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.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,100
Average Mileage:
90,900 miles
Total Complaints:
30 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (26 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
  3. rebuild engine (1 reports)
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #30

Dec 072021

Santa Fe 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 201,000 miles

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

This all started 11 June 2021. We took the car in for 3 recall campaigns: 198, 966 and 947. While there asked them to look at overheating issue. They quickly said radiator was leaking and replaced it. The overheating issue became worse as the new radiator leaked and was defective. it took over 6 months until 11 November when Jamie Holcomb from Southern States Hyundai contacted us and agreed to repair the vehicle correctly.

This was done on 22 November and I drove the car continuing to monitor it until 7 December 2021 when it suddenly stopped on the freeway while traveling to Charlotte at around 70 miles an hour. I was able to retrieve some DTC codes before having it towed and it had a P0011 and P0014 codes set. They relate to valve timing being too advanced. I finally got the car off of the road and had it towed to NTB on 1800 Millbrook in Raleigh. They contacted us later and advised the engine was blown. I later went to NTB to review codes when I discovered my app actually logged all data. It was then that I discovered that initially the car only posted the P0011 and P0012 codes. It was in a later log that it also set the P1326 code which indicates the KSDS Software had placed the car into Safe or Limp mode. Unfortunately this was after the engine had already seized. So here I set with a car with the rod knocking severely and therefore un-drivable. It appears the 2012 Santa Fe was not included in the original settlement. However it appears there are other lawsuits in the pipeline.

- Jack C., Raleigh, NC, US

problem #29

Jul 032021

Santa Fe

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,204 miles

My engine started to make a knocking noise while on the freeway. I knew there was a recall and the warning symptoms for the rod bearing failure so I pulled off the freeway and had it towed to the dealer. This occurred in July. Fortunately, Hyundai agreed that my problem was due to the recall and they said they would replace the engine without cost to me. They also provided the rental car. After four months, I picked up my car yesterday. The delay was due to the problem with car parts right now. Hyundai said this engine has 150,000-mile warranty from the date I brought it in July. I considered just buying another car but right now, used cars are at a premium price.

- Patricia H., Lodi, US

problem #28

Aug 062020

Santa Fe GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

Bought a used 2012 hyundai santa fe 2.4 liter with about 110000 miles, figured I had a lot of life left in it because it's a "HYUNDAI". Yesterday I was driving going approx 40 mph when the engine failed.without warning. Everything shut down and now stuck in the turn lane. I've only put about 4-5000 miles on the car since I bought it. Now it sits in a repair shop. My question is why was the 2012 santa fe left out of the engine recall? Now I have a repair bill more then what the cars worth plus what I still owe on it.! Just a garbage car manufacturer. Don't buy hyundai ever! Or sell yours before this happens. THE 2.4 LITER ENGINE WILL FAIL!

- Scott K., Aurora, US

problem #27

Jun 242020

Santa Fe Sport 4cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,575 miles

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

Hyundai is supposed to be a "Reputable" vehicle. Only 112,575 miles on our Santa Fe, the engine is blown! We take very good care of our vehicles, and this is Terrible reflection of their product! We have called several dealerships for a possible recall, or if there is anything that can be done, and No is the only answer given. We have sent inquiries to the main office, but no replies to date. We have found that it will cost $4700 to replace with another "used" engine with 67,000 miles on it, but will it happen again, did they keep care of their engine?? Sad testimony of what is supposed to be a brand name that people in the US and elsewhere are purchasing. My input is to stay away from Hyundai and their faulty quality vehicles.

