VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 474 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Santa Fe year — the 2012 model ranks #7 of 26 Santa Fe years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 49% of all reports (234 of 474), far ahead of electrical system at 48. Its NCAP crash-test rating is 3 of 5 stars overall.

474

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

6

Investigations

41

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

3

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Santa Fe years?

Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,231 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 219 complaints2003: 390 complaints2004: 386 complaints2005: 300 complaints2006: 143 complaints2007: 981 complaints2008: 718 complaints2009: 506 complaints2010: 331 complaints2011: 268 complaints2012: 474 complaints2013: 806 complaints2014: 679 complaints2015: 331 complaints2016: 288 complaints2017: 1,231 complaints2018: 143 complaints2019: 268 complaints2020: 270 complaints2021: 236 complaints2022: 292 complaints2023: 307 complaints2024: 186 complaints2025: 170 complaints2026: 39 complaints
Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine23449%
Electrical System4810%
Speed Control408%
Brakes286%
Transmission245%
Other163%
Steering163%
Suspension143%
Lighting133%
Fuel System123%
Tires & Wheels102%
Body & Structure71%
Airbags61%
Seat Belts20%
Seats10%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V746000EngineDecember 1, 2020 · 128,948 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ My 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe caught fire on October 29, 2025. Prior to this, the dealership completed one recall but left another open. Hyundai denied my claim and refused to provide the inspection report. I am filing this complaint because I believe the incomplete recall may be related and I want…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 29, 2025 · fire

“CAME HOME 8 PM. SON CAME HOME SHORTLY AFTER 10 PM. JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT MY CAR ALARM STARTED GOING OFF (CAR LOCKED AND PARKED IN DRIVEWAY), I GOT OUT OF BED LOOKED THROUGH BLINDS AND SAW MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO KITCHEN GRABBED FIRE EXTINGUISHER ATTEMPTED TO PUT OUT FIRE AND CALLED 911. FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 27, 2019 · fire

“MY SANTA FE HYUNDAI 2012 ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WHEN I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT WHEN IT LURCHED FULL THROTTLE OVER TWO BUSHES AND KNOCKED DOWN A BLACK IRON FENCE AND I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND I WAS ON THE SIDE WALK. I COULD HAVE HIT A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 14, 2012 · crash

“I WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SURGED/ACCELERATED. IT WENT OVER A CURB AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN IT STOPPED I LOOKED DOWN AND MY FOOT WAS INDEED ON THE BRAKES, TO THE FLOOR. A SIMILAR THING HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE. I WAS TURNING ONTO ANOTHER STREET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 1, 2014 · crash

“DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN SANTA FE SUDDENLY SURGED OR LUNGED FORWARD AND TO THE RIGHT CAUSING CAR TO JUMP OVER A CONCRETE BUMPER AND INTO ANOTHER CAR PARKED AT A 90-DEGREE ANGLE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WAS CLEARED DRIVER PROCEEDED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. ENROUTE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 25, 2010 · crash

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 474 complaints put the 2012 model at #7 of 26 Santa Fe years. It is one of the Santa Fe years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Santa Fe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (234 complaints), electrical system (48 complaints), speed control (40 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among Santa Fe years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe earned an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.