This page covers 3 recalls, 647 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.
32 mpg combined
7.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, the dominant complaint themes center on engine failures and airbag warning light issues. Engine complaints are among the most frequently reported, with owners describing sudden stalls, excessive oil consumption without warning lights, and in several cases internal engine damage requiring full replacement, often at relatively modest mileage. A recurring detail is that no dashboard alerts appeared before the engine failed. Airbag warning light illumination is the other high-volume pattern, with owners reporting the light coming on without an apparent triggering event and, in some cases, staying on persistently. Electrical system complaints follow, covering a range of issues without a single dominant symptom. A number of owners also report vehicle fires, some occurring while parked and unattended, with others described as starting near the rear of the vehicle after a stall.
647
Total Complaints
46
Crash-Related
11
Fire-Related
29
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 3 recalls, the most serious being an electronic stability control sensor malfunction that can apply the brakes unexpectedly on one or more wheels and cut engine power, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control.
The 12-volt accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during assembly, which can disable its thermal fuse and allow the outlet to overheat during extended use, such as when running the included tire inflation kit. An overheated outlet raises the risk of fire. There is also a structural concern: a support bracket attached to the headliner can shift out of position when a side curtain airbag deploys in a crash, and if it strikes an occupant, it can cause a laceration.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, disabling the thermal fuse. This allows the outlet to overheat during prolonged use, such as when using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A malfunction in the electronic stability control sensor can cause unexpected brake application on one or more wheels and engine power reduction, indicated by an ESC warning light.
What the fix does
Dealers will check ESC sensor operation and update the ESC system calibration at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The support bracket holding the headliner can shift out of place when the side curtain airbag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner to secure the bracket in position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