- rileymd777, Salisbury, US

problem #26

Nov 252019

Santa Fe GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

I bought a used Santa Fe from a friend a little over one year ago. In November of 2019, I had total engine failure due to the metallic shavings left behind during the manufacturing process causing oil blockage among other problems. It had around 89,000 miles on it. I am the second owner and don't have a warranty. It is also not on the recall list for some reason-- IT SHOULD BE! I took excellent care of this car the BRIEF time I owned it. It's currently located at the Coconut Creek dealership in Coconut Creek, Florida. The dealership admits it is that problem. The only help CORPORATE HYUNDAI is "giving me" is a $1,500 "goodwill payment" out of the total $6,000 repair cost. And because of that "goodwill payment" they are denying me a courtesy rental car during the repair job. We have a case number and a case worker, and she is absolutely useless (Case #- 16730948). Last week (January 28th) the dealership said the engine should be shipped soon and they were supposed to call us about the date. We haven't heard a peep. Overall, we are FURIOUS with Hyundai. They are the worst. A car shouldn't have total engine failure at less than 90,000 miles. I have read about so many other exact same stories. Every Hyundai Theta ii engine should be on the recall list- not just some of them. I should not have to pay $4,500 ONE YEAR AFTER I bought my car. It's Hyundai's fault this has happened. SO WHY SHOULDN'T THEY PAY FOR IT!!??

- Ashley G., tamarac, FL, US

problem #25

Mar 072018

Santa Fe AWD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Car kept stalling. Had to get the engine rebuilt, replaced 1800 or so. Such a pain the a**. Now my transmission is failed. I still have notes on this car. How can I pay for repairs and pay the note?

- cleveesamwc, Chicago, US

problem #24

May 282019

Santa Fe GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,500 miles

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

I was driving my 2012 Santa Fe when the check engine light came on and it it dies about 6 blocks down the road. Had it towed to Hyundai dealership. After two days they told me the engine had seized and they would have to take it apart to see what happened. I further investigated this problem and discovered all the issues with this engine has with failures. They recalled the 2013-14 engine but not the 2012. It is the exact same engine. Same engine is in Kia's and they have been having problems too. Big issue is they are no longer making this engine due to the problems. You have to buy a rebuilt one if you can find one. So now we have no vehicle and are arguing about this one. I want a loaner paid for but they have not gotten back with me. Hyundai needs to replace this engine somehow or give a large sum credit to purchase a new one. I have liked the two Hyundai Santa Fe's I have owned but now I have to totally question how they are building their cars. Any other folks with this same issue let us know and we can file a class action suit for this year model also!

- Stan R., Ocoee, FL, US

problem #23

Dec 092018

Santa Fe 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe - 2.4L engine --Engine stalled while driving on Interstate 94 in Montana. Gas mileage plummeted to 10.4 mpg after gas fill and lunch in Hardin, MT.

Engine was totally non responsive.

Had it towed to Billings Montana (on a Sunday). Shop provided emergency service. Diagnosis was that fuel was getting into oil, and think it was because of failure of an oil pump in the engine. Further examination indicated internal damage and need to replace engine.

What is worrisome is the fact that this engine was discontinued after 3 years (2011-2013). Now my only option is to buy a used engine. Used engine cost about $3,000. Labor will be on top of that.

I am going to sell this rig when repaired. Not sure what I will tell a prospective purchaser. I hate the thought of saddling someone else with a lemon.

- paterni, Missoula, US

problem #22

Jun 092018

Santa Fe 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

Hyundai 2.4L Engine started knocking just after Manufacturer Warranty expired. Seems to be a common problem with this motor. Hyundai needs to recall all 2.4L engines not just a few specific models. Will never recommend Hyundai again.

- Rick W., Tuscaloosa, AL, US

problem #21

Aug 102018

Santa Fe ES 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,807 miles

click to see larger images

engine failure engine failure engine failure engine failure

Just driving along at 80Km's a knocking started and within seconds the connecting rod came through the engine block. I had it towed to a garage nearby, there is no Hyundai dealership on this side of the coast. In the process of researching this 2012 Santa Fe with the 3.5 V6 this is not an uncommon thing around 80K miles or 130km's on these engines and year. I will contact the dealer in Vancouver and lodge a complaint for a total engine replacement.

