Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on December 1, 2020 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE?

Owners have filed 355 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (228 complaints), followed by electrical system (43).

How many 2012 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?

25 of 355 complaints report a crash and 17 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and problems

1 recall and 355 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE.

recalls

355

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · reported December 1, 2020 · Hyundai Motor America · 128,948 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine228
Electrical system43
Vehicle speed control40
Service brakes26
Power train24
Unknown or other17
Steering16
Exterior lighting14
Suspension14
Fuel/propulsion system8

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 21, 2026 · Exterior lighting
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…

Oct 19, 2026 · Exterior lighting
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…

Aug 17, 2026 · Structure · 130,000 miles
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…

Jun 22, 2026 · Engine
On June 16, 2025, I dropped my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS (VIN: […]) off at Larry H. Miller Southwest in Albuquerque, NM for NHTSA safety recall #20V746000 (Theta II engine connecting rod bearing failure). It has now been over one week with zero communication from the dealership regarding the status of my vehicle. When…

May 11, 2026 · Electrical system
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…

Santa FE model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	2	359	27	5
2010	2	260	8	6
2011	2	181	12	8
2012	1	355	25	17
2013	3	605	14	41
2014	3	493	16	30
2015	2	255	9	13

Across all years, the 2017 Santa FE has the most complaints (971). All Hyundai Santa FE years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on December 1, 2020 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE?: Owners have filed 355 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (228 complaints), followed by electrical system (43).
How many 2012 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?: 25 of 355 complaints report a crash and 17 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2026.