The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Tucson · 2012

2012 Hyundai Tucson. Advanced data.

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

Lemon Index55100 = average car
Complaints30NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold48,878U.S. model year
Per 100K sold61complaints
Year rank#7 of 15#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 6

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD22 / 29 / 25Regular$2,500
2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFWD20 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850
2.4L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD21 / 30 / 25Regular$2,500
2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD20 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
2.4L 4-cylAuto 6-spd4WD20 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spd4WD19 / 25 / 21Regular$2,950

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 57,500 and 113,000 miles. Median 83,000, from 169 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine98,50074,200–119,000117
Brakes102,00025,600–165,2005
Transmission & drivetrain68,40026,800–97,50020
Electrical37,50014,900–86,00011
Engine139,50045,100–172,5008

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
Transmission & drivetrain30%
Electrical20%
Wheels13%
Speed control13%
Engine13%

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

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
25512138031

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 3

  • 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.

  • 19V063000 Feb 2019 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine

    Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

    Risk. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

  • 14V245000 May 2014 Air Bags

    Defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

    Risk. An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

    Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023
ClosedEngine fires20212024

Manufacturer communications 114

Hyundai filed 114 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…
  • The shift lever on some 6-speed vehicles may intermittently not shift out of Park

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2010482139,594Transmission & drivetrain
2011512847,232Transmission & drivetrain
2012553048,878Transmission & drivetrain
2013341941,906Airbags
2014422247,306Steering
2015493063,591Engine

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

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data