2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Part of Generation 2 — 2007–2012.

20112013
Complaints
472
per 10K Sold
63.0
US Sales
74,880
Crashes
41
Fires
19
Injuries
9
Fatalities
—
Recalls
1

Worst 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1227 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:80,040 mi
Crash-related:6
Fires:14
#240 complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Avg mileage:25,288 mi
Crash-related:11
#339 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:62,580 mi
Crash-related:3
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Engine Problems
227
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
14
Avg Miles
80,040
Unintended Acceleration
40
complaints
Crashes
11
Fires
—
Avg Miles
25,288
Electrical Faults
39
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Avg Miles
62,580
Brakes
25
complaints
Crashes
7
Fires
—
Avg Miles
46,568
Transmission / Drivetrain
24
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
35,713
Steering Defects
16
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
66,786
Suspension Failures
14
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
82,247
Headlight/Taillight Failures
12
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
53,093
Fuel System
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
62,040
Body Structure
7
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
11,900
Wheel Issues
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
53,580
Airbags
6
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
—
Avg Miles
85,837
Engine & Cooling
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
48,326
Electronic Stability Control
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~128,948 vehicles.

20V746000Engine
~128,948 affected

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.

Other Hyundai Santa Fe Years

20012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has 472 NHTSA complaints, 41 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 227 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (227 complaints, avg 80,040 mi); Unintended Acceleration (40 complaints, avg 25,288 mi); Electrical Faults (39 complaints, avg 62,580 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 65,567 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe include 41 crash-related reports, 19 fire reports, 9 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 128,948 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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