2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 234 owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11745765 (filed 06/22/2026): “On june 16, 2025, i dropped my 2012 hyundai santa fe gls (vin: [xxx]) off at larry h. miller southwest in albuquerque, nm for nhtsa safety recall #20v746000 (theta ii engine connecting rod bearing failure). it has now been over one week with zero communication from the dealership regarding the statu…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11722965 (filed 03/09/2026): “The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. there was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! it is available for inspection! yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the highway in the midd…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11700886 (filed 11/21/2025): “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…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .