Your membership has expired

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

Re-activate
GREEN CHOICE

Hyundai Elantra

EPA MPG: 32 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,550 - $5,325

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

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Elantra will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"Normal wear and tear - age of car"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Other steering/suspension problem

"Grinding noise when turning steering wheel"

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

"Steering wheel started to make clicking noises. One mechanic said I needed a new steering column and wanted 2600. Another mechanic found it was only a small plastic gear that needed to be replaced for a cost of 600.00. Problem was fixed and I won't trust the first repair service."

Anonymous, WI (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Shocks or struts

"Noticed a noise coming from the front wheels. The shock body had separated partially and the shock was replaced."

Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"had to replace the steering coupler and front sway bar link"

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

"The bushing at the bottom of the steering column is made of a hard rubber-like material that wore out. Crappy design.Was beyond the extended warranty mileage, so had to pay for repair."

Anonymous, IL (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Steering wheel vibration

"Steering wheel had noticeable click and slight impediment when steering wheel first engaged. Recently steering wheel had massive shudder at speeds over 70 kmh. Going in for repair this coming week."

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

Exhaust

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"tire sensors wore out"

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

"8.5 months waiting for recall."

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

"The motor for the automatic window in two of the doors failed. Both times the window was stuck in the down position. It took some effort to find the replacement part. Our mechanic replaced them. Cost was roughly $1500."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

"early 2023 running rough not down-shifting correctly Replaced crankshaft sensor - problem resolved"

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

"I wouldn't buy this car again if it were $1. Not safe, per Hyundai. Haven't been able to drive for over 8 months due to lack of fix for problem."

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

"Tire sensor failure, sensor for steering wheel sensor"

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

"Clockspring was bad and needed replacing."

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

Climate System

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"A/C compressor completely failed leaving me with no A/C."

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

"AC no longer cools the air."

Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

"The problem started in the summer of 2022 when I noticed the AC was not as cool as it had been. To cure the problem I simply added a few ounces of refrigerant R134."

Anonymous A., ON (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Cracked hose, when fixed AC was repaired"

Anonymous, NC (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring)

Brakes

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Caliperscweee worn down and needed to be replaced"

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

"Brake lines corroded and lost brake fluid. Had to replace brake lines."

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

"Brakes make a vibrating sound when they need to be replaced"

Anonymous A., CA (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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"At approximately 40,000 mi the odometer display went blank. It was part of a recall I brought the car in. Had the odometer replaced. The dealership did not indicate anything on the Carfax about this nor did they update the new odometer with the old mileage included. When I tried to trade the car in last year I was told by the used car dealer that they could not give me full value for the car because the odometer had been adjusted. Implying that I had somehow done something illegal. The value of my trade-in is now about half of what it should be. So I did not buy a new car. I'm very upset with the quality of the Hyundai product in general and there are other things that didn't work right and still don't. For example, the AM radio is impossible to listen to due to static and the clock is continually off time by about 10 minutes despite being reset. Won't buy another Hyundai for sure."

Anonymous, NE (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen goes blank

"Odometer and some other dashboard items don't display properly."

Anonymous, BC (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

"The dashboard display used to blink on and off and now its impossible to see except at night. T display includes the odometer, how many miles left in the gas tank & which gear Im in."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring)

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"Severe shuddering and noise when travelling over 70 my."

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

"Sway bar linkages failed twice until the mechanic installed Hyundai parts. The after market parts failed."

Anonymous, WI (2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS 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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Door handle

"Door handle broke and came off leaving a hole to the interior of the car door."

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

"This year the driver's power window ceased to function. By this time the car is off warranty, so I took the car to an independent mechanic to diagnose the problem. The cost of finding replacement parts and the cost of the repair, for a car this age, mean that I have not had this problem repaired, and my driver's window remains in the closed position."

Anonymous, 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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"there was a recall on a plastic piece in the steering wheel, but they would not pay for it because the mileage was over the limit"

Anonymous, NC (2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited)

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Warning lights

"Ever since our initial purchase, the gauges and warning lights on the dashboard have behaved erratically; they flash on and off at random. The dealer was unable (or unwilling) to address this through the seven years of the extended warranty, even though I mentioned these on-going issues at every service appointment."

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

Transmission Major

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Very surprised that transmission went."

Anonymous, NC (2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring)

Transmission Minor

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

/ 5

Paint/Trim

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

/ 5

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.

/ 5

Engine Major

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

/ 5

Engine Minor

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

/ 5

Engine Cooling

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

/ 5

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.

/ 5

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
08
09
10
11*
12
13
14
15
16
17*
Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle