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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 2024
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, and it was confirmed that the part was 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, Apr 5, 2024
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 contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Mar 16, 2024
The brake line started leaking and I almost lost braking ability. I was told by mechanic that metal brake line had rusted out and developed a hole. I luckily saw the leaking fluid and stopped driving car. I saw that this problem has been seen in Canada and a recall was issued there. Is there any investigation open in the USA?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 10, 2024
Good afternoon abs module has a major recall on this vehicle how is it possible were a remedy has not been found as of this date. i do not have the liberty on not using the vehicle as its the only transportation i have to get around. This needs to be repaired ASAP as this puts the driver in an uncomfortable situation i have to take this vehicle in on the 13th of this month to fix the other two recall i feel i should get a loaner vehicle until the ABS id fixed on this vehicle Please get back to me on the current situation thank you
Engine, Firerelated, Mar 7, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, there was a smoke odor and the engine caught fire. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and pushed the vehicle to a safe place where the fire would not spread to other objects. The vehicle was not drivable. There were no injuries and no police or fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 29, 2024, fire
The contact’s friend owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact’s friend 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 while the friend was leaving the store and driving out of a parking space, the friend heard a noise coming from the engine and observed black smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact's friend attempted to put the vehicle in park but was unsuccessful. While driving at 5 MPH, the front of the vehicle struck the curb and stopped. No warning light was illuminated. There were no injuries. The Fire Department and Police Department arrived on the scene. The Fire Department extinguished the fire. The contact stated the Fire Department and Police Department filed incident reports. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Service brakes, Feb 27, 2024
Hyundai's recall 251 regarding the ABS system and potential for unexpected fire has gone unresolved for too long. I am unable to park my car so that it is safe and there is a concern there can be damage to other's property. Even if I park on the street away from structures, other people park their cars next to mine and I have no way of preventing this.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 22, 2024
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 called another local dealer, Hyundai 112 (2114 NY-112, Medford, NY 11763), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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.
Engine, Feb 16, 2024
On [XXX], I was driving on the left lane of [XXX], between [XXX] , traveling [XXX], in Oakland, California. I had only driven for a few minutes after leaving work. After braking at a stoplight, my 2012 Hyundai Elantra stopped functioning and stopped on the road while driving. The "check engine" light went on, the "check battery" light went on and a "check fluid" light all went on at the same time for over 10 minutes. During those 10 minutes, I was unable to start the car. I put my hazard lights on and desperately called 911 and AAA. I continued to try and re-start the car. After 10-15 minutes, I was able to get the car started and pulled off the road. I was later able to drive home. I later had the car evaluated by a mechanic and he could not find a reason for my experience. The battery was replaced within the last 6 months, oil was changed recently and an engine coil was recently replaced. We get the car repaired/serviced regularly. I strongly suspect that my experience is related to Hyundai Recall 251 / NHTSA Recall 23V651000. This is a very serious safety issue (e.g. "engine could catch on fire while driving or parked...") and Hyundai has so far not been appropriately responsive about my safety concerns. The Recall was issued in September of 2023 and no remedy has been issued to date (as of 2/16/24). Hyundai owners should not be expected to just keep driving cars that are at risk of randomly catching fire while driving or ceasing to function while driving on a busy road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The contact wants to follow up on this complaint.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 15, 2024
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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2024
It’s been happening recently everyday when going to start the car it doesn’t start and I have to pop the hood, open the fusebox cover and lift the wire attached to the fusebox and then when starting the car it starts. It’s been happening every other day and sometimes a week after.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 1, 2024
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. 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, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns as 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 and opened a case. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Jan 25, 2024
The steering coupler is damaged and is causing unstable steering while driving. It’s causing the wheel to be wobbly with uncontrolled pulling which causes the car to suddenly pull to either side of the lane abruptly when driving. It is causing issues with the stabilizer bar and severe uneven wear of the tires; the right front passenger wheel feels like it will fly off at any time. The car isn’t safe to drive right now because it has progressively gotten worse with time. I’ve been advised by our mechanic that it is a wide range problem that is known about and should have been classified as a recall because it’s not safe. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford to get this fixed fight now so my car is sitting inoperable.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 2024
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. 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, Jan 18, 2024
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2024
IN OCTOBER 2023, I RECEIVEDS A RECALL NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI REGARDING RECALL NUMBER 23V-651. IT IS NOW JANUARY 16TH AND AFTER SEVERAL CONTACTS TO THE COMPANY I'M CONTINUALLY TOLD THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A FIX AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. THEY SAID I SHOULD NOT PARK IN THE GARAGE FOR FEAR OF FIRE. I'M PARKING MY VEHICLE OUTSIDE IN WINTER WEATHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 30 YEARS. THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH FIRE AS I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS BECOMES ESPECIALLY PROBLEMATIC ON A BUSY FREEWAY. THREE MONTHS WITH NO FORECAST OF A REPAIR IS TOO LONG FOR THIS TO GO UNREPAIRED. BY THEIR NOTICE THERE ARE 13 MODELS AFFECTED OVER SEVERAL DIFFERENT YEARS. THIS AMOUNTS TO 42 MODELS IN ALL. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SITUATION THAT DESERVES HIGHER PRIORITY. I AM LODGOING AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT. THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE, EQUIVILENT VEHICLES FOR AFFECTED OWNERS TO DRIVE WHILE THEY PROCRASTINATE. I'VE ASKED FOR THIS AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD LET ME KNOW BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING AVAILABLE.
Equipment, Jan 11, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Service brakes, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jan 9, 2024
Problem with the braking system brakes fail! Piñon is junk Wipers shot Engine has always sounded like it was its last ride Won’t shift then the rpm’s go up Sometimes gotta use the safety lock key to get it in gear
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2024
It’s been months with no remedy, they advised that I keep my car parked & away from buildings. I’m in a position where I’m unsure every time I drive my vehicle. Not just for my safety but also for others that could be affected by this situation. Idk what to do honestly. I’m in a position where I have to door dash to stay afloat. But the risk is mind boggling. I’m just tryna see what can I do in this situation
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 22, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, she noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she immediately veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact stated that she opened the hood, and saw fire. The contact stated that she went across the street and called 911. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle and the dashboard burned. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report and a police report were filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 ( Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that she related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 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
Steering, Dec 20, 2023
This problem, the imminent failure of a component connecting the steering wheel to the power steering assist, causes the steering wheel to travel about one inch before the front wheels even move. Then when they do, feedback to the steering wheel is a sloppy, shakey movement. This problem began as a small hesitation at the steering wheel which has increased over the past few miles. No warning lamps nor error codes were evident. I have read similar complaints, especially for 2013 Elantras, noting significant safety concerns were the part to fail completely, rendering the vehicle unsteerable. I plan to (slowly) drive my vehicle to a Hyundai dealer as I believe it to be unsafe. I'll ask their service department to save the failed part(s).
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2023
Recall has been in effect since Sept 22, and still no remedy is available. Their only recommendation is to park away from buildings. Sometimes it is not possible to park away from buildings, and even when it is possible, it's increasingly inconvenient to park outside of my garage due to weather. I feel the risk of fire is low, but if there were one, any damage to my home would likely not be covered under insurance due to the recall notice. The delay in addressing the recall is unacceptably long, and I am filing a complaint in accordance with NHTSA recommendation.