Owners have filed 475 complaints
about the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 26 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 59
Against the median year of the Hyundai Santa FE. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 75
14.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Hyundai Santa FE
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
61.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
6015.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
7319.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4211.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4110.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4110.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9424.7%
150,000+ miles
236.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2011peak 14Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
EA21003Opened 22 Dec 2021Closed 5 Feb 2024ENGINE
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine...
DP21003Opened 12 Nov 2021Closed 20 Jun 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can b...
PE19003Opened 29 Mar 2019Closed 22 Dec 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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 Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Rec...
DP18003Opened 21 Aug 2018Closed 10 May 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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 vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)...
RQ17004Opened 18 May 2017Closed 22 Dec 2021ENGINE
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 administratively 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...
Recalls on the 2012 Hyundai Santa FE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V746000
ENGINE
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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024552824,695 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202167432,431 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects Santa Fe models equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine, and Veloster models with a 1.6 L GDI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall 202059214,549 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.6 L GDI, 2.0 L GDI, or 2.4 L MPI engine, the connecting rod bearings could wear prematurely. As a result, there could be an abnormal knocking noise from the engine and/or the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with worn connecting rod bearings, the engine could fail. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. In some cases, a damaged connecting rod could puncture the engine block and cause an oil leak. Note: For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this recall. Additional Note: Engine compartment fires can happen for many different reasons. In some cases, there is too much damage to find the cause of a fire. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Oil that leaks onto a hot component could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an engine inspection test, to determine if there is bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual.
Recall 20202333,838 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness kit that could fail. Over time, this could result in a short circuit that can cause overheating of the control module. Note: This recall only affects Hyundai Genuine Accessory trailer wiring harness kits that were manufactured by third parties and sold in Canada. These kits may have been ordered at the time of a vehicle purchase, or purchased separately from a dealer as an aftermarket accessory. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. This risk remains even when the vehicle is parked. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and instruct you to inspect your vehicle to see if it has an affected trailer wiring harness installed. If it does, Hyundai will advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a redesigned trailer wiring harness. Hyundai recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors, and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Racine, WIFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! It is available for inspection! Yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!
NHTSA complaint #11722965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WIFire
ENGINE
The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! It is available for inspection! Yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!
NHTSA complaint #11722965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Providence, RIFire
ENGINE
My 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe caught fire on October 29, 2025. Prior to this, the dealership completed one recall but left another open. Hyundai denied my claim and refused to provide the inspection report. I am filing this complaint because I believe the incomplete recall may be related and I want NHTSA to review the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11700886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flushing, NYFire
ENGINE
My engine caught on fire in the middle of the night ([XXX] on [XXX]). The fire department was called by my building’s security and they came to put out the fire. The security footage shows that the car engine caught on fire for no apparent reason. The fire department did not identify any foul play or vandalism nor did the security camera footage. Unfortunately since my car has been paid off, I only had liability coverage and could not get the coverage to assess. I had to junk the car. No one was hurt but there was broken glass and some parts around the parking lot due to fire and fire department having to shatter and pry open the engine bay. Please advise if someone can help me in my situation. Also this should be made aware to Hyundai. There was a recall but I was never notified. Nor does any recall history show up for this. See article: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11624650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesWilliamsburg, VACrash1 injured
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle merged to the shoulder of the roadway and suddenly another vehicle crashed into the entire driver's side of the vehicle while the contact was still in the vehicle. The driver who crashed into the contact did not stop at the scene and continued to drive after the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to her neck and chest area that did not require medical attention. The vehicle failed to start after the incident and was towed to the contact's residence where it currently remained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and had scheduled an appointment with the dealer prior to the crash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11470415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLeesburg, FLFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at 40-45 MPH, she heard an abnormal ticking sound, and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated she saw black smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact did not recall whether a warning light illuminated. The contact and her husband exited the vehicle. The contact stated as they walked back to the vehicle, they notice that the smoke has stopped. The contact and her husband did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle had been waiting to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (ENGINE) for five months as the parts for recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11439383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 130,000 milesSaugerties, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
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 following day to check in rather than receiving a callback. The burden of all follow up has been entirely on me. This is my only vehicle. I have been without transportation for over a week affecting my ability to get to work. No loaner or rental vehicle has been offered or provided. My vehicle was brought in specifically for a federal safety recall involving a known engine defect that can cause fire or engine stall. The dealer’s handling of this recall has been completely unacceptable and I am requesting NHTSA intervention to ensure compliance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11737143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Hope, PA
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe suddenly collapsed and broke due to extreme corrosion. Incident occurred while driving, allowing rear wheel to turn out causing loss of control. Luckily I was traveling at a low rate of speed and nobody was hurt. Found rear subframe was completely rotten out and collapsed on the driver side. Vehicle is now completely undrivable and has to be towed. Found that there was a recall/service program from Hyundai (campaign #947) and my vehicle was affected. I called my local dealership to schedule an inspection appointment regarding the recall. Dealership told me I had to call Hyundai customer care. I called customer care on Tuesday and my claim was escalated. The representative told me that I would be contacted by Hyundai within two days. I have not received any correspondence from the case manager. Called Hyundai Customer Care once more and the representative told me that they can't contact claims representatives directly and I would have to wait until they decide to call me.
