2012 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls and problems

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has 1 safety recall and 355 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

355

Crashes / fires

25 / 17

Injuries / deaths

7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Recall 20V-746: Engine

Reported Dec 1, 2020 · 128,948 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	228
Electrical System	43
Vehicle Speed Control	40
Service Brakes	26
Power Train	24
Unknown or Other	17
Steering	16
Exterior Lighting	15
Suspension	14
Fuel/Propulsion System	8
Structure	8
Wheels	7

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 7
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1
Electrical System › Wiring — 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,348 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 21, 2026

This car is made to have water go into the rear tail lights,then keeps shorting out my brake lights. I have to drive with 0 brake lights, except for the top bar one. When I replaced them, it shorted them out again and has been this way the entire time I have had this car. The car should not be made to have water go directly into the tail light when the trunk door is lifted, you can see it and goes into the right rear taillight but then shorted both of them out. I cannot keep replacing my tail lights nor should I have to! It is dangerous for me to have to drive with 0 brake/tail lights. This…

Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear taillights failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving at night, law enforcement performed a traffic stop because the rear taillights were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was a result of the manufacturer's vehicle design, which allowed water to enter the taillight housing. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The failure mileage was unknown.

Structure · at 130,000 miles · reported Aug 17, 2026

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 failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Electrical System · reported May 11, 2026

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 stated the mileage should be 143,655.

Engine · reported Mar 9, 2026

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 insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!

Other Hyundai Santa Fe years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 201320122011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Compare all Hyundai Santa Fe years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: 20V-746 (engine). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine problems most often (228 reports), followed by electrical system (43). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,348 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.