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
675 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2017
YES , I HAVE BEEN BUYING LIGHT BULLS FOR MY CAR OVER THE LAST YEAR'S AND THEY GO OUT LESS THAN A MONTH TIME, I HAVE BROUGHT MORE THEN 10 AND THE PEOPLE AT THE PART STORE SAID IT'S A ELECTRIC PROBLEM, BUT THE PEOPLE AT DEALERSHIP WANT ME TO PAY 125 TO PUT IT ON THERE MACHINE. I DON'T THINK THAT'S FAIR.
Air bags, Mar 23, 2017
AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH REMAINED ON AFTER START, WENT OUT FOR SEVERAL MOMENTS THEN HAS REMAINED ON. IS REMAINING ON AFTER MULTIPLE RESTARTS.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ESC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND SEEMED TO LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Mar 15, 2017
I HAD MY CAR FOR A YEAR AND 3MONTHS AND HAVEN'T HAD THIS PROBLEM TILL NOW I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I HIT A SMALL BUMP AND I'VE HIT BIGGER BUMPS AND NEVER EVER HAVE MY AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON, OR BREAK LIGHT MAY GO OUT IF I HIT A BUMP THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP AND IT SHOULDN'T BE A FEE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I'M NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT PLEASE FIX THIS ISSUE
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS CORRECTLY AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 21, 2017
OCCASIONALLY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY - ANY SPEED FROM 50-70 MPH - THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL FLASH, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NO ADVERSE CONDITIONS. WHILE THE LIGHT IS FLASHING, I CAN FEEL THAT MY LEFT REAR BRAKE IS APPLIED, CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO CORRECT THE COURSE OF THE CAR. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR ANYMORE. THIS DID NOT START HAPPENING UNTIL AFTER I RECEIVED THE RECALL SERVICE ASSOCIATED WITH CAMPAIGN 137 FOR THE THE YAW SENSOR (WHICH DESCRIBES THE EXACT SCENARIO I AM EXPERIENCING NOW). THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS SO FAR (DATE NOTED BELOW IS MOST RECENT INSTANCE). IN THAT TIME PERIOD I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY REAR ROTORS REPLACED, AND THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED TWICE. THE SECOND TIME I REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, THEY HAD HEATED UP SO MUCH FROM DRAGGING THAT THEY HAD FUSED ONTO THE ROTOR, AND THE CALIPER WAS BROKEN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2017
CAR WON'T START INTERMITTENTLY. HAD BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED. LIGHTS GO ON,RADIO WORKS BUT CAR WON'T START. CAR IS USUALLY PARKED IN A PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY. WEATHER IS NICE NOT TOO HOT OR TOO COLD.
Air bags, Jan 24, 2017
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE CLOCKSPRING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. THERE ARE OTHER VEHICLES AFFECTED, NOT JUST MINE. MY FRIEND WITH A 2011 SONATA HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WON'T DO A RECALL...
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 20, 2017
ALL OF THE ISSUES I AM HAVING APPEAR TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE COMPONENTS OF/ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO MY STEERING WHEEL. THE RED AIRBAG "ERROR" LIGHT CAME ON (INTERMITTENTLY AT FIRST) ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD APPROX 64K MILES ON IT. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE HORN HAS STOPPED WORKING (ANOTHER POTENTIALLY LARGE SAFETY ISSUE), AND THE BUTTONS THAT CONTROL THE UPWARD VOLUME AND RADIO STATION BROWSING HAVE BEEN WAVERING BETWEEN WORKING SOMETIMES AND NOT WORKING AT ALL. I DID SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THE AIRBAG AND HORN PROBLEMS, AND THERE WERE MANY STORIES FROM OTHER OWNERS OF HYUNDAI ELANTRAS OF VARIOUS YEARS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. IN ADDITION, THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH DEALERS SOUNDED VERY MUCH LIKE MINE IN THAT THEY (THE DEALER(S)) WANT TO CHARGE A SUM OF MONEY TO FIRST INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN CHARGE FOR THE REPAIR(S). BECAUSE THE AIRBAG AND HORN PROBLEMS ARE POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS, I FELT THE NEED TO REPORT THESE CONCERNS. I AM ATTACHING A PICTURE THAT I TOOK WITH MY CELL PHONE ON 8/17/16 FOR REFERENCE. *TR
Wheels, Jan 16, 2017
