2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson and 255 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (160), service brakes (36), hydraulic (27). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Tucson model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (402). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. 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.
Engine and engine cooling · engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
Air bags
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
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
I bought my 2012 Hyundai Tucson from a used car dealership back in November of 2024 . When I bought the vehicle it only had 55,000 miles on it and came with a 2 year unlimited mile warranty on the drive train and a full Carfax history in which everything came back clean , regular oil changes with synthetic oil every 4,000 miles and for my warranty through the used car dealershi…
Vehicle suddenly slipped into limp mode. Vehicle was then immediately taken to have code read. Code came back P1326. Was advised due to previous recall campaign(s) to contact Hyundai of America for guidance. Was told that vehicle needed to be confirmed per the BCT at any Hyundai dealership to which the agent scheduled the appointment myself and that i should get the other 4 rec…
Engine started knocking luckily I was right by my mechanics place. They said needs new engine. Not to drive as a rod might go right through the engine. Only 98000 miles on it. Maintenance always done on time.
Safety ratings
2012 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD
2012 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.
Tucson 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Tucson 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Tucson 4WD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Tucson 4WD
Man 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 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 Tucson?
Based on 255 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (160), service brakes (36), hydraulic (27).
Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson safe?
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson earned a 4-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 Tucson?
The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Tucson model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (402). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson range from 21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Hyundai Tucson 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: TUCSON, Tucson.