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2012 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2012 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 907 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.1/ 10

Based on 907 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

134 14.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

121 13.3%

AIR BAGS

121 13.3%

STEERING

88 9.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

66 7.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 14.8% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 46 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 907 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 15% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra are ENGINE (134), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (121), AIR BAGS (121).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 634 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Hyundai Elantra?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Elantra complaints2013 Elantra complaints2014 Elantra complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

61 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2012 IS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND REAR SEAT WARMERS. THE SWITCH FOR THE FRONT SEATS RESETS TO OFF WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR SEATS, HOWEVER, REMAINS IN THE ON POSITION. THE NEXT TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON, THE REAR SEAT WARMERS WILL BE ACTIVATED AGAIN UNTIL THEY ARE MANUALLY DEACTIVATED. A CAVEAT IN THE HYUNDAI MANUAL STATES: "WITH THE SEAT WARMER SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION, THE HEATING SYSTEM IN THE SEAT TURNS OFF AND ON AUTOMATICALLY DEPENDING ON THE SEAT TEMPERATURE." THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS TO PREVENT INJURY TO SOMEONE USING THE SEAT. MY CONCERN IS THE POTENTIAL HAZARD THE REAR SEAT WARMERS POSE WHEN THEY ARE NOT BEING USED BY A PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE THEY ARE ACTIVATED. ON COLD WINTER DAYS THE REAR SEAT WARMERS COULD BE HEATING AT MAXIMUM WATTAGE EVERY TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON, UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. WITH THIS BEING A SEATING AREA OFTEN USED BY CHILDREN, I BELIEVE THERE IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD THAT THESE SWITCHES COULD BE LEFT IN THE ON POSITION FREQUENTLY AND FOR LENGTHY PERIODS OF TIME. THIS POSES BOTH A HEALTH RISK, AS WELL AS, UNDUE WEAR ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND REAR SEAT COMPONENTS. *TR

1/14/2012

TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED (AS IF I HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD) COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. DASH, RADIO, NAVIGATION, POWER STEERING WENT DEAD. A FEW SECONDS LATER POWER CAME BACK WHILE VEHICLE WAS STILL ROLLING AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART BY DEPRESSING BRAKE AND "START/STOP" BUTTON. A FEW MINUTES LATER WHILE TRAVELING AT LOWER SPEED, THE EVENT REPEATED. THIS TIME POWER WOULD NOT RETURN. CAR WAS IN MOTION AND WAS ABLE TO ROLL TO EMERGENCY SHOULDER. CAR WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL SO EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED TO PREVENT ROLL BACK. POWER GONE, UNABLE TO ROLL DOWN WINDOWS, ACTIVATE SUNROOF, RADIO OR ANYTHING REQUIRING POWER. WHILE CALL WAS BEING MADE TO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND AFTER 10 MINUTE WAIT ON HOLD, DASH ILLUMINATED POWER AND CAR WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED WITH START/STOP BUTTON. DECISION WAS MADE TO LEAVE INTERSTATE AND TAKE BACK ROADS TO AVOID FATALITY IN EVENT OF REPEAT. FAILURE EXPERIENCE 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES. WAS ABLE TO VIDEO TAPE FAILURE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=XN9BPQ9FOGM&LIST=FLE9MKXPPKTQATS9TX4ZU9FQ&FEATURE=MH_LOLZ *TT

1/30/2012

59 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

33 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR LURCHED, ENGINE SHUT OFF. CAR BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP. EVENTUALLY MANAGED TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD WHERE THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED INTO PLACE. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL BUT CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. OCCURRED AGAIN 800 MILES LATER AFTER "REPAIR" BOTH INCIDENTS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. *TR

