Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: recalls and problems

1 recall and 353 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

1recalls
353complaints
25crashes reported
17fires reported
7injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine228 · 65%
  • Electrical System43 · 12%
  • Vehicle Speed Control40 · 11%
  • Service Brakes25 · 7%
  • Power Train24 · 7%
  • Unknown Or Other16 · 5%
  • Steering16 · 5%
  • Suspension14 · 4%
  • Exterior Lighting12 · 3%
  • Structure8 · 2%

What owners report

Structure

The contact owns a 2012 hyundai santa fe. the contact stated that the underbody of the vehicle was rusted from living in an area where anti-icing agents were heavily used. the contact associated the failure with hyundai service campaign 947. the dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under hyundai service campaign 947 in 2017. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failu

Engine

On june 16, 2025, i dropped my 2012 hyundai santa fe gls (vin: [xxx]) off at larry h. miller southwest in albuquerque, nm for nhtsa safety recall #20v746000 (theta ii engine connecting rod bearing failure). it has now been over one week with zero communication from the dealership regarding the status of my vehicle. when i attempted to follow up by phone i was unable to reach anyone in the service department. upon ca

Electrical System

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

Suspension,Structure

Rear subframe suddenly collapsed and broke due to extreme corrosion. incident occurred while driving, allowing rear wheel to turn out causing loss of control. luckily i was traveling at a low rate of speed and nobody was hurt. found rear subframe was completely rotten out and collapsed on the driver side. vehicle is now completely undrivable and has to be towed. found that there was a recall/service program from

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Santa Fe. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.