2012 Hyundai Tucson Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Part of Generation 2 — 2010–2015.

20112013
Complaints
313
per 10K Sold
59.5
US Sales
52,614
Crashes
18
Fires
20
Injuries
16
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2012 Hyundai Tucson Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1157 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:94,473 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:12
#226 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:64,586 mi
Crash-related:3
Fires:1
#325 complaints

Hydraulic Brakes

Avg mileage:54,496 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.

Engine Problems
157
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
12
Avg Miles
94,473
Transmission / Drivetrain
26
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Avg Miles
64,586
Hydraulic Brakes
25
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,496
Electrical Faults
15
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Avg Miles
53,069
Engine & Cooling
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
117,680
Brakes
9
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Avg Miles
43,933
Unintended Acceleration
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
70,971
Airbags
6
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
75,436
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
53,158
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
92,288
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
75,738
Gasoline Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Horn
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Diesel Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Abs Warning Light
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 Hyundai Tucson

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,906,978 vehicles.

23V651000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
~1,649,478 affected

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.

19V063000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
~120,000 affected

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.

14V245000Airbags
~137,500 affected

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.

Other Hyundai Tucson Years

2012 Hyundai Tucson — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 313 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 157 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (157 complaints, avg 94,473 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (26 complaints, avg 64,586 mi); Hydraulic Brakes (25 complaints, avg 54,496 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 82,426 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson include 18 crash-related reports, 20 fire reports, 16 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,906,978 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Tucson reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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