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
- 652
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 652 complaints
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 | 253 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 433 |
| 2012 | 652 |
| 2013 | 1,312 |
| 2014 | 384 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 767 |
| 2018 | 283 |
| 2019 | 250 |
| 2020 | 252 |
| 2021 | 131 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
21% · 138 reportsElectrical system
19% · 126 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and horn.
Show 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, 2026-07-14
Air bags
19% · 124 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show 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, 2017-11-19
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, 2012-11-14
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, 2012-07-30
Service brakes
15% · 100 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show 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, 2023-12-04
Also filed under Steering
Rear metal brake line is heavily corroded and leaking. Failed approaching intersection and had to use emergency brake to avoid crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28
Steering
13% · 88 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 652 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2012-05-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-09-17 Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
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I
2012-09-13Engineering analysisClosed 2013-12-09 Headliner Bracket Detachment
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R
2013-04-23Air bags, structure13V115000 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…
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.…
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2016-05-09Electronic stability control (esc)15V871000 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.
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R
2020-09-28Equipment20V393000 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.
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I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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R
2024-04-10Service brakes, hydraulic23V651000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 138 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 126 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 124 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V115000 · Air bags, structure
- Recall 15V871000 · Electronic stability control (esc)
- Recall 20V393000 · Equipment
- Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.