I NOTICED I HAD TO AIR MY TIRE UP ONCE EVERY FEW DAYS, SO I THOUGHT THERE WAS A NAIL OR SLOW LEAK IN MY BRAND NEW TIRE, BUT THEN I HAD TO START AIRING IT UP DAILY, I THEN TOOK IT TO THE TIRE SHOP, THEY TOLD ME I HAD TO GET A NEW RIM BECAUSE THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE INSIDE OF MY RIM. BY THE TIME MY NEW RIM CAME IN I WAS HAVING TO AIR MY TIRE UP EVERY HOUR. I KEPT THE CRACKED RIM. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I NOTICED IT GOING LOW. IT DID CAUSE A BLOWOUT ON MY NEW TIRE, THERE IS NO REASON A 4 YEAR OLD RIM SHOULD HAVE CRACKED ON THE INSIDE. THEY ARE ALLOY WHEELS. BUT I HAD TO PAY ALMOST 200 DOLLARS FOR A NEW RIM AND THEN ANOTHER 100 ON A NEW TIRE AFTER I HAD JUST BOUGHT 4 OF THEM. THERE HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT ON THE ALLOY WHEELS. IF THE RIM WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO BE ON THE FRONT OF MY CAR IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2017
GEAR WILL NOT SHIFT OR MOVE. TRANSMISSION CABLE BROKE AND LEFT THE VEHICLE IMMOBILE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 11, 2017, crash
I JUST CRASHED THIS CAR YESTERDAY, 01/09/2017 ON RT. 724 BETWEEN BIRDSBORO, PA AND GIBRALTAR, PA. I WAS DRIVING WITH A 50-55 MPH ON A 55 MPH ROAD GOING TO WORK WITH ALMOST NO TRAFFIC. I WAS DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN IT HAPPENED, I WAS NOT EVEN TURNING.THE SKY WAS CLEAR AND NO DISTRACTIONS. SUDDENLY, THE CAR WHEELS WENT LEFT AND RIGHT AND THEN ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT TAKING ME TO OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CRASHING THE CAR IN A DITCH THEN FLIPPING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE(I ATTACHED PICTURES). MY TRIALS TO TURN IT BACK TO THE RIGHT ALL FAILED. EMT CAME AND WERE ABLE TO GET ME OUT. I ALMOST GOT KILLED. I DON'T DRINK OR SMOKE. I HEARD OF SEVERAL INCIDENTS LIKE THIS ABOUT THE STEERING IN ELANTRA. THE CAR HAS ONLY 56000 MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS WITH STEERING. I FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO STEERING AT ALL. HYUNDAI MOTORS SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR SUCH FAULTS IN THEIR CARS AND AFFECTED OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED. I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE HYUNDAI AGAIN. (THE PICTURE SHOWING THE TIRE MARKS WAS TAKEN A FEW HOURS AFTER THE CRASH. IT SHOWS THAT THE ROAD WAS CLEAR AND CLEAN). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 3, 2017
SOLD A LEMON LAW BUYBACK CAR WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND I WAS TO SIGN A DOCUMENT STATING THAT I NEW THAT I WAS PURCHASING A LEMON LAW BUYBACK CAR. I DID NOT FIND OUT UNTIL I WENT TO GET THE PLATES FOR MY CAR AND THEY SHOWED ME THE TITLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND BASICALLY MY LOSS THEIR GAIN. MAY 2015 HAD TO REPLACE HOSE AND HAVE A/C RECHARGED COSTING ALMOST $300 JULY 2015 HAD TO HAVE BOTH FROM WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ALONG WITH TIRES COSTING ME $800 JUNE 2016 HAD TO HAVE END LINKS ON SWAY BAR AND CV JOINT AND SHAFT REPLACED. THIS WAS UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY STILL IN PLACE ON THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND OFF AT RANDOM TIMES. WHEN TESTED SAID IT WAS AN O2 SENSOR. THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK STICKS. SO I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK IT FOR MY KEY FOB TO LOCK ALL OF THE DOORS. TODAY WAS JUST TOLD I NEED WHEEL BEARINGS AND TIRES ON THE FRONT END. I BELIEVE THIS CAR HAS TOO MANY ISSUES BEING A NEWER CAR. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH THIS MANY ISSUES. ESPECIALLY A NEWER CAR. I CANNOT GET OUT OF THE LOAN BECAUSE IT IS A LEMON LAW BUYBACK AND THE RESALE ON IT IS HORRIBLE. I CANNOT AFFORD THE UPKEEP ON THE PROBLEMS IT KEEPS HAVING. SOMETHING IS WRONG THIS CAR. *TR
Steering, Dec 31, 2016
STEERING GETS STICKY OR STUCK. IT'S NOT LIKE IT GETS COMPLETELY STUCK THAT YOU CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL, BUT THERE'S A NOTICEABLE RESISTANCE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND WANTING TO CHANGE LANES. LEFT OR RIGHT IT DOES IT BOTH WAYS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS WERE ENGAGED, THE OPPOSITE SIGNAL WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY AFTER THE TURN WAS COMPLETED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Dec 20, 2016
2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED RANDOMLY AT FIRST THEN REMAINED ON CONSTANTLY. OVER TIME, FUNCTIONALITY OF ALL STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED CONTROLS FOR CRUISE CONTROL, TRIP COMPUTER, BLUETOOTH, AUDIO SYSTEM, AND HORN WERE LOST. I DISASSEMBLED THE STEERING COLUMN TO ACCESS AND REMOVE THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING. I TESTED THE CONNECTIONS FOR CONTINUITY WITH A HANDHELD METER AND FOUND NONE ON ANY TERMINAL. THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED.
Engine, Dec 18, 2016
GOING 60 MPH ON FREEWAY. HEARD TERRIBLE NOISE AND OIL LIGHT WENT ON. PULLED OVER. OIL WAS VERY LOW. ROD KNOCKING. TOWED TO DEALER WHERE REPAIRMAN SAID ENGINE SHOT BECAUSE OF DAMAGED BEARING AND SLUDGE. CAR STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY: 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, 1.8 ENGINE, 46,000 MILES. DEALER REFUSES TO CONTRIBUTE ANY MONEY. WANTS $6200 TO REPAIR WITH REMANUF ENGINE. WON'T PROVIDE FORM ESTIMATE. CAR CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS WARNINGS: NO OVERHEATING, NO OIL LIGHTS, NO NOISES. ALL DEALER WOULD DO IS REMOVE VALVE COVER AND SEND PICS WHICH IT SAYS SHOWS SLUDGE.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE FLOPPING DOWN WHILE BEING ADJUSTED BY PASSENGER CAUSING WIFE TO BE STARTLED AS SHE STEERED THE CAR 2015. DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE FLOPPING DOWNWARD AS I WAS ADJUSTING IT WHILE DRIVING CITY STREET 45 MPH CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO RE-GAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. 2016 WE HAVE BOTH VISORS AND PARTS AND PHOTO'S. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Dec 14, 2016
WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP. DROPS BELOW 20 DEGREES F THE WASHERS WILL NOT WORK. I HAVE UESD FLUID FROM DEALER AND AUTO ZONE AND OTHER VENDERS INCLUDING -35 DEGREE FLUID TO NO AVAIL. ABOVE 20 THE WASHERS WORK
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 12, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND MULTIPLE CYLINDERS INJECTORS LEAKING DOWN FOULING PLUGS. NEEDED FUEL INDUCTION KIT AND A FUEL INJECTOR KIT. TOTAL COST $548.85. *TR
Air bags, Dec 12, 2016
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE CLOCK SPRING. TOTAL COST $429.75. *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2016
SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS I'VE HAD NEIGHBORS TELL ME MY TRUNK HAS BEEN FOUND OPEN AND NUMEROUS TIMES I LOOK OUTSIDE AND ITS OPEN THE KEYS HUNG ON THE WALL OF MY HOUSE IT HAPPENS ANY AND EVERYWHERE GROCERY STORE ETC. ITS NOT A SAFE PLACE TO PUT ANYTHING WITHOUT THE CHANCE OF BEING STOLEN FROM TRUNK OR GIVE ACCES TO THE MAIN CABIN CAUSE THATS WHERE THE BACKSEAT RELEASE IS OPEN SEASON FOR THEFT
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 22, 2016
RANDOM NO START. PUSH BUTTON START WILL JUST MAKE ONE CLICK SOUND AND NOT START (THIS IS NOT A LOW BATTERY CLICKING SOUND). AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE WILL START. ONE TIME IT TOOK OVER 10 MINUTES OF PUSHING THE START BUTTON ON AND OFF TO FINALLY GET IT TO START. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT RANDOM TIMES. IT WILL START FINE FOR MONTHS AND THEN JUST RANDOMLY NOT START. IT HAPPENED IN THE PAST AN JUST STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN ABOUT A WEEK AGO.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 21, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS BENT AND THE BRAKE PAD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS MISSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.