Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems & Overview

Introduced for the 2001 model year, the almost-midsize Hyundai Santa Fe was the South Korean automaker’s first foray into the SUV market. American sales quickly exceeded production, and made it Hyundai’s best-selling model.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Does something seem wrong with your Santa Fe? Let’s look at some of the most common transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your SUV back on the road.

Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls

2010 Santa Fe – 11V261000 / 102

Summary

Hyundai is recalling certain 2010 2wd/FWD models equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines, that were manufactured between October 15, 2009 through March 5, 2010. It seems that the intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the transmission.

Consequence

Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

This recall began in June 2011, and dealers were instructed to replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151, referring to Hyundai’s safety recall campaign number: 102. Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Hyundai Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0L / 2.4L – TSB 15-01-009

Problem:

The end of the cable connecting the transmission range switch to the vehicle’s shift lever pin is fastened to the pin with a rubber grommet. The connection between the shifter cable and shift lever pin is critical to ensure proper gear selection (including placing the vehicle in Park). If the cable becomes disconnected and the vehicle is not in the Park position, the vehicle may roll if the parking brake is not applied.

Solution:

To fix or prevent this problem, an “E-clip” will need to be installed on the shift lever pin as a supplemental method of securing the cable.

2010 Santa Fe – TSB 11-AT-002

Problem:

Incorrect operation of the input and output speed sensors may result in the following symptoms:

• Check Engine Light illuminated
• Transaxle held in 3rd gear Fail-Safe
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0717, P0721 or P0722

Solution:

It’s possible that the wiring harness between the PCM and transaxle may have a damaged wire or a short circuit to ground. If there is a damaged pin or a pin is not fully inserted in the connector, it will be necessary to replace the ECM control harness between the PCM and transmission. If these issues are not present, then a new input/output speed sensor will need to be installed.

2010 Santa Fe – TSB 13-AT-007

Problem:

Some 2010 models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission can experience slippage during shifts or normal driving.

Solution:

The most likely cause is a faulty OD clutch.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Transmission Does a Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

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Leander west
1 year ago

It’s jerking

Stan H
2 years ago

We have a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe: going from 65-70 thru 55 mph a whirling sound can be heard. Had the transmission serviced at a transmission shop. Still having problem and pretty much resolved to drive it until the problem gets bad enough to identify the cause.

Monica Rishel-Harrison
2 years ago

I bought this car out of town and on my way home noticed when got to 3-4 Rpm the car would do a very hard jolt forward then back as if the grandson was slipping. Then the check engine came on. According to the diagnosis it’s small emission leak unknown. It has 152000 Miles on it. Unhooked battery and light went off for about 2 days and then back on again. I’ve noticed many same scenarios when looking into this issue but this car does not have what would normally b seen under the hood. Where is the transmission dipstick and how do u check or change the fluid?? Evidently those r not options with my car and I wanted to know what I should do to resolve this issue.

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