- Paul D., Roberts Creek, BC, Canada

problem #20

Jul 272018

Santa Fe GLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

engine failure

Total engine failure (connecting rods in bottom of motor) on well-maintained, less than 88K miles vehicle!

- jdh25wks, Wichita, US

problem #19

Feb 082018

Santa Fe

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,133 miles

My engine failed on 2/8/18, went into the Tracy, CA dealership and is STILL there!! It's 7/13/18!!

I feel as though they are just giving me the run-around and not doing anything to try to replace the engine, which is under warranty. I've called the service manager, Bryan, numerous times to see when it'll have a new engine and be ready to pick up, he kept putting the date out by two weeks, then months; his last answer was 7/21/18, but that wasn't a guarantee (because it was supposed to be done 6/21/18).

After about a month of my vehicle being in the shop, and me borrowing a friends car, they finally got me into a rental (that they're paying for), but I've had to take it in for oil change because of how long I've had it (no charge to me).

I've since moved out of CA, to OR ~ which I had told them about when I first took my car in.

I've called the 1-800 Hyundai customer service and given the run around also, they tell me that my case manager called me on Monday 7/9/18, he didn't; yet when I call customer service the next day & following days, they have it on their notes that he called; all they do is say they'll send him an email to call me; they don't have a number for him and can't transfer me. I called Regional office today, and was told the same thing, they'd send my case manager an email (and they said that the customer service wasn't sending emails as they stated because they weren't allowed to do that...and that they had no info on who my case manager was...well they were the ones who gave me his name!! so WTH?). So supposedly, my case manager will call me on Monday at 8am, and if he doesn't by the end of the day, then I should call back the next day. I told the person at region that I'm about to contact a lawyer, and she said if I did they would need a letter of representation, and they wouldn't be able to help me anymore...so basically my warranty would be void and they wouldn't replace the engine. How's that for Customer Service?!

My daughter also has the same year/make/model as I do, and her engine got replace last October after waiting for three months.

I will never again buy another Kia or Hyundai!!

I'm at the point of saying 'screw it', go out & buy another vehicle and forget about that one (and essentially my credit :(

I'm soo frustrated!!

- cheekt1, Salem, US

problem #18

Jun 012018

Santa Fe GL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

Engine seized out of blue on well maintained vehicle. 2012 Sonata engine recalled, and I believe I see 2013 & 2014 Sante Fe engines recalled. Why not 2012 Santa Fe with same engine. Multiple reports of same problem found on internet!

- Jim B., Oneonta, US

problem #17

Feb 232018

Santa Fe Not A Trim Level 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I need to repair the vehicle. I still making payment for something that I can't drive. I have extended warranty but they refuse to pay for it.

- Luis F., Holland, Michigan, US

problem #16

Feb 082018

Santa Fe Ghi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

My son bought Hyundai Santa Fe 2012 it started getting sluggish. Then a noise came from engine and then it died. Had to have it towed. We talked to the place where we bought it and they said not covered, but we found out that other people had the same problem. There was a recall on that engine and they say no, but it all points to that. I am so upset this had to happen to my son his first newer car. I have so much hate for Shakers in Watertown CT. We got a new car 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The problem is now his loan is very high and we are paying for 2 vehicles. Lemon Law people.

- Dawn G., Watertown, US

problem #15

Nov 172017

Santa Fe 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,160 miles

The engine in my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe failed - it is the 2.4L engine that has failed in millions of Hyundai cars, all different models and years. There have also been Kia recalls for this engine. My year/model has not YET been recalled although Hyundai is being investigated by the NHTSA for failing to acknowledge this deadly problem. They absolutely refuse (3 times) to own up to this issue and replace the engine.

Their ridiculous reasons are:

1. Out of Warranty - this makes absolutely no sense. The engine is defective, it does not matter how long it took to have a failure because of their known manufacturing problem. If this was a part that wore out after the warranty ended I could see how it they would be able to deny a repair. But this is their manufacturing screw up and they must be held accountable.

