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, Dec 18, 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, Dec 18, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 15, 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 while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated the manufacture had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 15, 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, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while depressing the brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was a short circuit in the engine wiring. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking while driving above 50 MPH. The contact then 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 failure mileage was approximately 135,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 14, 2023
The contact's wife 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 11, 2023
The contact's mother 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 headlights and the taillights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on two occasions and was jumpstarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 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 unavailable. 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, Dec 6, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Service brakes, Dec 4, 2023, crash
Car went off the road in the snow and was totalled. Brakes did not lock or vibrate to alert that the car was starting to slide
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 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. 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 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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2023
Unknown
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2023
It started around a month ago it's a thumping clicking sound in my steering wheel it's getting worse everyday when driving on the road and I hit a bump in the road it wants to jerk out of my hands it's very hard to drive and keep from swerving around it sometimes feels like it's trying to stick or lock up I fear for my life and others life as well. I do know if it locks up it will cause me to lose control and wreck my car possibly ending in death for myself or others out on the highway. My horn doesn't work and I don't know if steering is the cause of that. I don't have any warning light that come on to check anything except the tire pressure light stays on and they are new tires. I keep a check on my car to keep it serviced and everything my tires aren't low at all I checked my oil on a daily basis and it read no oil on the stick so 2 quarts were added then I keep checking to see if I have an oil leak and there isn't one. I have spoken with multiple mechanics and have been told that unless they get into tearing it down and looking at it they couldn't give me an exact solution, but sounds like either an Intermediate steering shaft or a steering coupler bushing (MDPS) I have spoken with a dealership that stated there is no recalls but calling the recall number I have multiple ones. But haven't seen any on the steering. I have no documentation on manufacturer dealings or anything else .
Engine, Sep 15, 2023
On April 23rd when traveling from Jamestown, NY to to Fredonia, NY my car started and it seemed to be running rough. I shut the car off, and restarted it. It still seem to idle differently. Drove home, stopped I planned to stop to see my youngest daughter who resides at [XXX] 600 feet away from driveway, car began to chug and the engine light came on. I put on the Hazard lights and pulled to the side of the road. A pick up truck behind me was speeding up on me, he then swerved, and crossed the line into oncoming traffic. Breaks were screeching I was terrified there was going to be an accident. Called AAA, car was towed to Ralph's Penzoil in Dunkirk. Ralph replaced the coils. The car no longer chugged, the engine light was not on, but it sounded extremely loud, like a Diesel Tractor. Ralph said it was a hole in the muffler. I brought the car for a second opinion to Arkwright Towing and Larry said it was engine noise. Either the bearings or camshaft. He said there was no repair, I would either have to replace the engine or sell the vehicle. He cautioned against replacement as this model and make of Hyundai has had many engine recalls and problems. I then stopped driving the vehicle and used my mother's vehicle, as she no longer is driving after being discharged from the hospital. I finally had the chance to take the car to Hyundai Shultz in Lakewood, NY. I had brought the car there a few months prior, because it seemed to be running loud, especially in the morning. The Service department fixed a few recalls, but noted nothing wrong with the way the engine sounded. At this time the Hyundai dealership in Lakewood, Shultz my car continues to sit. Hyundai USA has refused to help replace the engine, as they state I do not have an extended warranty. While there have been hundreds of engine safety recalls on this make and model, just not 2012. Hyundai has closed my case, with no solution or repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2023
After Koons Hyundai in Woodbridge, VA did my ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, my 2012 Elantra's engine would stop working and I had to restart my engine. Often the BMW guage would malfunction/stop working, my Elantra would not accelerate past 30 mph and the engine would stop working. When I first went to Koons Hyundai for the ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, earlier this year, I DID NOT have any of these issues and I could contact Hyundai and schedule an Appointment ASAP. However, after Koons Hyundai started performing its ANTI THEFT Safety Recalls on Hyundai vehicles is has taken very, very long for Hyundai to schedule my Appointment. For instance, I called Koons Hyundai around September 6, (XXXXXXXXX) and the earliest that Koon's Hyundai could schedule me for an Appointment was October 2, 2023. In Fact, (XXXXXXXX) I traveled to my son's home in Midlothian, VA and dropped my car off with Pearson Hyundai at 11701 MIDLOTHIAN TPKE, Midlothian, VA 23113 on Labor Day, September 4, 2023 and received a call from Pearson Hyundai on September 5, 2023 that it would take three weeks before they could service my Elantra. This very, very long service delay by Hyundai NEVER EXISTED BEFORE the ANTI THEFT Service Recalls and I believe HYUNDAI IS DOING REPAIRS TO MAKE MONEY FROM ITS ANTI THEFT SERVICE RECALLS which reset its Hyundai computers causing my Elantra's computer to cause starting and BMW and slow transmission MPH issues...as if somebody was stealing my Elantra. Due to Hyundai's ANTI THEFT Safety Recall issues, I am going to have to go to Hyundai, spend tons of money to have Hyundai fix problems, that never existed before, at my expense, which basically SUCKS. I know Hyundai DID NOT want to spend money on this ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, but Hyundai SHOULD NOT RIP OFF Hyundai owners through its own inabilities to properly update safety features of its vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2023
I complied with Hyundai's voluntary recall of my 2012 Elantra, supposedly designed to deter theft with some sort of software update. Four weeks after this, four teenager rolled up to my house in a stolen Hyundai Sonata. One of them jumped out of the car, smashed my car's back window, and stole my car. This whole process took place in broad daylight, in front of multiple witnesses, over approximately 30 seconds. I contend that Hyundai's "voluntary recall" was 1) fraudulent, in that it does not do anything to fix the actual problem; 2) dangerous, in that it led owners to believe their car was safe when it fact it was not; and 3) a waste of taxpayers' time, as it caused me to take several hours off of work. Hyundai should be compelled to 1) ACTUALLY fix these vehicles; 2) compensation any Hyundai owners whose vehicles were stolen. While I have insurance protection on this vehicle, I will almost certainly need to pay more money than that to replace this car with one of comparable utility to me.
Structure, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that after having the vehicle serviced at a local service station, while driving 55 MPH, the hood inadvertently flew open. The contact stated that she was driving on a back road and was able to safely pull into a yard where she was assisted with securing the hood. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the hood opening caused damages to the front of the vehicle, fractured the windshield, and damaged the hood. 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 15,905.
Steering, Aug 4, 2023
The rubber coupler in the steering column has failed and is causing play in the steering wheel. This was diagnosed by a third-party service center, not a Hyundai dealer. When this was reported to the dealer's service center, they said that Hyundai would only replace this component under warranty for vehicles with a milage under 100,000.
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)