2012 Hyundai Elantra

Above average

Owners filed 652 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,303 milesMedian miles at failure

424 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags118
22024
Engine97
252
Electrical System85
110
Steering59
402
Service Brakes45
504
Service Brakes, Hydraulic36
030
Unknown or Other35
100
Electronic Stability Control (esc)34
502
Suspension33
000
Power Train23
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module23V651000Park outside
Filed Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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.

Equipment › Electrical20V393000
Filed Jul 2, 2020272,126 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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.

Risk. An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)15V871000
Filed Dec 23, 2015155,000 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.

Structure13V115000
Filed Apr 1, 2013186,250 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2026151,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because the mileage was 3,000 miles over the mileage limitation. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 3, 202659,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake pedal felt spongy while depressed. After parking the vehicle, the contact later restarted the vehicle, and the brake pedal extended to the floor while depressed. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that there was no brake fluid inside the brake fluid reservoir. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), and a fuse was replaced. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2026NC

Apparently a VERY common crankshaft angle sensor malfunction caused the engine to stall out at a stoplight, putting me in harm's way

Air BagsCrash5 injured
Filed Jun 11, 2026VA

I was going down the bridge on settlers landing road the yellow school bus was in the right turning lane with right turning signal on .as I approached the light in the middle straight lane to keep toward the landing (hotel) on settlers landing Hampton va the bus some what merged back towards the middle lane and that when the bus crashed into the car it went under the bus it’s totaled the windshield and my sunroof collided the airbags did not deploy something needs to be done about that that was dangerous.I got glass in my face my right hand had glass my head hit the steering wheel my body jerked. I hit my legs my whole body is hurting and very sore all over I can’t hardly walk my hand is swollen. Liability suit of airbag default needs to happen

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 1, 2026FL

*Wife litely drives this car avg 4k miles a year* She left the house for the grocery store the other day and after the first stop light, noticed the brakes were engaging on their own. Luckily she called me before going any further and damaging the pads and rotors, or worse - causing a fire or having an accident. I slowly drove it home and inspected fuses, brake fluid and checked online resources for anyone with similar issue. Turns out this is common? Very dangerous. Have never experienced this issue with any other car make. I had the car towed to HQ Hyundai (local dealer in Sanford FL) to address 2 open recall bulletins on this car. They immediately forced me to accept a $200 inspection fee (key ransom) just to do the recalls - siting safety of staff!?! They were informed that the brakes were remaining engaged and that they needed to disconnect the battery, but they left it in the tow yard over the weekend. I am sure they will try to sell us a battery now. Very upset with the response to this extremely unsafe issue, that we didn't cause from excessive, hard driving.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 27, 2026FL

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that around 4:00 o'clock in the morning, she was awoken by the sound of her dogs barking; she then discovered that her vehicle had caught fire and had burned to the ground. The fire spread, which caught fire to a nearby mobile home and a 4-wheeler. The authorities were called to the scene, and the fire department managed to extinguish all three fires. No injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. A neighbor's Ring doorbell camera captured the footage of the fire, which showed that the fire had started from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was a total loss and remained in the contact's possession. The failure mileage was unknown.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 6, 202680,000 milesPA

The contact’s son owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The contact’s son pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and the fire extinguished on its own. No fire or police report was filed. The contact was informed by local police that a trail of oil had leaked from the contact’s son’s vehicle while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refused to replace the engine under an unknown related engine recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2026101,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2026OH

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine, which is experiencing premature internal engine damage that presents a potential safety risk. Vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Mileage: Approximately 134,500 miles Issue description: The engine produces a persistent ticking/knocking noise, most pronounced at cold start but now continuing even after the engine has warmed. A Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle with piston slap and confirmed significant scarring on the cylinder walls, stating that the only repair is full engine replacement. Despite the presence of internal engine damage, no warning lights are illuminated. I am concerned this condition could lead to sudden engine seizure or loss of power while driving, creating a safety hazard. Additional observations include: Excessive crankcase blow-by observed when removing the oil fill cap while the engine is running Strong exhaust fumes at cold start Noise most noticeable at idle and low RPM Regular oil changes using manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity The dealership advised the condition was not repairable short of engine replacement and did not submit the concern for Hyundai corporate technical review (Techline), despite the known history of engine defects in Hyundai Nu engines. I am filing this complaint to document a pattern of premature internal engine wear that may not be adequately addressed through recalls or warranty

Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2026NJ

Car check engine light illuminated and car began shaking and stalled at 79284 miles. Local mechanic said engine was dry and would need full replacement, no dashboard lights indicating oil level or engine issues prior to this point.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 202666,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable and failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Wheels
Filed Jan 22, 2026OK

I have had my car since 201. I brought it brand new. In that time, I have had to replace the tire sensors (TPMS) on my tires multiple times. They keep failing or something is wrong with the system. Even after brand new tires (and sensors) the warning fault light on the dash illuminates intermittently. Sometimes after 45 miles, it goes off. If I go on a rough road it sometimes illuminates and stays on for some time. The only fix mechanics have is to replace them every time, just for me to have the issue repeat later.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 10, 2025FL

