2012 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 172 engine complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 67% of all 255 complaints for the year, with 13 fires and 3 injuries reported. A related recall (19V063000) covers an engine oil pan leak that can cause engine damage, with median failure mileage at 99,450.
- Engine complaints
- 172
- 67% of 255
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 13
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 99,450 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires starting under the hood while parked or shortly after driving, sometimes destroying the vehicle.
- Several drivers describe a popping or explosion sound from the engine followed by stalling and smoke at highway speeds (60-80 mph).
- Some complaints mention loss of power or engine shaking moments before flames appeared in the engine compartment.
- A few owners tied the fire or burning smell directly to recall 19V063000, saying the oil pan leak repair was delayed or not yet completed.
- One report describes a crash after the vehicle allegedly lost power while turning at low speed, following a recall notice.
- One owner noted a clicking sound from the engine compartment followed by a loud explosion and smoke from the rear of the vehicle.
When 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 6, 2011, latest Aug 18, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson
- 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.
Engine complaints by Tucson model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine problems common?
- NHTSA has logged 172 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Tucson, which is 67% of all 255 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine?
- Yes. Recall 19V063000 covers 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles where the engine oil pan may leak, and if not fixed, the loss of oil can cause engine damage. Hyundai dealers inspect and replace the oil pan if needed.
- Have there been engine fires reported in the 2012 Tucson?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 13 fires and 2 crashes tied to engine issues on the 2012 Tucson, with 3 injuries reported.
- At what mileage do 2012 Tucson engine problems usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2012 Tucson is 99,450 miles.