CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has a problem with the engine stalling while driving. Both our data & the NHTSA's complaint data show a significant defect trend at low mileage.

In a 2-page letter to owners in August 2014, Hyundai claims the engine stalling only occurs under a "specific set of operating conditions".

However a class action lawsuit filed around the same time details multiple claims from Sante Fe owners that claim the engine stalling happens at any time, under any conditions.

7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
75,850 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. repaint (1 reports)
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments

problem #3

Nov 082018

Santa Fe Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,470 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

paint peeling paint peeling paint peeling paint peeling

About 2 weeks ago, after a basic car wash, these lovely chips appeared on the hood of my car. Upon close inspection I noticed how thin the paint actually was and how easily it just chipped away (please take a look at the video.) I was mortified and blamed the car wash. Within minutes of ranting to everyone I know, my bother informed me that there had been a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for this exact issue.

Apparently Hyundai used this "new self healing scratch paint" on their 2006-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, Sonata, and Elantra automobiles that was defective. I thought, "phew, thank god, now maybe this could be remedied." So I googled the lawsuit and much to my dismay saw that it had been dismissed in 2017.

I promptly posted this video on youtube and my step father who is a big twitter guy posted it. Within hours Hyundai tweeted this back to him "We recommend scheduling a paint inspection with your local Hyundai dealer to see what assistance we may provide. Thank you." I immediately made an appointment at my local Delray Beach Hyundai. The service guy was very nice and didn't indicate that he had seen this happen before which seemed odd to me because a simple google search indicates that this is a widespread problem. He took a couple of photos and said that he was going to send them to the main hyundai office and he would call me in a couple of days. He called me within a couple of hours. He said, "unfortunately, due to the milage on your vehicle (52,400), the PA center at Hyundai has declined the paint job on your vehicle". Great. So I called my brother who is an attorney and asked if a class action could be brought again and he said yes. He's putting me in touch with a class action attorney now.

I love my car and promoted Hyundai every chance I got but this is just horrible. How they can't stand behind their product is just bizarre. I mean, come on, I have a 1997 Honda Odyssey that still has perfect intact paint. Just cheap, Hyundai, cheap. But then again, I guess you always were. This new luxury facade is just that, a facade.

- Tabitha T., Delray Beach, US

problem #2

Dec 212018

Santa Fe V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,950 miles

NOW A WEEK LATER AND SAME ISSUE ON THE PASSENGER DOOR FRAME AS WELL.

- Merna S., Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #1

Mar 082017

Santa Fe

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Noticed a spot on the hood while washing, the paint just flaked off. Last week we had an intense rainstorm and now there are 5 spots of varying size (quarter to dot-like) of paint missing all the way down to the primer on the hood. Have not found any other spots on the body so far and I'm too short to examine the roof in detail.

It looks like this is a dealer problem - any suggestions on getting this covered under warranty?

- Mary B., Titusville, US

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