Free Preview
#BS-2012-HYUELA-38C72012 Hyundai ElantraProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 922 owners and 4 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 922 complaints, 74 crashes, 16 fires, and 4 recalls. Complaint rate is 3.0x the class average.
Top reported problems
engine ticking
34 complaints • Severity 8.2/10
engine wont turn over wont start
22 complaints • Severity 7.5/10
poor gas mileage
16 complaints • Severity 7.8/10
engine failure
6 complaints • Severity 9.7/10
pulls to one side
6 complaints • Severity 10/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
141 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 60K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 30–60K miles (169 reports) • Median: 60K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (141 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2012 Hyundai Elantra: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 15% of all reports filed for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, with 141 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 60,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 60K-mile mark.
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, with 123 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to airbags-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, with 123 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, with 99 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (4 recalls)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2012 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★3 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (4)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
Headliner Bracket Detachment
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
AIR BAGS
The worst model year for the Hyundai Elantra is the 2013 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. Class Average (Midsize Cars)
This vehicle
922
Class avg
307
3.0x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical midsize cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 922 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 4 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Hyundai Elantra Model Years
2012 Hyundai Elantra: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
How much does it cost to fix 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
What mileage do Hyundai Elantra problems start?
When was the 2012 Hyundai Elantra data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2012 Hyundai Elantra Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 922 owner reports. Know before you buy.