2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: 1 recall, 353 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V746000 · 2020 · 128,948 vehicles
What's wrong: The connecting rod bearings inside the engine May wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 17 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (228): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (108), noise or vibration (76), warning light on (56).
- Electrical (43): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (16), electrical failure (13), warning light on (6).
- Speed control / throttle (40): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (11), warning light on (10), stalls / loses power (8).
- Brakes (25): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (6).
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has 353 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 26 Santa Fe model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 295). Complaints peaked in 2021 (43 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 71,348 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (181 complaints, 2 recalls), 2013 (605 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Owners have filed 353 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (228), electrical (43), speed control / throttle (40).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.