MYRModel Year Report

2012 Hyundai Santa FE

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Santa FE Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 681 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 357 complaints 2009 2010: 256 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 352 complaints 2012 2013: 604 complaints 2013 2014: 492 complaints 2015: 253 complaints 2016: 235 complaints 2017: 937 complaints 2017 2018: 108 complaints 2019: 190 complaints 2020: 193 complaints 2021: 162 complaints 2021 2022: 187 complaints 2023: 199 complaints 2024: 130 complaints 2025: 116 complaints 2025 2026: 27 complaints 2026
2012: 352 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007681
2008541
2009357
2010256
2011181
2012352
2013604
2014492
2015253
2016235
2017937
2018108
2019190
2020193
2021162
2022187
2023199
2024130
2025116
202627

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 65%

65% of complaints: engine — 228 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20260309

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, 20251121

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, 20241112

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11%

11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 40 distinct reports on file.

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, 20120917

MY SANTA FE HYUNDAI 2012 ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WHEN I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120914

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, 20111102

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 39 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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, 20111102

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 352
I 20170518 — RQ (closed 20211222)

Scope and Timeliness

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

R 20210331 — engine

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).

Campaign 20V746000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (228 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (40 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (39 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 20V746000 (engine) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2006 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2007 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.