Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2012
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentChronic oil leak from front valve cover gasket onto alternator (Recall Campaign 121)
Causes alternator failure, battery drain, and sudden, unexpected vehicle shutdown while driving. Owners report multiple recurrences and alternator replacements even after recall service.
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins in high-mileage examples
Includes malfunctioning dashboard lights (parking brake, ESC), failure to shift out of park, intermittent power loss to accessories like wiper motors, and faulty sensors. Attributed to age and wear.
- RecurrentIntermittent air conditioning/climate control failure
System fails to activate, with no dash lights or fan response, often correlated with high cabin temperatures.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCatalytic converter failure
Clogging leading to poor acceleration, growling noises, and check engine lights, typically in vehicles over 200,000 miles.
- IsolatedIgnition/starting issues
Related to weak/dead batteries (often a downstream effect of alternator failure) or faulty key fob programming.
- IsolatedPassenger footwell flooding
Attributed to a clogged AC drain line.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best model year or trim. Feedback spans the entire 2007-2012 generation, with the fundamental mechanical strengths (V6 engine, comfort) and weaknesses (valve cover gasket recall) applying to all years. The Limited trim is mentioned in passing for its amenity content.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus RX350, Toyota 4Runner, Subaru B9 Tribeca and Infiniti QX60.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owner reports from the 2007-2012 model years are polarized between those who have experienced severe, recurring mechanical failures and those who praise the vehicle for exceptional longevity, comfort, and highway performance. The primary source of negative sentiment is a widespread, serious recall (Campaign 121) for a front valve cover gasket leak that drips oil onto the alternator, causing sudden alternator failure and complete vehicle shutdown without warning: a noted safety hazard. Owners report being stuck in a cycle of multiple alternator replacements, with some on their fourth unit, and express significant frustration with the manufacturer's handling of the recall. Conversely, numerous owners report surpassing 250,000 to over 400,000 miles (over 625,000 km) with only routine maintenance, describing the 3.8L Lambda V6 engine as "very reliable," "powerful," and "smooth." The vehicle is consistently praised for its plush, comfortable cabin, smooth highway ride, and being a high-value used SUV when free of the major recall issue. Sentiment is heavily dependent on whether an owner has been affected by the chronic oil leak/alternator problem.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned in owner discussions as a high-value, comfort-oriented midsize SUV from an era (2006-2012) when Hyundai's build quality was perceived as strong. It is favorably compared to the contemporary Lexus RX350 for offering similar refinement and comfort at a significantly lower price point when new. Compared to the Toyota 4Runner, it is noted as being more plush and car-like on the highway but less suitable for off-road use. The Subaru B9 Tribeca is mentioned as a comparable high-value, reliable used SUV alternative. Within the Hyundai family, it is mechanically similar to the Santa Fe of the same era but is viewed as a more upscale, comfortable, and powerful offering, though sharing the same critical engine recall flaw.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient specific configuration data from owner discussions. Implicit recommendations from the data include: purchasing only with a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on the valve cover/alternator area for oil leaks; verifying the recall work has been completed correctly and permanently; and prioritizing vehicles with a documented, rigorous maintenance history, particularly regarding oil changes and level checks.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers seeking a comfortable, high-mileage capable, and powerful used SUV at a low acquisition cost, provided they are mechanically aware and proactive. NOT recommended for owners who are not willing or able to frequently inspect the engine bay for oil leaks and monitor the recall issue. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is essential. Before purchase, verify the vehicle's recall status and attempt to obtain service records related to Campaign 121. Owners should be prepared to advocate aggressively with dealerships and the manufacturer if the recall repair fails repeatedly. Consider the vehicle a strong value if the major recall flaw is confirmed to be resolved, but a potential money pit and safety risk if it is not.
Remarks
The critical valve cover gasket recall (Campaign 121) defines the ownership experience for this generation. The design flaw places the alternator directly beneath a known leak point. Community feedback indicates the manufacturer's recall fix (replacing the gasket, alternator, and installing a protective cover) has a high rate of recurrence, with some owners experiencing the failure multiple times. This has led to significant distrust in the brand's warranty support and recall process. Outside of this major flaw, the Lambda V6 powertrain is repeatedly cited as robust and capable of extreme mileage (300,000+ miles / 480,000+ km) with proper maintenance. The vehicle is considered a "forgotten" high-value used SUV, but purchasing one requires accepting the risk associated with the unresolved recall issue. Analysis based on approximately 30 substantive owner discussions spanning the model's production run.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2008. Years to avoid: 2008Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Hyundai Veracruz years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 65 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 106 | 5 | engine |
| 2010 | 91 | 5 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2009 | 24 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 230 | 7 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 145 | 6 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices30 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2012 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 14V415000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:seals/gasketscampaign 20V705000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 23V651000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 14V415000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2011 · equipmentcampaign 11E041000
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
2011 · exterior lighting:brake lights:switchcampaign 13V113000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:seals/gasketscampaign 20V705000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2011 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 23V651000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
2010 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:seals/gasketscampaign 20V705000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2010 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 14V415000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2010 · equipmentcampaign 11E041000
CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
2010 · exterior lighting:brake lights:switchcampaign 13V113000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
2010 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 23V651000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
2009 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:seals/gasketscampaign 20V705000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
2009 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 14V415000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.
15 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.8 MPI
3.8L 6-cylinder · 260 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2011–2013