2012 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 353 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 25 involved a crash and 17 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 1, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Campaign 20V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
353 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2014
WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING IDLE OR DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE AC IS MANUALLY TURNED OFF WITHIN 30 TO 60 SECONDS THE AC WILL TURN ON BY ITSELF. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, A CRASH, OR FATALITY AND SHOULD BE ADDRESS BY THE MANUFACTURE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2014
WAS MAKING LEFT HAND TURN, CAR JUST DIED, NO WARNING AND NO LIGHTS CAME ON. COASTED TO STOP AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP[. ANOTHER TIME LEAVING PARKING LOT CAR STARTED WAS RUNING FINE THEN LOST SPEED, COULDN'T GO OVER 25 MPH TOOK CAR TO HYUNDAI SHOP AND THEY CKECK CAR AND THEY DID ALL THE CHECKS AND REPAIRS AND SAID CAR SHOULD BE OK. TICKET #[XXX]. ALSO CALLED HYUNDAI COMPANY AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO THEM,, CASE #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Nov 11, 2014
DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR JUST DIED. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AS NO LIGHTS APPEARED BUT THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND I REALIZED THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING FOR NO REASON. IT WAS VERY ALARMING SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD DRIVING. NOT STOPPED OR TURNING. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND ME BUT HAD I BEEN ON A BUSIER ROAD OR GOING AT A HIGHER SPEED, IT COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND EVEN MORE SO FOR AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS CAR NOW. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Engine, Sep 21, 2014
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
Seat belts, Aug 21, 2014
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
Engine, Aug 20, 2014
FIRST TIME THE INCIDENT HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, AND AS I MADE A LEFT TURN THE CAR DIED COMPLETELY. NO CONTROL OF STEERING AND HAD TO BRAKE VERY HARD TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. PUT IT IN PARK AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP AGAIN. LUCKILY NO OTHER CARS WERE AROUND ME. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEALER AND HE REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND CLEANED ALL THE GROUNDS. THE CAR RAN GREAT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY OFF RAMP GOING ABOUT 25 MPH AND THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED AGAIN. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED IGNITION ON AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. ONE MORE INCIDENT OCCURRED, 2 WEEKS AGO, WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP SIGN THE CAR DIED AGAIN. I EVEN CHANGED TO A HIGHER GRADE GAS. BUT I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL UNSAFE AND INSECURE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I DON'T THINK HYUNDAI CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THESE SANTA FE'S. WE WILL BE TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AGAIN NEXT WEEK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 7, 2014
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
Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2014
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jul 16, 2014
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 16, 2014
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
Engine, Jul 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,520. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ
Power train, Jul 8, 2014
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
Seat belts, Jul 5, 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
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2014
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER EACH TIME. THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WENT INTO THE LIMP MODE WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON THE TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 08-20-14 *BF UPDATED 09/3/2014 *JS
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2014
AFTER DRIVING TO WORK (APPROXIMATELY 27 MINUTES AT SPEEDS UP TO 70+) I PULLED INTO MY WORK PARKING LOT LIKE I HAVE DOWN THOUSANDS OF TIMES BEFORE. I PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALL POWER FAILED ON VEHICLE. THE RADIO DISPLAY WENT DEAD AND THE CAR STOPPED MID TURN. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE WHEN YOUR POWER GOES OUT AT HOME DURING A STORM. I TRIED SHIFT THE CAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD WANT TO START BACK UP BUT IT DIDN'T LET THE KEY GO ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT LIKE YOU WOULD TO NORMALLY CRANK A VEHICLE. THE PANEL ILLUMINATED ALL ICONS AND LIGHTS (SIMILAR TO A POWER OUTAGE). I TRIED TO START THE CAR A FEW MORE TIMES WHEN FINALLY IT TURNED OVER AND I PULLED TO THE NEAREST PARKING SPACE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. I HAD ROADSIDE TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP (SPORT DURST). AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE ALL DAY, I ARRIVED THERE SLIGHTLY BEFORE 5PM TO DISCUSS WHAT WAS FOUND. THEY PROCEEDED TO SHOW ME A PRINT OUT OF THE COMPUTER READING WHERE IT HAD NO "CODES" PRESENT. I WAS THEN TOLD IF THEY DON'T HAVE A CODE, THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK FOR THE ISSUE. I THEN EXPLAINED THAT I WAS LUCKY THIS TIME THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC OR THAT ANOTHER CAR WASN'T BEHIND ME OR THAT IT WASN'T AT NIGHT IN AN UNSAFE AREA BUT AS A CAR OWNER WHY AM I EXPECTED TO ROLL THE DICE WITH MY SAFETY?? WHY CAN'T THEY DO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ISSUE. I DON'T LIKE BEING AT ANY DEALERSHIP WASTING MY EVENING HAGGLING WITH THEM MORE THEN THEY DO. THEREFORE I HAVE NO REASON TO MAKE IT UP. THE SERVICE MANAGER TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT HIS HANDS WERE TIED AND THAT FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE USED TO CHECK ALL POTENTIAL ISSUES (WITHOUT ANY "CODES") I WOULD HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BILL UNLESS THEY FIND SOMETHING WHICH I FEEL IS UNFAIR WHEN THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD WITH 40,000 MILES. I WAS THEN TOLD WHEN IT HAPPENS NEXT TIME... RECORD IT... *TR
Structure, Jun 24, 2014
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
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 16, 2014
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
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2014
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$.
Engine, Jun 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS ALL INDICATORS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM CARBURETOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,741.
Steering, Engine, Jun 8, 2014
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
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 1, 2014, crash
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
Service brakes, May 29, 2014
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
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, May 26, 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