2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
348
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
171 complaints
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.
Nov 21, 2025
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'.
Aug 11, 2025
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.
Jul 22, 2025
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)
Mar 17, 2025
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.
Jan 08, 2025
+ 166 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
19 complaints
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. STEPPED ON GAS TO MOVE AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND IT JUST TOOK OFF. HAD TO USE BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR. GOING ABOUT 1 MPH AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND WOULDN'T STOP. NEARLY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. MAY BE COMPUTER OR THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR. AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN LATER. SAME DAY. GOING STRAIGHT, UP A HILL ABOUT 2MPH AND ONCE AGAIN THE ENGINE SPED UP AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP.
Aug 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAPITOL HYUNDAI (1050 CAPITOL EXPRESSWAY AUTO MALL, SAN JOSE, CA 95136, (408)-340-7321), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,429. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 25, 2018
ACCELERATING AWAY FROM STOP LIGHT, ACCELERATOR PEDAL DETACHED FROM FIREWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS 15-20 FT. INTO A FIVE LANE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE IDLED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION SAFELY INTO A PARKING LOT. FORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED AT 0610 ON 26 JUNE 2016 WHEN TRAFFIC WAS LITE.
Jun 27, 2016
FEBRUARY 20,2015 ABOUT 7:30 IN THE EVENING AS I WAS GOING UP A GRADE TOWARDS A RED LIGHT , MY CAR SURGED FORWARD WHEN I WAS BRAKING. I APPLIED MORE PRESSURE BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL I THREW IT INTO PARK AND HAD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I CALLED 911 TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT. THE CAR IN FRONT HAD SOME GATE CRACK. MY CAR HAD CRACKED PLASTIC UNDER THE BUMPER AND MARKS ON THE PLASTIC PART OF THE BUMPER. *TR
Feb 21, 2015
SUBMISSION FROM CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DEFECTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE BEHAVED AS IF, IT WERE IN NEUTRAL, ALTHOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FIND A DEALER, WHERE THEY APPLIED AN APPROVED UPDATE TO THE COMPUTER BOARD. THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS DESIGNED FOR THE NEXT 500 MILES. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED FOUR SIMILAR FAILURES, WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE DRIVEN 1,000 MILES, WITH NO PROBLEM.
Aug 04, 2014
+ 14 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaints
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)
Jan 21, 2025
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.
Oct 04, 2024
I bought the car used and initially didn't have any issues with it. About a year into having the vehicle I saw that the battery light came on momentarily and then went off. Not noticing anything different with car I thought it was no issue initially. Got the car checked battery checked out after I noticed it happen a few more times but the battery passed testing. Eventually the right headlight stopped working. Thinking it was just an issue with the light I attempted to replace it but the light never came back on. Then the left turn signal stopped working. Got the car checked out and was told that the issue was more than likely an issue with the wiring, either a short or potentially burned wire. Took the car to my local dealer and was told the the headlight assembly was the issue and that it would about 1400 to 1500 dollars to replace. Told the dealer what I was told about the wiring issue and was told that I would have to pay for that and the headlight assembly if replacing the headlight assembly didn't fix the issue Managed to get the headlight assembly replaced on my own and the issue still persists. After initially changing the assembly the headlights worked, but on of the running lights wasn't as bright as it should have been. Here recently the right headlight is out again, along with the left taillight and left turn signal.
Jan 19, 2023
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ALL THE GAGES STARTED TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE RADIO STARTED TO COME ON AND OFF AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IT JUST STOPPED. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING.
Aug 31, 2019
CAME HOME 8 PM. SON CAME HOME SHORTLY AFTER 10 PM. JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT MY CAR ALARM STARTED GOING OFF (CAR LOCKED AND PARKED IN DRIVEWAY), I GOT OUT OF BED LOOKED THROUGH BLINDS AND SAW MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO KITCHEN GRABBED FIRE EXTINGUISHER ATTEMPTED TO PUT OUT FIRE AND CALLED 911. FIRE DEPT DETERMINED FIRE STARTED INSIDE CAR AT WIRING AREA.
Mar 27, 2019
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
10 complaints
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.
May 27, 2025
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.
May 20, 2024
coincidentally after 11-months after a software update for that knock sensor now I do have a problem with that knock sensor by having to be replaced. Total cost of repair: $643.90 (Vehicle broke down, my SUV went into limp mode meaning loss of power/acceleration, I needed a tow. The engine malfunction indicator light in the dashboard was blinking on & off.)
Dec 04, 2023
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD. THIS COULD BE DONE AS I AM ACCELERATING, AS I AM BREAKING, OR AS I AM COASTING. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL THEN ALL COME ON INCLUDING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WILL START TO SHAKE AND UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. FORCING YOU TO PULL OFF AND PARK THE VEHICLE. WHEN YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT'S LIKE NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAS INSTANCES WHERE THE RPM GAGE REGISTERS ZERO, EVEN AFTER YOU ARE ACCELERATING. WE HAVE HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED, THE FUEL SYSTEM LINE CLEANED OUT, WE STARTED NOTICING THE PROBLEM IN FEBRUARY IS 2020 AND THE FREQUENCY OF THE PROBLEM HAS ONLY INCREASED. THIS NOW HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 3-4 DAYS. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN THIS CAR WITH THEM. I BELIEVE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE A PART OF THE RECALL NUMBER 20V746000, OR FROM HYAUNDAI'S RECALL NUMBER 198.
Jan 06, 2021
THE VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING IN THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING AND IS UNABLE BE RESTARTED. ATTEMPTS TO CHARGE THE BATTERY FAIL. WHEN TAKEN TO BE EVALUATED BY THE BRAND DEALERSHIP, THEY ONLY CHANGE THE BATTERY AND SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN FIXED. WITHIN 3-4 WEEKS, IT WILL SHUT DOWN IN THE ROAD AGAIN. THIS HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES, AND EACH TIME, I TAKE TO BE SERVICED AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILING ISSUE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO CORPORATE, AND HAVE QUICKLY DISMISSED MY CASE. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2016 CONCERNING THE EXACT ISSUES I AM EXPERIENCING WITH THE VEHICLE. I WOULD THINK WITH THIS TYPE OF DOCUMENTED LIABILITY, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THE VEHICLES OR A WARNING NOTICE DEALERSHIPS WERE REQUIRED TO PRESENT WITH THE SALE. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE TRADING THE CAR IN AS THE ISSUE WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER CONSUMER.
Mar 31, 2020
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
10 complaints
When my daughter returned home from college this summer I took her Santa Fe to a local shop for an oil change and other preventive maintenance. During the vehicle safety inspection, the mechanic noted the subframe and front suspension components were failing due to excessive corrosion and the Santa Fe was not safe to drive. My question is about the effectiveness of Campaign 947 - Underbody Corrosion Prevention Service. The countermeasure to the Hyundai subframe rusting issue appears to have not been an effective action to prevent the subframe's failure. The Corrosion Preventive Service was completed on our Santa Fe on Feb 13, 2018. Given the amount of corrosion on our Santa Fe, the Service Campaign was not effective, and the subframe failed due to corrosion. Both the independent shop and the Hyundai dealer indicated that the failed subframe would eventually lead to a catastrophic failure and possible loss of control of the vehicle. Given my daughter drives the Santa Fe from home to school on I70 I am glad the failure was identified early so the car could be repaired and prevent an accident.
Jul 28, 2023
Front coil spring rotted and broke while driving vehicle. 2007-2011 vehicles had recall for this but the 2012 did not. Broke after 115K miles which is not excessive.
Jun 01, 2022
BROKEN RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING FOIUND DURING ROUTINE AUOT INSPECTION BY SERVICE MECHANIC
Mar 03, 2021
I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A RURAL STREET AND HEARD A LONG CLANKING SOUND AND THEN STARTING TO SMELL RUBBER. I DROVE ABOUT 1.5 MILES LIKE THIS AND WHEN I GOT HOME, THE STRUT/COIL SPRING ON THE RIGHT FRONT WAS BROKEN OFF AND SCRAPING MY TIRE ON THE INSIDE. HAD I BEEN ON THE BELTWAY, MY TIRE COULD HAVE BLOWN AND A MAJOR ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. HYUNDIA REFUSES TO COVER EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE RECALLS FOR OTHER MODELS/YEARS. I NO LONGER TRUST THIS CAR.
May 01, 2020
AFTER HEARING A METAL RUBBING SOUND WHEN TURNING RIGHT, TOOK THE 2012 SANTA FE INTO THE SHOP. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT RUINED WAS RUINED, THE PLATE IT WAS ATTACHED TO WAS BROKEN, AND BOTH FRONT COILS RUSTED AND BROKEN AT THE SAME SPOT. THIS SEEMS LIKE A MAJOR DEFECT FOR BOTH COILS TO BE BROKEN AT THE SAME SPOT. THIS GREATLY JEOPARDIZED ME, MY WIFE AND THE THREE CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT.
Jul 18, 2019
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
8 complaints
Brake lights keep failing. Have replaced wiring harness, bulbs and brake switch twice now. Super unsafe to not have brake lights on your vehical
Jul 01, 2023
ADD MY REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES FILLING WITH WATER AND CONDENSATION TO THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS. BACK UP AND BRAKE LIGHT BULBS MUST BE REPLACED AFTER ANY HEAVY RAIN EVENT.
Apr 14, 2019
DRIVER TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS COLLECTING CONDENSATION IN IT, CAUSING TAIL LIGHT BULBS TO CRACK AND BLOW OUT. SEVERAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS SHOW FIXES, SO THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE.
Jan 07, 2018
DRIVER TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS COLLECTING CONDENSATION IN IT.
Nov 15, 2017
A SAFETY ACCIDENT HAS NOT HAPPEN WITH MY VEHICLE BUT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING SOMEWHERE AT NIGHT SINCE MY FRONT DOME LIGHTS HAVE QUIT WORKING WHEN I OPEN MY DOOR. I DON'T HAVE ANY WARRANTY BECAUSE Y'ALL TOOK AWAY THE GOOD WARRANTY SINCE THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY MY MOTHER'S.PLEASE RECALL
Jul 28, 2017
+ 3 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaints
Vehicle would not go in park only drive and neutral.
May 23, 2023
Car went into limp mode. Would not go over 60mph, accelerates slowly, and rpm is low. Does not shift properly and is throwing code P1326.
Feb 19, 2022
Exiting a parking lot on a slight decline coming to a stop between 0-7 mph without any warning the engine just stops. It starts right back up and have taken to a few different mechanics and they can't find any problems.This has happened 3 times within a two week period. I am just over 100,000 miles on the car. I'm thankful this has not caused and accident yet but scared that it will.
