2012 Hyundai Tucson
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
- 255
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
63% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 255 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 228 |
| 2016 | 1,621 |
| 2017 | 1,089 |
| 2018 | 396 |
| 2019 | 380 |
| 2020 | 177 |
| 2021 | 79 |
| 2022 | 381 |
| 2023 | 135 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 285 |
| 2026 | 64 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
63% · 160 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Our [XXX] daughter was driving the vehicle from our home to work in Richmond Heights (approx. 19 miles) on [XXX] on {XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-26
Also filed under Service brakes and electrical system
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle shook abnormally.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-30
I bought my 2012 Hyundai Tucson from a used car dealership back in November of 2024 .
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18
Service brakes
14% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission shifted from drive to drive 1 independently.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-22
Also filed under Power train
Power train
10% · 26 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after placing her vehicle in park and exiting the vehicle, it rolled backward and crashed into a bus. No police were contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-06
Brand new car- a few days after purchasing and driving the car, noticed car was not driving right. Several symptoms became noticeable. Car would jerk when accelerating and braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-21
Electrical system
7% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and horn.
Engine and engine cooling
4% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start, even after the fuel tank was filled to capacity. She had to apply pressure to the brake and accelerator pedals in order to start the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-09-06
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 255 complaints filed for this model year.
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2014-05-09Air bags14V245000 Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151.
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2019-08-19Engine and engine cooling19V063000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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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 Tucson — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 160 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 26 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V245000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V063000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?
- 3 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.