Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Hyundai Elantra: recalls and problems

5 recalls and 676 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

5recalls
676complaints
49crashes reported
13fires reported
47injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine140 · 21%
  • Electrical System121 · 18%
  • Air Bags108 · 16%
  • Steering82 · 12%
  • Unknown Or Other68 · 10%
  • Service Brakes60 · 9%
  • Suspension51 · 8%
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)44 · 7%
  • Power Train43 · 6%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)40 · 6%

What owners report

Service Brakes, Hydraulic Fire

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 engine compartment. the fire department arri

Service Brakes

Rear metal brake line is heavily corroded and leaking. failed approaching intersection and had to use emergency brake to avoid crash.

Engine

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 reoccurred. the vehicle was taken back to the ind

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2012 hyundai elantra. the contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake pedal felt spongy while depressed. after parking the vehicle, the contact later restarted the vehicle, and the brake pedal extended to the floor while depressed. while inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that there was no brake fluid inside the brake fluid reservoir. the cause of the failure was not y

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering ELANTRA, ELANTRA TOURING. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.