Model year guide

2012 Hyundai Tucson

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Hyundai Tucson is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 138 on record.

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

2012 Hyundai Tucson at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints255
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined23 mpg
Typical price$14,165

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

2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls 3

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #19V063000 · 05/02/2019

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.

Fix: 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 1…

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #14V245000 · 13/05/2014

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.

Fix: 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.

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 Tucson common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 255 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
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.
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.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2012 Hyundai Tucson safety ratings

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

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Hyundai Tucson MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,658

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

What's a 2012 Hyundai Tucson worth?

Low
$10,990
Typical price
$14,165
High
$17,000

From 137 comparable 2012 Hyundai Tucson listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,290
Depreciation (5 yrs)$9,550
Total$22,840
Per mile$0.30

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 ($14,165) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,616), 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 Tucson trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · Limited · GL · Limited PZEV
Engines
2.4L · 2.0L

2012 Hyundai Tucson vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Tucson model years

2012 Hyundai Tucson — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. 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 Tucson?

Based on 255 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, engine.

What is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson safety rating?

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

What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Tucson at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2012 Hyundai Tucson worth?

Comparable 2012 Hyundai Tucson listings run roughly $10,990–$17,000, typically around $14,165 (from 137 vehicles).

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