Worst 2012 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbags
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 137 | 3 | 6 | 72,593 mi | |
| Airbags | 122 | 23 | — | 96,370 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 122 | 3 | 1 | 55,088 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 88 | 9 | — | 65,410 mi | |
| Brakes | 58 | 8 | — | 63,575 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 44 | 8 | — | 67,920 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 43 | — | — | 84,475 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 40 | — | 1 | 59,936 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 37 | — | 3 | 36,667 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 26 | 3 | — | 74,536 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 17 | 1 | — | 49,269 mi | |
| Fuel System | 15 | 1 | — | 82,531 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 14 | — | — | 32,298 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | — | — | 74,500 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 12 | — | — | 64,246 mi | |
| Body Structure | 11 | 2 | 2 | 62,520 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 4 | — | 45,000 mi | |
| Other Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Hyundai Elantra
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,262,854 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Other Hyundai Elantra Years
2012 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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