Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2012)

355 consumer complaints on file.

#11586717May 3, 2024
ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have complained about this previously to recall, and it's doing it again. My engine shut off while driving its happened on the Fred harrman bridge twice now. All the dashboard lights come on and the engine shuts off I had to put it in neutral and restart it. It very dangerous and scarey experience. Also one of my passerger head light doesn't come on sometimes and the back driver side tail light. I can get out and hit it then it will come on. I have been pulled over by the police for it once before I told them it works just hit it. He did told me to get that fixed and gave me a warning. I can't afford to eletbeledtrical done little alone an engine please help. Call should have the first report as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11584036April 19, 2024
ENGINE
I took my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe into the dealership on March 7, 2024. The engine had failed due to the failure of the connecting rod bearing that is under recall. On April, 6th 2024 I was called that my car was ready. As I got into the car there was a coffee cup, a water bottle, and a long nose plier left in my vehicle. Then I noticed that the tire pressure warning light was on. I went back to the service department, and they went to refill the air. Note the paperwork shows that it had already been done. I got the car back and proceeded to leave, I traveled about two blocks before turning around. The right front turn light was out, and the car made a vibrating noise, and didn't have the same feel as before I had the engine problem, they took it back in to look at the vehicle again. They fixed the turn light. Told me the problem with the TPMS was the batteries inside it. As for the vibration and poor handling I was told the vehicle needed new motor mounts, and said they would fix it for three thousand dollars. Looking up the part numbers of these motor mounts, they are labeled as engine mounts, the engine is what was replaced. None of these problems existed before I brought my car in. The last item on the paperwork was that of a multipoint inspection. If they had inspected my vehicle, these problems would have been found before returning my car to me. I don't feel safe driving my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578384March 20, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION
Engine will RANDOMLY CUT OFF AND IT WOULD DO THAT EVEN WHEN IN DRIVE LIKE IT WASNT GETTING GAS. The dash board would light then continue going WOULD START RIGHT BACK AWAY AND HAS DONE THAT EVER SINCE.i purchased it I ALSO HAD THE O2 CENSOR REPLACED AS WELL. THE TIRES ARE AWFUL THE SUSPENSION. Electrical Problems I have to hit my headlight to come on before I leave when it's dark. Sometimes when I first start driving it pulls me to the right not like wheel balancing . But pulld then back to driving . One last thing I went in for recall update or something. The mechanic say hell do the update and drive the car if it has a problem going in drive they had to replace a sensor or something my car wouldn't move they were going to fix it and give me a loaner car . The guy said let me try something he did then the car started to drive. They were supposed to replace something and didn't. My engine light came on and stayed on I complained to him he just cleared the code it came back on and has been on every since. I told him it want on before I got here he said well it wasn't from anything they did. But it was.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577082March 13, 2024
ENGINE
My 2012 Santa Fe check engine light came on a few weeks ago and put the car into engine protection mode. This car is less than 15 years old, has under 150,000 miles, has had reasonable upkeep. I am only the second owner. I was able to check the code myself and did so. It was P1326, which in a Hyundai vehicle means that there's a problem with the connecting rod bearings and it needs to be taken to the Hyundai dealership while in limp mode. I did so and they replaced the knock sensor, cleared the code, and sent me on my way. The check engine light came back less than a week later, same issue. The dealership told me that at this stage the Hyundai tech repair line suggests replacing the engine at an enormous cost. However, because my car can pass the BCT (bearing clearance test) Hyundai will not pay for the replacement of the engine because it cannot be said that the connecting rod bearings are the issue. When I asked why I needed to replace the engine, the service advisor was unable to explain which part of my engine was broken and just that it all needed to be replaced or the car would continue to show code P1326 and go into engine protection mode, rendering it unusable. This has been incredibly unsettling for me as a recently separated mother of two. I have been without my vehicle and without income for weeks while trying to contact Hyundai. They are claiming this repair has nothing to do with the THETA II engine recall out for my model year. All advisors have been pressuring me to purchase a new vehicle, but I do believe the reason I cannot use my vehicle is because of the THETA II engine defects and the P1326 code that will continue to render my car unusable. This code when cleared without fixing the problem, has caused my car to go into engine protection mode (unable to accelerate past 2,000rpm) on the freeway, which was dangerous for myself and other drivers on the road as well as terrifying.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11558253December 4, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
coincidentally after 11-months after a software update for that knock sensor now I do have a problem with that knock sensor by having to be replaced. Total cost of repair: $643.90 (Vehicle broke down, my SUV went into limp mode meaning loss of power/acceleration, I needed a tow. The engine malfunction indicator light in the dashboard was blinking on & off.)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550541October 18, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Per the mandated law in September of 2001 all vehicles sold in the United States are required to have a trunk release on the inside. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe does not. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe small SUV are very known for the lights to go out due to condensation in the tail lights. So needless to say it was built poorly as an owner like myself has to constantly change the tail lights or be rear-ended because I have NO brake lights. To me this is a serious issue. One that Hyundai has failed to correct. However, I recently took my vehicle in to be serviced and to have the tails lights changed. The dealership Lithia Hyundai of Alaska informed me they could not do them because I had to much water in the tail light cover and that they couldn't get into the trunk due to my junction box having failure. Well I suggested they fix the light cover and change the bulbs so I wouldn't get hit from the back. Service advise there was NO way to open the trunk from the inside. That I had to pay 5000.00 to fix one part to be able to open the trunk. I advised that was illegal per NHTSA and they stated they never heard of that. I would like to make this complaint because even though I cannot get one thing fix I should still be able to get my trunk open from the inside, to fix my brake light bulbs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537455August 9, 2023
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. No warning light was illuminated. The contact looked in the rear-view mirror and became aware that the spare tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed due to a diagnostic fee being charged. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,250.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536169August 2, 2023
