The engine block was incorrectly machined and the right side output gear in the transmission and the intermediate driveshaft are being damaged.
Hyundai is recalling model year 2010 Santa Fe 2wd SUVs equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4-liter engines manufactured from October 15, 2009 through March 5, 2010.
The parts used in the driveline of the Sante Fe are identical to the ones recalled by Kia on the Sorento, which was recalled first. (See Kia Recalls Spectra and Sorento Models for Safety Defects)
This Kia and Hyundai recall was promoted by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into the sudden loss of power on 2011 Sorento 2wd vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4-liter engines when an intermediate driveshaft failed.
It turns out the engine block was incorrectly machined and the right side output gear in the transmission and the intermediate driveshaft are being damaged in use, leading first to noise and ultimately to failure.
Hyundai owners can call 1-800-633-5151. (Kia owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.) Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
