STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring, most frequently naming the suspension, airbags and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 46 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 2 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2013 | 1 | 4 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 5 |
| Oct 2013 | 1 | 6 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 7 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 8 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 9 |
| Jan 2015 | 2 | 11 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 12 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 14 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 15 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 16 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 17 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 18 |
| Jun 2019 | 3 | 21 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 22 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Suspension623.1%
- Airbags415.4%
- Electrical311.5%
- Powertrain (other)311.5%
- Tires & wheels27.7%
- Engine27.7%
- Other / unspecified27.7%
- Steering27.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSafety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Headliner Bracket Detachment
Hyundai is conducting a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support bracket to the headliner assembly in approximately 35,000 model year (MY) 2010-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles built from December 15, 2009 through May 7, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-310 for more information).These Elantra Touring vehicles have a common headliner bracket design while the earlier MY 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles have a headliner bracket design that utilizes a shorter length bracket which, should it become separated from the headliner, is unlikely to be displaced into the path of the driver or any occupant.During this investigation, ODI identified a MY 2010 subject vehicle in a salvage yard with a deployed driver-side curtain air bag that showed the headliner bracket displaced downward into the driver's window area.Also, during a static side curtain air bag deployment test conducted by Hyundai, the headliner bracket almost completely separated from the headliner.The headliner tested came out of a MY 2010 subject vehicle.Finally, ODI identified two warranty claims on the subject vehicles that indicate potential headliner bracket issues.Warranty records for these claims indicate vehicle owners complaining of noise or rattling coming from the headliner area and Hyundai dealer technicians reported finding brackets that came loose or unglued from the headliner.ODI is not aware of any related injury allegations.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of NHTSA Recall (13V115) influenced by an earlier ODI investigation (EA12-008).EA12-008 involved the same defect issue on MY 2011-2013 Elantra models, and a similar remedy approach was utilized in the 13V115 recall action.Based on the recall action taken by Hyundai, this investigation is closed.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
WITH THE ENGINE STARTED AND IN PARK YOU CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT AND IT HAS A THUMPING NOISE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT DOESN'T AFFECT THE STEERING BUT THIS IS THE CAR MY WIFE DRIVES AND IT MAKES HER VERY NERVOUS. IT MAKES YOU VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS GOING TO LOCK UP AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11233280
- Incident
- Jul 18, 2019
- Mileage
- 102,000 mi
UNABLE TO READ THE PART OF THE DASH THAT TELLS MILAGE DURING THE DAY. ONLY ABLE TO READ IT AT NIGHT. THEREFORE, WHEN I HAD MY OIL CHANGED TODAY, THE MECHANIC HAD TO ASK ME IF I KNEW THE MILEAGE SINCE HE WAS UNABLE TO READ IT. I TOLD HIM APPROX WHAT I HAD LAST NOTICED IT LAST NIGHT. THIS IS A PROBLEM WHEN GOING ON TRIPS AND MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM SAYS TO STAY ON A CERTAIN HWY FOR 16 MILES, FOR EXAMPLE, AND I AM UNABLE TO READ THE DISPLAY. IT ALSO MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHECK MY MILAGE WHEN I FILL UP WITH GAS DURING THE DAY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11228292
- Incident
- Jun 28, 2014
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD FOUR INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS REPLACED DUE TO THE DISPLAY PANEL FADING IN THE HOT WEATHER. THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND IT WOULD APPEAR THAT I NOW NEED A 5TH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SURELY, THERE MUST BE SOME THING THAT HYUNDAI CAN DO TO FIX THIS ONGOING ISSUE. THE ODOMETER, MILEAGE RANGE AND GEAR POSITION DISPLAY ARE AFFECTED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11223133
- Incident
- Jun 19, 2019
- Mileage
- 8,000 mi
THE DRIVER WINDOW DROPPED TO THE DOOR WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WENT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHO CHARGED ME OVER &400 AND STATED THAT THIS ISSUE IS VERY COMMON FOR ELANTRA. I HAVE ELANTRA TOURING AND MY CAR IS NO QUALIFIED FOR RECALL.
