Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2012)

355 consumer complaints on file.

#11772847October 21, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES
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 DIRECTLY INTO THE TAIL LIGHT WHEN THE TRUNK DOOR IS LIFTED, YOU CAN SEE IT AND GOES INTO THE RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT BUT THEN SHORTED BOTH OF THEM OUT. I CANNOT KEEP REPLACING MY TAIL LIGHTS NOR SHOULD I HAVE TO! IT IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO HAVE TO DRIVE WITH 0 BRAKE/TAIL LIGHTS. THIS CAR WAS MADE INCORRECTLY AND THEREFORE SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE I GET REARENDED AND HURT! DRILLING HOLES IN BOTTOM OF TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT WORK OR SOLVE ISSUE EITHER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772236October 19, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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 the failure. The contact stated that the failure was a result of the manufacturer's vehicle design, which allowed water to enter the taillight housing. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757437August 17, 2026
STRUCTURE
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 under Hyundai Service Campaign 947 in 2017. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745765June 22, 2026
ENGINE
On June 16, 2025, I dropped my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS (VIN: [XXX]) 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 I attempted to follow up by phone I was unable to reach anyone in the service department. Upon calling Hyundai corporate customer service I was informed that the dealership had a name discrepancy in my paperwork and my owner profile was not linked to my VIN in their system. The recall work has not begun. I was given a corporate case number but was told to call back the following day to check in rather than receiving a callback. The burden of all follow up has been entirely on me. This is my only vehicle. I have been without transportation for over a week affecting my ability to get to work. No loaner or rental vehicle has been offered or provided. My vehicle was brought in specifically for a federal safety recall involving a known engine defect that can cause fire or engine stall. The dealer’s handling of this recall has been completely unacceptable and I am requesting NHTSA intervention to ensure compliance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737143May 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
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 mileage on the title 43,655 and the DMV informed her after their research was tempered with and they stated the mileage should be 143,655.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727316March 26, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
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 collapsed on the driver side. Vehicle is now completely undrivable and has to be towed. Found that there was a recall/service program from Hyundai (campaign #947) and my vehicle was affected. I called my local dealership to schedule an inspection appointment regarding the recall. Dealership told me I had to call Hyundai customer care. I called customer care on Tuesday and my claim was escalated. The representative told me that I would be contacted by Hyundai within two days. I have not received any correspondence from the case manager. Called Hyundai Customer Care once more and the representative told me that they can't contact claims representatives directly and I would have to wait until they decide to call me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722965March 9, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700886November 21, 2025
ENGINE
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 related and I want NHTSA to review the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690571September 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that a significant amount of oil was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The dealer was contacted about the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for repair, and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall due to the vehicle having a Branded Title; however, the contact stated that the Branded Title was issued because the vehicle had sustained cosmetic damage from hailstone impact. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679921August 11, 2025
ENGINE
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 the vehicle, driving. It has not been looked over by the dealership yet as they have failed to return any phone calls. I have made 4 calls in the last two weeks that have gone unanswered. To which one person i spoke with (not the one i needed to speak with) said 'your should go get your money back'.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675315July 22, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663124May 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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 my vehicle, contacted Hyundai and was told it “wasn’t in recall.” Had to pay repair entirely myself on disability income. The vehicle subsequent to this had electrical problems and the car shut off while driving countless times, even highway doing 65-70. Paid for alternator twice and new battery, two battery jump boxes, and car continues to have severe electrical issues and highly unsafe to drive. I am broke and facing losing the car altogether and suffered lack of housing for 2 months and inability to pay my bills. All invoices are not included with this complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648692March 17, 2025
ENGINE
