The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 212.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
212 reports with mileage · 46 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
258 reportsThe problem is that the vehicle sometimes hesitates to move forward, and then suddenly accelerates quickly and roughly. It happens when the vehicle is stopped as in traffic. It sometimes makes a clunking noice, it feels like someone hit me from behind. I have taken it to the dealership before a couple years ago, when this happe…
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The problem is that the vehicle sometimes hesitates to move forward, and then suddenly accelerates quickly and roughly. It happens when the vehicle is stopped as in traffic. It sometimes makes a clunking noice, it feels like someone hit me from behind. I have taken it to the dealership before a couple years ago, when this happened and they re-programmed it. It was fine for awhile then it happened again, so I took it to the dealership again, they did an inspection….they are saying now it needs a $1300 part, it will cost over $1600.
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V261000 (Power Train) as a possible soluti…
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The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V261000 (Power Train) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME ENGINE HAD A HOLE IN THE BLOCK FROM A CONNECTING ROD. THAT CAME OFF THE CRANKSHAFT .VEHICLE ONLY HAS 104358 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH FREQUENT OIL CHANGES.
THIS CAR HAS STALLED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, USUALLY AS WE ARE DEACCELERATING AND IN A DOWNHILL POSITION (IE: DRIVING SLOWLY DOWN A MOUNTAIN, COMING TO A STOPLIGHT GOING DOWN A HILL, ETC.). IT HAS A NEW ENGINE AS OF SUMMER 2020. WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN A GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS CHECK…
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THIS CAR HAS STALLED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, USUALLY AS WE ARE DEACCELERATING AND IN A DOWNHILL POSITION (IE: DRIVING SLOWLY DOWN A MOUNTAIN, COMING TO A STOPLIGHT GOING DOWN A HILL, ETC.). IT HAS A NEW ENGINE AS OF SUMMER 2020. WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN A GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS CHECK-UP WITH NO RESULTS. WE HAVE SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE FOR A SOLUTION AND SEE MANY OTHERS REPORTING SIMILAR STALLING CONCERNS, BUT WHEN WE PUT OUR VIN INTO THE RECALL SYSTEM, THERE ARE NO RECALLS AFFILIATED WITH THIS CAR. THE CAR DRIVES GREAT OTHERWISE, BUT THE STALLING IS VERY CONCERNING.
WAS JUST WASHING THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND AS I SPRAYED THE WINDSHIELD TO FIRST RINSE THE POLLEN OFF, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM BOTTOM TO TOP. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY CHIPS OR CRACKS PRIOR TO THAT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT MEET WITH THE FOLLOWING US FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) AND REGULATIONS [DOT] I NEED TO REGISTER AND TAG MY VEHICLE HERE IN ORLANDO FLORIDA I GOT HYUNDAI AUTO CANADA CERTIFIES THAT THE ABOVE NOTED VEHICLE, 2010 SANTA FE GT 2.4 LITRE DOHC, WAS MANUFACTURED FOR RETAIL SALE IN CANADA AND C…
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THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT MEET WITH THE FOLLOWING US FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) AND REGULATIONS [DOT] I NEED TO REGISTER AND TAG MY VEHICLE HERE IN ORLANDO FLORIDA I GOT HYUNDAI AUTO CANADA CERTIFIES THAT THE ABOVE NOTED VEHICLE, 2010 SANTA FE GT 2.4 LITRE DOHC, WAS MANUFACTURED FOR RETAIL SALE IN CANADA AND COMPLIED WITH ALL CANADIAN MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (CMVSS) AND CANADIAN EMISSIONS STANDARDS APPLICABLE AS OF THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT MEET WITH THE FOLLOWING US FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) AND REGULATIONS: I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ON THIS OR RECOMMEND ME TO SOMEONE WHO CAN PLEASE, THANK YOU [XXX] MY EMAIL IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
102,734 MILES AND THE CAR STARTED TO JUMP WHILE DRIVING. FELT LIKE RPM WOULD NOT SHIFT. AFTER MULTIPLE MECHANICS LOOKED AT IT, CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. DUE TO BEING A SECOND OWNER, ONLY BY 1500 MILES HYUNDAI WOULD NOT COVER. THE 2WD WERE RECALLED, BUT NOT THE AWD. CLEARLY THERE ARE ISSUES WITH ALL MAKES. THEN AFTER F…
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102,734 MILES AND THE CAR STARTED TO JUMP WHILE DRIVING. FELT LIKE RPM WOULD NOT SHIFT. AFTER MULTIPLE MECHANICS LOOKED AT IT, CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. DUE TO BEING A SECOND OWNER, ONLY BY 1500 MILES HYUNDAI WOULD NOT COVER. THE 2WD WERE RECALLED, BUT NOT THE AWD. CLEARLY THERE ARE ISSUES WITH ALL MAKES. THEN AFTER FIXING THAT THE PURGE VALVE SOLENOID NEEDED REPLACED AND THEN THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT THESE RECALLS WERE NOT ACTIVE FOR THE AWD. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING ON ANY ROAD AND WE ARE LUCKY THE CAR DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS STARTED 9/18/2020 AND WORK COMPLETE 01/05/2021
THE CAR MAKES A JERKING SOUND WHEN SWITCHING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE WHEN IT'S HOT. IT ALSO JERKS LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR TO GO INTO WHILE DRIVING ON OCCASIONS.
Official recalls
213V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Apr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
11V261000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Apr 28, 2011
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
PE11010 · Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
Opened Apr 7, 2011 · Closed May 10, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
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