NHTSA complaint #11727316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Hope, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe suddenly collapsed and broke due to extreme corrosion. Incident occurred while driving, allowing rear wheel to turn out causing loss of control. Luckily I was traveling at a low rate of speed and nobody was hurt. Found rear subframe was completely rotten out and collapsed on the driver side. Vehicle is now completely undrivable and has to be towed. Found that there was a recall/service program from Hyundai (campaign #947) and my vehicle was affected. I called my local dealership to schedule an inspection appointment regarding the recall. Dealership told me I had to call Hyundai customer care. I called customer care on Tuesday and my claim was escalated. The representative told me that I would be contacted by Hyundai within two days. I have not received any correspondence from the case manager. Called Hyundai Customer Care once more and the representative told me that they can't contact claims representatives directly and I would have to wait until they decide to call me.
NHTSA complaint #11727316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WIFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! It is available for inspection! Yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!
NHTSA complaint #11722965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WIFire
ENGINE
The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! It is available for inspection! Yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!
NHTSA complaint #11722965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Providence, RIFire
ENGINE
My 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe caught fire on October 29, 2025. Prior to this, the dealership completed one recall but left another open. Hyundai denied my claim and refused to provide the inspection report. I am filing this complaint because I believe the incomplete recall may be related and I want NHTSA to review the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11700886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesGreat Falls, MT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud banging sound, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents, which blocked the visibility of the roadway. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that a significant amount of oil was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The dealer was contacted about the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for repair, and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall due to the vehicle having a Branded Title; however, the contact stated that the Branded Title was issued because the vehicle had sustained cosmetic damage from hailstone impact. The failure mileage was 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11690571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling, CT
ENGINE
The carrier bearing failed and caused the engine to lock up while driving, thankfully we weren't on a busy road and were able to coast off the road. There was no prior light that appeared. We are just thankful it wasn't our 16 year old, newly licensed driver for whom we purchased the vehicle, driving. It has not been looked over by the dealership yet as they have failed to return any phone calls. I have made 4 calls in the last two weeks that have gone unanswered. To which one person i spoke with (not the one i needed to speak with) said 'your should go get your money back'.
NHTSA complaint #11679921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walden, NY
ENGINE
Engine light was blinking. Hearing grinding from the front. Steering locked up. I was able to pull over safely. Called tow truck. The mechanic diagnosed it said it needed a new engine. The car has 106,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11675315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daytona Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In November 2024, my car engine failed. I came out of a store, turned key, all the dash lights lit up, and loud clanging but unable to drive. Car towed several times and told by 2-3 places the engine was “out” and there was a Hyundai recall aon 2012 Santa Fe. A Hyundai dealer had my vehicle, contacted Hyundai and was told it “wasn’t in recall.” Had to pay repair entirely myself on disability income. The vehicle subsequent to this had electrical problems and the car shut off while driving countless times, even highway doing 65-70. Paid for alternator twice and new battery, two battery jump boxes, and car continues to have severe electrical issues and highly unsafe to drive. I am broke and facing losing the car altogether and suffered lack of housing for 2 months and inability to pay my bills. All invoices are not included with this complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11663124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daytona Beach, FL
ENGINE
In November 2024, my car engine failed. I came out of a store, turned key, all the dash lights lit up, and loud clanging but unable to drive. Car towed several times and told by 2-3 places the engine was “out” and there was a Hyundai recall aon 2012 Santa Fe. A Hyundai dealer had my vehicle, contacted Hyundai and was told it “wasn’t in recall.” Had to pay repair entirely myself on disability income. The vehicle subsequent to this had electrical problems and the car shut off while driving countless times, even highway doing 65-70. Paid for alternator twice and new battery, two battery jump boxes, and car continues to have severe electrical issues and highly unsafe to drive. I am broke and facing losing the car altogether and suffered lack of housing for 2 months and inability to pay my bills. All invoices are not included with this complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11663124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
O Fallon, IL
ENGINE
I was contacted by Auffenberg Hyundai in OFallon IL in October of 2024 to schedule recall work. On 10/23/24, the car was dropped off in working condition to the dealership for that recall (engine software update). The day after the vehicle was returned, the check engine light came on and the vehicle went into "limp mode". I returned it to the dealership 10/24/24. They changed the knock sensor and I picked it back up on [XXX]. On the same date, the check engine light came on and vehicle went back into "limp mode". Car was returned to dealership 10/28/24, due to the issue being after hours and on a weekend. They tested it and reset software. I did not get vehicle back until 1/3/25. On [XXX], the check engine light came on again and vehicle went into "limp mode". Car was returned to the dealership and now it is 3/17/25 and I still have no resolution. The vehicle is unsafe to drive because in "limp mode" you cannot go above a certain RPM level. Pulling out into traffic is dangerous when your vehicle just will not accelerate. If this were to happen on the interstate, then it could be catastrophic. The dealership has been able to reproduce this issue, but offers no fix as they state that they are being limited by corporate