Jun 28, 2021
WATER KEEP GETTING INTO MY REAR LIGHT CASING. I HAD THEM REPLACED ONCE BUT THERE IS WATER IN THEM AGAIN AND I UNDERSTAND THIS MIGHT SHORT OUT MY REAR LIGHTS. WE ARE GETTI G A LOT OF RAIN THIS SEASON
Jun 07, 2019
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN ,I CURRENTLY OWN SANTA FE THE PROBLEM IS HYUNDAI IS NOT RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM WITH THE VECHICLE I EXPIAIN TO THE SERVICE DPT,I ABSORB A JERK LOSES ACCELERATION POWER NEXT ESCINDICATOR DBC LIGHTS COMES ON TACHOMETER GOES 0.THE VECHICLE IS STILL IN MOTION .I TURN THE IGNITIONOFF RESTART THE VECHICLE THEVECHICLE RETURN BACK IN NORMAL STATE SERVICE REPLIED I HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SERVICE LIGHTS.IAM AWARE THAT SANTAFE FIRES BEGINS IN THE ENG ALSO IN THE REAR.HYUNDAI DONT HAVE AN ANSWER THEY WANT ME TO DRIVE IN DANGER.I DONT NEED A TRAGEDY.PLEASE HELP [XXX] THX YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Apr 24, 2019
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
7 complaints
BOTH CV AXLE BOOTS TORN DUE TO FAILED LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
Sep 10, 2020
CAR WITH LESS THAN 39,000 MILES AND PROPER OIL CHECKS AND CHANGES: OIL LEAKING FROM THE OIL PRESSURE SENSING UNIT. PER AUTO BODY SHOP- MULTIPLE HOURS OF LABOR FOR FIX WITH HEFTY COST. HOW IS IT THAT A COMPONENT TO THE POWERTRAIN WITH THIS LOW OF MILEAGE IS BREAKING DOWN?
Sep 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR ON ITS OWN AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS STILL UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. POHANKA HYUNDAI (1770 RITCHIE STATION COURT, CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20743, (240) 788-4240) DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER INITIALLY FOUND CODES RELATED TO THE ABS SPEED SENSOR AND STATED THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THE ABS MODULAR WAS ACTIVATING ON ITS OWN, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $2,900 AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THEY OFFERED TO COVER A PART OF THE LABOR COSTS. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH AND TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER ALL THE REPAIRS AND CONCLUDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE CONTACT'S MOTHER PASSED AWAY; THEREFORE, THE ORIGINAL POWER TRAIN WARRANTY WAS VOIDED. THE MANUFACTURER CALLED THE DEALER AND OFFERED TO CONTRIBUTE $630 TOWARDS THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Mar 20, 2019
SINCE PURCHASE (NEW), THE VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENTLY EXHIBITED A ISSUE WITH ITS TRANSMISSION. WHEN COLD (ORIGINALLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS BUT NOW IN THE WARMER MONTHS AS WELL), BACKING THE CAR UP AND PLACING IT IN DRIVE CAUSES A 'HARD DROP OR LOCK INTO FORWARD GEAR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED MOVING. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER AND INSPECTION OF THE COMPUTER MEMORY SHOWS NO ISSUES. THE PROBLEM IS INCREASING INFREQUENCY AND REGULARITY.
Jun 27, 2016
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND THEN STOPPED ON ITS OWN, I PRESSED THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENED, I THEN SHIFTED TO FORWARD AND THE TRANSMISSION SLAMMED INTO GEAR VIOLENTLY, BUT APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. I DID NOTICE AFTERWARD THAT THE "ECO" INDICATOR DID NOT WORK WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. I LATER STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY AND THE "ECO" LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I PREVIOUSLY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN STOPPED AND THE DEALER HAS NOT FOUND ANY PROBLEMS OR MADE ANY REPAIRS. *JS
Jul 08, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
6 complaints
MY 2012 HYUNDI SANTA FE STALLED ON ME AS I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT 3 WEEKS AGO.. LAST WEEK MY CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON MY DASHBOARD. I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE PROBLEM WAS A REAR CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING SEAL. HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE REGARDING HYUNDAI ENGINE PROBLEMS AS WELL AS WITH THE KIA BRAND. I LEARNED THAT THERE WILL BE A RECALL FOR MY CAR BUT IT WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL 1/22/21. MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED WITH THIS RECALL, YET I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I NEED HYUNDAI TO AD MY VIN NUMBER TO THIS RECALL LIST.
Dec 11, 2020
OUR 2012 HYUNDAI SANTE FE HAS SUDDENLY LOST POWER ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TWO TIMES WE WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, LOST POWER AND MANAGED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. THE DEALER INITIALLY DID AN ECM UPGRADE AND AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. A YEAR LATER (MARCH 2014) THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH. UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS EPISODES, THERE WAS NO CODE AND THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR BUT I REFUSED BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH A SAFETY PROBLEM. AFTER TWO WEEKS WITH THE CAR THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY AGAIN. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND TRIED TO WORK WITH THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE CAR BUT WITHOUT LUCK. I'VE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR AND CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL. MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SCENARIO AS I DID AND ALSO BELIEVE THE NEXT TIME THEY COULD BE KILLED. *TR
Apr 08, 2014
THE VEHICLE SHUT ITSELF OFF WHEN DRIVING LOCALLY AND ON HIGH WAY. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT EVEN MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. HYUNDAI HEADQUARTERS REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE IT. *TR
Mar 24, 2014
I WAS ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP THAT GOES DOWNHILL AND INVOLVES A CURVE TO THE RIGHT. ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN THE ON RAMP MY ENGINE STALLED. I HAD TO TURN MY WHEEL AS FAR RIGHT AS I COULD TO AVOID GOING OFF EMBANKMENT AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE TO TRY TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE EDGE OF THE EMBANKMENT OR ATTAIN A SAFE SPEED TO MERGE ONTO FREEWAY. MY OIL LIGHT AND MALFUNCTION LIGHT BOTH CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN CAR OFF. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE OFF AND CAR DROVE FINE. I WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT SOFTWARE FIX FOR THIS THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE THROTTLE. *TR
Jan 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER AND DID NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE SHUT OFF FOR THE VEHICLE TO REGAIN ACCELERATION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS UPDATED. LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS AGAIN REPLACED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS OF MORE TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS 9,805 ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES, AND EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 02/27/13
Feb 06, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
6 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET, I SLOWLY TURNED A CORNER AND SUDDENLY LOST MY POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AND THE ENGINE STALLED OUT. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, SAT BRIEFLY BLOCKING THE HEAVY TRAFFIC, AFTER BEING SLIGHTLY SHAKEN IN THE INCIDENT, STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND PROCEEDED TO PARK AND GET LUNCH. AFTER LUNCH, THE CAR STARTED UP OK, I GOT ON THE ROAD AND SHORTLY AFTER, I NOTICED THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON SO I IMMEDIATELY LIMPED INTO A NEARBY CAR REPAIR PLACE . THEY DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS VERY HEAVY SLUDGE CLOGGING THE OIL FILTER, EVEN THOUGH WE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD ANY ENGINE INDICATORS EVER COME ON BEFORE. THEY CLEANED OUT THE SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND REPLACED THE FILTER AND PUMP. NOW THAT I AM READING ABOUT EVERYONE'S ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH OIL NOT GETTING INTO THE ENGINE, AND AFTER HEARING ON TV ABOUT HYUNDAI REFUSING TO RECALL MY PARTICULAR CAR, I AM VERY AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT, SINCE RECENTLY I HAVE EXPERIENCED TWICE A CERTAIN SLUGGISHNESS/DRAGGING WITH A SLIGHT KNOCKING FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I NOTICED THIS EFFECT TWICE AFTER HAVING DRIVEN THE CAR AT SPEEDS OF 60-70 MPH FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. EACH INSTANCE, I SLOWED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CHECKED TO SEE IF I COULD SEE ANYTHING OBVIOUS, WHICH I DIDN'T, STARTED UP AGAIN ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE WEIRD DRAGGING AND SHIMMY CONTINUED, SO I DROVE AT OR UNDER 50 MPH UNTIL IT SLOWLY DISSIPATED AND WENT BACK TO WHAT FELT NORMAL. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2012, WE BOUGHT IT SECOND-HAND FROM ENTERPRISE CAR SALES. I RELY HEAVILY ON THIS VEHICLE TO DRIVE 2 1/2 HOURS EACH WAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO CARE FOR MY ELDERLY MOM'S NEEDS IN BALTIMORE. I DON'T WANT TO DIE ON THE HIGHWAY BEFORE MY MOM DIES IN THE NURSING HOME!
Feb 28, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE WOULD DECELERATOR THEN CUT OUT. I CAN BE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING SPEED LIMITS OF 70 OR ON A SIDE STREET GOING 30 OR UNDER. IT EVEN HAPPENED WHEN I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND DROVE DOWN MY STREET (4 HOUSES DOWN) AND GOT TO MY CUL-DE-SAC AND ALL POWER SHUT DOWN. NEIGHBOR HAD TO STOP TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE I WAS ROLLING AND COULD NOT STOP. ALL POWER TO STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES WOULD BE NON OPERATIONAL. I HAVE TO MANUALLY PULL THE WHEEL TO ONE SIDE TO AVOID TRAFFIC, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, OR FROM BEING HIT BY HEAD ON TRAFFIC. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 AND THE MOST RECENT WAS JANUARY 18TH ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. IT HAS HAPPENED TO US OVER A DOZEN TIMES AND FOUND BLOGS THAT STATE THAT HYUNDAI DENIES THAT THIS IS HAPPENING.
Jan 30, 2019
WE HAVE HAD 3 SEPARATE INSTANCES WHEN OUR SUV STALLED AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHEN PROCEEDING TO DRIVE ONCE A STOP SIGNAL CHANGED. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRED YESTERDAY WHEN WE MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO US 101 FROM STEINER STREET IN SF. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THE CAR RESTARTED ONCE I GOT IT BACK INTO PARK. IT WAS A HARROWING EXPERIENCE ON THIS BUSY STREET
May 29, 2017
MY FAMILY HAS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WE STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING IN 2013. THE CAR STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES ON CITY STREETS AND ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE CAR STALLS, THE DRIVER LOSES POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER THE THIRD TIME THE CAR STALLED WE TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE IN APRIL OF 2013 TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THE TECHNICIAN RAN A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR AT THAT TIME AND INSISTED ON MORE TESTING. THEY DID FIND A PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED/REPAIRED THE ETC-ACTUATOR AND GASKET-THROTTLE BODY. THE CAR RAN FINE UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN IT STARTED THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. IT HAS STALLED FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. THE LATEST STALL HAPPENED TODAY WHEN MY GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT AROUND 30 MPH. IT ALSO STALLED LAST NIGHT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT HOME AT ABOUT 25 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I TURNED THE KEY AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP AGAIN. WHEN IT STALLED ON ME, I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS 9:48PM AND THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR WAS 72,917. IT WAS VERY SCARY. WE ARE TAKING CAR TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TODAY FOR REPAIRS. WE DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE. IT IS UNSAFE AND A HAZARD. *TR
Jun 16, 2014
THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT. THE FIRST WAS IN SEPTEMBER 2013. BOTH TIMES I WAS TRAVELING AT 15 MPH WHEN THE CAR ENGINE STALLED AND I LOST STEERING POWER AND BRAKING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD AND PUT CAR IN PARK IT THEN RESTARTED. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BOTH TIMES. I CALL HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALER WHICH IS OVER 60 MILES FROM ME. THEY ARE NOT SURE IF I WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR TOWING FEES THIS FAR. *TR
May 26, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaints
"TAKATA RECALL" MY ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF AS WELL AS THE DOWNHILL LIGHT MOVING AND STATIONARY. THE MECHANIC SAID IT IS A SENSOR IN THE LEFT REAR HUB THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Nov 04, 2018
AFTER PERFORMING A BRAKE INSPECTION I NOTICE DEEP GROOVES WITHIN THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS. THIS IS NOT ONLY PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR BUT THIS IS DUE TO THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS LOCKING UP. *TR
May 29, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING ON STATE PARK ROAD GREENVILLE SC, A MAIL TRUCK WAS STOPPED IN ROAD. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I SWERVED OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING THE TRUCK. I SIDE SWIPED SEVERAL TREES CAUSING APPROX. $5000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE. *TR
Mar 19, 2014
I WAS STOPPED IN A LEFT TURN LANE AND I BELIEVE I WAS THE 8TH OR 9TH VEHICLE IN LINE. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR! I TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AS FAR AS I COULD, BUT I TAPPED THE BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, AND VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THAT MY BRAKES HAD FAILED AND HAD CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY NOT THE BRAKES, BUT THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (CARL GREGORY HYUNDAI, AT NORTHLAKE, COLUMBUS, GA) THIS MORNING I CALLED TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE FOR 200 MILES AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. I HAD ALREADY TOLD THEM THAT I WAS STOPPED IN A TURN LANE WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED!! I WAS TOLD THAT THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE TOLD THEM TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER. *TR
Nov 26, 2012
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. *TR
Sep 24, 2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
5 complaints
WE EXPERIENCE A FEELING OF LOSS OF POWER AND ALMOST STALLS WHILE TRYING TO MAKE LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURNS FROM A COMPLETE STOP. IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE WE PURCHASED CAR IN 2012 BUT SO INTERMEDIATELY THAT WE WOULD JUST TRY AND EXPLAIN IT AWAY (WE CAME UP WITH OH - WE ARE TRAVELING IN THE MOUNTAINS, GOT BAD GAS, WEATHER HOT, WEATHER COLD, MAYBE I IMAGINED IT) BUT WHEN I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE SIDE TOOK IT IN TO DEALER AGAIN. THEY HAVE HAD IT 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME TROUBLE AND UNTIL THE LAST VISIT COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT - DEALER IN JUNE 2014 KEPT CAR MANY DAYS AND THEN I RECEIVED A CALL FROM SERVICE MANAGER WHO ASKED IF I BRAKED LEFT FOOTED - WELL YES I DO AS MY HUSBAND DOES. HE SAID THEY COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ONLY WHEN THEY LEFT FOOTED BRAKED AND THEIR SOLUTION WAS TO NOT DO THAT. I ASKED SOME MORE QUESTIONS, BASICALLY WHY THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE SINCE WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE IT. HE SAID SINCE THE TOYOTA PROBLEMS THE SENSORS IN CARS ARE MORE SENSITIVE? I TOLD HIM THERE ARE OVER 80 COMPLAINTS WITH THE ODI FOR SAME PROBLEM IN 2012 SANTA FE - HE SAID OH THAT IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM - I READ ALL OF THEM - TROUBLE SOUNDS THE SAME TO ME. WE RESEARCHED THIS CAR BEFORE BUYING - NOTHING IN THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS, PAPERWORK OR ON THE NET SAID LEFT FOOTED BRAKING WILL CAUSE YOUR CAR TO STALL - WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT HOWEVER, I AM NOT EVEN POSITIVE THAT IS THE PROBLEM. I DID ALSO OPEN A COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI - THEY DENIED A CLAIM OF A LEMON CAR AND SAID TO JUST TO STOP BRAKING LEFT FOOTED. THE LETTER SAID THEY DROVE IT 200 MILES WITH NO DUPLICATION OF TROUBLE WHICH IS NOT WHAT THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME - THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. WE NOW HAVE A CAR I WILL NOT DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS AND WHO WOULD BUY IT SINCE WE WOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE THIS HESITATION PROBLEM. JUST REC. LETTER FROM LAWYER ASKING US TO CALL HIM - HAVE NOT YET. *TR
Aug 07, 2014
MY 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAS LOST POWER TWICE WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS ON APRIL 11, 2013. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON MARCH 1, 2014. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON A ROADWAY, THE SECOND TIME WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I HAVE READ OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCES ON THE INTERNET. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE OF BOTH INCIDENTS. HYUNDAI HAS ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN REALLY DO UNLESS THEY ARE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. *TR
Mar 04, 2014
MY CAR DOES NOT EVER STOP WHEN I TRY TO STOP. I CAN BE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE AND THE CAR WILL ROLL OUT IN THE MAIN ROAD AND WILL NOT GO IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THEN ALL AT ONCE IT WILL TAKE OFF AT A FAST SPEED AND I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT MANY TIMES BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY CANT FIND THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. MY CAR HAS 28,000 MILES ON IT NOW, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN NOW. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY TO DRIVE. I NEED YOUR HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 04, 2014
VEHICLE PICKED UP AFTER INSPECTION AT DEALER AND DRIVEN APPROX. 1 MILE WHEN VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, MILLER HYUNDAI, AND THEY ADVISED NOTHING WRONG. THEN ON 11/11/13 SAME THING OCCURRED. MILLER HYUNDAI ADVISED THEY COMPLETED AN ECM UPGRADE. LEFT DEALER LOT AND DROVE APPROX. 1/2 MILE AND SAME THING OCCURRED. MILLER HYUNDAI THEN REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ON 11/14/13. ON 12/19/13 THE SAME THING OCCURRED, SUDDEN LOST OF POWER. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME IN 8 MONTHS THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. *TR
Dec 19, 2013
1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE RPMS DROPPED TO IDLE AND THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND TO INCREASE SPEED OR RPMS. I ROLLED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I RE-STARTED IT, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS STILL ON BUT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD AND TO THE DEALER. SAME THING HAPPENED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES ON MY WAY TO THE DEALER. DEALER ADVISED THAT A COMPUTER UPDATE WAS NEEDED. I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR WAS MADE. NEXT MORNING I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AND THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED, EXCEPT THIS TIME I WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH. RE-STARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK TO THE DEALER. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BODY IS BEING REPLACED AS PER INSTRUCTIONS FROM HYUNDAI AND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THIS REPEAT PROBLEM. *TR
Sep 13, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
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.
Sep 30, 2025
WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. EXITED AND SLOWED TO ABOUT 35 MPH, AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. ENGINE STARTED RIGHT BACK UP AND RAN OK REST OF WAY HOME. THE NEXT DAY WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL, ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CONTINUED ON TO AN AUTOZONE WHERE I HAD IT CHECKED WITH A CODE READER. CODE RETRIEVED WAS P0014 WHICH IS B CAMSHAFT TIMING OVER-ADVANCED OR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE BANK 1. REMOVED VALVE COVER AND FRONT COVER AND INSPECTED THE CAMSHAFT AND TIMING COMPONENTS. THESE CHECKED OK, REMOVED OIL PAN AND DISCOVERED THAT THE #4 ROD BEARING HAD SPUN ON CRANKSHAFT. I THEN FOUND THAT HYUNDAI HAD HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THEIR 2.4L ENGINES AND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL ON SOME. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI BY EMAIL AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED. SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT I OWE ON AND THAT WILL COST ME AT LEAST $5,000 TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE INSTALLED, WHICH I CAN NOT AFFORD.
Nov 24, 2018
THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR. WHILE DRIVING I START TO REDUCE SPEED. THE SPEED GETS DOWN TO ABOUT 20-25 MPH AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOSES ALL POWER. IT JUST SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. THERE IS NO POWER STEERING OR ANYTHING. I TURN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND IT STARTS NO PROBLEM. I MAY NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM AGAIN FOR ANOTHER MONTH OR SO. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY SITUATION. I PRAY TO GOD THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WHILE I'M TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I ASKED HYUNDAI ABOUT IT AND THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO BE TOO CONCERNED. THEY SAID THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS BUT I COULD BRING IT IN TO GET CHECKED OUT. *TR
Jul 01, 2014
ON THURSDAY MAR 22 2012 I WAS DRIVING MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SE AWD WITH 2400 MILES ON IT IN TWO WAY DOWN HILL ROAD WITH A SPEED OF 20 TO 25 MILES PER HOUR THAN ALL OF SUDDEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR ANY SIGN THE CAR JUST DIE ON ME I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON IT DID TURN ON SO NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO HYUNDAI DELEAR IN SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA THEEY CHECKED IT AND SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH SO I AM KIND OF CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY IF THIS DOES HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Mar 25, 2012
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
After driving for a short time, the engine stalls while driving. We have taken the car to 4 different mechanics, including the Hyundai dealer and the issue has not been fixed. The car stalls every time it is driven.
Apr 05, 2023
Got a recall notice about an engine component had it checked they said it was fine. 7 months later it lost power and throw the piston through the bottom of the engine, oil and gas poured all over the road and we had just changed the oil. Called Hyundai and talked to them. They said it would be covered for a new engine cause they had lost a class action lawsuit. It wasn’t the matter if it went out but when it would go out. I towed it to Hyundai where it sat for 4 months before inspection. Then I was told it had to many miles on it so there for it wasn’t covered. But they was quick to offer to order me a new engine at my expense. My issue is a bad part is a bad part. Mileage doesn’t matter. They figured out what mileage most of them was going out at and set a lower mileage so they wouldn’t be responsible. I’ve only had the vehicle 4 yrs and I’m disabled.
Jun 27, 2022
MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHILE TURNING DOWN A CITY STREET AT SLOW SPEED. NO SAFETY/WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I CRANKED IT BACK UP AND IT RAN FINE FOR A FEW WEEKS. IT SEEMS TO RUN FINE ON OPEN HIGHWAY BUT AT A STOP OR SLOWER SPEED IT WILL CUT OFF LEAVING ME IN DANGER OF A COLLISION AT BUSY INTERSECTIONS. WITH NO WARNING AGAIN IT DID THE SAME THING AT A RED LIGHT. I CANNOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE NOW BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO A GARAGE-THEN WAS ADVISED THAT A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WOULD NEED TO FIX IT SO I HAD THE EXPENSE OF TWO TOWINGS. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP HAS NOW INFORMED ME THAT THE COMPUTER CHECK SHOWS A TIMING TOOTH MAY BE OFF AND THAT WITH THE EXPENSE IN WILL INCUR I AM BETTER LETTING THEM PUT AN ENTIRE NEW MOTOR IN. I AM SO UPSET THIS IS HAPPENING DUE IT BEING MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.
Apr 07, 2019
2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PURCHASED AT 89,000 MILES FROM THE DEALER WITH CLEAN CARFAC. MAINTAINED WITH OIL CHANGES REGULARLY, EVERY 2-3K MILES. NO ISSUES. WENT TO START THE CAR 90 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING IT AND THE ENGINE FAILED, RUMBLED LOUDLY AND SHUT OFF. ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS TENSION TIMING CHAIN & REPLACED IT FOR $2,000. 2 MONTHS LATER (NOW) THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING, ONLY NOW IT'S A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND BLUE INDIGO SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I HAVE NOT EVEN DRIVEN THIS CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AND I DO NOT DRIVE VERY OFTEN (LIVE AND WORK IN THE CITY). THIS SAME ENGINE IS IN THE 2013-2014 WHICH HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN RECALLED, SO WE ALL NEED TO PLACE A LAWSUIT ON HYUNDAI FOR THE 2012 SANTA FE! MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT SEAL THE OIL PAN PROPERLY SO THE OIL LEAKS OUT CONSTANTLY WHILE THE CAR IS IDLE. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE, AND AM CURRENTLY FIGHTING WITH HYUNDAI CORPORATE TO GET THEM TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE! CAN ANYONE HELP!
Mar 01, 2019
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
Airbags for the ENTIRE car did not deploy in a car accident that rendered the car inoperable. Vehicle was going 40mph and nothing. There were NO service lights on or any issues prior to the accident. This resulted in contusions and a sprained neck.
