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2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: common problems and reliability
An average Santa Fe year.
353 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2012 Santa Fe?The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has 353 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Santa Fe years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Santa Fe?
Across the 26 Santa Fe model years we track, complaint volume runs from 106 (2006) to 1,316 (2017). With 353 complaints, the 2012 Santa Fe sits above the model's median of 287.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Santa Fe
engine
Campaign 20V746000Hyundai 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by model year and engine type, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Santa Fe. See the full Santa Fe owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Santa Fe listings typically run $18,687–$28,522.
Other Santa Fe model years
Compare every Santa Fe year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Santa Fe against its rivals
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