I WAS AT A MAJOR INTERSTATE INTERCHANGE, OVER 6 HOURS FROM HOME WHEN I HEARD A SLIGHT NOISE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR DECELERATED, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I HEARD THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVING, AS IF I WERE PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT SAT FOR A WEEK, WAITING FOR REPAIRS…
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe cruise control problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Crashes
8
Avg fix
$600
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE (MILEAGE APPROX. 13366) ON THE HIGHWAY IN FAIRLY HEAVY TRAFFIC AT AROUND 70 MPH AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I HEARD A LITTLE "BLIP" NOISE AND FELT A VERY SLIGHT JERK, KIND OF LIKE A SUDDEN GEAR CHANGE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, THEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED DECELERATING. I BARELY MISSED GETTING REAR-ENDED…
VEHICLE PICKED UP AFTER INSPECTION AT DEALER AND DRIVEN APPROX. 1 MILE WHEN VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, MILLER HYUNDAI, AND THEY ADVISED NOTHING WRONG. THEN ON 11/11/13 SAME THING OCCURRED. MILLER HYUNDAI ADVISED THEY COMPLETED AN ECM UPGRADE. LEFT DEALER LOT AND DROVE APPROX. 1/2 MILE AND SAME THING OCCURRED. MILLER HYUNDAI THEN REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ON…
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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