It is hard to hate the Hyundai Santa Fe as it has always stood out as the best bang-for-your-buck option in the segment, as every Hyundai from the current era does. Expecting a complete overhaul with the coming model year, this SUV should find itself in a rather good position as desirability goes, given the stiff competition this segment witnesses. However, recent updates reveal inherent engine troubles with the engine with a high expectancy of engine failure. So does that mean it’s time to drop the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe from your midsize SUV purchase list this year? Should you spend the minimum asking price of $23,225 on something else like the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester, or the Nissan Rogue? Well, this article discusses all the common problems seen in the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe which should help you make that decision.
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Though we were impressed by Hyundai’s refined power train options, the long-term durability of its internals seem far from impressive. Owners who have done close to 100,000 miles on the SUV report experiencing knocking, power loss, and excessive oil consumption. Though a faulty crankshaft position sensor, which was a $100 fix, was thought to be the cause initially, the actual extent of the damage was worse and the engine is said to suffer excessive internal rod bearing wear resulting in an engine failure. The manufacturer is aware of this issue and has even initiated a recall (20V746000) as per the latest update. Hyundai seems to be well in for a recall spree for their 2.4L GDI engines (for all vehicles equipped) this model year.
- Transmission Problems- Even though not as common as the engine issues, the 6-speed automatic unit on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is known for occasional shudder, slip, and erratic shifts. The standard advice for preventing these problems is to periodically service the unit with prescribed automatic transmission fluid. Certain errors within the TCM can also lead to these issues for which you might require a firmware re-flash from the dealer.
Electric System complaints
- Fuel Gauge issues- The fuel level indicator on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe tend to malfunction on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe with the mileage. An engine warning with code P0463 or an erratic fuel level indicator on the dash point at a faulty fuel level gauge. Excessive wear, connector issues, or debris on the sensor module are the causes of this problem.
- Radio Problems- The radio/ media head unit on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe randomly shuts off while in use. Another common issue is with the speaker going mute, mostly seen with the units equipped with navigation systems. Though most of the issues come in as a software glitch or a blown-out fuse. A hard reset done by pressing the “power” button for 10 seconds should bring the unit back to normal functionality.
Structural Complaints
- Steering problems- Steering issueshave been one of the most prominent complaints against the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. A faulty steering shaft structure might cause the steering to disengage causing a complete loss of vehicle control. Almost 70,000 Hyundai Santa Fe made in 2011 have come under an official investigation on this issue. No crashes were reported against this potential defect.
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1st December 2020 |
20V746000 |
Engine damage may cause fire |
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage resulting in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash or fire. |
The 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 on March 31, 2021. |
Should you buy a used 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Make no mistake, the Hyundai Santa Fe is and has always been one midsize SUV that offers the most for what you pay for. The only reason why it ranks low is because of how dated the current generation is compared to the competition. However, our love for Hyundai’s value-oriented product has been kept aside temporarily given the fact that this SUV, as admitted by the manufacturer itself, is prone to critical power train failure. Though Hyundai has extended all their resources in support of this issue, we wouldn’t but consider it as a serious handicap. Considering the fact that this vehicle has a high chance of getting a fried motor, we would advise everyone to stay clear of the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
