2012 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 675 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 49 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 47 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalJul 2, 2020
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.
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
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.
Campaign 20V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Dec 23, 2015
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.
If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15V871000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 1, 2013
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.
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
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.
Campaign 13V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
128 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2026, crash
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
Air bags, Mar 31, 2026
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.
Air bags, Oct 16, 2025, crash
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, Seat belts, Visibility/wiper, Sep 30, 2025
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.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 9, 2025, crash
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and air bag warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, May 18, 2023
Good day i hope this finds you well. While I'm driving my air bag light comes on and off around certain corners and such..I have been told it means my air bag won't work if I'm in an accident. It definitely freaks me out knowing I could or couldn't be ok in an accident. I'm not sure what to do about this..I bought my hyundai elantra from a personal sale so there probably isn't anything I can do but I just thought someone should know. I am grateful for your time..hope you have a great day
Air bags, Jan 14, 2023
The airbag light came on and stays on no matter what. I have read this happens a lot with Hyundai Elantra’s made during this time frame. This is a major safety issue if the airbags are not functioning properly.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2022, crash
A 2015 ford car hit me and the passenger airbags deployed, but did not inflate due to a hole in the airbag at the seam
Steering, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2022, crash
My steering column makes a clicking noise and the cruise control comes on when it wants to also the horn won't work on the steering wheel, and I was in an accident where I got hit in the front and the airbag didn't even deploy
Air bags, Apr 19, 2022
Airbag light came on for no reason. Took the car to the dealership. Diagnostics test revealed faulty airbag control module. Dealership recommended replacement of the airbag control module. The cost of replacement is $1,042. Hyundai warranty does not cover the airbag control module after 5 years / 60,000 miles. I am concerned about this as this is the basic safety feature of the car and the cost of replacing the unit is prohibitive. I'm also concerned about the fact that the essential feature such as airbag control unit can fail for no apparent reason.
Air bags, Apr 15, 2022
Airbag light stays on all the time. Many people online are complaining about the same problem. This is a major safety issue and there should definitely be a recall on these airbags.
Air bags, Dec 12, 2021
Airbag light on on. DTC code B1346 , Driver airbag resistance too high ( 1st stage)
Air bags, Sep 6, 2021, crash
A pickup pulled in front of me causing my car to impact it. Despite significant frontal damage to my car the steering wheel airbag did not deploy.
Air bags, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated and turned off after 6 seconds. The contact also stated that the tire pressure system warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The contact stated on August 26, 2021, while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Aug 11, 2021
As with many people have reported my 2012 airbag light has come on. It appears to be the clock spring as other's have mentioned and airbag won't deploy unless fixed.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 25, 2021
We purchased the four (4) weeks ago. On July 25, 2021 about 5:53 P.M. My step daughter was driving about 10 miles per hour making a left turn and the driver and passenger airbags deployed without a collision or impact of any kind. I contacted Hillsborough County Sheriff and we after inspection, the airbags deployed and the seat belts were locked. Therefore, we had to park the car at the Hillsborough Sheriff Office, located at 7202 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625, Phone number (813) 247-0330. As per the officer advise we could not drive the car. The dealer has been notified of the incident. We can be reached at [XXX] [XXX]
Air bags, Jun 11, 2021
For no reason, the driver-side airbag light has come on (and stays on) in our 2-door 2012 Hyundai Elantra. It puts our daughter and son at risk, as the two drivers of the car, because the airbag may be defective and not deploy in the event of an accident. That is unacceptable. This is an auto-maker safety issue, and the consumer should NOT be responsible for having to get this repaired on their dime. Yet everything I read online is other Hyundai drivers have gotten this and the dealers are gouging them on the repairs. We will take it into the dealer, but in no way, shape or form should we have to pay for this repair! Please pay attention - many Hyundai drivers are reporting this same issue online, even if they are not reporting it directly to you at NHTSA!
Air bags, Mar 21, 2021
AFTER I TURN MY CAR ON, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS GO OFF EXCEPT FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. IT CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ON WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN ANY FORM OF MOTION. OCCASIONALLY, IT WILL GO OFF FOR A SECOND OR TWO WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED BUT IT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON AND REMAINS LIT.
Air bags, Mar 3, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT WARNING STAYING ON
Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 20, 2021
1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR BRAKES MESSED UP THEN RODORS THEN BEARINGS. AIRBAG AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEEL LIGHT. I PUT OVER 1000 AND $200 IN THIS CAR WITHIN FOUR MONTHS
Air bags, Feb 16, 2021
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME THAT SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT OR A PERSON. IT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING OR SITTING AT THE LIGHT. MOST OF THE TIME, IT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN I FIRST START THE VEHICLE. IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE SEVERAL YEARS AND THAT WAS $350.00. THAT STAYED ON ALL THE TIME. I THINK IT IS A MFG DEFECT.
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 13, 2021
I LIVE IN MISSOURI WHERE THEY STILL HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS TO RENEW TAGS FOR LEGALLY DRIVING. GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND STARTED IT I THEN TRY TO USE THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS TO CHANGE RADIO STATION WOULD NOT WORK THEN TRIED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A PHONE CALL AND IT WOULDN'T WORK THEN I TRIED THE HORN AND IT WOULD NOT WORK. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM AND WHAT I FOUND IS THAT IT'S WHATS CALLED THE AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING SO THERE FOR THE AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT I HAVE RESEARCHED THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE AND WITH THIS ISSUE IT IS VERY UNSAFE AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION IN MY STATE
Air bags, Jan 29, 2021
WHEN I TURNED ON MY CAR ON IN SEP. 19 2018, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED AND STAYED LIT. NOW, I HAVE THE ISSUE OF MY AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY WHEN IN A ACCIDENT. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT EVER, AND NOW I HAVE THIS PROBLEM THAT IT CAN BE ONE OF TWO THINGS. THE COCK SPRING NEEDS TO BE RESET OR A COMPUTER BOARD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT AND REPROGRAMMED. ALSO, IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IS NOT SAFETY CONCERN TO NEITHER THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURE OR NHTSA. IN REGARDS TO THAT, WHEN I HAD A 2008 HYUNDAI ACCENT IT HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAGS LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD THAT TURNED ON. ALSO, WHEN TOOK MY ACCENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE COST RELATED TO THAT WAS $2,800 TO FIX THE ISSUE. I FEEL THAT IF IT HAPPENED TO MORE THEN ONE HYUNDAI CAR MODEL THE ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESS AND FIXED.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 22, 2021
ONE DAY I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. ONE ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A MINOR ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION (BECAUSE MY FLAT TIRE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN I REALLY HAVE A FLAT), SO I IGNORED IT UNTIL I WENT TO USE MY HORN TO ALERT AN APPROACHING VEHICLE OF MY PRESENCE, AND IT DIDN'T WORK. IT HASN'T WORKED PROPERLY SINCE. IF I USE MY KEYS TO LOCK THE DOOR IT WILL BEEP, BUT IF I ATTEMPT TO USE THE HORN ITSELF I GET NOTHING.