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2012 Hyundai Elantra: recalls, problems and warranty extensions

Everything US government records hold on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as a model. To see how it applies to one car, and to check its mileage and VIN, enter the VIN.

4Safety recalls
676Owner complaints to NHTSA
4Defect investigations
5/5NHTSA overall crash rating

Most-reported problems

What 2012 Hyundai Elantra owners report most often to NHTSA, and the mileage where most reports fall.

Engine140Most reports between 40k and 100k miles
Electrical System129Most reports between 30k and 80k miles
Air Bags128Most reports between 60k and 120k miles
Service Brakes101
Steering90Most reports between 10k and 110k miles
Unknown Or Other68Most reports between 40k and 100k miles
Your VIN report marks where your car's odometer sits on each of these ranges.

Safety recalls

Recalls issued for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

  • Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Dec 2015 · Campaign 15V871000
  • Air Bags: Side/WindowApr 2013 · Campaign 13V115000
  • Equipment: ElectricalJul 2020 · Campaign 20V393000
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipSep 2023 · Park outside · Campaign 23V651000
Whether a recall was done is shown by the dealer or NHTSA's recall lookup. Your report lists each one with the risk and the fix.

Defect investigations

NHTSA investigations that include this model.

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresAQ23002 · opened Nov 2023 · open
  • Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesDP21003 · opened Nov 2021 · closed Jun 2023
  • Headliner Bracket DetachmentEA12008 · opened Sep 2012 · closed Dec 2013
  • Side Curtain Air Bag Improper DeploymentPE12012 · opened May 2012 · closed Sep 2012

Theft risk

The Elantra is number 1 on the NICB list of most-stolen vehicles in the US (first half of 2025, all model years). Ask about anti-theft protection before you buy.

Other years

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023

Sources: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, NCAP crash ratings, manufacturer communications and defect investigations; NICB. Model-level data: individual cars may differ.