2. I purchased the car from a Honda dealer -Also a completely ridiculous excuse. It doesn't matter where or when I purchased the car - they sold deadly engines. These engines seize and can make your car stop at any time - on the freeway going 70 - any time. The service adviser told me I should not even drive it next door because the engine may seize and a rod could be ejected out of the car injuring someone. How are they allowing any of these on the road right now??

3. Not on the recall list - Again that is their issue not mine. They are avoiding replacing all the engines that should be replaced. That is a company with no integrity, moral compass or ethics, and that includes every single person who works for them and denies requests to fix their problems: the corporate customer service, the engineers who deny the request, the dealerships that say there is nothing they can do, the repair people who allow cars with this problem to leave their shop.. Guaranteed none of their family members are driving Hyundai's with 2.4L engines. It's just that old risk assessment thing - they can handle a certain number of deaths and injuries and lawsuits - compared to doing the right thing and incurring the costs associated with making a safe vehicle.

I am planning to join a class action lawsuit or sue on my own, or do whatever it takes to get Hyundai to step up. I am not going away, and I am in contact with many others who have this same issue of Hyundai refusing to replace their deadly engines.We are joining forces to make Hyundai accountable.

- tmalba@aol.com, Sonoma, CA, United States

problem #14

Nov 172017

Santa Fe

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

Car likely has bad bearings with a horrible knocking sound. Hyundai dealer recommends replacing the engine. No way is this a problem of maintenance and driving. I see others have had this problem. What can we do to have Hyundai provide a new engine?

- atalba, Sonoma, US

problem #13

Jul 172017

Santa Fe GLS 2.4L I4 175hp 169ft. Lbs

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,432 miles

Same problem and I am being treated the same. I was informed by Hyundai of Cary, NC that my vehicle was not covered in the same aspects as they told you, your vehicle was not covered. I opted to have the engine replaced at $4400.00 last week but yesterday (08/14/2017), I told them I need a loaner and Matt told me he would contact Transportation Services and get back with me. I was called this morning and told that the engine they had obtained did not meet the specifications to be installed in my vehicle and he felt that they would not be able to obtain a low mileage engine to be installed in the car but the cost would go up to $7000.00. I asked him about the other 4 Sante Fe vehicles, he had informed me that was there for engine failure, also, .....he informed be that they had warranties or extended warranties. He told me they could rebuild the engine, put a high mileage used engine in it but it would not be guaranteed...and the last come pick it up. "Maybe I should not had asked for the loaner!!!!!" I am the second owner of the vehicle but a recall on that engine is a recall on the engine and not the car whether the engine is in a Sonata or Sante Fe. I know I am on my own now to find a engine, a shop to do the work and pay for alternate transportation if I am successful. Just want you to know, Michael, that it has happened to me with the same speech given to me.. "They must be practicing that speech to say to customers in the staff meetings." The above was my response to a member on site but continuing on>>>>I found an engine and now the service rep: Matt cannot give me a price to install it and he is saying it might not fit. WTF, back to American-made cars. Never have I encountered such with any of my vehicles in my life. ARGGGGGH

