Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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, [phone]) 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. …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 9 am to find status of repair. They stated it was already repaired. They stated it is related to the trottle position sensor. …
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. …
Transmission complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 7% of the model year's 354 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.