2012 Hyundai Elantra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra and 676 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (140), electrical system (129), air bags (128). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–32 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2012 ranks #12 of 14 Elantra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (351). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Equipment · electrical
Problem: 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.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Fix: 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.
Electronic stability control (esc)
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · side/window
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle. The contact noticed fire coming from the engi…
Rear metal brake line is heavily corroded and leaking. Failed approaching intersection and had to use emergency brake to avoid crash.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurre…
Safety ratings
2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release
2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release
2012 Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.
Elantra
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Elantra
Man 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Elantra Touring
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Elantra Touring
Man 5-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (09/22/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on 676 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (140), electrical system (129), air bags (128).
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra safe?
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Hyundai Elantra?
The 2012 ranks #12 of 14 Elantra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (351). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra range from 26 to 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Hyundai Elantra in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ELANTRA, Elantra.