Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Hyundai Elantra: recalls and problems

5 recalls and 674 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

5recalls
674complaints
49crashes reported
12fires 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 Brakes59 · 9%
  • Suspension51 · 8%
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)44 · 7%
  • Power Train43 · 6%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)39 · 6%

What owners report

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

Electrical System

Apparently a very common crankshaft angle sensor malfunction caused the engine to stall out at a stoplight, putting me in harm's way

Air Bags,Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

I was going down the bridge on settlers landing road the yellow school bus was in the right turning lane with right turning signal on .as i approached the light in the middle straight lane to keep toward the landing (hotel) on settlers landing hampton va the bus some what merged back towards the middle lane and that when the bus crashed into the car it went under the bus it’s totaled the windshield and my sunroof c

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 2026-09-29.