Oct 16, 2021
THE 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHERE THE FRONT END HIT A GUARDRAIL ON A RURAL HIGHWAY. THE GUARDRAIL WAS CRUSH, AND THE IMPACT SPUN THE CAR AROUND 180 DEGREES. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT, BUT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS AFFECTED DURING THE WRECK. PENDING NOTIFICATION IF CAR IS TOTALED.
Oct 05, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 28 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY CROSSED INTO THE CONTACT'S LANE. AS A RESULT, A HEAD ON COLLISION OCCURRED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Apr 02, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,347. ..UPDATED 01-10-14 *BF
Nov 22, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
AS EARLY AS LAST SUMMER, MY 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STARTED TO (INTERMITTENTLY) ACCELERATE WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. FRANKLY, I THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO THE SANDALS I WAS WEARING. I THOUGHT I WAS OCCASIONALLY STEPPING ON THE GAS AND THE BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME (I HAVE VERY BIG FEET -- SIZE FIFTEEN). THE PROBLEM STOPPED WHEN I SWITCHED SHOES (WHICH ALSO CORRESPONDED TO THE END OF SUMMER). THE PROBLEM CAME BACK INTERMITTENTLY THIS SUMMER AND IS NOW REPEATABLE. WHEN I AM GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL AT SPEEDS OVER ABOUT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASE WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE. IT DOES THAT WHILE IN GEAR AND WHILE IN NEUTRAL. OBVIOUSLY, IF THE DRIVE TRAIN IS IN GEAR, THE ENGINE "FIGHTS AGAINST" THE BRAKE; IF THE DRIVE TRAIN IS IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE REVS. IF THE ENGINE IS IN NEUTRAL OR IS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AFTER THE ACCELERATION STARTS, THE ENGINE RACES UNTIL I LET OFF THE BRAKE. IT HAS GONE AS HIGH AS 4-5 K RPM BEFORE I LET OFF THE BRAKE. ALL THAT'S REQUIRED TO GET THE CAR TO RETURN TO NORMAL IDLE IS THAT I PUMP THE BRAKE (LET OFF THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY -- I CAN IMMEDIATELY RE-APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE PROBLEM WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). I HAVE IDENTIFIED A STRETCH OF ROAD NEAR MY HOUSE WHERE THE PROBLEM ALWAYS OCCURS. DRIVING EAST AT THE END OF WALNUT STREET AT THE INTERSECTION OF WALNUT AND BOSTON HILL CIRCLE, NEAR SOUTH STREET IN SHREWSBURY, MA 01545, IT PROBLEMS ALWAYS REPLICATES. IT ALSO ALWAYS HAPPENS AT THE BEND IN THE ROAD WHILE GOING DOWN HILL ON BOSTON HILL CIRCLE... UPDATED10/13/16 *BF ...VIDEO AVAILABLE *TR
Sep 07, 2016
TODAY APRIL 28, 2015, MY MOTHER, DAUGHTER AND I WERE COMING HOME FROM RUNNING AN ERRAND, WHEN WE CAME TO ARE HOUSE WE PULLED UP AND WENT IN REVERSE TO PULL INTO THE DRIVE WAY LIKE NORMAL SO WE CAN PARK THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. WHEN WE PULLED IN WE WERE GOING JUST 5MPH. THEN SUDDENLY WHEN MY MOM WAS PUSHING THE BRAKE THE STOP AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. THE CAR OUT OF NO WHERE LURCHED AND CRASHED INTO ARE WASHER, WATER HEATER , AND CAUSED THE BACK WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. AN WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND ITS ALWAYS THE SAME ROUTINE, SO WERE VERY SHOOK UP ON HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN. EVEN THOUGH THIS HAPPENED AT A RESIDENT IM FILING THIS SINCE IT COULD HAPPEN ANYWHERE TO ANOTHER CAR. *TR
Apr 28, 2015
I WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SURGED/ACCELERATED. IT WENT OVER A CURB AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN IT STOPPED I LOOKED DOWN AND MY FOOT WAS INDEED ON THE BRAKES, TO THE FLOOR. A SIMILAR THING HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE. I WAS TURNING ONTO ANOTHER STREET AND THE CAR FELT LIKE IT SURGED. FORTUNATELY BOTH TIMES THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE OTHER LANE OR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Jun 01, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Sep 30, 2015
THIS IS MY LATEST ISSUE WITH MY 2012 SANTA FE (THE PREVIOUS BEING A BAD TRANSFER CASE WHICH MADE IT SPUTTER, A BAD 4WD COUPLING ASSEMBLY WHICH MADE IT CLUNK WHILE TURNING & A BAD TRANSMISSION RANGE SHAFT WHICH CAUSED IT TO NOT START OCCASIONALLY)...IT NOW JUST TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS. THE FIRST TIME, 2/5/14, I WAS TURNING ACROSS 2 LANES OF CROSS TRAFFIC AROUND 20 MPH AND IT JUST TURNED OFF AND DRIFTED! AT FIRST I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED... THANK GOODNESS I WASN'T HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC! ON 2/22/14 IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A HILL COMING TO A STOP! FORTUNATELY THE BRAKES STILL WORKED BUT AGAIN IT JUST TURNED OFF WITH NO WARNING... BOTH TIMES THERE WAS SUFFICIENT GAS IN THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. IT IS GOING TO THE SHOP THIS WEEK, BUT I REALLY FEEL LIKE I GOT A LEMON OF A VEHICLE! I OWNED 3 OTHER HYUNDAIS PREVIOUSLY AND NEVER ANY PROBLEM AND NOW IT IS CONSTANT!!! I DON'T WANT THIS VEHICLE AS I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN IT AT ALL BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THERE'S NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THIS LEASE! *TR
Feb 23, 2014
CAR HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING THREE TIMES, ALL AT LOW SPEEDS. 3/4 TANK OF GAS, NO LESS. CAR ALSO WON'T START AT TIMES UNLESS YOU MOVE SHIFT LEVER. CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND DEALER KEEPS SAYING NOTHING WRONG. NOT STARTING IS VERY MINOR. CAR STALLING IN TRAFFIC IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Oct 07, 2013
TIRES
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. No warning light was illuminated. The contact looked in the rear-view mirror and became aware that the spare tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed due to a diagnostic fee being charged. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,250.
Aug 09, 2023
2012 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH TIRES ON VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, WITHIN 1/4 MILE OF EACH OTHER. CONTROLLING THE SUV BECAME DIFFICULT, BUT SHE MANAGED TO PULL OVER SAFELY ON TWO MANGLED, DEAD FLAT, SHREDDED TIRES. THE ROADWAY SHE WAS TRAVELING WAS CLEAR OF DEBRIS, POTHOLES, ETC. THE SUV WAS DAMAGED AND THE TWO TIRES WERE UN-SALVAGEABLE. UPDATED 05/07/14 UPDATED 05/20/14
Apr 30, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
when a bluetooth device is plugged into the available plug(auxillary plug) in the front dash of the vehicle the radio/CD/phone connections work on and off(mostly off) if lucky you might hear the stereo for a few minutes then it goes off again for days. when unplugged the radio keeps working. My drivers side power window has not worked a few times. The available connection for the cell phone does not work all the time. There is some kind of electrical problem in my vehicle. These ongoing problems have been going on for about 1 1/2 years after I bought the vehicle.
Jun 10, 2021
MY SON WAS DRIVING WITH 3 OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CAR AT LOW SPEED AND THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN OVERPASS. HE HAD TO COAST BACKWARD OFF THE OVERPASS. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND THEM OR THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY SAID THE 2012 HAD 'NO RECALLS' BUT WHEN I REVIEWED THE INFORMATION ON OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES DIFFERENT YEAR BUT SAME ISSUES. MY QUESTION IS ARE PEOPLE GOING TO HAVE TO DIE FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS? WHY AREN'T THESE 2012 SANTA FE'S BEING RECALLED LIKE THE OTHERS? PLEASE MAKE THIS A MANDATORY RECALL SO NO ONE IS KILLED BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. PLEASE! MOTHER'S LOVE FOR HER CHILD AND HIS FRIENDS. RECALL THIS CAR!! HE HAS NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP YET AS HE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT WAS TOWED TO HIS APARTMENT BECAUSE IT WAS 9:30PM. HE IS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA BECAUSE HE'S IN COLLEGE FOR HIS MASTERS DEGREE. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? HELP PLEASE! ELECTRICAL LIGHTS CAME ON VEHICLE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE CAR STARTS BUT MAKES THE LOUD NOISE
Jun 23, 2019
STEERING
2 complaints
TWICE AS I WAS DRIVING IT MID TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON THE REGULAR STREET.
Nov 13, 2020
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A "SCRAPING" NOISE WHEN TURNED. HYUNDAI SAYS THIS IS "NORMAL"; HOWEVER, UP UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO, THE CAR NEVER MADE THIS NOISE. MY WIFE AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR ANYMORE; HOWEVER, HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. MY WIFE AND I OWN A SECOND VEHICLE THAT IS THE EXACT SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND IT DOES NOT MAKE THIS SOUND. SINCE THE STEERING COLUMN IS CRITICAL TO THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE -AND INCLUDES THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS, ETC., WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DETONATION OF THE AIRBAG AND/OR SOME KIND OF STEERING FAILURE. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND WE ARE CONCERNED NOT JUST FOR OUR OWN SAFETY BUT FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL HYUNDAI OWNERS DRIVING WITH THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN I TRIED TO ESCALATE THE COMPLAINT TO HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER CARE, THE SUPERVISOR (MR. JULIO O.) REFUSED TO ESCALATE THE COMPLAINT -WHICH CAUSES ME GRAVE CONCERN THAT HYUNDAI IS OBSTRUCTING THE COMPLAINT PROCESS IN AN EFFORT TO PROTECT PROFIT MARGINS.
Mar 16, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
VERY RECENTLY, THE CAR HAS BEEN STALLING OUT WITH NO WARNING, NO ODD SOUNDS AND NO OBVIOUS REASON AS TO WHY. I TOOK THE CAR TO A WELL-KNOWN, TRUSTED MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE, AS THE VEHICLE PRESENTED 0 FAULT CODES. I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO DROP THE CAR OFF FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS SO THAT THEY COULD DIAGNOSE WHAT THE ISSUE COULD BE, AND HOPEFULLY CATCH IT HAPPENING. AFTER DOING SO, I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT IT SHOWED 0 SIGNS OF STALLING WHILE IN THEIR POSSESSION. IN ORDER TO POSSIBLY FIND THE ISSUE, THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE KEPT FOR MORE THAN JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHICH WOULD AFFECT MY JOB AND THE BILL WOULD MOST DEFINITELY BE MORE THAN I COULD AFFORD. THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING... ENGINE STALLS WHILE IN IDLE AT A STOPLIGHT. ENGINE STALLS WHILE STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS. ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING IN LOW SPEEDS. ENGINE HAS A ROUGH IDLE IN MORNING AND STALLS WITHIN FIRST MILE OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS ALL BEEN OCCURING FOR THE PAST MONTH. EVERY MECHANIC I SPEAK TO FOR HELP AGREES IT'S A MYSTERY ISSUE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE KEPT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOR DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES. I'M NOT SURE WHERE ELSE TO TURN. I USE MY VEHICLE DAILY FOR WORK AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. NOT ONLY IS IT A VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS ISSUE, IT LITERALLY SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME, BECAUSE WHEN IT HAPPENS, IT'S SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING. TIRED OF FEARING FOR MY LIFE IF STALLED OUT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT USUALLY STARTS RIGHT BACK UP, BUT AT TIMES IT TAKES A MINUTE OR A FEW TRIES AT TIMES. ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. DG
Aug 20, 2020
ENGINE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY RUN ROUGH, SPUTTER AND CHOKE WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Sep 24, 2012
WHEELS
2 complaints
LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASHBOARD ON MY VEHICLE ON MORNING OF 8/21/2019, ON MY WAY TO WORK. AFTER WORK, I STOPPED BY BACHMAN HYUNDAI IN JEFFERSONVILLE, IN TO GET DIAGNOSTIC OF WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. I MET WITH THE SERVICE PERSON I WOULD NORMALLY SEE. I WAS TOLD ME THAT MY WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REAR LH OPEN/SHORT, PART #C1206 AND WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REAR RH OPEN/SHORT, PART #C1209 + SHE TOLD ME I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE MY REAR ROTORS AS WELL, I STATED I HAD MY REAR ROTORS REPLACES ABOUT A YEAR &A HALF AGO. SHE QUOTED THE JOB MORE THAN $1200.00 INCLUDING PARTS, LABOR + TAXES. I PURCHASED MY HYUNDAI SANTAFE FROM JIM ELLIS HYUNDAI IN ATLANTA, GA. I REACHED OUT TO A SERVICE TECH I TRUST AT JIM E. HYUNDAI/ATLANTA, HE INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A RECALL PART AND HYUNDAI SHOULD DO A PA REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE. I WENT BACK TO BACHMAN HYUNDAI, IN, TOLD HER WHAT WAS TOLD TO ME. PA WAS DONE, PA WAS DECLINED. SHE STATED YES SHE KNEW OF THE RECALL & WHY DIDN'T SHE MENTION TO ME. SHE STATED I HAD NOT HAD ALL OF MY VEHICLE SERVICED AT THERE LOCATION AND THAT I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND IT HAD MORE THAN 13K MILES. I ASKED WHAT DID ALL OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH REPAIRING MY VEHICLE? I CONTACTED ATLANTA BACK, WAS GIVEN # FOR HYUNDAI USA. THEY COULD SEE THAT PA WAS DONE & DECLINED, I ASKED WHY, HE DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY. HE UPDATED A NEW CASE # AND ESCALATED MY COMPLAINT AND SENT NEW CASE # HYUNDAI, IN TO GET JOB DONE. I RECEIVED CALL FROM HYUNDAI USA TODAY, ONLY TOE TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY IS WHY THEY CANNOT REPAIR THIS RECALL ISSUE. PLEASE ! I NEED YOUR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS SIMPLE ISSUE. TODAY THE LADY TOLD ME, WELL TAKE YOUR CAR BACK TO ATLANTA AND HAVE THEM REPAIR IT BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT APPROVING REPAIRS. SO UNFAIR! I HAVE RECEIVED SO MANY CONFLICTING STORIES NOT TO REPAIR THIS RECALL. PLEASE HELP ME! THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 30, 2019
I WAS AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN STATEN ISLAND THE DAY AFTER MY TIRE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THEY SAID THAT I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR OVERNIGHT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. WHEN I RETURNED THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID THAT THE TIRE NEEDED AIR. MY TIRE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TWO MORE TIMES DURING THE TIME PERIOD THAT PROCEEDED THE SERVICE. I FILLED MY TIRE AGAIN WITH AIR THE SECOND TIME. THEN THE THIRD TIME THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT! I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY SENT SOMEONE TO COME AND PUT THE DOUGHNUT ON THE CAR. I THEN DROVE THE CAR TO CHARLEY'S TIRE A LOCAL TIRE REPAIR SHOP TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE TIRE. SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS A NAIL IN MY TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NON REPAIRABLE DUE TO THE TREADS BEING EXTREMELY WORN, SO $180 DOLLARS LATER I HAD A NEW COMPARABLE TIRE PUT ON MY CAR. THE TREADS ON THE OTHER THREE TIRES ARE ALSO AT RISK ACCORDING THE MECHANIC THAT REPLACED MY TIRE AT THE TIRE SHOP. THE CRAP CONDITION OF THE ROADS ON STATEN ISLAND IS NO HELP NEITHER FOR CONDITION WAS CAUSED BY A MASSIVE POTHOLE THE FORMED IN A SEWER MANHOLE COVER. TIRES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF THE FIRST TIME BY THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE MOST CAR OWNERS BRING THEIR CARS THERE TO BE MAINTAINED AND FIXED, NOT THREE TIMES AND $180 LATER BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. IF DEALERSHIP MECHANICS AND SERVICE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BE LAZY IN THIS PRACTICE, MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE PUT IN DANGER AND GOING ELSEWHERE TO HAVE THEIR AUTOMOTIVE PROBLEMS TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY.
May 19, 2015
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
THE MIDDLE SEAT (PASSENGER) DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT CAME APART WHEN A PASSENGER TRIED TO BUCKLE UP. THE PASSENGER PULLED THE SHOULDER STRAP OUT TO PULL AROUND AND BUCKLE TO THE SEAT LATCH WHEN THE LATCH PLATE JUST SLIDE RIGHT OFF OF THE BELT. THERE WAS NOTHING SECURING THE SHOULDER STRAP. IT JUST CAME APART. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT AND FIXED AS I WAS CERTAIN IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE CAR'S WARRANTY. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A COUPLE OF HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE THE SEAT-BELT FIXED! HOW COULD THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A SEAT-BELT MALFUNCTION? I STILL HAVE THE SEAT-BELT PROBLEM AS I BELIEVE THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD FIX IT AND NOT CHARGE ME. IF THIS HAPPENED TO ME, THEN I FEEL THAT IT PROBABLY HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS SO I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS A WIDER SPREAD PROBLEM THAN JUST A FLUKE WITH ME. *TR
Aug 21, 2014
A PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT WENT TO PUT ON HER SEATBELT AND FOUND THAT THE SHOULDER HARNESS JUST CAME APART MAKING IT COMPLETELY UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. I WENT TO THE DEALER, FITZGERALD HYUNDAI AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM, EXPECTING THEM TO FIX IT BUT I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY PROBLEM AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WAS SHOCKED AS I BELIEVED THAT A SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT ANY DEALER WOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. WHEN I INSISTED THAT THE I DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION AND THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD FIX IT I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT WITH A HIGHER MANAGEMENT LEVEL AND WOULD GET BACK TO ME. I HAVE HAD NO FOLLOW UP FROM FITZGERALD. I FOLLOWED UP TWICE BY EMAIL ONCE USING THEIR OWN WEBSITE FORM HOPING THAT WOULD GET A RESPONSE, BUT STILL NOTHING. I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS ISSUE WITH THE SEATBELT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS SO I AM REPORTING THE PROBLEM. I DO NOT USE MY BACK SEAT FOR PASSENGERS VERY OFTEN BUT NEVERTHELESS I FEEL A SEATBELT MALFUNCTION IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF HIGH PRIORITY AND SOMETHING THAT A DEALER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IMMEDIATELY AND THERE SHOULD BE NO DISPUTE! *TR
Jul 05, 2014
STEERING,ENGINE
2 complaints
VEHICLE DRIVEN SHOPPING CENTER (APPROXIMATELY 15 MI.) UPON LEAVING VEHICLE STALLED GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. STEERING CUT OUT AND DIFFICULT, BUT WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES. GAS WAS PURCHASED APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK PRIOR AND VEHICLE RAN FINE. WILL TAKE TO THE DEALER, BUT BASED ON OTHER REPORTS I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO FIND ANY PROBLEMS. *TR
Jun 08, 2014
DRIVING APROX 20 MPH, WITH NO WARNING ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, UNABLE TO STEER. SECOND TIME WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. DEALER CANNOT FIND OR REPRODUCE PROBLEM. *TR
May 11, 2014
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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).
Jul 24, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
May 03, 2024
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
Engine will RANDOMLY CUT OFF AND IT WOULD DO THAT EVEN WHEN IN DRIVE LIKE IT WASNT GETTING GAS. The dash board would light then continue going WOULD START RIGHT BACK AWAY AND HAS DONE THAT EVER SINCE.i purchased it I ALSO HAD THE O2 CENSOR REPLACED AS WELL. THE TIRES ARE AWFUL THE SUSPENSION. Electrical Problems I have to hit my headlight to come on before I leave when it's dark. Sometimes when I first start driving it pulls me to the right not like wheel balancing . But pulld then back to driving . One last thing I went in for recall update or something. The mechanic say hell do the update and drive the car if it has a problem going in drive they had to replace a sensor or something my car wouldn't move they were going to fix it and give me a loaner car . The guy said let me try something he did then the car started to drive. They were supposed to replace something and didn't. My engine light came on and stayed on I complained to him he just cleared the code it came back on and has been on every since. I told him it want on before I got here he said well it wasn't from anything they did. But it was.
Mar 20, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Per the mandated law in September of 2001 all vehicles sold in the United States are required to have a trunk release on the inside. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe does not. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe small SUV are very known for the lights to go out due to condensation in the tail lights. So needless to say it was built poorly as an owner like myself has to constantly change the tail lights or be rear-ended because I have NO brake lights. To me this is a serious issue. One that Hyundai has failed to correct. However, I recently took my vehicle in to be serviced and to have the tails lights changed. The dealership Lithia Hyundai of Alaska informed me they could not do them because I had to much water in the tail light cover and that they couldn't get into the trunk due to my junction box having failure. Well I suggested they fix the light cover and change the bulbs so I wouldn't get hit from the back. Service advise there was NO way to open the trunk from the inside. That I had to pay 5000.00 to fix one part to be able to open the trunk. I advised that was illegal per NHTSA and they stated they never heard of that. I would like to make this complaint because even though I cannot get one thing fix I should still be able to get my trunk open from the inside, to fix my brake light bulbs.
Oct 18, 2023
ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Driving on highway and car engine light came on then car engine kicked down like it was going to stall then drove normally then kicked down again . Kept kicking down , drove it home and shut it off. The car starts but is knocking and the engine light comes on and blinks constantly .
Feb 04, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, all four doors and tailgate would lock independently. The contact stated that over some time, all four doors failed to unlock while outside the vehicle with the key fob. The contact was only able to unlock the driver’s side door with the key. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the door actuator needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Jan 30, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
My car died after an engine recall and then another recall happened unknown at this time and today the car died again in the middle of driving. Lights flashing on dashboard and had to be towed into Holler Hyundai Winter Park for the 17th time. This car was purchased November 2021 and I have had nothing but PROBLEMS. My safety has always been put at risk Ever since it blew up going down the highway and liquid bursted out of the hood. Now today without warning it completely died.
Jul 27, 2022
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
The front coils of the vehicle were totally deteriorated and could have led to an accident. I noticed that earlier models were recalled due to this same condition. I paid ~2K to have this problem fixed and the garage stated the coils should have lasted to 120k miles. Hyundai has subsequently issued extended warrantees for their elantra vehicles of which we own one. I am concerned that this defect could affect more cars than Hyundai has identified similar to the engine recall situation that was recently repaired.
Jan 07, 2022
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ALL THREE LIGHTS ABS, ESC, AND DBC ON DASH CAME ON SAME TIME AFTER REPLACING DRIVERS SIDE HEAD LIGHT BULB. WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL IMPACTING THE DRIVEABILITY.
Dec 14, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY ESC, DBC, AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME THIS MORNING. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING ON NUMEROUS HYUNDAI FORMS. FOLKS HAVE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE HUBS, SENSORS AND ASSORTED OTHER PIECES. MOST DO NOT WORK COSTING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAD THE LIGHTS COME ON MAYBE 6 OR 8 MONTHS AGO. GO OFF AND COME ON AGAIN AND OFF AGAIN. I'VE IGNORED THEM NOT NOTICING ANY DRIVING IMPACT. BUT THE CAR IS WARNING ME THAT IT ISN'T SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THIS IS NOT A ONE OF OR TWO OR THREE ISSUE. THIS FROM ANOTHER OWNER;ALL THREE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY 2011 SANTA FE SO I CHANGED MY FRONT RIGHT ABS SPEED SENSOR WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE LIGHTS, BUT THE DASH LIGHTS ARE STILL ILLUMINATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS A SHORT IN THE ABS SYSTEM WIRING HARNESS. WHAT'S THE COST TO FIX? $4500.00 REALLY! I THINK A RECALL IS DUE FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Dec 02, 2020
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
LOUD NOISE, FRONT RIGHT, RIGHT FRONT AXLE BOX. ALSO 3 WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON INCLUDING ABS,
Feb 08, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY LEAKS WATER SHORTING OUT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT, THIS SHOULD BE A PRODUCT RECALL
Jun 22, 2019
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED WHILE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS I AM CHOCKED MY CAR HAS BEEN PERFECT UNTIL NOW MY CAR BARELY PASSED 100,000 AND BOTH WARRANTIES EXPIRED ALSO BODY PANT IS CHIPPING OFF.
Jun 06, 2019
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY CAR IS SHAKING WHEN THE VEHICLE GETS UP TO AROUND 60 MILES AN HOUR.
Feb 04, 2019
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE IS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WITH 131,000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MPH AND LOST POWER STEERING, POWER BREAKS, AND SPEED CONTROL. MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. FORTUNATELY I HAD ENOUGH POWER/SPEED STILL TO GET OVER INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. I WAS ABLE TO USE MY DIRECTIONALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AS WAS THE OIL LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT. THERE WAS NO DISCERNIBLE WARNING THAT WOULD HAVE INDICATED AN IMPENDING ENGINE FAILURE. I HAD ALREADY DRIVEN 75 MILES OF MY TRIP AND IT SIMPLY STOPPED RUNNING. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY! THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS UNKNOWN TO ME AND CURRENTLY UNKNOWN TO MY MECHANIC. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED 50 MILES TO THE MECHANIC. GETTING IT TO A DEALER WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN FATHER.
Jan 02, 2019
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY ABS LIGHTS ARE ON AND WON'T GO OFF. I HAD IT CHECKED FOR 80$ TO GET TOLD IT IS A SENSOR IN THE REAR HUB OF TIRE THAT IS NOT READING THE TIRE SPEED. THEY WANT 500$ TO REPAIR IT.
Nov 14, 2018
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER IT WAS RESET BY THE DEALERSHIP.
Aug 25, 2018
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I WAS AT A FOUR WAY-YEAR-OLD AND STOP WHERE I HAD TO YIELD AS I WAS DOING THE SANTA FE CUT OFF AND I LOST ALL POWER STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T CONTROL VEHICLE TURN THE KEY OFF AND THEN TURN THE KEY BACK ON THE TRUCK STARTED 20 MINUTES LATER THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START IT WHEN YOU RETURN ON THE ANTITHEFT ALARM KEEPS BEEPING
Jan 01, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
STARTED CAR, NOTICED THE FOLLOWING DASH LIGHTS WERE ON: ABS ESC DOWNHILL BRAKING CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT HYUNDAI RECALLED 1.7 MILLION VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM (DEFECTIVE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH) UP TO 2011. I'M CONCERNED THAT MY 2012 CAR HAS THE SAME ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THESE LIGHTS STAY ON NO MATTER IF MOVING OR STATIONARY.
Oct 02, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL I BROUGHT MY CAR 1 YEAR AGO I'VE BEEN DOING MAINTENANCE OIL CHANGE, TUNE UP ON MY CAR, HOWEVER IT STARTED MAKING SOME TYPE OF TICKING NOISE WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD I COULD PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT BREAKS DOWN. I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY FOR A NEW ENGINE. I PUT 5000 DOLLARS ON THE CAR FOR A DOWN PAYMENT. IM ALSO FINANCIN IT AT THIS TIME. ALSO THE BREAKS MAKING A SQUEAKY SOUND IN I KNOW MY BREALS ARE GOOD.
Apr 08, 2017
SEATS
1 complaint
IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT WITH BACK FULLY UP AGAINST THE SEAT BACK BECAUSE THE HEADREST PUSHES MY HEAD FORWARD SO THAT I AM LOOKING DOWN AT MY LAP INSTEAD OF STRAIGHT AHEAD. PAINFUL AND UNSAFE. I HAVE REMOVED THE HEADRESTS AND TURNED THEM AROUND.
Apr 20, 2016
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ALL EVENTS OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.BEGAN TO HAVE A INTERMITTENT NO START CONDITION AROUND THE THIRD WEEK OF JANUARY 2016. THETA 2.4 ENGINE #165130 WOULD NOT TURN OVER. A JUMP START WITH 2ND VEHICLE BATTERY SUPPLY AND JUMPER CABLES WERE NEEDED FOR ENGINE TO RUN.TESTED THE BATTERY VOLTAGE OUTPUT ON SANTA FE WITH ENGINE COLD 12.65 AND ENGINE RUNNING 13.96 TO 14.02 RANGE ALL STARTING AND CHARGING COMPONENTS WERE OPERATING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS AND NO CHECK ENGINE OR BATTERY INDICATORS ILLUMINATING. NO SIGNS OF ENGINE MALFUNCTION WAS EVIDENT. ON 01/29/2016 AFTER HAVING TWO MORE NO STARTS WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH BRAND NEW ONE. ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START.TESTED VOLTAGE ON BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, STARTER,IGNITION AND FUEL PUMP RELAYS. HAD SPARK ON ALL COILS AND FUEL. AIR FILTER WAS NEW. FELT CONFIDENT THERE WAS NO NEED TO CHECK COMPRESSION AS THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL SIGNS PRESENT. AT CERTAIN TIMES SOME ENGINE COMPONENTS DUE WEAR OUT SO I HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT THE ENGINE AND ASKED HIM TO REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURNOVER AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND HE COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. ON 01/30/2016 CONNECTED MY OBD2 AND GOT A TOTAL OF 11 CODES, P0445,261,267,270,264,448. FIVE OUT OF FIRST ELEVEN WERE DISPLAYED TWICE EXCEPT P0448.I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HYUNDAI AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEPT ON 02/02/2016 THE SERVICE ADVISER AT FRANK HYUNDAI ADVISED ME HIS MECHANIC PERFORMED A COMPRESSION AND LEAK DOWN TEST AND INFORMED ME ENGINE HAD LOW COMPRESSION IN 3 OUT OF 4 CYLINDERS WITH ACTIVE CODES P0223 P0445 AND P2106.ONE CYLINDERS WAS SAID TO BE BLOWING AIR UP TOWARDS VALVE COVER.I WAS TOLD THEY SUSPECTED PISTON RINGS OR CYLINDER HEAD WAS CAUSE OF ENGINE FAILURE.HAD CAR TOWED HOME. AFTER FINDING BLOWN FUSE I WAS ABLE TO START CAR BUT SHUT IT DOWN IMMEDIATELY FROM LOUD NOISE COMING FROM VALVE TRAIN ROTATING ASSEMBLY.UNKNOWN SYMPTOMS.
Mar 08, 2016
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS
1 complaint
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT DOING ABOUT 5MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, TOOK ME OVER A CEMENT BARRIER, A CURB, WENT AIRBORNE, LANDED IN A BUSH WHICH IT TORE IN HALF AND TOOK WITH ME, ACROSS THE SIDEWALK AND SPUN IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM AND I GOT IT TO STOP. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS BEEN FOR ONE MONTH AS HYUNDAI DRAGGED THEIR HEELS UNTIL I GOT ANGRY AND EMAILED THEM. TWO DAYS AFTER I EMAILED THEM I GOT THE FOLLOWING LEAVING ME WITH THE REPAIRS AS WELL AS PAYING FOR THE RENTAL FOR A MONTH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECENT CORRESPONDENCE. WE HAVE THOROUGHLY REVIEWED YOUR COMMENTS AND REGRET THE CIRCUMSTANCES YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED. WE HAVE REVIEWED THE MATERIALS PROVIDED AND INSPECTED YOUR SANTA FE. THE ENTIRE ACCELERATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE PEDALS AND THROTTLE, THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND THE TRANSMISSION WERE THOROUGHLY REVIEWED AND CHECKED. WE WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY MALFUNCTIONS OR DEFECTS THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE CONDITION YOU CLAIM CAUSED YOUR ACCIDENT. *TR
Jan 27, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, IT GOT DARK, SO I TURNED ON THE LIGHTS ( THE LOW BEAMS) I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, THEY SEEMED FINE BUT WHEN I EXITED THE FREEWAY ONTO A DARK SURFACE ROAD, I WAS UNABLE TO SEE MORE THAN 30 FEET AHEAD OF ME . THERE WAS TOTAL BLACKNESS ABOVE THE LIGHTS. THEY ARE NOT SET PROPERLY.I LOOKED ONLINE TO RESEARCH IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND I FOUND OUT THAT IT IS COMMON AND PEOPLE ARE JUST DRIVING WITH THEIR HIGHBEAMS ON TO CORRECT THIS THE LOW BEAMS ARE SET AT A TERRIBLE ANGLE, IT'S CRAZY HOW BAD THEY ARE. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND CAN NOT USE THE LOW BEAMS AT ALL. THEY DO NOT ILLUMINATE FAR ENOUGH INTO THE DISTANCE TO MAKE DRIVING AT NIGHT , SAFE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALER 11 DAYS AGO. I DID NOT TEST DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT, HAD I DONE SO I WOULD HAVE ASKED TO HAVE THE LIGHTS ADJUSTED.I WOULD LIKE YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS, AS I BELIEVE THIS MODEL VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED TO HAVE THE HEAD LIGHT ADJUSTMENT FIXED IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT AND AS NOT TO BLIND OTHER DRIVERS BY DRIVING WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON.
May 24, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED, CAR SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY, AND RESTARTED. DURING INTERIM 20 SECONDS, ATTEMPTED TO PULL VEHICLE TO LEFT SHOULDER AS I WAS DRIVING IN FAR LEFT LANE. I FELT "ENGINE DROP" OR A FEELING WHEREAS THE CAR NO LONGER FELT POWERED, CUE THAT THE ENGINE HAD WENT OFF. POWER STEERING WENT MANUAL ALONG WITH OTHER POWER ASSIST DEVICES LIKE POWER STEERING. ON DIRT SHOULDER OF FREEWAY ATTEMPTING WITH MANUAL BRAKES AND STEERING TO BRING VEHICLE OFF ROADWAY. VEHICLE RESTARTED DURING MANEUVER. STILL MOVING AT SAFE SPEED ATTEMPTED TO MERGE BACK ONTO THE FREEWAY, HAVING NOT YET DECELERATED ENOUGH YET TO CONTINUE TO PULL OVER....CLEAR AND DRY CONDITIONS IN NORTH LA COUNTY. THIS VEHICLE HOWEVER HAS ALWAYS HAD "OVERLY RESPONSIVE" OR "VERY TIGHT" STEERING, FOR LACK OF BETTER TERMINOLOGY. I LEASED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT FULLY REALIZE, UNTIL SOME TIME PASSED, WHAT THIS 'STEERING CHARACTERISTIC' WOULD MEAN IN THE FUTURE, IN AN EVENT REQUIRING ACCURATE AND RESPONSIVE STEERING COMBINED WITH THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THE SUDDEN ENGINE POWER RESUMING, COMBINED WITH, WHAT THIS WRITER WOULD DESCRIBE AS "TIGHT STEERING" TO BEGIN WITH, MADE THE VEHICLE ROLL. THE VEHICLE, WITH WHAT FELT LIKE A "HIGH CENTER OF GRAVITY" ALWAYS FELT LIKE IT WOULD ROLL IF ONE WERE TO HAVE TO MOVE QUICKLY TO AVOID SOMETHING IN THE ROAD FOR EXAMPLE. I DID NOT REALIZE THIS FEATURE DURING MY TEST DRIVE. BEING A LESSEE I WAS OBLIGATED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS. THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE CROSSING 3 LANES OF AN OCCUPIED NORTHBOUND HIGHWAY 14. A SUDDEN JOLT RESULTED IN A FRACTURE OF L1 VERTEBRAE. DURING ROLL, JACK BECAME UNDONE FROM WHERE IT WAS FACTORY MOUNTED UNDERNEATH LIFT UP COVER, AND HAD NEVER BEEN REMOVED. FLAILING AROUND IN THE VEHICLE NOW WAS THIS HEAVY SCISSOR JACK BOUNCING AROUND IN THE VEHICLE COMPARTMENT WITH ME. I AM GLAD TO BE ALIVE. *TR
Apr 05, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON AN INCLINE, VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR HAD STALLED OUT BUT THE RPM'S WERE STILL BETWEEN 1 AND 2. WHEN I PRESSED HARDER ON THE GAS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IS NOW HAPPENING MORE OFTEN, NOT ALWAYS ON AN INCLINE OR WHEN TEMPERATURE OR ENGINE IS COLD. TAKING TO DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT TOLD IF THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR 4 MONTHS AND WANT TO GET RID OF IT BECAUSE I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW. NOT SURE IF ITS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR FUEL SYSTEM BUT SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY NOT RIGHT. HOPE IT HAPPENS FOR THE DEALER SO IT CAN BE FIXED. *TR
Feb 23, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE STALLED, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING, WHEEL CONTROL, AND BRAKES. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A MALL PARKING LOT. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE DOWN A ROW OF PARKING SPOTS, MY CAR STALLED AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, BRAKE OR GUIDE THE VEHICLE. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, I WAS TURNING LEFT DOWN THE STREET TO MY HOME. AGAIN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR STALLED, VARIOUS LIGHT ELIMINATED ON THE DASH, AND I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD NO ADVANCED WARNING AND THE CAR OTHERWISE SEEMED TO BE RUNNING NORMALLY. *TR
Sep 21, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT SLOW SPEED THE CARS STALLS OUT. TODAY 7/16 IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED TWICE IN THE SAME WEEK ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO THEN NOT AGAIN. THIS SOUNDS TOO SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEMS W/ GM CARS. *TR
Jul 16, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 55MPH, COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOSS OF DRIVE TRAIN AND ENGINE POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. NO THROTTLE CAPABILITY. ENGINE REDUCES TO IDLING SPEED, BUT TRANSMISSION STAYS ENGAGED. VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND DRIVER PULLS OFF ROAD. ALL ELECTRONICS APPEAR TO WORK. GAS PEDAL HAS NO INTERACTION WITH ENGINE THROTTLE. REQUIRED TOW OFF HIGHWAY TO HYUNDAI DEALER. HYUNDAI DEALER REPAIRED PROBLEM WITH COMPUTER REVISION UPDATE. TSB UNKNOWN.
Jul 16, 2014
STRUCTURE
1 complaint
AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 7500 MILES I NOTICE AN UNPLEASANT ODOR THAT SMELLS LIKE MELTED PLASTIC. IT'S NOT THE NEW CAR SMELL AND AT TIMES IT CAN MAKE ONE NAUSEOUS. IT IS INTENSIFIED WHEN ACCELERATED. AUGUST 2012 (PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUNE 2012) REPORTED THE SMELL TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT SPORT DURST. I WAS INFORMED THAT POSSIBLY A "PLASTIC BAG" HAS GOTTEN STUCK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND WILL BURN OFF. DECEMBER 2012, I ONCE AGAIN INFORMED THEM OF THIS UNCOMFORTABLE SMELL. I CAN NOT RIDE IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE OUTSIDE AIR COMING IN BECAUSE I CAN SMELL THE MELTED PLASTIC NO MATTER WHAT STATE, CITY, OR TIME OF DAY THE NAUSEATING SMELL IS THERE. THE CABIN AIR FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED, THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THE WAY I DRIVE HAS BEEN CHANGED AND EVEN UNDER VERY SLOW ACCELERATION THE SMELL IS THERE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN JUNE 2013 AND STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I NOR OTHER PASSENGERS OR OTHER DRIVERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SMELL THIS BURNT SMELL. *TR
Jun 24, 2014
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
1ST OF MANY TOTAL ENGINE DE-POWERMENTS HAPPENED AT A STOP SIGN, GOING APPROX.15 MPH. I HAD FILLED THE GAS TANK AND AT THE FIRST STOP SIGN I CAME TO, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON; AND IT DIED, POWERLESS. I COASTED TO MY DESTINATION (LESS THAN A BLOCK AWAY) AND CALLED MY SERVICE REP AT DANBURY HYUNDAI (CT). SHE TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO AN INCORRECT GAS CAP REPLACEMENT, TO UNDO THE GAS CAP AND START THE CAR. IT WORKED. AFTER THE FIRST EPISODE, THIS ABSOLUTE POWERING DOWN OF EVERYTHING, BRAKE, STEERING, CONTROL; HAPPENED SO OFTEN, IT BECAME ROUTINE. GAS TANK FILLING HAD NO BEARING-BUT IT HAPPENED AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS, SO I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART IT. ALL THAT CONFIDENCE EVAPORATED YESTERDAY. I WAS DUE TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVE ABOUT 45 MINUTES ON A COMBINATION OF HIGHWAY AND THRUWAY TO MY DAUGHTER'S. I WAS ON A BUSY LOCAL ROAD THAT PASSES THROUGH DANBURY WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WITHOUT ME BEING AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT, OR EVEN BRAKING FOR ANY REASON, AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS SO SUDDENLY, I MIGHT ADD, THAT YOU HAVE NO TIME TO EVEN ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, OR DO ANYTHING BESIDES GRAB THE WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS AND TRY TO GET OVER AS FAR TO THE RIGHT AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. I NARROWLY ESCAPED BEING REAR ENDED BY A DUMP TRUNK DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, STARTED IT UP, AND CALLED MY SERVICE DEPT. AT HYUNDAI. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, SINCE I HAD ORIGINALLY TOLD THEM WHEN I HAD THE CAR SERVICED IN MAY OF 2014, AND THEY HAD TOLD ME THEN, THAT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT, SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I EXPLAINED THAT HAD I BEEN ALREADY ON THE THRUWAY I WOULD BE DEAD INSTEAD OF ON THE PHONE. I CAME HOME CALLED MY LAWYER AND FOUND HIS ADVICE SO HELPFUL, I'M SHARING IT. GO TO BBB.COM, AUTO LINE. THEY OFFER ARBITRATION AT 0$.
Jun 10, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HAS HAPPENED THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS. WITHIN INITIAL 10-MINUTES OF DRIVING, CAR BUCKED/SURGED AND ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IN ONE INSTANCE. PRESSING GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT. COULD ONLY COAST TO DEALERSHIP MAINTAINING WHATEVER SPEED I HAD BY HAVING THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IDLING. VERY UNSAFE TO BE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. HYUNDAI DEALER 'FIXED' PROBLEM BY DOING A SOFTWARE UPDATE. IN NO CASE WOULD IT SEEM PLAUSIBLE THAT THE SOFTWARE IS CODED TO DISABLE THE ACCELERATION. THE SOFTWARE UPDATE DID NOT MAKE THE ISSUE GO AWAY. FOLLOWING DAY, THE CAR BUCKED/SURGED AGAIN AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR NOW LEFT AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. *TR
Apr 26, 2014
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE HYUNDAI LINE OF CARS. I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR THAT I OWNED. I HAD JUST DRIVEN 140 MILES, AND I WAS ON CITY STREETS MAKING MY WAY TO THE INLAWS. I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND AS I ACCELERATED AND PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ON TO ANOTHER CITY STREET, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED. I NOTICED IT WHEN MY POWER STEERING LOCKED UP, I HAD NO BRAKES AND I WAS HEADED RIGHT TOWARD A HOME'S FRONT DOOR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WHEN IT HIT THE CURB DEAD ON. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN TO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND IT FIRED UP RIGHT AWAY. I REALLY BELIEVE THAT HYUNDAI HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS GM. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AFTER THAT AND I COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE INCIDENT. I TRADED THE CAR IN A FEW DAYS LATER BECAUSE I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT. IF YOU GOOGLE THE PROBLEM, I WAS ABLE TO TRACE IT BACK AT LEAST 11 YEARS. HOW CAN YOU TRUST A CAR THAT WHERE THE ENGINE WILL JUST TURN OFF SPORADICALLY. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS "THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING..." LIES. THE KNOW ABOUT IT, THEY JUST HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I SERIOUSLY THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION IN TO THIS VEHICLE. I SAW STORIES OF PEOPLES HYUNDAIS DYING ON THE FREEWAY. THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. ONE LADY SAID THAT SHE WAS TOLD NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS TO LEAVE THE CAR AS IS AND THEY WILL TOW IT AND CHECK IT OUT. THEY TOWED IT AFTER IT DIED AND NOTHING. THAT'S WHAT LEADS TO ME BELIEVE THAT IN THIS VEHICLE, THE KEY CAN ALSO BECOME DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. SIMILAR IF NOT EXACTLY TO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE GM. I BEG OF YOU TO INVESTIGATE!!! *TR
Apr 24, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ON FEB. 2, 2013 AFTER PULLING OUT AFTER A STOP LIGHT THE CAR RAN NORMALLY FOR A VERY SHORT TIME AND THEN ALL POWER LEFT. IT WOULD GO ONLY IN IDLE SPEED. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTARTING IT THE CAR WOULD RUN NORMALLY FOR A WHILE AND THEN DO THE SAME THING. A THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. ON, JAN. 28, 2014 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. ANOTHER THROTTLE BODY WAS INSTALLED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP NOR HYUNDAI COULD TELL US WHY THIS THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE NOR COULD THEY GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. WE COULD NOT FEEL SAVE DRIVING IT DOWN AN INTERSTATE OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAVE THE CAR JUST BASICALLY STOP WITH NO WARNING. *TR
Apr 21, 2014
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND COMING UPON A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHILE PRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL THE VEHICLE INITIALLY SLOWED DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. JFT
Feb 10, 2014
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
KUMHO SOLUS KL21 TIRES SIZE 235/65 R17 SHOWING SIDEWALL CRACKING AT 23,000 MILES. I HAVE PROPERLY MAINTAINED (ROTATED, INFLATED, BALANCED, ALIGNMENT) THE TIRES. ALL 4 ARE SHOWING SIDEWALL CRACKING. I HAVE 2 OTHER CARS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE SAME CONDITIONS WITH TIRES THAT ARE AT LEAST 2 YEARS OLDER THAT ARE NOT SHOWING SIDEWALL CRACKING. CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL BLOW-OUT AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
Jan 22, 2014
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WE WERE ON A AN EXTENDED TRIP AND HAD PROGRAMMED THE GPS TO TAKE US TO A REMOTE POINT WE HAD NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE. SUDDENLY THE GPS SCREEN WENT BLANK, EXCEPT FOR THE VEHICLE MARKER ICON - THIS LASTED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. IT THEN FLASHED MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE TURNS (WHICH WERE INCORRECT), IT WENT BLANK AGAIN, AND THEN REFLASHED OTHER MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE TERMS. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. ULTIMATELY, THE GPS SAID WE HAD ARRIVED AT OUR DESTINATION, BUT WE WERE AT LEAST 30 MILES FROM ONE OF THE POINTS ALONG THE WAY TO WHERE WE WERE GOING. HAD I NOT KNOWN GENERALLY WHERE TO GO, I WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST IN A REMOTE AREA WITH LITTLE OR NO OTHER PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY TO HELP. *TR
Aug 25, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
1) HISTORICAL DETAILS / EVENT: WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR (AUGUST, 2012) I NOTICED THE OCCASIONAL STICKING OF THE THROTTLE AND WHEN PRESSING THE BREAK THE CAR WOULD SEEM TO WANT TO ACCELERATE - THIS WOULD HAPPEN ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS: THE DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. 2) RECENT EVENT: ON 07/07 WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLOWING DOWN TO LESS THEN 10MPH AND THE CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER PULLING OVER AND SITTING FOR A WHILE THE CAR WOULD GO UP TO 30MPH - 40MPH: OVER THAT AND IT WOULD OCCUR AGAIN. PER THE DEALER - DROVE IT TO THEM. ON THE WAY - THIS SLOW DOWN OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES BETWEEN 30-40MPH, ONCE WHILE SLOWING / BREAKING - THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED (RPM OVER 2500) AND I ALMOST HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT. DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A KNOWN ISSUE RELATED TO TSB: 13 FL 002 (THROTTLE BODY BORE CARBON FOULING / P2106/P2110 LIMPHOME MODE / P0638 THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL RANGE AND THAT THE BREAK ISSUE WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE BREAK BOOSTER AIR CAUSING THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY TO LOCK OPEN. DEALER CLAIMED ISSUE WAS KNOWN BUT NOT SEEN OFTEN AND NEVER REPEATED. HAD CAR ALL DAY TO FIX (FINISHED: 07/08). ASKED DEALER ABOUT OTHER TSBS IN THE DATABASE AND WAS TOLD NONE OF THEM APPLIED OR WERE APPLICABLE. 3) RECENT EVENT: ON 07/08 AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, GOT 9 MILES OF DRIVING WHEN IT OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER MAKING A 25MPH RIGHT TURN AND ACCELERATING TO 40MPH [ALMOST WAS READ-ENDED BY A TRUCK]. DEALER NOW CLOSED FOR THE EVENING. WILL BE CONTACTING DEALER FIRST THING ON 07/09 AND DEMANDING FIX AND/OR REPLACEMENT - AS THIS IS NOW MULTIPLE TIMES WITH THE DEALER DENYING THE SEVERITY OF THIS. *TR
Jul 08, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR TWO MONTHS AGO. AT RANDOM, AND WHEN MAKING A LEFT ONTO A BUSY STREET, ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THERE IS A HESITATION AND A VERY QUICK SHUT DOWN WHEN ACCELERATING. IT RE-ENGAGES JUST IN TIME TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL CRASH. I TALKED TO THE HYUNDAI MECHANIC ABOUT THIS. THEY TEST DROVE IT, BUT SINCE THE PROBLEM IS RANDOM, IT WOULD MAKE SENSE THAT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO DETECT IT DURING THE TEST DRIVE. THE PROBLEM ISN'T MAJOR FOR NOW BUT ALL IT TAKES IS ONE EVENT TO MAKE IT SO. I WAS RELIEVED TO SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THIS WEBSITE. *TR
Jun 09, 2013
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
HI, I AM SENDING THIS PAPER DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED FLATTENED TIRE ACCIDENT ON 81 I HIGHWAY IN MAY 26, 2013 2 PM. THE TIRE WAS SUDDENLY FLATTENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN 65~75 MPH, SO IT WAS A LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT. I REALLY DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN BECAUSE I HAD AN INSPECTION IN MAGUIRE A WEEK BEFORE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT THAT MY TIRE GOT IMPALED BY THE NAIL; HOWEVER, THE INSPECTOR IN MAGUIRE COULDN'T FIND ANY NAIL. SURPRISINGLY, THE TIRE WASN''T LEAKING ANYMORE AFTER IT WAS REFILLED AGAIN. HE AND HIS CO-WORKER TRIED IT SEVERAL TIMES TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T LEAKING, AND IT SURE WASN'T LEAKING ACCORDING TO THEIR SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. I ASKED MAGUIRE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS WEIRD ACCIDENT, BUT THEY SAID THAT THE FAULT IS TO HYUNDAI NOT THEM, WHILE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY IS KUMHO TIRE'S. THEREFORE, I ASKED KUMHO TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ACCIDENT AND ASKED THE MONEY FOR THE REPAIRING COST OF MY CAR. THEY FIRST CLAIMED THAT THE TIRE HAS NO TECHNICAL PROBLEM SINCE THERE IS NO MORE AIR LEAKING, SO THEY CAN'T PAY THE REPAIRMENT COST. NONETHELESS, THE TIRE WAS FLATTENED, WHICH IS AN UNCHANGEABLE FACT, SO I ASKED ONCE MORE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY ACCIDENT. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THEY FINALLY AGREED TO INSPECT THE TIRE AND SEND TWO TIRES TO ME. I ALSO AGREED AT FIRST, BUT I FIGURED THAT I CAN''T REALLY TRUST THEM FOR AN HONEST INSPECTION. I FOUND SIMILAR 'FLATTENED TIRE CASES IN THE INTERNET, SO I DECIDED TO SEND IT TO NHSTA FOR ACCURATE AND THROUGH INSPECTION. PLEASE HELP ME AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIMILAR CASES TO FIND A REASON FOR A "'NO HOLE, YET SOMEHOW FLATTENED TIRE. THANK YOU. P.S I HAVE INSPECTION PAPERS THAT I GOT BEFORE AN ACCIDENT AND AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I WILL ATTACH THESE PAPERS AND SEND A TIRE IF YOU NEED A CLOSE INSPECTION. *TR
May 30, 2013
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HAD COMPLETE POWER LOSS ON INTERSTATE WHILE MOVING AT 65MPH IN THE LEFT MOST LANE. ENGINE SHUTTERED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE POWER WENT TO IDLE RPM. THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONCE AND STEERING BECAME HEAVY. MANAGED TO CROSS TWO LANES AND GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON AND ENGINE APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. ACCELERATED FROM SHOULDER INTO TRAFFIC. DROVE FOR 1/4 MILE AND INCIDENT AGAIN REPEATED ITSELF AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. FEARING FOR MY SAFETY, I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER WHOM I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM. I CALLED (ON 5-2-13) THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE NEXT MORNING (5-3-12) I CALLED THEM AT 9AM TO FIND STATUS OF REPAIR. THEY STATED IT WAS ALREADY REPAIRED. THEY STATED IT IS RELATED TO THE TROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THEY STATED THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED THEY WERE HAVING MANY OF THE SAME ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHILCE. THEY STATED THERE WAS A TSB ON THE PROBLEM. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE A MANUFACTURE HAS THE OBLIGATION TO CORRECT A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT REPEATS ITSELF? LOOK AT ALL THE OTHER REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS! I HAVE A WIFE AND 2 CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE. WHAT NOW? *TR
May 03, 2013
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO COAST TOWARDS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS PATTERN HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MILES. I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR AND IN FACT, MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE EITHER, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE. I HAD JUST A COUPLE OF SECONDS TO TRY TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, TOWARDS THE SHOULDER, BUT I HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS BRAKING THE ENTIRE TIME, BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO STOP THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. MY LEFT BUMPER HIT HIS TRUCK ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF HIS BUMPER. MY RADIATOR WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKED ALL THE FLUID OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE OF THE RADIATOR. *TR
Jan 16, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO COAST TOWARDS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS PATTERN HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MILES. I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR AND IN FACT, MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE EITHER, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE. I HAD JUST A COUPLE OF SECONDS TO TRY TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, TOWARDS THE SHOULDER, BUT I HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS BRAKING THE ENTIRE TIME, BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO STOP THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. MY LEFT BUMPER HIT HIS TRUCK ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF HIS BUMPER. MY RADIATOR WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKED ALL THE FLUID OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE OF THE RADIATOR. *TR
Jan 11, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON AN OVERPASS AND TURNING TO THE LEFT, I HAD JUST APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WAS APPLYING THE GAS AS I HAD TO GET ONTO THE INTERSTATE. I NOTICED THE CAR DECELERATED, I HAD NO BRAKING POWER AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR SO I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME. ALL THE LIGHTS WERE ON THE CAR BUT IT SEEMED DEAD. I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WHILE TALKING TO MY HUSBAND, I TURNED THE CAR ON AND IT STARTED AND OFF I DROVE OFF WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT DAY I HAD MY TWO LITTLE GIRLS AND MY MOTHER IN THE CAR. I HAD TO CONTINUE TO DRIVING SINCE WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO AN IMPORTANT DOCTORS APPOINTMENT. I CAN'T IMAGINE IF I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN I CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HYUNDAI SERVICE THEY ACTED LIKE IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. *TR
Dec 04, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED ELECTRICAL SMOKE, PARKED CAR SHUT OFF ENGINE, OPENED HOOD AND FOUND AN ELECTRICAL MOTOR OF SORTS ON FIRE. *TR
Sep 24, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, IN FRONT OF A BAKERY, AND STOPPED TO ALLOW A CAR TO LEAVE A PARKING SPOT. I THEN PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO THE VACANT PARKING SPOT AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ACTUALLY GUNNING INTO A HIGHER GEAR, AND AS I WAS PUSHING HARDER DOWN ON THE BRAKE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE BAKERY. I PROCEEDED TO APPLY BOTH MY FEET TO THE BRAKES IN HOPES THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP, AND IT DID. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED BEFORE ENTERING THE BAKERY WINDOW. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ARRANGED FOR THEM TO TOW IT TO THEIR MECHANICS DEPARTMENT. *TR
Jul 26, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED; THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE AND SHE ALSO HEARD A SQUEAKY NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR ABRUPTLY AND THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE DEFECT WAS A COMMON ISSUE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2011 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V613000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION DISC: CALIPER). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,100.
Dec 05, 2011
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN SANTA FE SUDDENLY SURGED OR LUNGED FORWARD AND TO THE RIGHT CAUSING CAR TO JUMP OVER A CONCRETE BUMPER AND INTO ANOTHER CAR PARKED AT A 90-DEGREE ANGLE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WAS CLEARED DRIVER PROCEEDED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. ENROUTE THE SANTA FE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. DEALER CLAIMED THE EVENTS COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *TR
Nov 02, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe have?
The 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe currently has 348 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?
The most common problems reported for the 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - HYUNDAI Santa Fe
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1997 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
Other HYUNDAI Models
Accent
Azera
Elantra
Elantra GT
Elantra N
Elantra Touring
Entourage
Equus
Excel
Genesis
Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Steel Industries, Inc.
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models