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: service brakes
98 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Nov 7, 2023
How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This recall states that at any moment my engine can catch fire and that I cannot drive the vehicle until further notice. What am I to do in the meantime for basic needs like driving to work, groceries, kids, etc.?
Service brakes, Oct 26, 2023
Brake failure caused by corrosion on rear brake lines. Also significant corrosion on front crossmember. There appears to be a recall in Canada for brake lines but I don't see one in the US.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2023
The car was driven by my family. They narrowly missed a collision with another automobile. The breaks went out. The car was taken to a repair garage and, upon inspection, found the break line was rusted completely into allowing the break fluid to escape. I had the car towed to a Hyundai dealer in Clearwater Florida and got the same report. Hyundai has a service recall for underbody corrosion and has recalled nearly 300,000 vehicles in Canada to replace this problem. But now Hyundai is telling me this isn’t covered by them. This is a server safety problem with no brakes and a possible gas line explosion. I would like this problem correct before possible lives are destroyed. I hav email correspondence to back up this claim. Hyundai case number [XXX]. MARCH 14, 2023 — A Hyundai brake line recall involves more than 295,000 vehicles because the brake lines under the vehicles can corrode, fail and leak brake fluid. A driver may suddenly find out their brakes aren't working correctly, or maybe not at all. The current Hyundai brake line recall has been announced for Canada only and includes these models and model years. 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus 2009-2014 Hyundai Genesis 2010-2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2010-2011 Hyundai Tucson 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster Transport Canada didn't announce more details about the brake line leak recall, and to date a Hyundai brake line recall has not been announced for U.S. vehicle owners. Hyundai didn't say when the brake fluid leak recall will begin, but Hyundai dealerships will inspect the underbody brake lines and apply an anti-corrosion treatment. However, it's possible Hyundai may need to replace the brake lines. Canadian owners who have questions about the Hyundai brake line recall should call [XXX] and ask about Transport Canada recall number [XXX]. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, May 27, 2023
Start out brake pedal is very stiff and have to push pedal to much to engage gear selector, then as you are driving when let off accelerator pedal vehicle slows down to fast like something is engaging the brakes on the rotor.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 30, 2022
The same issue that caused recall of these vehicles for several models years, such as this campaign: 2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra (MD/UD, JK, GD) Brake Pedal Stopper Replacement (Recall Campaign 170), is occurring in this 2012 vehicle, which does NOT yet have this recall. The Brake Pedal stopper Pad has deteriorated. I am reprinting the language of the above referenced recall as it exactly explains the safety issue with this vehicle. "The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature."
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2021
I honestly believe I was ripped off for this vehicle I’ve been having to replace one thing after another since I’d gotten it. The brake system on the front passenger side seems to keep grabbing when I’m not even touching the brake. every time I change the brakes only the front passenger side gets worn down way more then the others. I was thinking it was brake drag, but I litteraly greased my brakes and guide pens then it started making the squeeking noise again when I wasn’t touching the brake. It also compromises my engines functions. my engine lags out and I have a feeling it’s putting more torque into the engine and transmission than it was supposed to, and now is causing problems in them. It causes safety issues because the brakes are one of the most important systems on a vehicle it can cause me a bad accident if the caliper becomes to worn from heat damage, because it excessively is putting pressure on it. I haven’t taken it to the dealership to recreate the issue yet, but I did mention it in the very beginning because I had suspicions of my vehicle having problems, but they said they couldn’t find anything when they ran the vin. They didn’t actually test my vehicle which was what I needed. My check engine light has been 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
Service brakes, Jan 2, 2021
EACH TIME I HIT THE BRAKES THEN RELEASE I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM THE BRAKE PADDLE THAT MAKES ME NERVOUS THAT SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I USE THE BREAKS WHEN DRIVING.
Service brakes, Oct 8, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND THEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD CAUSING THE DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOW IMPOUND LOT DUE TO THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURE WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Service brakes, Mar 10, 2020
BRAKE LINES GET CORRODED BY THE HOLDING BRACKET SCREWS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF NOT WATER RESISTANT TYPE OF METAL AND START LEAKING.
Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 21, 2019, crash
STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION, I LOSE CONTROL AND THE BRAKE APPLIED UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE CRASH MY CAR I AM OK BUT I HAVE DAMAGE IN MY CAR. I WENT TO DEALER FOR THIS RECALL AND THEY DID NOT FIXED NOW I DONT KNOW IF THEY ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 9, 2019
AFTER ABOUT 60,000 MILES ALL OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT COMPLETELY. WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS I HAVE CHANGED MY BRAKE LIGHTS AT LEAST 8 TIMES. MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ABOUT FOUR TIMES AND MY HIGH BEAMS BOTH WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INNER STATE AND ALL MY BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT. SOME DAYS THEY MAY WORK IF I HAVE THE LIGHTS POSITION IN THE ON POSITION INSTEAD OF AUTOMATIC DAYLIGHT POSITION AND VICE VERSA. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ROUGHLY AROUND THE END OF 2017 AND OVER TIME IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE.THIS IS VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE AND ALL YOUR LIGHTS GO OUT NOT TO MENTION ITS EXPENSIVE TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE BULBS THAT WON'T WORK BEYOND A MONTH.
