2012 Hyundai Santa Fe

312 serious complaints of 353, the most about engine (228) and speed control (40); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year. 1 recall. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires. NHTSA investigation RQ17004: scope and timeliness.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2012 hyundai santa fe. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to hanlees hilltop hyundai (510-222-8882, located at 3285 auto plaza, richmond, ca 94806) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Oct 2019

“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. The vehicle crashed into a bush and went through a fence.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the speed control, Sep 2012

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and… (22-EM-006H-2, Nov 2022)
• Repair program Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. (DBP966, Oct 2021)
• Repair program Certain vehicles that have completed Service Campaign 966 may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage. (DBPT6G, Apr 2022)
• Repair program Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. (24-01-068H, Aug 2024)
• Repair program Hyundai Motor America is offering steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011 – 2017MY vehicles that are not eligible for Service Campaign 993 anti-theft software. (23-01-055H, Jun 2023)
• Repair program This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version. (26-01-033H, Mar 2026)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

353 owner complaints · 1 recall (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–23 mpg · NHTSA: 3 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features