Update from Aug 19, 2017: UPDATE: On July 17, 2017, AAA Car Care rep. informed me that the problem seemed to be in the engine and sounded like a piston and Hyundai had recalled the engine in that was in my car. He told me he could locate an engine for the car but I could get Hyundai advice. The Hyundai dealership located in Fayetteville, NC was directly across the street from the AAA Car Care Center; so I went over there. They informed me of the same information but for a recalled engine it had to be sent to a Hyundai dealership. I live closer to Cary, NC, so I had my car towed by AAA to Johnson Hyundai on the next day after contacting the Johnson Hyundai dealership. My service consultant was Matthew (Matt) Browning. Matt informed me via phone that my car was #5 on the list for engine failure and they would be getting to it as soon as possible. Matt informed me that the process involved them removing the engines and sending them back to the place that the engines was made and that their had been problems with metal left when the pistons? shaft was made. On their site it was scheduled for service on the 08/09//2017. I went to Johnson Hyundai on 08/09/2017 and Matt informed me again that I was #5. August 11, 2017, Matt called me and informed me that my car was not warranted and did not meet the recall requirements because it had thrown a rod and had nothing to do with the piston which by my knowledge could be the same. He told me he had an engine for the car but it would cost me $4400.00 for them to repair my car and I gave him the OKAY. On August 14, 2017; I called and asked him could I get a loaner and he told me he will send the request to Transportation Services and get back with me. On August 15, Matt called me and informed me that the engine did not work out and the cost would be $7000 to $8000 because their only choice would be to rebuild my engine. I told him to let me find my own engine and I would get back with him. I found an engine online at SWEngines.com and called Matt to let him know about it. Matt wanted the VIN number; even though, SWEngines has a 5 year/50,000 mile warranty. I asked Matt; also; how much would it cost me for them to install an engine that I purchases myself and he could not give me a price. He told me he had to physically see the engine, first. I felt Matt was giving me the runaround and found another company to install the engine. On Thursday, I went to Johnson Hyundai of Cary to get my vehicle towed to the other company which the tow was not covered so I had to pay $300. Matt told me that rebuilding my engine in comparison to replacing it would be the better option and would be better for me. Matt; also, informed me that the other 4 vehicles with engine failure had warranties or extended warranties. The tower had to go to another lot to retrieve my vehicle and I noticed that they had not did anything to it and makes me believe they drove it with the noise rattling in the engine to the other lot.

Update from Sep 14, 2017: Their slogans: Hope makes every Hyundai better, A thoughtful kid of car company, doing good things, together. Well, I was hoping that it was better but it has turned into a horror story for me since July 2017. I have been praying and being hopeful that I could get my Sante Fe's 2.4L engine replaced because of engine failure especially with Hyundai’s Assurance’s pledge to exceptional customer service and owner satisfaction. Hyundai’s vehicles advertises that they have America’s best warranty. Hyundai made a promise to humanity for the creation of a prosperous future and by them not standing behind my Sante Fe which is their product is not very prosperous to me and I am part of humanity. I; even, contacted Hyun Jeong-Eun; Hyundai CEO and Chairwoman of Hyundai Group. She forwarded me to Hyundai Motor America.

My horrible ordeal began on July 18, 2017 on my way to my appointment at the Fayetteville Veterans Hospital While driving I started hearing a rattling sound that got louder when I pressed the gas pedal. I parked my car as soon as possible which was at the WalMart parking lot and called AAA. The AAA technician made me aware that there was a recall on the engine that was in my vehicle but it had to be checked by a Hyundai technician. The AAA technician; also, offered their services to replace and install the engine but the best warranty was only for 12 months. I decided to have the vehicle towed from AAA of Fayetteville to Johnson Hyundai of Cary, NC which was closer to my residence. There was a Hyundai dealer across the street from AAA, though. It sat in Johnson Hyundai dealer lot for almost month because as M. Browning informed me: I was fifth on the list for engine failure. About August 9, 2017, M. Browning called to inform me I was the second owner and the 10 year warranty did not transfer to second owners and the recall was for the Sonato not the Sante Fe, and he could replace the engine for $4000.00 I told him to go ahead and replace the engine. My vehicle just turned 5 years old and the year is not over yet. I called Johnson Hyundai that I needed courtesy transportation about August 11, 2017transportation to make it to my medical appointments. M. Browning called me about August 16, 2017 and told me that the engine he had for $4000 was not available and they could rebuild the engine for $8000. I told M. Browning I could not afford that and I would have to take my vehicle somewhere else I called AAA Car Care Center and was quoted a engine installation charge of $1500.00. AAA said my towing was not covered for that type of event so I had to pay AAA $300 to tow it back to AAA Fayetteville on August 21, 2017. I found an engine on the SWEngines.com site and had it shipped to AAA Car Care Center in Fayetteville, NC. It took about two weeks for AAA CCC to receive the engine. AAA Car Car Center called me on September 14, 2017 and informed me the engine was installed but the engine’s internal oil pump will not hold pressure. ("Hyundai hoping to be better.") (I am having an emotional breakdown.} Back and forth, back and forth calling AAA CCC and SWEngines. SWEngines informed me they are sending another engine, finally, hope that one is good Hopefully. AAA cost was $1500 and; now, AAA cost has gone to $1921 and might have to pay storage fees waiting on another engine to come in. ……………………and the horrible ordeal continues because Hyundai “hope makes every Hyundai better”. I will be talking to God about this on a continuous basis.

