2012 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 131 brake complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 20% of all complaints for the year, with 12 crashes and 8 injuries reported. Two brake-related recalls apply, covering ESC sensor malfunctions and a separate brake component issue. Median mileage at failure is 58,290.
- Brakes complaints
- 131
- 20% of 652
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 8
- Median mileage
- 58,290 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light illuminating followed by loss of steering and brake control, sometimes ending in a crash into a ditch, pole, or embankment.
- Several drivers describe the brake pedal failing to engage or going to the floorboard with reduced stopping power, leading to rear-end or frontal collisions.
- Some complaints describe the vehicle moving on its own while parking or at low speed before the brakes were fully applied.
- Multiple owners mention receiving a recall notice tied to campaign 15V871000 for the yaw-rate/ESC sensor after a crash had already occurred.
- One owner reported the brakes failing to lock or vibrate to warn of loss of traction in snowy conditions before the vehicle went off the road.
When 2012 Hyundai Elantra brake complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 9, 2012, latest Aug 3, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
- 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 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.
Brakes complaints by Elantra model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
- NHTSA lists 131 brake complaints for the 2012 Elantra, which is 20% of the 652 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
- Yes. Campaign 15V871000 covers an ESC sensor malfunction affecting brakes in 2011-2012 Elantras, and campaign 23V651000 covers a separate brake component issue on 2011-2015 Elantras and other Hyundai/Kia models.
- At what mileage do brake problems tend to show up on the 2012 Elantra?
- The median mileage at failure across the reported brake complaints is 58,290 miles.
- Have the brake complaints led to crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints shows 12 crashes, 3 fires, and 8 injuries reported for the 2012 Elantra.
- Do all brake complaints relate to the same recall?
- No. Many complaints describe an ESC sensor malfunction tied to campaign 15V871000, while others describe brake pedal or component issues covered separately by campaign 23V651000.