2012 Hyundai Elantra problems and complaints
Owners have filed 674 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The most-reported areas: Engine (140), Electrical System (129), Air Bags (128).
Key takeaways
- 674 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 49 involve a crash, 12 a fire, 47 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 140 | 21% |
| Electrical System | 129 | 19% |
| Air Bags | 128 | 19% |
| Service Brakes | 99 | 15% |
| Steering | 90 | 13% |
| Unknown Or Other | 68 | 10% |
| Suspension | 51 | 8% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 44 | 7% |
| Power Train | 43 | 6% |
| Hydraulic | 40 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 27 | 4% |
| Wheels | 19 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-08-20
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 sens...
Service Brakes, Hydraulic - filed 2026-08-03
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 discovere...
Electrical System - filed 2026-07-14
Apparently a VERY common crankshaft angle sensor malfunction caused the engine to stall out at a stoplight, putting me in harm's way
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More for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.