Wouldn't it be great if "hope made every Hyundai better" because I would not be having these problems. Wouldn't it be better if Hyundai just made their cars better "mechanically, functionally, and reliability". Could they just stand behind their products? My 2012 Sante Fe has the same problem as the engines as the Sonato that was recalled and they will not replaced it free. Why, you ask? Hyundai is "hoping" that you will not know about their unreliable 2.4L is the same engine. They are putting the bad engines in other cars because they do recalls on the car not the parts it is made of. The trick around the recall.

- Helen M., Angier, US

problem #12

May 272017

Santa Fe Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

My wife and I purchased a previously owned 2012 Hyundai Santa fe with 54k miles on it. According to the Carfax the vehicle had been taken care of and well maintained for the most part by Hyundai Dealerships. On the 2-week mark of owning this piece of crap the engine blew. While on the Interstate and with NO warning whatsoever the engine started making a loud banging noise then shut down leaving us stranded on the side of the highway.

The car was towed to my local Hyundai Dealership for diagnosis. They determined the engine was destroyed and metal fragments were found in the oil pan. The Service Manager then informed me that the 10-year 100k mile powertrain warranty that Hyundai is known for is only valid for the original owner of the vehicle. And the subsequent owner warranty is only given a 5-year 60k mile warranty. So my miles were within warranty, but conveniently for Hyundai the 5 year mark was over 4 months before I took ownership of the vehicle. So, after one month of owning this oversized piece of crap Hyundai, and two weeks since the engine blew up I am in a battle with Hyundai to stand behind their piece of crap Santa fe.

Now here's the kicker: After much frustration going back and forth with Hyundai Customer Care (a joke all in itself) and my local Service Manager I decided to do some research to see if anyone else has had a similar issue. LOW AND BEHOLD, on the very day my engine blew Hyundai was forced to issue a recall on over a HALF MILLION Hyundai Santa fe and Sonata vehicles for possible engine failure due to a faulty engine manufacturing process that leaves metal fragments in the engine that will cause the engine to prematurely wear out. And of course, conveniently Hyundai says my engine is not part of that recall so they are doing NOTHING for me. any IDIOT can see that this is related.

Engines today that are well maintained do NOT blow at 54k miles. The service manager as well as Hyundai need to stand behind their vehicle and make this right. DO NOT BUY HYUNDAI FOR YOUR OWN PIECE OF MIND!

- Michael M., Coraopolis, PA, US

problem #11

May 032017

Santa Fe

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,888 miles

This is like the 5th or 6th time this has occurred. I come out, and my engine is dead. The alarm and horn won't work, and my stations have all been erased. The engine won't start initially. Most of the time, I can coax it to turn on. The engine sounds like it is going to die when I slow down to turn though. I've had it towed to the dealership once when it refused to start after a half hour. They acted surprised when I said there were engine/electrical issues with my car. I barely drive. I work 5 miles from my home and average less than 3000 miles per year. My last car lasted me 14 years. This is unacceptable!

- Aine S., Los Angeles, CA, US

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