Hyundai. A corporate claim was made but Hyundai is unwilling to fix an issue they caused. In essence, the recall broke my vehicle and corporate Hyundai has decided to do nothing. Note: All records for repairs and dealership/corporate communications are with Auffenberg Hyundai, 1050 Berg Blvd, Ofallon IL 62269; phone 618-622-9001; contact is John Koch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11648692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Windows issues multiple times. The first time the driver side front window would occasionally go up then automatically down when I tried to raise the window. Likewise when I tried to open the window it would go up and down. Dealer couldn’t identify a problem since it was occasionally an issue. Then when it finally no longer worked at all it was repaired. Now the driver side window has malfunctioned for the second time with no warning stuck in the closed position. I also had the driver side rear window malfunction. The window just dropped down into the door without warning and without trying to operate it at all. The dealer fixed the first two instances but not the third. I’m guessing it may have been covered under the 10 yr warranty in the past. My fault I guess I should have brought my car to the dealer in 2020 when it happened. (COVID and other reasons)
NHTSA complaint #11637269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griffin, GA
ENGINE
My engine stalls while driving. Now engine is knocking real loud. Then stall again. My safety and others drivers safety because my engine stalls could cause a crash, wreck. Mechanic listened to engine, said engine is knocking and stalling, this is a safety issue. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, or others. No warning lights, symptoms, Monday December 30, 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11634822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Angeles, WA
ENGINE
NHTSA Recall #20V746000 2012 Hyundai Sonata Manufacture Recall #198 Connecting Rod Bearing failure leading to possible road side fire. Possible risk of injury or death. Hyundai has been contacted twice about recall. Claim they have no responsibility to comply with recall. They closed the dealership where the car was purchased new. They offer two other dealers that are located in other cities. One requires driving a distance of over 200 miles. The other requires round trip ferry travel. Mileage would still be approximately 150 miles plus ferry expense plus fuel expense and possible an over night lodging at $150 to $200 per night and one to two day obligation. It is a total lie that Hyundai will correct their negligence at no cost to the owner. Their first representative informed me that all transportation cost were the owners responsibility. Regardless of the apparent negligence and obvious risk to the public safety, the company apparently disregarded an engine flush after maching as a cost saving practice. I believe every qualified machinest would know that metal chips left over from this process could not left in a finished motor. Just stupid but might have saved a few dollars. I'm a [XXX] man with [XXX] and [XXX] that make sitting for hours impossible. There is no one willing or able to spend this time commitment no money laying around for this expense. Hyundai knows that. Very fast to say "Not my PROBLEM. Car has very low mileage. Engine check light is on. Hyundai will not guarantee if the car is safe or even able to be driven that far. The solution is very simple....... The local deal handles many different auto brands. I'm sure the Hyundai qualified mechanics are still employed. Knowing this, Hyundai refuses to allow local people to install this device that does not correct the problem. Just lets the driver know it's serious. Another cost saving decision due I'm sure because they don't want to pay. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11628022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flushing, NYFire
ENGINE
My engine caught on fire in the middle of the night ([XXX] on [XXX]). The fire department was called by my building’s security and they came to put out the fire. The security footage shows that the car engine caught on fire for no apparent reason. The fire department did not identify any foul play or vandalism nor did the security camera footage. Unfortunately since my car has been paid off, I only had liability coverage and could not get the coverage to assess. I had to junk the car. No one was hurt but there was broken glass and some parts around the parking lot due to fire and fire department having to shatter and pry open the engine bay. Please advise if someone can help me in my situation. Also this should be made aware to Hyundai. There was a recall but I was never notified. Nor does any recall history show up for this. See article: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11624650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNewport News, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the 12 Volts battery was replaced several times. Additionally, the contact stated the battery terminals were corroded only few weeks after the battery replacement. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the cause of the battery failures could not be determined. The battery was replaced; however the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11618052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flemington, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Getting occasional knocking sound while vehicle is running and immediately even when the vehicle is turned off. Sound is emanating from the rear of the vehicle (gas tank).
NHTSA complaint #11604178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased this used 2012 Santa Fe directly from Hyundai last January (2023) We have had to continually fill it up with oil. Two months ago, driving to work and the car stops accelerating and felt like the “power was going out”. I was on a busy highway early in the morning when it died on me. Took it to a nearby mechanic and it threw engine failure pins. There was no oil so we added more oil and it drives but will not exceed 50 mph and goes out at any given time.
NHTSA complaint #11589767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
ENGINE
Purchased this used 2012 Santa Fe directly from Hyundai last January (2023) We have had to continually fill it up with oil. Two months ago, driving to work and the car stops accelerating and felt like the “power was going out”. I was on a busy highway early in the morning when it died on me. Took it to a nearby mechanic and it threw engine failure pins. There was no oil so we added more oil and it drives but will not exceed 50 mph and goes out at any given time.
NHTSA complaint #11589767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Porte, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #11586717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Porte, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11586717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burbank, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11584036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.