How many engine complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have?

NHTSA lists 264 engine complaints for the 2012 Santa Fe, which is 75% of the 353 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes. Recall campaign 20V746000 covers the 2012 Santa Fe for premature wear of connecting rod bearings inside the engine, which can lead to engine damage; Hyundai inspects the engine and replaces it if bearing damage is found.

At what mileage do 2012 Santa Fe engine problems typically appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 73,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Santa Fe.

Are the 2012 Santa Fe engine complaints linked to crashes or fires?

Of the complaints in this area, NHTSA records 16 crashes, 14 fires, and 3 injuries associated with the engine problem reports.

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 264 engine complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 75% of all 353 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 73,000. A related recall (20V746000) covers premature connecting rod bearing wear that can lead to engine failure.

Engine complaints: 264; 75% of 353
Crashes reported: 16
Fires reported: 14
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 73,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or lunging forward while making low-speed turns into parking spots.
Several complaints describe the vehicle surging to full throttle in stop-and-go traffic while the driver's foot was off the accelerator.
Some incidents describe the vehicle failing to stop even with heavy brake pressure applied, resulting in collisions with other vehicles, curbs, or fences.
One complaint describes black smoke and flames coming from the engine area while driving at low speed, leading to a crash.
A separate complaint describes the vehicle refusing to shift out of low gear after an unexplained lunging event.

When 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 2, 2011, latest Jun 22, 2026.

264 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2021 Q1 (18).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe

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.

Engine complaints by Santa Fe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201063 (24%)
201187 (48%)
2012264 (75%)
2013293 (48%)
2014289 (59%)
2015163 (64%)
2016157 (67%)
2017701 (73%)
201859 (54%)
201980 (40%)
202088 (41%)
202142 (25%)
202264 (32%)
202348 (23%)
202420 (13%)
202520 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have?: NHTSA lists 264 engine complaints for the 2012 Santa Fe, which is 75% of the 353 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?: Yes. Recall campaign 20V746000 covers the 2012 Santa Fe for premature wear of connecting rod bearings inside the engine, which can lead to engine damage; Hyundai inspects the engine and replaces it if bearing damage is found.
At what mileage do 2012 Santa Fe engine problems typically appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 73,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Santa Fe.
Are the 2012 Santa Fe engine complaints linked to crashes or fires?: Of the complaints in this area, NHTSA records 16 crashes, 14 fires, and 3 injuries associated with the engine problem reports.