2012 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 4 safety recalls and 654 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Recall 23V-651: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Recall 20V-393: Equipment
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.
Recall 15V-871: 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.
Recall 13V-115: Structure, Air Bags
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.
2012 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 139 | |
| Electrical System | 126 | |
| Air Bags | 124 | |
| Steering | 88 | |
| Unknown or Other | 66 | |
| Service Brakes | 60 | |
| Suspension | 45 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 44 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 41 | |
| Power Train | 40 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 27 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 18 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 11
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 4
- Visibility › Windshield — 2
- Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 2
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,303 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Hyundai Elantra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra: 23V-651 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-393 (equipment), 15V-871 (electronic stability control (esc)), 13V-115 (structure, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners report engine problems most often (139 reports), followed by electrical system (126). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,303 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.