The Lemon Index2012 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is better than average by owner complaints: 179 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 81, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 26 to 32 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 675 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Elantra year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 32K to 95K miles on the car (445 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 40K–99K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 31K–75K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 55K–112K miles
Recalls 4
- brakes 2023
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.
- equipment 2020
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 com…
- stability control 2015
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.
Show all 4 recalls
- airbags 2013
A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 122 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The shift lever on some 6-speed vehicles may intermittently not shift out of park
- Before installing an automatic transmission, check the depth of the torque converter in the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment2012–2013
- ClosedSide curtain air bag improper deployment2012
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Hyundai Elantra Touring 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine would not crank. Lights,windows,radio,etc. All worked. Shifted to neutral and car started. Has happened multiple times.
2012 Hyundai Elantra owner · NHTSA complaint 10629535
More owner reports
Car was parked and when trying to turn it on it won't start and gives me error "battery discharge" it has happened four times this week. Today car had a bad/burned odor coming from the engine.
NHTSA complaint 10811014
Does not start all the time.the panel lights come on when you turn the ignition on but it will not start all the time.after 5to 20 minutes and moving the gear shifter it may start.
NHTSA complaint 10781614
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 81; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Elantra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (35%), engine (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra get?
26 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 32,700 and 95,000 miles. The middle report was at 62,000 miles, from 445 complaints.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Elantra year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2014 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works