2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

352 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict CAUTION 59/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Engine228
Electrical System43
Vehicle Speed Control40
Service Brakes28
Power Train24
Unknown Or Other16

In the owners’ words

“The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage on the title 43,655 and the DMV informed her after their research was tempered with and they st”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe owner
“The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! It is available for inspection! Yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe owner
“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 NHTSA to review the issue.”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
01/12/2020EngineHyundai 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

Questions owners ask

Is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

On the federal record it scores 59/100: 352 owner complaints (25.14 per year on the road) and 1 recall campaigns, 0 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 228 of 379 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe scored 59/100 on the federal record.

Full 2012 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Santa Fe yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking