46 of the
333 complaints about the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE are about the
engine — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
74,194 miles.
D
46
Complaints
1
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Engine
3780.4%
Engine AND Engine Cooling
919.6%
Engine & Cooling across every Hyundai Santa FE year
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 scary. I didn't feel safe in the car. I went directly to [XXX], manager of Larry Miller Hyundai at [XXX], Phone [XXX]. He said that he needed to clear the recall with Hyundai. He called me back in a few days and told me that all the test diagnostics were made and that a censor malfunction was the cause of the problem and the front breaks needed work. I gave him the go-head. The cost was $1,319. I wasn't convince that was the primary problem. I use my car for short trips. I was driving to the gym on XXX - having driven less than 50 mile since the recent repair - once again I stopped at a light and the check engine light lit up permanently - not flashing. The engine started to shake when it was idle and there was an unusual sound coming from it. I finished my drive to the gym although the drive just didn't feel normal or safe. Right now (XXX) I am having my car towed to Hyundai. It is not safe to drive. My belief is that corporate Hyundai refused to fix the engine repair part of a class action lawsuit which includes replacing the engine. They had to see that my recall warrenty ends in September and they figured they'd stall until the warrenty was no longer valid. This is just a guess, but a very educated guess. They had to know that the engine was no longer safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DCFire
ENGINE
Engine fire
NHTSA complaint #11728662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFountain Valley, CAFire
ENGINE
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 ignition, and continued to crank for approximately four minutes. The accelerator pedal was pumped, and the vehicle stopped. There was smoke coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle eventually stopped. There were flames coming from the vehicle. The contact called 911, an independent mechanic, her father, and the fire department. The Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire and disconnect the battery. The mechanic determined that the engine cover was burned. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact indicated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E040000 (Equipment). The insurance company referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gray Summit, MO
ENGINE
I hadn't used the car in a few weeks (rarely leave the house because I work from home). I went to visit a friend on December 26th or 27th (don't remember exact date). On the way there the engine started having a knocking noise. On the way home after eating a meal with the friend, the knocking got louder, and the car was losing power. As I drove up a hill, the engine was providing almost no power, and then I heard a very loud bang, and a blue-ish, white smoke cloud came out from under the car, and it died completely. As a secondary issue, since this was right after Christmas, I couldn't find an open shop to have it towed to, so it was left on the side of the road overnight. The next day when I drove back to meet a tow-truck driver at the car, we found it had been broken into overnight, and my wife's childhood Christmas decorations were stolen. Nothing else of value was taken. I did have police come out and make a report at the time. I only just discovered that the engine was under a recall for "Campaign 966" for this exact issue.
NHTSA complaint #11715168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longmont, CO
ENGINE
Driving approximately 70-75mph on highway with cruise control set. Car starts to make rattling sound & engine warning light goes on, car struggles to accelerate and hovers around 60mph. Upon inspection of engine oil in car, fresh oil has been burned up quickly! Added 1 quart. Drove 45mins at 70-75mph. Notice Engine light on again. Check engine oil. Had quickly burned through 1qt! Add new quart of oil. Let car rest overnight. Driving 70mph without use of cruise control. Then use cruise control. After a bit car engine sounds of rattling & struggling to accelerate. RPM gauge seen going up & down. Through rear view mirror I see lots of bluish smoke. Pull over to let engine rest. Check oil = still 3/4. Use engine dectection device. Indicates that cylinders 3 &4 misfiring. Reset car warning indicator with my detection device. Finish drive going 60mph to arrive at destination without car engine warning going back on.
NHTSA complaint #11662795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pelzer, SC
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesMarkham, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11598573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,550 milesAlbuquerque, NM
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the timing chain, the gaskets, and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain and the bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,550.
