2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Should You Buy a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. With a robust 3.5L V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a satisfying driving experience, especially with its all-wheel-drive capability. The vehicle's fuel economy is decent for its class, achieving 22 MPG combined, making it a suitable option for daily commuting and family outings. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has received a total of 468 complaints to the NHTSA, with notable issues related to the engine and vehicle speed control, particularly at low mileage and around the 100,000-mile mark. Despite these concerns, the Santa Fe boasts a reliability score of 89.2/100, indicating a generally dependable vehicle for its age and category.
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is best suited for families or individuals seeking a reliable, spacious SUV for daily commuting and weekend adventures, without breaking the bank.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five
- +Strong V6 engine performance with good towing capacity
- +All-wheel drive option enhances traction and stability
- +Decent fuel economy for an SUV in its class
- +High reliability score of 89.2/100
Weaknesses
- -Significant NHTSA complaints, particularly regarding engine issues
- -Some users report electrical system malfunctions
- -Potential long-term reliability concerns at higher mileage
- -Limited cargo space compared to some competitors
- -Less refined interior materials than luxury rivals
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has reported a total of 468 complaints to the NHTSA, with a significant number focusing on engine issues and vehicle speed control. While there have been 41 crash incidents and 17 fire incidents, there have been no reported deaths. The most common issues arise at low mileage (0-20,000 mi) and again around 100,000-120,000 mi, suggesting potential long-term reliability concerns. Buyers should conduct thorough inspections and consider the vehicle's maintenance history before purchasing.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.4 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 21
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Width
- 74.4 in
- Height
- 70.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 106.3 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,686 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –