2012 Hyundai Elantra
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 251 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 651 |
| 2013 | 1310 |
| 2014 | 382 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 764 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 247 |
| 2020 | 247 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 99 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: engine — 138 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: electrical system — 126 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and horn.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Apparently a VERY common crankshaft angle sensor malfunction caused the engine to stall out at a stoplight, putting me in harm's way
NHTSA ODI report, 20260714
19% of complaints: air bags — 124 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH LANES ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55MPH. SWITCHED LANES SUCCESSFULLY, BUT COULD NOT STRAIGHT THE STEERING BACK STRAIGHT, CAUSING CRASH INTO CONCRETE BARRIER! AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171119
Also filed under STEERING
ON OCTOBER 19,2012, I WAS DRIVING ON 94 E IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN AND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING FOUR VEHICLES. THE TRAFFIC WAS GOING AT A STEADY PACE AROUND 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121114
2012 ELANTRA WAS STRUCK IN CENTER OF HOOD BY JEEP SUV AT APPROXIMATELY 45* ANGLE. JEEP WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. ELANTRA WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. ELANTRA BUMPER CAVED IN ALL THE WAY TO THE ENGINE BLOCK IN THE CENTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120730
15% of complaints: service brakes — 99 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
Also filed under STEERING
14% of complaints: steering — 88 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
Headliner Bracket Detachment
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 dis
Remedy: 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
Campaign 13V115000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 15V871000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V393000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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,...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V651000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (138 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (126 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (124 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V115000 (air bags, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V871000 (electronic stability control (esc)) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V393000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V651000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.