I was contacted by Auffenberg Hyundai in OFallon IL in October of 2024 to schedule recall work. On 10/23/24, the car was dropped off in working condition to the dealership for that recall (engine software update). The day after the vehicle was returned, the check engine light came on and the vehicle went into "limp mode". I returned it to the dealership 10/24/24. They changed the knock sensor and I picked it back up on [XXX]. On the same date, the check engine light came on and vehicle went back into "limp mode". Car was returned to dealership 10/28/24, due to the issue being after hours and on a weekend. They tested it and reset software. I did not get vehicle back until 1/3/25. On [XXX], the check engine light came on again and vehicle went into "limp mode". Car was returned to the dealership and now it is 3/17/25 and I still have no resolution. The vehicle is unsafe to drive because in "limp mode" you cannot go above a certain RPM level. Pulling out into traffic is dangerous when your vehicle just will not accelerate. If this were to happen on the interstate, then it could be catastrophic. The dealership has been able to reproduce this issue, but offers no fix as they state that they are being limited by corporate Hyundai. A corporate claim was made but Hyundai is unwilling to fix an issue they caused. In essence, the recall broke my vehicle and corporate Hyundai has decided to do nothing. Note: All records for repairs and dealership/corporate communications are with Auffenberg Hyundai, 1050 Berg Blvd, Ofallon IL 62269; phone 618-622-9001; contact is John Koch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637269January 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Windows issues multiple times. The first time the driver side front window would occasionally go up then automatically down when I tried to raise the window. Likewise when I tried to open the window it would go up and down. Dealer couldn’t identify a problem since it was occasionally an issue. Then when it finally no longer worked at all it was repaired. Now the driver side window has malfunctioned for the second time with no warning stuck in the closed position. I also had the driver side rear window malfunction. The window just dropped down into the door without warning and without trying to operate it at all. The dealer fixed the first two instances but not the third. I’m guessing it may have been covered under the 10 yr warranty in the past. My fault I guess I should have brought my car to the dealer in 2020 when it happened. (COVID and other reasons)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634822January 8, 2025
ENGINE
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 been inspected by manufacturer, or others. No warning lights, symptoms, Monday December 30, 2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628022November 30, 2024
ENGINE
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. They closed the dealership where the car was purchased new. They offer two other dealers that are located in other cities. One requires driving a distance of over 200 miles. The other requires round trip ferry travel. Mileage would still be approximately 150 miles plus ferry expense plus fuel expense and possible an over night lodging at $150 to $200 per night and one to two day obligation. It is a total lie that Hyundai will correct their negligence at no cost to the owner. Their first representative informed me that all transportation cost were the owners responsibility. Regardless of the apparent negligence and obvious risk to the public safety, the company apparently disregarded an engine flush after maching as a cost saving practice. I believe every qualified machinest would know that metal chips left over from this process could not left in a finished motor. Just stupid but might have saved a few dollars. I'm a [XXX] man with [XXX] and [XXX] that make sitting for hours impossible. There is no one willing or able to spend this time commitment no money laying around for this expense. Hyundai knows that. Very fast to say "Not my PROBLEM. Car has very low mileage. Engine check light is on. Hyundai will not guarantee if the car is safe or even able to be driven that far. The solution is very simple....... The local deal handles many different auto brands. I'm sure the Hyundai qualified mechanics are still employed. Knowing this, Hyundai refuses to allow local people to install this device that does not correct the problem. Just lets the driver know it's serious. Another cost saving decision due I'm sure because they don't want to pay. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624650November 12, 2024
ENGINE
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 identify any foul play or vandalism nor did the security camera footage. Unfortunately since my car has been paid off, I only had liability coverage and could not get the coverage to assess. I had to junk the car. No one was hurt but there was broken glass and some parts around the parking lot due to fire and fire department having to shatter and pry open the engine bay. Please advise if someone can help me in my situation. Also this should be made aware to Hyundai. There was a recall but I was never notified. Nor does any recall history show up for this. See article: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618052October 4, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the 12 Volts battery was replaced several times. Additionally, the contact stated the battery terminals were corroded only few weeks after the battery replacement. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the cause of the battery failures could not be determined. The battery was replaced; however the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11604178July 24, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Getting occasional knocking sound while vehicle is running and immediately even when the vehicle is turned off. Sound is emanating from the rear of the vehicle (gas tank).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589767May 20, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Purchased this used 2012 Santa Fe directly from Hyundai last January (2023) We have had to continually fill it up with oil. Two months ago, driving to work and the car stops accelerating and felt like the “power was going out”. I was on a busy highway early in the morning when it died on me. Took it to a nearby mechanic and it threw engine failure pins. There was no oil so we added more oil and it drives but will not exceed 50 mph and goes out at any given time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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