MYRModel Year Report

2012 Hyundai Santa FE

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
353
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

65% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 353 complaints 2012 353 2013: 605 complaints 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2016: 236 complaints 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints
2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2003 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 353 complaints 2012 353 2013: 605 complaints 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2015 2016: 236 complaints 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2019 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2023 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints
2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2003 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2011 2012: 353 complaints 2012 353 2013: 605 complaints 2013 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2015 2016: 236 complaints 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2019 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2023 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints

2012: 353 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007684
2008541
2009358
2010259
2011181
2012353
2013605
2014493
2015254
2016236
2017968
2018109
2019202
2020213
2021166
2022199
2023211
2024153
2025135
202638

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

65% · 228 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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!

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-03-09

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-21

My engine caught on fire in the middle of the night ([XXX] on [XXX]). The fire department was called by my building’s security and they came to put out the fire. The security footage shows that the car engine caught on fire for no apparent reason.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-12

Electrical system

12% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and starter assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

11% · 40 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa FE. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH and making a right turn into a parking spot the vehicle lunged forward and suddenly accelerated independently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-17

My Santa FE Hyundai 2012 accelerated unintentionally when I was turning into a parking spot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-14

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-02

Also filed under Power train and electronic stability control (esc)

Service brakes

8% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Power train

7% · 24 reports
CRASH

Safety timeline

1 recall · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2012Complaint volume 353 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
  3. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  4. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  5. R
    2021-03-31Engine20V746000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  7. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  8. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 228 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 43 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 40 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 20V746000 · Engine
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.