2010 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2010 Hyundai Santa FE — 14% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine complaints

14%

share of all complaints

93,827 mi

median reported incident mileage

0 / 3

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“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…”
filed Aug 1, 2026
“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…”
filed Mar 25, 2026
“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…”
filed Feb 2, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the…
26-01-033H TSB · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Mar 26, 2026
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest…
26-01-033H DN · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Mar 26, 2026
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…
24-01-068H · Service Campaign · issued Aug 19, 2024
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
23-EM-005H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 13, 2023
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (â HMAâ ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (â Class Vehiclesâ ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden…
22-01-023H-2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 11, 2023