Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more
    GREEN CHOICE

    Hyundai Elantra

    EPA MPG: 32 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Elantra is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Hyundai Elantra owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Rusted"

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Bushings

    "The steering coupler failed and was replaced for $300"

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)
    Other steering/suspension problem

    "wheel hub is bad. when car is on lift the front passager tire has play. resluting in the car 'jerking' at freeway speeds when slight turn"

    Anonymous A., NV (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Power steering

    "The Power steering stopped working. Service dealership had to replace the electronic power steering column and shaft assembly. Porblem was resolved after several weeks as it took long to get the original parts."

    Anonymous, BC (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "Replaced wheel bearing"

    Anonymous, MN (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Gauges

    ""Sensors on dash don't work. Odometer features don't work. Neither of these repaired due to cost. Sudden loss of all electricity due to alternator failure, which was repaired.""

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)
    Keyless entry

    "Keyless entry receiver broken. Cars security Immobilizer system killed all power. Car wont start . Fob wont work. Door entry by key only."

    Anonymous A., MA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    "This had been going on for a year. Something is draining the battery. If it sits for a couple days the battery needs to be charged or jumped to start."

    Anonymous, MS (2012 Hyundai Elantra Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "One passenger door must be manually opened and closed. Can't use key fob. Still broken - too expensive to fix."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)
    Remote engine starter

    "Stopped working entirely"

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "They had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Master cylinder

    "The entire rear brake system had to be replaced$900.00 in repairs"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other brakes problem

    "Battery needs a boost every time I get in the car - relatively new battery. Brakes completely failed and needed rebuilding."

    Anonymous, (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "Had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The roof paint has been bubbling then cracking and exposing metal which is starting to rust."

    Anonymous A., UT (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "Paint peeling door handles and some body"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Rust

    "Within year rust below back door driver side and I had anti rust installed"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "right rear door handle fell apart. we found a replacement at a used parts depot (junkyard)"

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other body problem

    "I noticed noises coming from the rear tire area and took the car to a mechanic. They found left rear brake backing got rusty and curved inward and was rubbing on the brake rotors."

    Anonymous A., IL (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Windows

    "the window lift mechanism failed."

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "rear hatch door (Touring model) needs to be tightened"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Shuddering"

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Other climate system problem

    "The A/C system was not working and was due to refrigerant leaking plus three hoses of the A/C system needed to be replaced. The parts had to be ordered and it took 2 hours to get the A/C system working."

    Anonymous, BC (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Refrigerant leaks

    ""I had it mentioned to me in previous years that the AC had leaks in it. The spring we had refrigerant added, and the leak fixed.""

    Anonymous, UT (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""Windshield Washer stopped working from right side. It was fixed "temporarily" and then it stopped working on the left side and the right side wasn't spraying properly. Rubber hose that connects to the outlet was not seated, hose line was reconnected.""

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "check engine light illuminated. Problem reported to be intake control motor failure."

    Anonymous A., CT (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "Believe it is piston slap. This is a common problem with this generation of motors. I believe it is attributed to the piston design."

    Anonymous, NS (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "Engine alert light stays on but Hyundai service can find nothing wrong; so I drive with and engine light on and sputting engine when stopped. It reduces and nearly goes away when I put the car in neutral or park."

    Anonymous A., NE (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "Broken hose clamp. Extreme salt issues. Replaced clamp."

    Anonymous, NS (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "The display screen almost never works. It takes the right amount of warmth for the screen to work when the car is started."

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited Unsure)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07*
    08
    09
    10
    11*
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17*
    18
    19
    20
    21*
    22
    23
    24
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 22, 2023
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V651000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1649478
    EQUIPMENT
    Jul 02, 2020
    An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V393000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 272126
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
    Dec 23, 2015
    If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V871000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 155000
    AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE
    Apr 01, 2013
    If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V115000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 186250
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle