2012 Hyundai Santa FE Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2012 Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Most common 2012 Hyundai Santa FE problems

Problem areas named in the 355 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine	228
Electrical System	43
Vehicle Speed Control	40
Service Brakes	26
Power Train	24
Unknown Or Other	17
Steering	16
Exterior Lighting	15
Suspension	14
Fuel/Propulsion System	8

What owners report

2026-10-21, 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 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 HO

2026-10-19, 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 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.

2026-08-17, 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.

2026-06-22, 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 foll

2026-05-11, 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 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.

2012 Hyundai Santa FE questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE: Engine bearings can wear early, risking stall or fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 355 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (228), Electrical System (43), Vehicle Speed Control (40).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Hyundai Santa FE has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.