN FOR SAME PROBLEM WITH HARD SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS, JERKING. CAUSE: TCM UPGRADE, RE-RESET ADAPTIVE TRANS VALUES, AFTER WHICH SVC DEPT SAID COULD NOT DUPLICATE AGAIN. SVC MGR STATES THAT A NEW REFLASH HAD BEEN ISSUED SINCE THEY UPGRADED IT LAST ON 12/7/2010. THRU RESEARCH I FIND NO NEW UPGRADE HAS BEEN RELEASED ON SVC MESSAGES/NOTIFICATIONS. I BELIEVE I'VE BEEN MISLEAD. I AM POSITIVE THAT THE VEHICLE WILL DO THIS AGAIN. ALSO, INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ONLY CRANKING THE VEHICLE AND BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN GEAR IT WILL IMMEDIATELY HAVE A FEELING OF A LARGE "BANG OR SLAM" AND THEN LUNGE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH STILL IN PARK. THE VEHICLE ALSO MAKES "POPPING" SOUNDS WHEN IN PARK KIND OF LIKE SMALL "BACKFIRES". I HAVE ALSO ASKED THEM TO INVESTIGATE THIS AND DID NOT GET A SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. THEY STATE THAT ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS ARE CONNECTED TO THE "NEW REFLASH" THAT HAS COME OUT SINCE THE 12/7/2010 SVC APPT. IT "SHOULD" FIX IT. I SAY RECALL IT.

NHTSA ODI #10406679

31,000 miles · Jun 1, 2011
Power Train

STARTED CAR TO BACK UP OUT OF DRIVEWAY. CAR JUMPED A LITTLE. CONTINUED ON ROAD AND FELT LITTLE JUMPING AT RANDOM. WENT SLOW AND TRIED TO BRAKE AND ACCELORATE TO UNDERSTAND TRIGGER. TURNED AROUND AFTER 1.5 MILE TO HEAD BACK HOME. A FEW YARDS IN THE CAR MADE LOUD DROPPING SOUND AND GRINDING AND SCRAPING AND WOULD NOT ACCELARATE. S…

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STARTED CAR TO BACK UP OUT OF DRIVEWAY. CAR JUMPED A LITTLE. CONTINUED ON ROAD AND FELT LITTLE JUMPING AT RANDOM. WENT SLOW AND TRIED TO BRAKE AND ACCELORATE TO UNDERSTAND TRIGGER. TURNED AROUND AFTER 1.5 MILE TO HEAD BACK HOME. A FEW YARDS IN THE CAR MADE LOUD DROPPING SOUND AND GRINDING AND SCRAPING AND WOULD NOT ACCELARATE. SO LOUD I THOUGHT THE BOTTOM CAME OUT. PEOPLE PUSHED IT INTO PARKING LOT FOR ME. AAA TOWED IT TO DEALER. 24 HOURS LATER TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. 24 HOURS AFTER THAT TOLD THEY ARE REPLACING WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. ASKED IF THIS WOULD TRIGGER ANY FUTURE PROBLEMS AND THEY CLAIM NO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404110

5,000 miles · May 16, 2011
Power Train

THE VEHICLE STOPS OR STALLS ON SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. IT HAS JUST DIED MERGING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN AND I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO ROLL TO THE SHOULDER. IT WILL NOT ALWAYS PULL UP AN INCLINE FROM A STOP SUCH AS A STEEPER DRIVEWAY. I HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL TO "FIX' THIS BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK IN G…

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THE VEHICLE STOPS OR STALLS ON SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. IT HAS JUST DIED MERGING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN AND I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO ROLL TO THE SHOULDER. IT WILL NOT ALWAYS PULL UP AN INCLINE FROM A STOP SUCH AS A STEEPER DRIVEWAY. I HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL TO "FIX' THIS BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK IN GEAR. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN THE HYUNDAI FORUMS ON LINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10401142

7,889 miles · Apr 18, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE CONTACT TOOK HER FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WAS COASTING. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE RPMS INCREASED AND THERE WAS A HARD BUMP AND A SHUTTER FELT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE CONTACT TOOK HER FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WAS COASTING. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE RPMS INCREASED AND THERE WAS A HARD BUMP AND A SHUTTER FELT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION ADAPTER WAS RESET, THE KEEP ALIVE MEMORY AND ADAPTIVE VALUES WERE CLEARED, AND AN ECU UPDATE WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT WAS TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A FORTH TIME FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,889. UPDATED 5/9/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A HARSH SHIFT BETWEEN 20-30 MPH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE. UPDATED 08/17/11.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10396643

10,000 miles · Apr 8, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE AND DECREASE WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFAC…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE AND DECREASE WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THE COMPUTER DID NOT DISPLAY ANY ERROR CODES THEN THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10395283

6,000 miles · Mar 17, 2011
Power Train

OCT 2010 FIRST INCIDENT- WITH A COLD ENGINE IN THE MORNING WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH MY 2010 6 CYL HYUNDAI SANTA FE LURCHED FORWARD WITH A LOUD BANG AS IF WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND. WE HAD 6230 MILES ON VEHICLE. OVER THE NEXT 2 DAYS THE SAME THING HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES NOT AS SEVERE AS THE FIRST INCIDENT. AFTER CHECKING…