Service brakes, Aug 7, 2019
GRINDING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AFTER JUST 22000 MILES. MECHANIC SMOOTED ROTORS BUT SAID THE CALIPERS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS LATER AND IN CHECKING ONLINE FOUND LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. MOST OF US ARE CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKES CAN'T POSSIBLY BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. IN PARTICULAR I TRY TO LEAVE A GREAT DISTANCE JUST IN CASE A SUDDEN STOP IS NEEDED AND THE BRAKES DON'T WORK LIKE THEY SHOULD. EVERY PERSON ON THE FORUM IS GETTING THE SAME LINE FROM THE HYUNDAI DEALERS, IT'S YOUR ROTORS AND PADS, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, WE ARE REPLACING OUR ROTORS AND PADS ONLY TO HAVE THEM RUINED WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE HYUNDAI DEALER) INSISTS THAT THE CALIPERS ARE THE PROBLEM, THEY ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND ARE RUINING THE ROTORS AND PADS. THE CALIPERS JUST HAPPEN TO COST $700 FOR THE PART ALONE, AND I'M SURE LABOR WOULD BE STEEP. IN ADDITION, IF IT WAS THE CALIPERS, THOSE WOULD BE COVERED BY OUR WARRANTIES. IT REALLY APPEARS THAT HYUNDAI HAS BAD BRAKE CALIPERS ON IT 2012 AND 2013 ELANTRAS AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND PERHAPS ARE HOPING TO PUT US ALL OFF UNTIL THE CALIPERS ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS THERE ARE A LOT OF US OUT THERE DRIVING AROUND LIKE THIS AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN URGENT STOP IS NEEDED AND THE BRAKES DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS COULD HAVE VERY DIRE CONSEQUENCES. *JS
Air bags, Seat belts, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2019, crash
2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA COLLISION TO DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. DRIVERS SIDE AND DRIVERS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakes, Jun 28, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN 2016 AROUND THE TIME A RECAL FOR IT WENT OUT AND I DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL TODAY. MY CAR SOMETIMES TAKES TWO TIMES TO ACTUALLY START. I TURN KEY AND HAVE TO EITHER HOLD IT OR STOP AND DO IT AGAIN. MY CAR HYDROPLANES EXTREMELY EASILY COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. NORMALLY IT IS ONLY A SECOND BESIDES THE TIME I REAR ENDED SOMEONE WITH NO BAD WEATHER THEN ANOTHER WHILE IT WAS RAINING AND I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL AND THANK GOD NO ONE WAS AROUND ME AND I AM USED TO THE VEHICLE SO I COULD GAIN CONTROL AGAIN TRULY A MIRACLE. OTHER SMALLER ISSUES I IGNORE.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 18, 2019
AS I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING PLACE AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR IN REVERSE TO CHECK THE AREA BEHIND ME, THE CAR STALLED OUT COMPLETELY, THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND AND SEEMED STUCK. I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF, THEN FINALLY ON THE THIRD TRY, THE ENGINE ENGAGED AND I HAD CONTROL OF THE CAR, MOVED BACK INTO THE PARKING PLACE AND THEN MANAGED TO BACK OUT NORMALLY AND PROCEED.
Air bags, Service brakes, Mar 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FULL FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHTOWNE HYUNDAI RIVERDALE (7665 GA-85, RIVERDALE, GA 30274), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 1, 2019
TAKATA RECALL FOR MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2012. FOUND THE RECALL ON CREDIT KARMA. BRAKES
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 28, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. WHEN DRIVING UP TO 40 MPH MY STEERING WHEEL STARTS MAKING SOME FUNNY NOISE AND IT SHAKES REALLY BAD AT THE SAME TIME.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 24, 2018
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON LEFT LANE, ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED AND CAR SKIDDED A LITTLE BECAUSE BRAKE WAS DEPLOYED AUTOMATICALLY OR THE WHEEL LOCKED. IT MADE 2 BRAKING/SKIDDING SOUND. THEN SUDDENLY I WAS ABLE TO STEER AGAIN AND POSITION THE CAR TO THE RIGHT FOR SAFETY. ENGINE WONT TURN ON. BURNING SMELL AND SOME SMOKE MAYBE FROM LOCKED BRAKE? CAR TOWED TO NEAREST HYUNDAI SHOP.