MYRModel Year Report

2012 Hyundai Tucson

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Hyundai Tucson
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Tucson Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2005: 185 complaints 2005 2006: 135 complaints 2007: 65 complaints 2008: 43 complaints 2008 2009: 18 complaints 2010: 57 complaints 2011: 124 complaints 2011 2012: 253 complaints 2012 2013: 265 complaints 2014: 200 complaints 2014 2015: 223 complaints 2016: 1611 complaints 2017: 1073 complaints 2017 2018: 384 complaints 2019: 369 complaints 2020: 170 complaints 2020 2021: 72 complaints 2022: 361 complaints 2023: 122 complaints 2023 2024: 84 complaints 2025: 255 complaints 2026: 43 complaints 2026
2012: 253 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2005185
2006135
200765
200843
200918
201057
2011124
2012253
2013265
2014200
2015223
20161611
20171073
2018384
2019369
2020170
202172
2022361
2023122
202484
2025255
202643

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 62%

62% of complaints: engine — 158 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20240126

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171130

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20120522

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, 20111206

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, 20111221

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 25 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20240126

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4%

4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20110906

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 253
R 20140509 — air bags

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.

Campaign 14V245000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190819 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 19V063000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240410 — service brakes, hydraulic

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 Tucson — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (158 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 14V245000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V063000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V651000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2026 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2016 ■ 2017 ■ 2018

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 62% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.