2012 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2012 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 1
Park-it warnings: 0
Complaints: 353
Latest campaign: Dec 1, 2020

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Latest	Campaign IDs
Engine	1	Dec 1, 2020	20V746000

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

0Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Dec 1, 2020Latest campaign


Dec 1, 202020V746000	Engine A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 20V746000 What's wrong 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. 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198. Campaign NHTSA 20V746000 · Dec 1, 2020

Dec 1, 202020V746000

Engine

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 20V746000

What's wrong: 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.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Campaign: NHTSA 20V746000 · Dec 1, 2020

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Hyundai recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component353

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

353Complaints filed

25Involving a crash

17Involving a fire

7Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Engine	228	65	6	14	3
Electrical system	43	12	3	3	2
Vehicle speed control	40	11	11	0	0
Service brakes	28	8	7	0	0
Power train	24	7	2	0	0
Unknown or other	16	5	0	1	0
Steering	16	5	1	0	0
Suspension	14	4	0	0	0
Exterior lighting	12	3	0	0	0
Structure	8	2	3	0	0
Fuel/propulsion system	8	2	1	1	1
Wheels	7	2	1	0	0
Engine and engine cooling	6	2	0	0	0
Air bags	6	2	5	0	3
Electronic stability control (ESC)	4	1	1	0	0

10 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

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.”
Filed 08/17/2026 · ODI 11757437
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).”
Filed 06/22/2026 · ODI 11745765
Electrical system
“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.”
Filed 05/11/2026 · ODI 11737143

Other Hyundai Santa Fe model years

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Other Hyundai models

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2012 Hyundai Santa Fe recall questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recent, 20V746000 (reported December 1, 2020), concerns engine. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Engine is the most-reported component, named in 228 complaints out of 353 filed with NHTSA (65%). Across all complaints, owners reported 25 crashs and 17 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Hyundai recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Hyundai dealer.

Check a specific Hyundai by VIN

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