YearToAvoid

2012 Hyundai Tucson Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 37 brake complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 15% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 48,000 miles. Two crashes and two fires are linked to this area, and recall 23V651000 covers a brake fluid leak that can lead to engine fire.

Brakes complaints
37
15% of 255
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
48,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the brakes failing to stop the vehicle when applied, in one case leading to a crash into a residential garage.
  • Some describe unintended acceleration when pressing the brake, followed by loss of braking and emergency brake failure.
  • Owners report brake fluid leaking internally, causing smoke and fire under the hood.
  • Drivers describe grinding or loud noise from the brakes along with needing to push the pedal to the floor to stop on downhill grades.
  • Several owners who received the 23V651000 recall notice said replacement parts were not available at their dealer for an extended period.

When 2012 Hyundai Tucson brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 16, 2012, latest Jul 31, 2025.

2012 Hyundai Tucson brakes complaints: complaints filed per month6Feb 2012Oct 2012Jan 2019Nov 2023Jan 2024Mar 2024Jun 2024Jul 2025
37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2012 to Jul 2025; peak Jan 2024 (6).

Brakes recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Tucson model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (24%)
  2. 201140 (32%)
  3. 201237 (15%)
  4. 201342 (16%)
  5. 201456 (28%)
  6. 201570 (31%)
  7. 201656 (3%)
  8. 201750 (5%)
  9. 201843 (11%)
  10. 2019121 (32%)
  11. 202044 (25%)
  12. 202112 (15%)
  13. 202233 (9%)
  14. 202319 (14%)
  15. 202416 (17%)
  16. 202539 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA lists 37 brake complaints for the 2012 Tucson, which is 15% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes. Recall 23V651000, reported in 2023, covers service brakes on the hydraulic system. It does not carry a do-not-drive order, but owners are advised to park outside away from structures until repaired.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2012 Tucson?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 48,000 miles at the time of failure for brake-related complaints.
Have the 2012 Tucson's brake issues caused crashes or fires?
NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 2 fires associated with brake complaints on the 2012 Tucson, with no reported injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.