Hyundai · Santa Fe · 2012
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
1
Recall
350
Complaints
3/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has 1 recall and 350 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (171 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 171 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 350 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 3/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (171), vehicle speed control (19), electrical system (14).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 350
- Safety Rating
- 3/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 20V746000December 01, 2020
ENGINE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
350 totalSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Mar 22, 2026
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 ...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
FIREFeb 25, 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...
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ENGINE
FIREOct 29, 2025
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. I am filing this complaint because I believe the incomplete recall may be rela...
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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud banging sound, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents, which blocked the visibility of the roadway. The contact was a...
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ENGINE
Jul 20, 2025
Engine light was blinking. Hearing grinding from the front. Steering locked up. I was able to pull over safely. Called tow truck. The mechanic diagnosed it said it needed a new engine. The car has 106,000 miles on it.
ENGINE
Jul 20, 2025
The carrier bearing failed and caused the engine to lock up while driving, thankfully we weren't on a busy road and were able to coast off the road. There was no prior light that appeared. We are just thankful it wasn't our 16 year old, newly licensed driver for whom we purchased...
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ENGINE
Dec 30, 2024
My engine stalls while driving. Now engine is knocking real loud. Then stall again. My safety and others drivers safety because my engine stalls could cause a crash, wreck. Mechanic listened to engine, said engine is knocking and stalling, this is a safety issue. Vehicle has not ...
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ENGINE
Nov 30, 2024
NHTSA Recall #20V746000 2012 Hyundai Sonata Manufacture Recall #198 Connecting Rod Bearing failure leading to possible road side fire. Possible risk of injury or death. Hyundai has been contacted twice about recall. Claim they have no responsibility to comply with recall. T...
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ENGINE
FIRENov 9, 2024
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. The fire department did not id...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Nov 9, 2024
In November 2024, my car engine failed. I came out of a store, turned key, all the dash lights lit up, and loud clanging but unable to drive. Car towed several times and told by 2-3 places the engine was “out” and there was a Hyundai recall aon 2012 Santa Fe. A Hyundai dealer had...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 350 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Santa Fe Years
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2012 Hyundai SonataAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.8r1,545c2012 Hyundai ElantraAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.4r668c2012 Hyundai VelosterAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.6r294c2012 Hyundai TucsonAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.3r252c2012 Hyundai AccentAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r151c2012 Hyundai AzeraAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r74c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has received 350 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe received an overall safety rating of 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe are engine (171 reports), vehicle speed control (19 reports), electrical system (14 reports).
Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.