ENGINE
Have to put oil in the engine every 4-6 weeks. Car burns oil quickly. Exhaust smokes. Replaced pcv valve and that did did not resolve the smoking/oil consumption despite being told that was the issue. Now being told I need 1100 in engine cleaning costs to remove sludge due to the oil not circulating properly. I have to constantly monitor the engine oil. Told my warranty does not cover the cleaning to resolve issue. Car smokes often upon turning it on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535158July 28, 2023
SUSPENSION
When my daughter returned home from college this summer I took her Santa Fe to a local shop for an oil change and other preventive maintenance. During the vehicle safety inspection, the mechanic noted the subframe and front suspension components were failing due to excessive corrosion and the Santa Fe was not safe to drive. My question is about the effectiveness of Campaign 947 - Underbody Corrosion Prevention Service. The countermeasure to the Hyundai subframe rusting issue appears to have not been an effective action to prevent the subframe's failure. The Corrosion Preventive Service was completed on our Santa Fe on Feb 13, 2018. Given the amount of corrosion on our Santa Fe, the Service Campaign was not effective, and the subframe failed due to corrosion. Both the independent shop and the Hyundai dealer indicated that the failed subframe would eventually lead to a catastrophic failure and possible loss of control of the vehicle. Given my daughter drives the Santa Fe from home to school on I70 I am glad the failure was identified early so the car could be repaired and prevent an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11529887July 1, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Brake lights keep failing. Have replaced wiring harness, bulbs and brake switch twice now. Super unsafe to not have brake lights on your vehical
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523520May 23, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle would not go in park only drive and neutral.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521420May 10, 2023
ENGINE
I took my 2012 to Baytown Hyundai for a recall update. MPI Inspection (1) had no problem with the car before taking it in. They did inspection then it started running super slow would not pick up speed. They were going to give me a loner car. The mechanic tried update again then the car drove ok. Didnt even leave the parking lot engine light came on turned around he checked with BDO. Code P200A came up. They are saying it's my responsibility to fix it. There were no codes when I brought my car in. I read I should not drive the car with this code could damage it more . My heart is bad I have to get back and forth t my doctor appointments. How are they not responsible . It's to dangerous to drive it now.Please help.me
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519818May 1, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the oil displayed full. The contact then stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that no oil pressure was detected, and the contact was informed by the technician of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) which was associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516647April 12, 2023
ENGINE
In June 2021 vehicle experienced engine failure at approximately 152,000 miles. Vin# not under Hyundai Engine recall however Hyundai covered new engine replacement under warranty extension due to failure. In November 2022 received notice for mandatory Knock Engine Sensor Detection Campaign, vehicle had approximately 163,000 miles. Was told this must be performed to prevent catostrophic engine failure. Once campaign was installed in December 202 vehicle immediately went into Drive Safe mode and Engine light came on. Returned to dealership 2 more times and each time vehicle went into Drive Safe mode with engine light. Diagnosis was the new engine was defective and needed to be replaced. New engine has under 12,000 miles. Vehichle is now unsafe to drive as it's in Drive Safe mode and needs engine replacement. Hyundai only agreed to cover 85% of the new engine cost as a goodwill. This is not satisfactory to the customer as a brand new engine, under 12,000 miles and 14 months failed and I do not feel I should be responsible for 15% of the cost to replace a defective engine. The fact that the engine light came on and vehicle went into Drive Safe mode immediately following the KSDS campaign installation means there was an existing defect in the engine that was only detected once the campaign was installed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515873April 6, 2023
ENGINE
My oil pressure sensor light wont turn off sometimes blinks on and off or stays on and I am concerned because it could be engine component or electrical. i have nott aken it to hyundai dealer do do an inspection
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515577April 5, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After driving for a short time, the engine stalls while driving. We have taken the car to 4 different mechanics, including the Hyundai dealer and the issue has not been fixed. The car stalls every time it is driven.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11513220March 22, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there had been a recall for the year, make and model of vehicle however, the VIN was not included. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505566February 4, 2023
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Driving on highway and car engine light came on then car engine kicked down like it was going to stall then drove normally then kicked down again . Kept kicking down , drove it home and shut it off. The car starts but is knocking and the engine light comes on and blinks constantly .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504390January 30, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, all four doors and tailgate would lock independently. The contact stated that over some time, all four doors failed to unlock while outside the vehicle with the key fob. The contact was only able to unlock the driver’s side door with the key. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the door actuator needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502541January 19, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought the car used and initially didn't have any issues with it. About a year into having the vehicle I saw that the battery light came on momentarily and then went off. Not noticing anything different with car I thought it was no issue initially. Got the car checked battery checked out after I noticed it happen a few more times but the battery passed testing. Eventually the right headlight stopped working. Thinking it was just an issue with the light I attempted to replace it but the light never came back on. Then the left turn signal stopped working. Got the car checked out and was told that the issue was more than likely an issue with the wiring, either a short or potentially burned wire. Took the car to my local dealer and was told the the headlight assembly was the issue and that it would about 1400 to 1500 dollars to replace. Told the dealer what I was told about the wiring issue and was told that I would have to pay for that and the headlight assembly if replacing the headlight assembly didn't fix the issue Managed to get the headlight assembly replaced on my own and the issue still persists. After initially changing the assembly the headlights worked, but on of the running lights wasn't as bright as it should have been. Here recently the right headlight is out again, along with the left taillight and left turn signal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Hyundai Santa Fe