Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2010 Santa Fe 2wd vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from October 15, 2009 through March 5, 2010. 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 automatic transmission.
Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
