2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
910
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
20
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
The 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has received a total of 910 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). 20 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (135 complaints), Electrical System (122 complaints), and Air Bags (121 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, potentially affecting up to 2,449,104 vehicles.
Recall 23V651000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 1,649,478 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact...
View full details →Recall 20V393000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
| 272,126 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V871000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 155,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V115000 — STRUCTURE
| 186,250 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V115000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
| 186,250 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
910 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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 was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
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 illuminates intermittently. Sometimes after 45 miles, it goes off. If I go on a rough road it sometimes illuminates and stays on for some time. The only fix mechanics have is to replace them every time, just for me to have the issue repeat later.
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 my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is doing I took it to Hyundai dealership in Orlando Florida on West colonial drive and 2 hours they called said it was ready they didn't do anything all the the same lights still on on the dashboard still leaking brake fluid and wheel baron and my brakes still scrubbing against each other speed reduction they claim they did the recall would not look at it again said they did it nothing changed I'm taking a risk of fire starting from brake fluid hitting the electrical box and wheel coming of and again All the lights on the dashboard is still on my name email address and everything is wrong on the paperwork except my phone number and I gave him my license with my information on it I'm asking the advisor how can he tell me that the work was done and recall doesn't necessary fix the problem but he knew my car remember everything that's impossible I told him why the lights still on and nothing changed also I asked him how do he know it's repaired he showed me no parts came off my car to say it was replaced nothing was replaced
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 my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is doing I took it to Hyundai dealership in Orlando Florida on West colonial drive and 2 hours they called said it was ready they didn't do anything all the the same lights still on on the dashboard still leaking brake fluid and wheel baron and my brakes still scrubbing against each other speed reduction they claim they did the recall would not look at it again said they did it nothing changed I'm taking a risk of fire starting from brake fluid hitting the electrical box and wheel coming of and again All the lights on the dashboard is still on my name email address and everything is wrong on the paperwork except my phone number and I gave him my license with my information on it I'm asking the advisor how can he tell me that the work was done and recall doesn't necessary fix the problem but he knew my car remember everything that's impossible I told him why the lights still on and nothing changed also I asked him how do he know it's repaired he showed me no parts came off my car to say it was replaced nothing was replaced
Safety Rating for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
The 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Hyundai Motor America has issued 20 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
23-01-086H — STRUCTURE
In certain areas, a vehicleâs underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage. As a preventative measure, a cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components and an undercoating spray is applied to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. The service campaign describes the procedure to...
22-01-039H — STRUCTURE
In certain areas, a vehicleâs underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage. As a preventative measure, a cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components and an undercoating spray is applied to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. The service campaign describes the procedure to...
21-EM-001H-1 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect an engine exhibiting noise between the cylinder block and piston due to possible scuffing on one or more cylinder walls. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to inspect and replace the short engine assembly if scuffing is observed.
20-AT-016H — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
5NP-F8M5G-03 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ? 2011-2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 Elantra (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 Elantra Touring (FD) The MDPS been extended to 10 years from the date of original delivery or...
5NPR6B8B02 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Some 2011-2013MY Elantra, 2013MY Elantra GT and 2013MY Elantra Coupe vehicles may exhibit an issue with Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emission exceeding the standards under certain specific conditions. This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for NOx emission improvement. The fuel adaption processing is modified...
16-01-011 — EQUIPMENT
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
13-01-034 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-13-01-034 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
HYUNDAI: TO REVISE THE LOGIC, ON SOME VEHICLES, FOR THE DTCS P2096 POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN, P0301/2/3/4 CYLINDER 1/2/3/4 MISFIRE, AN ECU UPDATE IS PROVIDED. MODELS 2012 ELANTRA. *PE
TSB-13-01-034 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HYUNDAI: TO REVISE THE LOGIC, ON SOME VEHICLES, FOR THE DTCS P2096 POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN, P0301/2/3/4 CYLINDER 1/2/3/4 MISFIRE, AN ECU UPDATE IS PROVIDED. MODELS 2012 ELANTRA. *PE
Showing 10 of 20 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA.
Investigation PE12012 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW Closed
Opened:
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI ELANTRA
- 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 364 complaints
- 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 423 complaints
- 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 312 complaints
- 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 494 complaints
- 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 588 complaints
- 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (current)
- 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 1,837 complaints
- 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 540 complaints
- 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 341 complaints
- 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 378 complaints
- 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 1,045 complaints
Other HYUNDAI Models
- HYUNDAI SONATA — 21,725 total complaints
- HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 9,835 total complaints
- HYUNDAI TUCSON — 7,920 total complaints
- HYUNDAI ACCENT — 2,733 total complaints
- HYUNDAI PALISADE — 2,456 total complaints
- HYUNDAI VELOSTER — 1,738 total complaints
- HYUNDAI GENESIS — 1,702 total complaints
- HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 — 1,636 total complaints