Driver side wheel baron was scrubbing together and brake fluid was leaking I lost speed can't go over 35 miles on the speedometer my airbag light is on on the dashboard, abs, the car with 2 lines and tire along with engine sign is on I look up for recall and it listed everything my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is doing I took it to Hyundai dealership in Orlando Florida on West colonial drive and 2 hours they called said it was ready they didn't do anything all the the same lights still on on the dashboard still leaking brake fluid and wheel baron and my brakes still scrubbing against each other speed reduction they claim they did the recall would not look at it again said they did it nothing changed I'm taking a risk of fire starting from brake fluid hitting the electrical box and wheel coming of and again All the lights on the dashboard is still on my name email address and everything is wrong on the paperwork except my phone number and I gave him my license with my information on it I'm asking the advisor how can he tell me that the work was done and recall doesn't necessary fix the problem but he knew my car remember everything that's impossible I told him why the lights still on and nothing changed also I asked him how do he know it's repaired he showed me no parts came off my car to say it was replaced nothing was replaced

Engine
Filed Nov 21, 2025PA

We went to a dealership to get it inspected due to a knocking noise in the engine. They used a tool and said it was most likely cylinder 3 piston slap. There was an issue with this according to Hyundai in the past. This puts my wife at risk because if it ends up blowing up, it could send shrapnel through the motor or cause her to wreck her vehicle if it happens while driving. This was diagnosed by a local dealership. No engine light is on at the time. This started a few weeks ago. The car is around 132,000 miles. Thank you!

Equipment
Filed Nov 18, 2025120,500 milesTX

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V393000 (EQUIPMENT). The contact stated that the fuse on the modified Tire Mobility Kit failed after it was replaced as stated in the recall repair. The contact replaced the fuse with one of the extra fuses provided by the dealer after the recall part was replaced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,500.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 16, 2025TN

Car accident. My car was T-boned on the passenger side, the side airbag did deploy. The impact from the accident pushed my car into on coming traffic and I hit 2 other cars. One in the front grill and the other in the left rear quarter panel. The front airbag did not deploy and my chest hit the steering wheel. My car was totaled and I was taken to the hospital and had 5 CT scans. The one for my chest showed a contusion which I continue to have pain from. I also had neck sprain or strain and had physical therapy to assist with the pain. When I was released from the hospital ER I was taken to the lot where my car was towed to get my belongings and took photos of my car. The photos show where they cut the side airbag out and the broken window. You can also see the front airbag did not deploy. I believe the insurance adjuster inspected my car after it was towed. I received reimbursement from the insurance company. There were no warning lamps or messages regarding the airbags prior to the accident.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 30, 2025FL

I have constantly had problems with the airbag light going on & off for simply no reason driving the road. Also the windshield sensor light keeps going off making it unsafe to drive at night. I am am a senior citizen & I have to work and I keep going back & forth with my mechanic paying extensive checks on top of getting the problem resolved. I don't have money like that. I live along surviving off of one income.

Seat BeltsCrash5 injured
Filed Aug 21, 2025NC

. During the accident on February 1, 2025, at the moment of impact, the passenger seat belt suddenly unlatched and became stuck on my right hand. As a direct result, I suffered a fracture in my right hand at the exact point where the belt got caught, as well as fractures in my foot, ribs, back, and multiple other injuries. This seat belt failure left me completely exposed to much greater danger, including the possibility of being ejected through the front windshield. If it had not been for my feet getting trapped, I likely would have been thrown out of the vehicle. I firmly believe that this seat belt malfunction contributed significantly to the severity of my injuries.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 9, 2025AZ

Seatbelt failed passenger was thrown forward hitting windshield afterwards airbag deployed throwing passenger upwards hitting roof of vehicle Issue: Delayed airbag deployment Issue: Seatbelt failure

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 18, 2025MD

The brake pedal stopper pad broke and fell off which resulted in the brake lights remaining illuminated the entire time the car was driving, which is very hazardous. I am not sure how long it had been broken for before I realized that this dangerous condition was occurring. The brake lights remained on even after the car was turned off. I had to tape a piece of cardboard to the brake arm where it hits the brake light switch to get the brake lights to appropriately go off and on and to be able to relatively safely drive the car to a mechanic. The mechanic was able to determine that the broken brake pedal stopper was causing the problem. 2013 elantras were recalled for this problem but not the 2012 models. This recall may need to be expanded to 2012s.

20 of 652 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20262100Routine
202522000Routine
202453100Routine
202398200Routine
2022100510Routine
2021130611Fatalities reported
2020250362Fatalities reported
2019250131Fatalities reported
2018281071Fatalities reported
2017767460Above average
2016292250Above average
2015261380Above average
20143822152Fatalities reported
20131,3134310High concern
2012 — this page6524110Above average
2011432580Above average
2010379391Fatalities reported
20092524110Above average
20083147230High concern
20072666130Above average
2006155100Routine
2005137430Routine
2004182520Routine
2003234510Above average
2002342642Fatalities reported
2001315641Fatalities reported
2000197120Routine
1999128220Routine
199855000Routine
1997115301Fatalities reported
1996100332Fatalities reported
1995112150Routine
199476220Routine
199324010Routine
199229040Routine

Compare every Elantra year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 22, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.