2012 Hyundai Tucson Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 Tucson years
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 255 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 40, and ranks 10th of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Tucson years. Engine problems dominate at 67% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 99,450 miles.
- Complaints
- 255
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 13
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
Top 2012 Hyundai Tucson problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine172 (67%)
- Brakes37 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (10%)
- Electrical System19 (7%)
- Other14 (5%)
- Structure & Body10 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (4%)
- Airbags6 (2%)
- Steering6 (2%)
- Fuel System5 (2%)
What owners report
- Some owners report the transmission shifting on its own between gears or slipping out of park unexpectedly, in one case causing the vehicle to roll away unattended.
- Drivers describe the steering wheel seizing suddenly at highway speed alongside illumination of the power steering warning light.
- Owners report vehicles catching fire while parked in a driveway or while driving at low speed, sometimes preceded by a popping sound and stalling.
- Some owners state the driver's side airbag failed to deploy during a crash despite other airbags in the vehicle activating.
- One owner reported strong toxic fumes inside the cabin following a body repair for a rear-end collision.
2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls
3 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 19V063000Feb 5, 2019Engine120,000 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
- NHTSA 14V245000May 13, 2014Airbags137,500 vehicles
Air bags
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
2012 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 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 Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- Relative to other Tucson model years, the 2012 is rated "Good," ranking 10th out of 16 years with a complaint index of 40 and 255 total complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
- Engine problems make up 67% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 99,450 miles, and NHTSA also lists an engine oil pan leak recall (19V063000).
- Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Tucson: a brake-related fire risk recall (23V651000), an engine oil pan leak recall (19V063000), and a driver airbag bolt recall (14V245000).
- How does the 2012 Tucson compare to other years?
- The 2012 Tucson's complaint index of 40 is lower than the 2016 (93), 2017 (80), 2022 (87), and 2025 (100) model years, all rated "Avoid," making 2012 a relatively better choice.