Model year
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 355 complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (228), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (40), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39). NHTSA lists 6 investigations. NHTSA rated 2 variants 3 stars overall. EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,900–$3,200, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 209 complaints
- 2002 165 complaints
- 2003 308 complaints
- 2004 303 complaints
- 2005 216 complaints
- 2006 106 complaints
- 2007 684 complaints
- 2008 541 complaints
- 2009 359 complaints
- 2010 260 complaints
- 2011 181 complaints
- 2012 355 complaints
- 2013 605 complaints
- 2014 493 complaints
- 2015 255 complaints
- 2016 236 complaints
- 2017 970 complaints
- 2018 109 complaints
- 2019 203 complaints
- 2020 217 complaints
- 2021 167 complaints
- 2022 201 complaints
- 2023 211 complaints
- 2024 155 complaints
- 2025 135 complaints
- 2026 37 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
20V746000 · Dec 1, 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.
Complaints
355 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 25, fire flag on 17, injury field 7, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ17004 | Scope and Timeliness · ENGINE | May 18, 2017 | Dec 22, 2021 |
| DP18003 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Aug 21, 2018 | May 10, 2019 |
| PE19003 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Mar 29, 2019 | Dec 22, 2021 |
| DP21003 | Throttle control system vulnerabilities · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE | Nov 12, 2021 | Jun 20, 2023 |
| EA21003 | Engine Fires · ENGINE | Dec 22, 2021 | Feb 5, 2024 |
| DP22003 | Loss of Motive Power · ENGINE | Sep 12, 2022 | Dec 12, 2023 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.169 | NHTSA photo |
| SUV FWD | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.174 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 4WD · 3.5L · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 25 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Santa Fe 2WD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Santa Fe 2WD · 2.4L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Santa Fe 2WD · 3.5L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 26 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Santa Fe 4WD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 25 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.