NHTSA complaint #11526548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,628 milesPoteau, OK
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to have a manufacturer recall performed for P966. The contact then stated that on multiple occasions after the recall was performed while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, she heard a loud knocking noise at the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 207,628
NHTSA complaint #11484808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Port, MO
ENGINE
My engine blew. No warning lights were on. The acceleration started sounding weird and so I slowed it down. It started running at high rpms and then it started clanking and parts flew out from behind my car from then engine while in interstate and now my engine is blown. There wasn't much warning and no warning lights at all except my tire light which is always on even though tires are filled and don't lose air
NHTSA complaint #11475528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Park, IL
ENGINE
On April 22,2021 I took my Hyundai Santa Fe to McGrath Hyundai Serv Ctr for routine oil change. I paid for this oil chge and was given a MultiPoint Inspection rpt detailing my car was in good condition needing only routine maintenance updates. Mileage was documented 46,008 mi. My car was in excellent condition, regularly maintained at Hyundai service centers. 9 days later my engine failed without any warning. I had only driven about 30 mi after service.This is a safety issue as the failure could've occurred while I was driving. I towed the car back to the serv ctr where I was told I would need a new engine. There was no reason ever given for the sudden failure other than that this was a bad engine. I called Hyundai Corp Care to ask for help. I was told my 100,000/10yr warranty had expired 6 mos. earlier and there was NO recall. I later found this not to be true as NHTSA had done an investigation earlier causing Hyundai to recall 1000's of Santa Fe's for the EXACT reason that my engine failed. My VIN is not included in this recall but the problem was exactly the same. I read in the NHTSA report this recall applied to engines manufactured before 2011. After many phone calls/emails, Hyundai Corp agreed to a "good will" offer to replace the engine for 80%. I was told they would remove the bad engine and drop in a new one. However, there was faulty communication between Hyundai Corp and Hyundai service center. My hands were tied. 175 days later I was returned my car with a remanufactured short block. Approximately 2 mos later my oil light began to flicker. I returned to serv ctr where I was told I now need to manually check my oil regularly. The service engine light no longer works as it should. The warning light no longer works for other safety issues also. Hyundai was not truthful in owning up to the existence of the engine safety issue. They should have owned my problem and repaired as part of the recall. I no longer feel safe driving my car.
NHTSA complaint #11454510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesShawnee Mission, KSFire
ENGINE
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 the insurance company concluded that the fire was caused by a faulty engine. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11426632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,358 milesBosque Farms, NM
ENGINE
DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME ENGINE HAD A HOLE IN THE BLOCK FROM A CONNECTING ROD. THAT CAME OFF THE CRANKSHAFT .VEHICLE ONLY HAS 104358 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH FREQUENT OIL CHANGES.
NHTSA complaint #11415953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,724 milesOconomowoc, WI
ENGINE
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 9/18/2020 AND WORK COMPLETE 01/05/2021
NHTSA complaint #11386661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ENGINE
ENGINE SEIZED.
NHTSA complaint #11378305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Amboy, NJ
ENGINE
ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR I EXPERIENCE A LURCHING. AT TIME IT JUST WON'T ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENS ON SEVERAL OCCASION THIS YEAR
NHTSA complaint #11362147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145 milesSuperior, CO
ENGINE
FOR NO REASON THE CAR WILL STALL AND ALL STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTIONS ARE DISABLED. HAPPENS WHEN STOPPED OR WHILE DRIVING. CAR HAS TO BE PUT IN PARK AND RESTARTED. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER
NHTSA complaint #11303027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,194 milesHutchinson, KS
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION, THE VEHICLE RATTLED AND MADE ABNORMAL NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIDWEST SUPERSTORE (LOCATED AT 1100 E 30TH AVE, HUTCHINSON, KS 67502, (620) 662-6631), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,194.
NHTSA complaint #11218083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,868 milesBethlaham, PA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SPORADICALLY REVVED WHILE DRIVING. WHEN STARTED, THE ENGINE WOULD REV TO 40 MPH. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEIGH VALLEY HYUNDAI (675 STATE AVE, EMMAUS, PA 18049, (610) 967-6500), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,868.
