Three problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2010 Santa Fe.
Vehicle has 107k mi and automatic transmission needs to be replaced (symptoms: upshifting lag and "thunk" when downshifting at 15-25mph). According to dealer, it can not be re-built due to design and must be replaced. Car has been very well-cared for and driven less than 10,000/mi/yr for the last 8+ years. There was a recall on some 2010 Santa Fe transmissions but dealer says ours was not impacted. We feel that a transmission that fails after 107k gentle miles must have a design flaw.
It looks like the Santa Fe 2010 had a recall for their transmissions for some of the vins. Perhaps they should expand the recall to other vins as my car has 55,000 miles on it and there are signs that the transmission is having trouble. It has been used lightly and never used to tow anything. I am the second owner, so the 10 year/100,000 is not valid anymore. I don' t think the transmission should fail at 55,000 miles for gentle driving. I think the recall should expand to some of the other vins.
Vehicle sometimes makes a loud bang at startup. Haven't observed any sudden jerks while vehicle is in motion but wondering if this "banging" problem will lead to a transmission failure while vehicle is in motion. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe limited 3. 5 l v6 awd.