The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission issues. At $7,560 to $9,275, it’s cheap, but not worth the money since you’ll spend thousands of dollars keeping it running.
Is the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2010 is a bad year for the Santa Fe. Owner reviews complain about engine issues, transmission failures, and spending a lot of time in the shop.
- Interior quality is better than other midsize SUVs. Entry-level models have basic cloth, but the leather used in the higher models is nice. The stereo is also easy to use.
- Reliability ratings are bad. We recommend avoiding models from 2007–2014 and going with something from 2015–2020 which have fewer mechanical problems.
- Performance is worse than other SUVs from the standard 4-cylinder engine, but the V6 offers similar power to other midsize SUVs.
- The 2010 Santa Fe is safe, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rollover risk assessment.
- Fuel economy is better than other midsize SUVs, getting around 23 MPG, which should give owners about 455 miles of range out of the 19.8 gallon gas tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Consumer Reports says the 2010 Santa Fe has a lot of suspension noise, and lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Santa Fe a 4.2/5 praising the nice interior for the price, but doesn’t like the overly firm suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Santa Fe 3/5 and enjoyed the long warranty when new, but owners don’t like how fast it loses value.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
The most common problems found on the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe include the engine stalling while driving, a fuel gauge that doesn’t work, and transmission failures. Overall, these problems are more severe than other SUVs from 2010, but repair costs are affordable compared to rivals.
The engine stalling while driving is the most common complaint from owners, showing up at around 95,000 miles. There are two main sources to the problem including alternator failure and a broken throttle body. Changing out the alternator costs about $650, and a new throttle body is around $1,200.
A broken fuel gauge is another issue reported by owners at around 70,000 miles. The fuel sending unit in the gas tank fails as it gets older and has to be replaced. A new fuel sending unit with the sensor and pump costs about $700 to change out.
Transmission failures are another common problem at around 55,000 miles. The transmission will slip out of gear while shifting, and the only way to fix the problem is to replace it. A new transmission can cost over $3,000 installed, depending on local labor rates.
There are 3 recalls, which is better than other SUVs from 2010. The most serious is a recall for the driveshaft, which can slide into the transmission and break it. Hyundai will replace the driveshaft to solve the problem. The other two recalls are for a wire harness and stop lamp switch and are not as big of a concern.
How Long Will the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
A well-maintained 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe can last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as top-rated rivals like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly worse than other midsize SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal at $525 per year.
Since most 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe models have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the timing belt for $1,000, tie rods costing $225, and the intake manifold gasket, which costs $500.
It is extremely reliable, I live in Alaska and it is never failed me. It drives great on snow and ice.
No it has been perfect. Never had to replace anything except the battery this past year. Other than routine.
When I first purchased I had a issue and was slightly give a hard time until I contacted main office and they covered it under warranty due to a factory malfunction of factory equipment
Very reliable. No problems; has only required routine maintenance as expected. Runs very well; not even any starting problems in very cold Minnesota weather. It has been and is a great car,
How Much Is the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Worth?
Blue book values range from $7,560 to $9,275, making the Santa Fe thousands of dollars less expensive than a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. When new, the price range was $21,695 to $30,295. Depreciation is worse than average, losing around 13% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are three models of the Hyundai Santa Fe offered for 2010. The second generation of the Santa Fe was introduced in 2007, and replaced by the third generation in 2013.
GLS is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows & Locks
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With Satellite Radio, 3.5mm AUX & USB
SE is next in the lineup, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Power Driver’s Seat
Limited is the luxury model which adds:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Sunroof
- Infinity Premium Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- The standard engine is a fairly weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which produces 175 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG.
- A step up is the stronger 3.5L V6 making 276 horsepower and also getting up to 23 MPG. Performance is average for an SUV taking 7.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, but the towing capacity is low at only 3,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?
How Big Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is smaller than other midsize SUVs on the market including the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. Passenger room is good in the cabin, with plenty of legroom for adults in the back seats, but there’s no third row available.
Cargo space is similar to other SUVs, offering enough space for 5-7 suitcases behind the back seats, and over 10 with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a bad choice for shoppers with more serious mechanical problems than other midsize SUVs from 2010.
The Toyota Highlander is a rival that costs about $3,000 more. Passenger space is a bit better in the Toyota Highlander, but the Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher-quality interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it is more reliable and has lower ownership costs.
The Ford Edge is another competitor, which costs about $1,000 more. Where the Ford Edge stands out is with a smoother suspension, but the Hyundai Santa Fe has a more advanced stereo system. Overall, we recommend buyers avoid both SUVs since they have serious mechanical problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes, it is reliable and drives very well! I like how the seat is higher up because I am short and it helps me see the road better.
Yes it is great all around. Mileage, space, convenient. Great car for me and my two young children. I love it.
One of the best cars I have owned, very dependable reliable and comfortable. extremely economical and a pleasure to drive
Love it! May not have all the newer bells and whistles but it does what I need and I intend to keep it a few more years. The only thing that would drive me to change would be any diminishing trade in value due to age. I would definitely buy another Hyundai Santa Fe.