NHTSA complaint #11203990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesDobson, NC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING AND SPUTTERING, AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. BOB KING HYUNDAI (1601 SILAS CREEK PKWY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27127, (336) 724-2861) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11193558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCary, NC
ENGINE
ENGINE STOPPED AND ROD KNOCKING STARTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11155264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesMerritt Island, FL
ENGINE
THE ENGINE WAS GONE ON MY CAR
NHTSA complaint #11002546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,543 milesHixson, TN
ENGINE
AS I AM DRIVING MY 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MY ENGINE STALLS WITH NO WARNING SIGN.. VERY DANGEROUS LUCKILY I WASN'T HIT.. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WENT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS JUST THE BATTERY AND NOBODY CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON.. SNAP THE PICTURE AFTER EVERYTHING HAPPENED THEN I GET A LIGHT. THANK GOD ME AND MY KIDS WASN'T HIT OR KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10993919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,894 milesVirginia Beach, VA
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING LAST WEEK, THE ENGINE CUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP AS I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, BUT IT TOOK 3 STARTS TO GET THE ENGINE TO TURN OVER AGAIN. THE VEHICLE DRIVES LIKE IT IS HESITATING. I'VE HAD ALL FACTORY MAINTENANCE DONE AND DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. JUST HIT 90K MILES. ADDITIONALLY, THE A/C TURNS ITSELF ON RANDOMLY. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE AND THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED IT WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS DOING IT AGAIN, AND IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR REPAIR. I'LL BE DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE A/C UNIT COMES ON. ALSO, MY DOORS WON'T LOCK WITH THE AUTO LOCK ON THE KEY FOB NOR WITH THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON ON THE DOOR PANEL. IT AFFECTS ONE DOOR AT A TIME. I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE LOCK ATTENUATOR TO BE REPAIRED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR TWICE, REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10985460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE
ENGINE STALL DURING STATIONARY CRANKING AND DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AFTER SHAKING NOISE HEARD. RELATED TO RECALL 49.
NHTSA complaint #10978646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,827 milesSurprise, AZ
ENGINE
ORIGINAL NHTSA REPORT #10621330. ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS. SEVERAL OCCURRENCES IN 2010, SEP 2014, JAN 2015, SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL IN MAY 2015. ANOTHER OCCURRENCE IN JUNE 2015. NOW TODAY, MARCH 7, 2017 IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURN. PUT CAR IN PARK AND ENGINE RESTARTED.
NHTSA complaint #10959189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150 milesRichfield, WI
ENGINE
ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY - THE TEMPERATURE OUTDOORS HAS TO BE COOL AND DAMP. SAFETY RISK FOR KIDS AND MYSELF TO HAVE ENGINE STALL. LIGHTS GO OUT AND CRUISE IF ON KICKS OFF. ENGINE WILL RESTART ITSELF, BUT AFTER IT HAPPENS - ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON UNLESS I ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE STALLING HAS HAPPENED FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS, BUT NO ONE CAN FIND THE ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #10953677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesAntioch, CA
ENGINE
(1)ON 11/01/2016 MY WIFE HEADING TO WORK EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO PULLOVER TO A SAFE SPOT TO RESTART ENGINE. (2) 0N 11/12/2016 WE WERE HEADED TO THE STORE STOPPED AT LIGHT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN WHILE IN DRIVE THAT WAS SECOND INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED. 11/14/2016 THE CAR WAS AT FUTURE HYUNDIA CONCORD CA FOR INSPECTION, ACCORDING TO DEALER NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. IS THERE ANY HISTORY CONCERNING ENGINE SHUTOFF ?
NHTSA complaint #10926313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,300 milesMidlothian, VA
ENGINE
OIL PUMP FAILURE AT 90,000 MILES CAUSING MOTOR TO BE REPLACED. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE MOTORS TO REPLACE THE ONE IN MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10916226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesDeltona, FL
ENGINE
THE ENGINE THREW A ROD AND IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM THEY HAVE IN THEIR 2.4L ENGINE THAT WAS RECALLED. 470,000 OF THEM. NOW THEY WON'T FIX MY ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10871010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.