- NHTSA ID
- 11218699
- Incident
- May 7, 2018
- Mileage
- 72,000 mi
IN THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION, THE TRAILING ARM BROKE OFF WHERE THE ANTI-ROLL BAR IS MOUNTED, TO WHERE THE ANTI-ROLL BAR IS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE SUSPENSION. THE CLUNKING NOISE THAT RESULTED FROM THIS WAS FIRST NOTICED IN EARLY MARCH 2019, AND OCCURS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE DATE OF OCCURRENCE OF 3/1/19 IS APPROXIMATE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11194307
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2019
- Mileage
- 76,000 mi
MY ISSUE IS WITH AUTOMAKER HYUNDAI AND A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE ENGINES OF SOME 2011-2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA CARS. I OWN ONE OF THESE CARS. IT IS FOR MY DAUGHTER, 17, WHO PAID THE MAJORITY OF THE $7000 WITH HER OWN MONEY TO BUY THE CAR. SHE HAS PUT AROUND 6-7 THOUSAND MILES ON IT SINCE SHE BOUGHT IT AND DESPITE HAVING THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC PRIOR TO PURCHASE, THE ENGINE HAS DEVELOPED A TICKING/KNOCKING NOTICE. AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL DEALER IN MILWAUKEE, AMAMTO HYUNDAI, THEY HAVE SAID THE ISSUE IS A BAD ROD BEARING AND THE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE COST IS IN EXCESS OF $4000 - MORE THAN HALF IF WHAT SHE PAID FOR THE CAR. I HAVE DONE SOME EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE WEB OVER THE LAST 10-14 DAYS AND HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES, BUT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED BY HYUNDAI FOR THE ELANTRA. IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THEY HAVE RECENTLY ISSUED RECALLS FOR OTHER MODELS FOR VERY SIMILAR DEFECTS IN THE ENGINE, DONE IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THAT CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL AND OR CATCH FIRE IN THE HYUNDAI SONATA AND THE KIA SOUL. I HAVE GONE TO HYUNDAI WARRANTY DIRECT AND HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT, BUT I WAS DENIED AS WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER AND BEYOND THE 60,000-MILE WARRANTY. HYUNDAI DOES OFFER A 100,000 MILE ON SOME CARS AND IN SOME CASES HAVE REPLACED THE ENGINE. BUT, IN THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE, HYUNDAI TRIES TO 'DODGE AND DENY' AT ALL COST. I HAVE EVEN FOUND A LINK TO A PENDING CLASS-ACTION SUIT FOR MY VERY ISSUE. I HAVE PROOF AND DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW YOU THAT BACKS UP WHAT I HAVE FOUND. I ALSO HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY HYUNDAI IN MARCH OF 2014 (#14-20-002) THAT CLEARLY STATES THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO KNOCK AND THE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11187209
- Incident
- Feb 25, 2019
- Mileage
- 100,939 mi
THE DASHBOARD SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON YESTERDAY AND REMAINED ON AS LONG AS MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. AFTER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE, THE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON AGAIN. THE DEALER'S SERVICE TECHNICIAN THINKS IT IS PROBABLY THE CLOCK SPRING BECAUSE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. HE SAID TO BRING IT IN RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON. HE LOOKED UP MY VIN AND SAID MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE 15 YEAR, UNLIMITED MILEAGE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE CLOCK SPRING WHICH HYUNDAI ISSUED FOR SOME VEHICLES. HE QUOTED $140 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.
- NHTSA ID
- 11164891
- Incident
- Jan 6, 2019
- Mileage
- 62,500 mi
THE POWER TRAIN DOES NOT SHIFT AT TIMES, STICKS IN 3RD GEAR, POPS IN AND OUT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 AND 35 MPH.
- NHTSA ID
- 11073185
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2017
- Mileage
- 95,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
AIR BAGS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.
AIR BAGS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY/WIPER
This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.