2012 Hyundai Santa Fe

Introduction:

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV available in both 5- and 7-passenger configurations. It offers a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.3-liter V6. The 2.4-liter engine produces 175 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.3-liter V6 generates 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual shifting.

Owners generally praise the Santa Fe for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly features. However, it has received some criticism for its lack of power from the base engine and its excessive fuel consumption.

Engine

2.4L Inline-Four

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noises from the engine, reduced engine power, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor engine performance, increased emissions
  • Solution: Clean or replace EGR valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.3L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed or no gear engagement, increased transmission fluid temperature
  • Solution: Replace transmission or perform transmission rebuild
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic with Shiftronic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, difficulty selecting gears, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharges quickly, vehicle may not start, electrical components may not function properly
  • Solution: Inspect electrical system for parasitic draw, replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear wiper does not work, intermittent operation, noise from wiper motor
  • Solution: Replace rear wiper motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits appearing on the dashboard, especially near the vents or defroster
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cupholder Design Flaw
  • Description/Symptoms: Cupholders are too shallow or not wide enough to hold cups securely
  • Solution: No known solution, issue is design related
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is overall a reliable vehicle, but it has some potential issues that owners should be aware of. The engine issues, primarily with the 2.4-liter inline-four, are relatively common and can be costly to fix. The transmission issues, while less common, can also be expensive to address. Other issues, such as battery drain and dashboard cracking, are not as severe and can typically be fixed for a more reasonable cost.