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OCT 2010 FIRST INCIDENT- WITH A COLD ENGINE IN THE MORNING WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH MY 2010 6 CYL HYUNDAI SANTA FE LURCHED FORWARD WITH A LOUD BANG AS IF WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND. WE HAD 6230 MILES ON VEHICLE. OVER THE NEXT 2 DAYS THE SAME THING HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES NOT AS SEVERE AS THE FIRST INCIDENT. AFTER CHECKING THE INTERNET FOUND MANY REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS. BROUGHT TO DEALER WHO DENIED HEARING OF THIS PROBLEM, KEPT OVERNIGHT, COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND RESET ADAPTIVE LEARNING AND RESET DRIVING HISTORY. PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN MARCH 2011 ON MARCH 8, 2011 BROUGHT TO DEALER KEPT OVERNIGHT, COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID LOW, RESET TRANSMISSION, DID AN UPDATE THEY SAID WAS RELATED TO A COMPUTER MODULE THAT WAS RELATED TO THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAD 10,000 MILES. CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND HAD A CASE OPENED TO DOCUMENT PROBLEM AS I MAY HAVE TO GO THROUGH NEW YORK LEMON LAW IF THEY DON'T FIX PROBLEM. MARCH 15, 2011 TRAMSMISSION PROBLEM BACK AGAIN CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND HAD THEM REOPEN CASE AND ANOTHER APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED WITH DEALER ON MARCH 23, 2011 TO TEST DRIVE WITH TECH AND SERVICE MANAGER. THIS WILL BE THIRD ATTEMPT TO FIX TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390495

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2011
Power Train

MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTE FE GLS TRANSMISSION PERIODICALLY SLIPS AND THEN CLUNKS INTO THE NEXT HIGHEST GEAR WITH A FORCE THAT SHAKES THE CAR. THIS FORCE TRANSLATES INTO A BANGING SOUND. EACH INCIDENT HAPPENED AT SPEEDS OF 20-25 MPH AND SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS CAR SINCE I DON'T K…

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MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTE FE GLS TRANSMISSION PERIODICALLY SLIPS AND THEN CLUNKS INTO THE NEXT HIGHEST GEAR WITH A FORCE THAT SHAKES THE CAR. THIS FORCE TRANSLATES INTO A BANGING SOUND. EACH INCIDENT HAPPENED AT SPEEDS OF 20-25 MPH AND SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS CAR SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WILL FINALLY FAIL COMPLETELY. I BELIEVE THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #10385728

2,000 miles · Feb 1, 2011
Power Train

ON SATURDAY, JAN. 15TH, I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 (4 1/2 MONTHS OLD, < 2000 MILES) WHEN I TURNED A CORNER ONTO A BUSY STREET, AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AS IF SOMEONE HAD TURNED OF THE IGNITION. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN WE LOST POWER STEERING AND ENGINE POWER OR WHEN WE SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFI…

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ON SATURDAY, JAN. 15TH, I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 (4 1/2 MONTHS OLD, < 2000 MILES) WHEN I TURNED A CORNER ONTO A BUSY STREET, AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AS IF SOMEONE HAD TURNED OF THE IGNITION. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN WE LOST POWER STEERING AND ENGINE POWER OR WHEN WE SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC SINCE THE CAR WOULD NOT RE-START. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS UNABLE TO SEND ANYONE FOR ALMOST 40 MINUTES, SO WE HAD TO HAVE THE POLICE PUSH US TO SAFETY. AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE CAR JUST STARTED UP AGAIN. WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM SINCE NO ERROR CODE WAS SEEN. THE TECHNICIANS UPDATED THE ECM TO VERSION CMAN S2 AB8F SINCE IT WAS A RECOMMENDED GENERAL SERVICE. NO ONE KNEW IF IT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIANS ALSO MENTIONED THAT ANOTHER CUSTOMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM THE WEEK BEFORE. HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS WAS NOT HELPFUL, BUT DID OPEN A CASE NUMBER. PROBLEM HAS NOT RE-OCCURED YET ALTHOUGH TRANSMISSION OFTEN POPS. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10379895

500 miles · Jan 29, 2011
Power Train

I HAVE A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED AND WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE NOTICED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I WAS DOING, BUT THEN MY HUSBAND DROVE IT AND SAID THE SAME THING. BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 10-40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND OCCASIONAL…

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I HAVE A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED AND WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE NOTICED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I WAS DOING, BUT THEN MY HUSBAND DROVE IT AND SAID THE SAME THING. BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 10-40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND OCCASIONALLY BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AS IF IT GETS STUCK. IT DOES IT WHEN UPSHIFTING AND EVEN WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. IT HAPPENS CONSTANTLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD, WHEN IT'S WARM, EVERY DAY. I MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND OF COURSE THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL THEY CAN REPLICATE THE ISSUE. I GUESS I'LL JUST KEEP MENTIONING IT WHENEVER I TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE AND HOPE THAT EVENTUALLY THEY WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10379523

Official recalls

2

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

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 Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

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.

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.

11V261000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Apr 28, 2011

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 DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

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 indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

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 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE11010 · Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft

Opened Apr 7, 2011 · Closed May 10, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline: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 prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

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 prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

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 prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.

Power Train:driveline: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 prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.

Power Train:driveline: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 prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.