Hyundai · Elantra · 2012
2012 Hyundai Elantra
4
Recalls
668
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 4 recalls and 668 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (95 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is air bags with 95 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2012 Hyundai Elantra reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Hyundai Elantra currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 668 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are air bags (95), engine (68), steering (50).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Hyundai Elantra
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 668
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.9% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V651000September 22, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 20V393000July 02, 2020
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 15V871000December 23, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 13V115000April 01, 2013
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
668 totalENGINE
FIREApr 6, 2026
The contact’s son owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The contact’s son pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and t...
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AIR BAGS
Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagno...
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ENGINE
Feb 11, 2026
Car check engine light illuminated and car began shaking and stalled at 79284 miles. Local mechanic said engine was dry and would need full replacement, no dashboard lights indicating oil level or engine issues prior to this point.
ENGINE
Jan 21, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine, which is experiencing premature internal engine damage that presents a potential safety risk. Vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Mileage:...
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WHEELS
Jan 17, 2026
I have had my car since 201. I brought it brand new. In that time, I have had to replace the tire sensors (TPMS) on my tires multiple times. They keep failing or something is wrong with the system. Even after brand new tires (and sensors) the warning fault light on the dash i...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable and failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 1, 2025
Driver side wheel baron was scrubbing together and brake fluid was leaking I lost speed can't go over 35 miles on the speedometer my airbag light is on on the dashboard, abs, the car with 2 lines and tire along with engine sign is on I look up for recall and it listed everything...
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EQUIPMENT
Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V393000 (EQUIPMENT). The contact stated that the fuse on the modified Tire Mobility Kit failed after it was replaced as stated in the recall repair. The contact replaced the fuse with...
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ENGINE
Nov 8, 2025
We went to a dealership to get it inspected due to a knocking noise in the engine. They used a tool and said it was most likely cylinder 3 piston slap. There was an issue with this according to Hyundai in the past. This puts my wife at risk because if it ends up blowing up, it co...
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 17, 2025
The brake pedal stopper pad broke and fell off which resulted in the brake lights remaining illuminated the entire time the car was driving, which is very hazardous. I am not sure how long it had been broken for before I realized that this dangerous condition was occurring. The b...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 668 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Elantra Years
2013 Hyundai ElantraCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.4r1,317c2011 Hyundai ElantraCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.5r460c2014 Hyundai ElantraCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r377c2010 Hyundai ElantraCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r447c2015 Hyundai ElantraCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r257c2009 Hyundai ElantraCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.4r279c
More 2012 Hyundai Models
2012 Hyundai SonataAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.8r1,545c2012 Hyundai Santa FeAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r350c2012 Hyundai VelosterAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.6r294c2012 Hyundai TucsonAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.3r252c2012 Hyundai AccentAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r151c2012 Hyundai AzeraAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r74c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has received 668 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra are air bags (95 reports), engine (68 reports), steering (50 reports).
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.