2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#11 most-complained of 21 Santa Fe years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has a complaint index of 50, ranking 11th worst of 21 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate with 264 complaints (75% of total) and a median failure mileage of 73,000, plus one engine recall for premature connecting rod bearing wear.
- Complaints
- 353
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 25 / 17
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 3 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 26 hwy
Top 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine264 (75%)
- Electrical System53 (15%)
- Brakes30 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (6%)
- Other17 (5%)
- Steering16 (5%)
- Fuel System12 (3%)
- Structure & Body10 (3%)
- Airbags6 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine catches fire and produces black smoke while driving at low speed, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Vehicle suddenly lunges or surges forward at full throttle while parking at low speed, even with the driver's foot off the accelerator.
- Brake pedal sinks to the floor without stopping the vehicle, causing rear-end collisions or evasive swerving.
- Vehicle surges to full throttle in stop-and-go traffic without the driver touching the accelerator, requiring evasive action.
- Driver's airbag fails to deploy in a crash after loss of vehicle control.
- An electrical motor component catches fire and produces smoke that owners detect before the fire starts.
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles
Engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 353 complaints for the 2012 Santa Fe, giving it a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict compared to other Santa Fe years. It ranks 11th worst out of 21 model years covered.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 264 of 353 complaints (75%), with a median failure mileage of 73,000 and 14 fire reports.
- Does the 2012 Santa Fe have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 20V746000) covers connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely inside the engine. Hyundai dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found.
- Should I avoid the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe or is a different year worse?
- The 2012 Santa Fe carries a Caution verdict, but other years score worse, including 2017 (complaint index 100, Avoid) and 2009 and 2007 (complaint index 95 and 85, both Avoid).