2012 Hyundai Elantra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Hyundai Elantra ranks 3rd worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 90 and 652 complaints, mostly tied to Engine, Electrical System, and Brakes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls, and owners report brake failures and airbags that did not deploy in crashes, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Elantra years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 Elantra years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 652
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 47
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 44
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28 city / 38 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 44 / 0
Top 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during moderate-speed frontal and side-impact crashes, sometimes causing head, neck, or chest injuries.
- Side curtain airbags did not deploy even when the rear door and fender were severely damaged in a side collision.
- Steering wheel became unstable or unresponsive at low-to-moderate speeds, in one case leading to a loss of control while turning.
- Brakes reportedly failed to engage or stop the vehicle, resulting in crashes into poles, embankments, and parked objects.
- Some brake-failure reports were linked to an electronic stability control sensor recall (campaign 15V871000).
- A loud steering noise accompanied instability, prompting axle replacement by an independent mechanic in one case.
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 reliable?
- Compared with other Elantra model years, the 2012 ranks 3rd worst out of 21 years with a complaint index of 90 and 652 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to the rest of the lineup.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 161 (25% share), followed by Electrical System at 140 (21%) and Brakes at 131 (20%). Airbags account for 124 complaints and 25 crashes, the highest crash count of any category.
- Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Elantra covering brakes, an accessory socket outlet, electronic stability control sensors, and a headliner support bracket. None are classified as do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2012 Elantra compare to other years like 2013 or 2022?
- The 2013 Elantra has a higher complaint index of 100 with 1,313 complaints, also rated Avoid, while the 2022 Elantra has a complaint index of 20 and a Best verdict, making 2022 comparatively lower risk.
- What mileage do problems typically show up on the 2012 Elantra?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 62,999 miles, with Engine issues appearing around 67,000 miles and Suspension issues appearing earlier, around 35,746 miles.