2012 Hyundai Elantra Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#3 most-complained of 21 Elantra years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 652 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #3 highest of 21 Elantra model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (161 complaints, 25% of the total). Complaints report 47 crashes, 11 fires, and 44 injuries.
- Complaints
- 652
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 47 / 11
- Injuries / deaths
- 44 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28 city / 38 hwy
Top 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine161 (25%)
- Electrical System140 (21%)
- Brakes131 (20%)
- Airbags124 (19%)
- Steering88 (13%)
- Other71 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires70 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain40 (6%)
- Fuel System18 (3%)
- Structure & Body18 (3%)
2012 Hyundai Elantra recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- NHTSA 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Other272,126 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
- NHTSA 15V871000Dec 23, 2015Brakes155,000 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Risk: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.
2012 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 32 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra ranks #3 of 21 among Elantra model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 652 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (161 complaints), electrical system (140 complaints), and brakes (131 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 62,999 miles.
- Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes, other, and structure & body.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
- EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Elantra at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,050. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.