Model year guide

2012 Hyundai Elantra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Hyundai Elantra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 978 on record.

2012 Hyundai Elantra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Hyundai Elantra at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints674
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined32 mpg
Typical price$10,760

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Hyundai Elantra recalls 4

Electronic Stability Control (esc) NHTSA Campaign #15V871000 · 23/12/2015

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.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #13V115000 · 01/04/2013

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:electrical NHTSA Campaign #20V393000 · 02/07/2020

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.

Fix: 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 rec…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 · 22/09/2023

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 c…

Fix: 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. Hyu…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Hyundai Elantra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 674 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2012 Hyundai Elantra safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Hyundai Elantra MPG & running costs

Combined32 mpg
City28 mpg
Highway38 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,900

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Hyundai Elantra worth?

Low
$9,100
Typical price
$10,760
High
$12,700

From 974 comparable 2012 Hyundai Elantra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Hyundai Elantra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,100
Total$16,600
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($10,760) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,645), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Hyundai Elantra trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · Limited · GLS(Middle grade) · GLS (Middle)
Engines
1.8L · 2.0L

2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Elantra model years

2012 Hyundai Elantra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on 674 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, service brakes, electrical system.

What is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Hyundai Elantra an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Elantra at about 32 mpg combined (28 city / 38 highway).

How much is a 2012 Hyundai Elantra worth?

Comparable 2012 Hyundai Elantra listings run roughly $9,100–$12,700, typically around $10,760 (from 974 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.