2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

1 recalls, 475 complaints - 143 TSBs - 3/5 safety rating

ENGINE

Defect Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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. ... Read more

128,948 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Complaint Statistics

475 total complaints 42 crashes 15 fires 11 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	211
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	39
SERVICE BRAKES	27
POWER TRAIN	26
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	18
STEERING	17
SUSPENSION	12
AIR BAGS	11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	11

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

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 p... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

I bought a 2018 Ford Escape SEL 4WD in March of 2019 ( I think ) it already had about 1240 miles on it but was sold to me as new. At the time of purchase I also bought a 7 yr warranty because of my age. Only my wife and I drove the car. In March of 2026 the engine block failed due to a manufacturing... Read more

Incident date: May 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Recreational Trailer. The contact stated that while the trailer was parked, an inspection of the trailer revealed that the front passenger-side door was inoperable and failed to properly open and close. The contact also noticed sawdust present in the bedroom area... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

I purchased this vehicle in June 2024 as a demo vehicle with approximately 7,000 miles on it. Within one month of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing serious problems that have continued to worsen. The vehicle currently has approximately 34,000 miles, and the issues have been ongoing from the ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, there was air coming from the driver’s side A-pillar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was replaced. The contact stated that a... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

While driving, engine immediately shuts off. Dash, radio, lights, etc. all function as normal. Dash cluster shows an error message, saying to shift into Park. After parking vehicle on shoulder, engine turns over but does not restart after several attempts. After awhile, engine finally restarts. No ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

Earlier this spring, when we started our 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the language had changed itself to Italian, the units were metric, the ‘Forward Collision’ off icon was stuck on the dashboard. Also the paddle shifters did not work. In May, 2025, we paid $204.41 to Gary Mathews Motors in Clar... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2025

On [XXX], at 5 pm, at [XXX] , the vehicle went into park, but showed as reverse, and the key was unable to be removed, or turn the electrical system off, or place the vehicle in park. I contacted The General Insurance Company Roadside assistance; a tow truck was dispatched. It took several hours, ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2025

Front Camera Fault Service not available. Pre-Collision Assist Not Available. These faults have been showing up for over a year. I have taken my car to the dealer about 10 times, to no avail. Every time you hit a bump it happens. As I write this my car is in the shop again. The internet is rife ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2025

The MMI (display/menu) continuously reboots every few minutes, which disrupts GPS navigation and back-up camera. This causes distraction and poses a safety risk while driving. This is a common problem among similar Audi software users but has not been addressed by the dealership. No other warnings a... Read more

Incident date: Nov 9, 2024

May 24,2025 as we were driving, the awning completely deployed out causing us to quickly drive on a safer lane to the side to avoid any risk to other drivers. This is definitely a safety risk for travel that can put ourselves and others at harm or crash collision. There were no prior warning whatso... Read more

Incident date: Nov 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH in the rain, the vehicle started to fishtail, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side rear toe control actuator had failed and... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while accelerating, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust, with droplets of oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnos... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2020

Air bags came out on own

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

My Wife was driving 37mph in town at 1:40pm on a 31* afternoon. When she hears an apparent "gunshot", it was not a gunshot. Her forward sunroof had exploded. She had the sunshade closed thankfully so she did not get hit with any glass. Her vehicle was not hit by anything. The glass looks like it was... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2024

Fuel sensor fail. Common reported issue amongst this vehicle that has not been taken care of.

Incident date: Nov 9, 2024

Passenger seat lumbar inflated out and won't go back down. It has also popped off the back plastic on the seat. This is a known issue as we have found multiple incidents online. It is causing discomfort and pain when sitting. No inspections yet as we fear it could cost thousands to fix with less tha... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2021

While leaving work I started the truck like normal and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Saying service ESC, service power steering,and service brake system. The ESC light was on as well as the check engine light. There was no forewarning about this.

Incident date: Sep 2, 2011

Fuel gauge randomly resets to full; true remaining fuel amount unknown unless vehicle is stopped and electronically reset. This is the second occurrence.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2024

Recall on this vehicle several years ago. Taken to the Audi dealership for repairs of the recall. No change after recall repairs completed. The airbag and seatbelt warning lights have continued to light up.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2024

The radio antenna/receiver/reception in my 2018 Chevy Bolt is very poor. There are many areas I receive almost no radio stations, or stations are extremely fuzzy. The reception is getting worse over time. In searching for a solution to this, I have found that there are many accounts, complaints, and... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2024

For the past year my car has been in and out of the Mazda dealership. There is a red key with an explanation point through it that was been coming up once I am in the car and someone else opens a door then it stays flashing the whole time I'm driving. My trunk has been having issues too with not ope... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Yamaha Star Venture Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the sideview mirrors failed to adequately provide sideview visibility. The motorcycle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the mirror stims ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2023

A/C stopped working. Steering assist is reduced warning light came on. Was told it was a thermostat/ sensor. Had the sensor replaced for a cost of approximately $230.00. Short while later, A/C stopped working again. Suddenly the Steering wheel malfunctioned while driving on the interstate. Ran off t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2023

SOS warning light malfunction, cannot make call to emergency services; was told it is a module that needs to be replaced for over $1000 dollars. Forums and chatrooms state this is a wide spread issue. Dealership does not deem to replace due to out of warranty. Malfunctioned while it WAS in warrant... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2024

When driving the car will false brake or alert to brake when nothing is directly in front of the car. Many instances the car will catch a car in the lane beside it and brake because it thinks the car is in front of it and will begin alerts and braking the car while driving on the interstate. Interna... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

Forward collision warning has been coming on over 5 times now along with cruise control not working

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

Large area of paint peeled off the hood while washing the vehicle

Incident date: Aug 4, 2023

Vehicle began making strange noise and losing power while driving, thankfully a few feet from daughter’s home. Made it to driveway, made loud noise and lost all power and control of vehicle. My vehicle had recently been serviced and there were no warnings that this would happen. No lights came o... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2023

I slowly pulled into the parking lot at work coming around a corner with my break song slowly to see if anything was coming from the other side, pull it around to THE back looking straight ahead to pull into my parking spot as I pulled into my parking spot mind you I have had my foot on the break be... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more

Incident date: May 2, 2022

When driving down the road, road debris and water blind the back windshield. There is no wiper and the design does not clear off the back windshield, causing you not to be able to see out the back windshield. This is causing a safety issue with the vehicle, and I almost had an accident because of it... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2023

On may 12, I was in a long line of cars at a red light , stopped. all of a sudden my car started moving and accelerating toward the car in front of me. When I got over the initial shock, I started stamping on the brake (2-3x) and nothing happened. I clipped the other car as I yanked the car out of l... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

This car has had the clutch fork, clutch and tcm replaced since ive owned it and continues to still produce the same scary issue erratically. When it's not throwing codes it's sticking in gears, shifting hard, accelerating on its own (( almost went through a drive through window when it did this la... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2023

Was driving down the highway on a road trip and the Sedona developed an engine rattle. Pulled over into the nearest gas station to inspect. I checked the oil and the oil was 3 quarts low -- even though my vehicle received regular oil changes/maintenance! I filled up but the damage was too far gone; ... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2023

A small spill of liquid (unsweetened iced tea) on the gear shift area inches from the cup holder shorted out the entire transmission of the vehicle, rendering it immovable. This happened while pulling into our garage, but if it had happened while the car was moving on the road it could have caused a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2023

Cue screen has spider webbed and not able to use hands free or ac ( only fan moter comes on but to turn on ac it's on the screen.

Incident date: Dec 28, 2022

I've been informed by my mechanic of excessive rust on the rear suspension. The car will not pass state inspection due to safety issues related to this. An appointment has been made with the Honda dealership to confirm. Honda has put out a recall/buy back for the same issue on the Element and the C... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

The dash lights flicker on and off cluctser goes out speed o doesn't work and if u come to a complete stop or go under 5 miles an hour the truck will put itself in part and shut completely done no matter where u r at highway city in rush hour traffic it almost had my wife hit and could of gotten kil... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle eventually stopped; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the check engine warning light had remained illuminated for approximatel... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2022

Incident date: Feb 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal flapping noise, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power but was able to restart. The vehicle wa... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2023

With auto stop/start disabled as this feature regularly fails, stopped to turn left and car shifted itself into neutral, could not be shifted into drive or restarted for a few minutes despite multiple attempts. If car had auto stop start feature engaged, this often happens, which has been reported, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2023

I entered into my vehicle and was notified climate system was having issues and needed service. The system was working fine earlier in the day but when I left work it never got warm. On my way home, driving became difficult when simple features like defrosting the windshield did not work. I called T... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2023

The defect is reported by the air bag on the driver's side. This defect caused emotional and physical damage in which a doctor certified trauma to the head and legs due to the malfunction of the air bag. The vehicle is currently in the workshop to be fixed, so it has not been evaluated by a dealer. ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 27, 2023

1 injured

Showing 50 of 475 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	2 / 5 ★★☆☆☆
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	1 / 5 ★☆☆☆☆
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

143 manufacturer communications from 83 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	25
350000 EQUIPMENT	14
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	13
100000 POWER TRAIN	11
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	8
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	5
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	5
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in res

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to install a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and installation of two anti-theft decals on the front windows.

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

Hyundai Motor America is offering steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011 a?? 2017MY vehicles that are not eligible for Service Campaign 993 anti-theft software. This bulletin describes the procedure to provide the steering wheel loc

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (a??HMAa??) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (a??Class Vehiclesa??) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure,

010000 STEERING

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehic

010000 STEERING

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

OP CODE/PART NUMBER (REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN T6G)

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

OP CODE/PART NUMBER (REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN T6G)

061700 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

OP CODE/PART NUMBER (REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN T6G)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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, wh

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain vehicles listed below 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. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace

061700 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

061610 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise, or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage. This Dealer Best Practice ou

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

061400 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

061610 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.

190000 TIRES

Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. Follow the procedure to inspe

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine bearing noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator La

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine bearing noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage or malfunction is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine bearing noise is detected, the Malfunction

010000 STEERING

The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. This warranty coverage applies to both the original and

140000 AIR BAGS

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage, defect, or failure is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original r

100000 POWER TRAIN

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.

190000 TIRES

This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For

200000 WHEELS

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the la

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but part

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. i?? Check Engine light on i?? DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short i?? Transmission stuck in 4th ge

190000 TIRES

This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.

200000 WHEELS

This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

046300 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bullet

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing a vehicle with a transmission slipping concern, follow the Service Procedure shown below and perform a stall test. This TSB provides a procedure to test each clutch in the transmission. If the vehicle fails the stall te

350000 EQUIPMENT

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and m

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

036500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

This bulletin provides information on the rear wheel speed sensor for Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe / XL (NC), Santa Fe Sport (AN), and Veracruz (EN) vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD). The rear wheel speed sensor is available as a se

Showing 100 of 143 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2017

3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegat... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai S... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehi... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Scope and Timeliness

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai?s Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226), and Hyundai?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Hyundai to administrative... ly resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-004. NHTSA?s assertions included that Hyundai may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including the untimeliness of Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226, inaccuracies in Hyundai?s recall reports, and that a required report describing potential safety-related issues contained certain inaccuracies or omissions.Under the Consent Order, Hyundai agreed to a total civil penalty of $140,000,000. The total civil penalty included payment of $54,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount. Hyundai also agreed to a sum of $46,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Additionally, Hyundai agreed to a $40,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Hyundai to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations and Test and Inspection Laboratory obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Hyundai?s safety practices, and requires Hyundai to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-004, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-003) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Hyundai from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Hyundai, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Hyundai's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Hyundai?s performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Front Axle Shaft Failure

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai-Kia) submitted two Defect Information Reports (DIR) to NHTSA identifying a safety defect related to fracture of the right front axle shaft in MY 2013 front wheel drive Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles built from Jul... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE12-029 based on one complaint alleging that a fastener became loose in the steering shaft of a model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle and related Early Warning Reporting field report data.In it's response to ODI's information request letter f... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2010

Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft

On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE

IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 27, 2003, THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN TH... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FAILURE

IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) DURING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, HYUNDAI PROVIDED ODI WITH 15 ALLEGATIONS OF CORROSION FAILURE OF THE LEFT- AND/OR RIGHT-REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM.THREE OF THE 15 CONSUMERS ALLEGED A LOSS OF VEHICLE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE SEIZURE

There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI SANTA FE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI SANTA FE across all model years (2001, 2026).

96 Total Recalls

10,465 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

576 Reported Crashes

254 Reported Fires

17 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI SANTA FE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	4	52	View
2025	5	194	View
2024	7	214	View
2023	1	323	View
2022	5	310	View
2021	7	242	View
2020	2	295	View
2019	2	282	View
2018	2	143	View
2017	6	1,281	View
2016	3	291	View
2015	2	332	View
2014	3	679	View
2013	3	807	View
2012 (current)	1	475
2011	3	268	View
2010	3	333	View
2009	3	507	View
2008	6	718	View
2007	9	982	View
2006	1	143	View
2005	3	300	View
2004	3	386	View
2003	4	390	View
2002	4	219	View
2001	4	293	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SONATA	184	21,863	View
ELANTRA	133	11,853	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View
SANTA FE HYBRID	57	347	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SANTA FE

HYUNDAI SANTA FE - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI SANTA FE - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models