The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Elantra · 2012

2012 Hyundai Elantra. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index81100 = average car
Complaints179NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold202,034U.S. model year
Per 100K sold89complaints
Year rank#12 of 21#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.8L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD28 / 38 / 32Regular$1,950
1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD28 / 38 / 32Regular$1,950
2.0L 4-cylAuto 4-spdFWD23 / 30 / 26Regular$2,400
2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFWD23 / 30 / 26Regular$2,400

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 32,700 and 95,000 miles. Median 62,000, from 445 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine69,40040,000–99,500107
Electrical50,50031,600–75,10098
Airbags86,50055,700–112,20082
Steering67,00016,500–101,20057
Brakes52,40030,000–101,20027

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Electrical35%
Engine18%
Transmission & drivetrain15%
Steering11%
Suspension11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
675491232037

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 23V651000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 20V393000 Jul 2020 Equipment / Electrical

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 15V871000 Dec 2015 Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 13V115000 Apr 2013 Air Bags / Side/Window

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities20212023
ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment20122013
ClosedSide curtain air bag improper deployment20122012

Manufacturer communications 122

Hyundai filed 122 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated
Hyundai Elantra Touring 5 HB FWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20094638103,269Steering
20105884132,246Steering
20114086186,361Steering
201281179202,034Electrical
2013141424247,912Steering
20143692222,023Steering
20152967241,706Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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