8/9/2012

WHEN I ACCELERATE AND EVERY TIME THE GEAR CHANGES, THE CAR WOULD JOLT AS IF I WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP. IT'S REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN THE CAR JOLTS WHILE I ACCELERATE, BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS WHEN I'M APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CAR WOULD JOLT AND THE SPEED WOULD INCREASE WHICH NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 13,000 MILES AND PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO. WITHIN THAT TIME, THE IGNITION WOULDN'T START. I WOULD IGNITE THE CAR AND THE CAR WOULD EVENTUALLY DIE ON ME. PEOPLE SAID IT MIGHT BE THE SPARK PLUGS, TRANSMISSION OR EVEN THE BATTERY. HOWEVER, IT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ONLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE THAT INCIDENT. I NEVER EVEN WASTED MY BATTERY IN ANY WAY EITHER. WHAT IF THE CAR DECIDES TO TURN OFF WHILE I'M ON THE FREEWAY? I CAN'T AFFORD THAT TO HAPPEN. *TR

11/5/2012

31 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

25 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE PULLING ONTO A CITY STREET AWAY FROM A CURB, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE.I CHECKED TO SEE IF THE GEAR SELECTOR HAD JUMPED OUT OF D TO N. DID NOT. TRIED TO CONTINUE DOWN THE STREET, AND THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY OUT OF 1ST GEAR. RPM'S AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE, BUT TRANSMISSION WAS CONTINUING TO GRIND, BANG, JUMP AND NOT SHIFT. AFTER COAXING THE CAR TO MY RESIDENCE, SOME THREE OR FOUR BLOCKS AWAY, I NOTIFIED THE 24 HOUR HYUNDAI ASSISTANCE LINE. BEING SUNDAY, THEY COULD NOT HELP. NO WAY TO TOW CAR TO DEALERSHIP. DROVE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AT ROUGHLY 15 MPH. CAR CONTINUED TO BALK AND JUMP. DEALER MANAGER WAS CONTACTED ON MONDAY MORNING. AFTER CHECKING WITH HYUNDAI AND A COMPUTER READOUT ON AUTO, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WAS ORDERED AND REPLACED. INTERESTING TO KNOW IF OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM. MAY LEAD TO A TOTAL RECALL OF THE 2011 AND 2012 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ON THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA AUTOMOBILES. INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED!! *TR

9/24/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINE, THE TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD CLUNKY NOISE AND SHIFTED GEARS NOISILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 218.

1/24/2012

23 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

19 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT ABNORMALLY INTO THE LEFT LANE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE TECHNICIANS REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,006.

12/21/2011

WHILE DRIVING ON STRAIGHT ROADS THE VEHICLE VEERS HARD TOWARDS THE RIGHT. WE HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. IT FEELS LIKE WE ARE DRIVING ON A SLIPPERY ICY ROAD, ALWAYS STEERING THE CAR BACK AND FORTH IN ORDER TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. IT IS PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTING DRIVING THIS CAR, HANGING ON HARD TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE DITCH. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ELECTRONIC STEERING. *TR

4/3/2012

17 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I LEFT HOME FOR A 1,000 MILE ROAD TRIP STARTING ON THE DATE SPECIFIED ABOVE. MILEAGE INDICATED ABOVE IS A CLOSE APPROXIMATION TO WHEN THE INCIDENT FIRST OCCURRED. ON THE FIRST DAY, I STOPPED FOR GASOLINE AT A STATION. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR BACK UP, I HAD POWER TO EVERYTHING BUT MY CAR MADE NO ATTEMPT TO START. AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES, IT FINALLY STARTED AND RAN FINE. THIS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF THE TRIP LASTED 8 DAYS. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK IT OVER, AGAIN. I SAY "AGAIN" BECAUSE I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP LESS THAN 500 MILES PRIOR FOR WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A RELATED ISSUE. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT LEAVE THE "DRIVE" POSITION WHEN I STOPPED AT ONE POINT AND NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I COULD NOT BECAUSE I COULD NOT PUT IT IN "PARK", GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS STUCK IN "DRIVE". BACK TO THE "WON'T START" ISSUE - WIGGLING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEEMS TO HAVE HELPED ME START THE CAR WHEN IT PREVIOUSLY WOULD NOT. DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE STUCK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. *TR

9/12/2014

I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHERE MY CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING, OR WILL NOT START AT ALL. BEGINNING IN 2012, WHEN THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (TUSTIN HYUNDAI - PATTERSON'S) AS IT WOULDN'T START. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR ROUGHLY THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT, AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, SO THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. THEN AGAIN IN FEBRUARY 2013, MY CAR STILL HAD ISSUES STARTING PROPERLY, AND THE DEALER AND CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS WERE CONTACTED. ADDITIONALLY, ON OCTOBER 4TH, MY CAR WOULD NOT START ONCE AGAIN, AND FINALLY, AFTER THREE TIMES, IT STARTED. IT IS CURRENTLY AT GLENDALE HYUNDAI FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2012, AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. FROM THE ISSUES WITH STARTING, TO MY WINDOWS NOT ROLLING UP. THE START ISSUE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND SAFETY MALFUNCTION. AS A YOUNG WOMAN, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR ALONE AT NIGHT OR LONG DISTANCES AS I CANNOT COUNT ON IT BEING RELIABLE. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL, AS A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH BRINGS UP MULTIPLE OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES, ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOT A RESOLUTION. *TR

10/6/2014

17 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY CAR BEGAN PULLING STRONGLY TO THE LEFT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ARRANGED TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. OUR DEALERSHIP FIRST SUGGESTED A ROADFORCE BALANCE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND WANTED TO CHARGE US $250. SINCE THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN TO THEM FOR SERVICE INCLUDING TIRE BALANCING AND ROTATION, I PUSHED BACK AND REFUSED THIS SUGGESTED REMEDY. I HAD READ ONLINE HOW PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING THIS "PULLING" PROBLEM. IT DOES MAKE YOUR ARMS TIRED FIGHTING TO STAY ON THE ROAD. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND INFORMED THEM OF THE IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS I WAS FINDING ONLINE. TO THE MANAGER AND OUR SALESMAN'S CREDIT, THEY MADE THE SERVICE DEPT LOOK HARDER. A THOROUGH INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE STEERING "TOE" WAS NOT CALIBRATED PROPERLY. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT ZERO (0), BUT INSTEAD WAS AT +1. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RESET THE TOE BACK TO ZERO. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE SO FAR. (2 WEEKS.) *TR

6/1/2012

WHEN I ACCELERATE AND EVERY TIME THE GEAR CHANGES, THE CAR WOULD JOLT AS IF I WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP. IT'S REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN THE CAR JOLTS WHILE I ACCELERATE, BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS WHEN I'M APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CAR WOULD JOLT AND THE SPEED WOULD INCREASE WHICH NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 13,000 MILES AND PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO. WITHIN THAT TIME, THE IGNITION WOULDN'T START. I WOULD IGNITE THE CAR AND THE CAR WOULD EVENTUALLY DIE ON ME. PEOPLE SAID IT MIGHT BE THE SPARK PLUGS, TRANSMISSION OR EVEN THE BATTERY. HOWEVER, IT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ONLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE THAT INCIDENT. I NEVER EVEN WASTED MY BATTERY IN ANY WAY EITHER. WHAT IF THE CAR DECIDES TO TURN OFF WHILE I'M ON THE FREEWAY? I CAN'T AFFORD THAT TO HAPPEN. *TR

11/5/2012

12 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO TIRES, TIRE SIZE 205/55R/16 H426. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE TIRES EXHIBITED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE CENTER WHERE BOTH DEFECTIVE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

1/12/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT TIRES, LINE SIZE 205/55R/16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE OVER A VERY SMALL POTHOLE AT 45 MPH AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING OVER SUCH A SMALL POTHOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED. BOTH THE DEALER AND VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.

3/2/2012

10 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STATED HYUNDAI WAS HIT ON DRIVER SIDE REAR BY AN SUV. REAR DOOR CURLED AROUND CENTER POST BUT SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED SLIGHT CONCUSSION AND NECK STRAIN. REAR DOOR WAS DESTROYED ALONG WITH REAR FENDER & ROCKER PANEL. ESTIMATED SPEED OF OFFENDING SUV WAS 25. *TR

3/3/2012

DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND METAL BRACKET DEPLOYED WITH AIR BAG FROM HEADLINER AREA ALSO AND SLICED MY EAR IN HALF... COULD HAVE BEEN NECK... I HAVE PICTURES OF THE WRECKAGE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE... *TR

5/7/2012

9 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR LURCHED, ENGINE SHUT OFF. CAR BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP. EVENTUALLY MANAGED TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD WHERE THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED INTO PLACE. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL BUT CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. OCCURRED AGAIN 800 MILES LATER AFTER "REPAIR" BOTH INCIDENTS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. *TR

8/9/2012

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON FEB. 10, 2012. WITHIN SEVERAL WEEKS I NOTICED THE GAS DISAPPEARING SO QUICKLY SO I BEGAN FILLING THE TANK AND TAKING PICTURES. I BOUGHT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT IT ADVERTISED 40 MI. GAL ON HIGHWAY AND 29 CITY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD TO FILL CAR AND RESET TRIP AND DRIVE ON HIGHWAY. I DID AS THEY SAID ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEFORE GOING BACK. THE TRIP CONTINUED TO READ 18 MPH AND APPROXIMATELY (AS LOW AS 10.9 AND AS HIGH AS 24.8 MPG) ONE OF THE MECHANICS (I GUESS HE WAS A MECHANIC) TOOK IT FOR A RIDE, I WAITED; HE WAS GONE AN HOUR. WHEN HE GOT BACK HE SAID HE DROVE 47 MILES AND GOT IT TO READ 33 MPG IN WHICH HE SAID HE COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY TOGETHER. I HAVE NEVER GOT IT TO DO THAT AND I HAVE BEEN TRACKING IT CLOSELY SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SQUEALS, I TOLD THEM; THEY SAID IT IS NOTHING. THE BRAKES (ALLOYED WHEELS) SQUEAL AFTER IT RAINS, THEY SAID IT IS NOTHING. I SMELLED SOMETHING COMING FROM CABIN FILTER, THEY SAID IT IS A BIG JOB TO TAKE APART TO SEE WHAT THE SMELL IS AND THEY SAID THEY BELIEVED IT IS A DEAD ANIMAL IN WHICH I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR, I TOLD THEM TO FORGET IT. THEY TOLD ME EVEN THOUGH I ONLY HAD ABOUT 1000 MI. ON CAR AFTER 3 MO. WENT BY THEY NEEDED TO CHANGE MY OIL SO I HAD IT CHANGED. EVERYTHING IS DOCUMENTED. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP ME. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

10/23/2012

6 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE 2011 RECALL WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH. MY CRUISE CONTROL SOMETIMES DOES NOT WORK AND 3 TIMES HAS CUT OFF ON ITS OWN. IT WILL NOT CUT BACK ON TILL VEHICLE IS PULLED OVER AND STOPPED. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED BUT ITS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY AND IM NOT SATISFIED WITH EITHER COCOA BEACH OR MELBOURNE DEALER. I HAVE A RECURRING CLUTCH PEDAL ISSUE AS WELL AND DO NOT TRUST THEIR TECHNICIANS ANY LONGER. I WILL JUST DRIVE THE CAR TILL IT LEAVES ME STRANDED OR IN A WRECK. WESTLAND HYUNDAI HOWEVER HAS NEVER HAD A REPEAT REPAIR. IM NOT SURE WHY THEIR TECHS ARE SO MUCH MORE RELIABLE. WISH I STILL LIVED IN UTAH TO HAVE MY ISSUES RESOLVED. *TR

4/3/2013

I WAS DRIVING IN DRY WEATHER AND ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE ESC LIGHT BEGIN TO BLINK FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, AND THEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES LOCKED UP. LUCKILY, I WAS ENTERING ONTO A ON RAMP AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED TO A STOP ONTO THE SHOULDER. IF THIS WOULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REVIEW OF THE ISSUE. *TR

5/29/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON SO I PULLED INTO THE NEXT GAS STATION AND NOTICED THAT 3 OUT OF MY 4 TIRES HAD A BUBBLE ON THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALLS. TIRES ARE HANKOOK P215 45R 17 87H - DOT 5M24 DLH - ONLY ONE OF THE TIRES HAD THIS NUMBER AT THE END (4711). I CALLED HANKOOK HQ AT (855) 275-8899 AND THE PERSON WAS VERY SHORT WITH ME TELL ME THEY NEVER HAD A TIRE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEY DID HAVE A VOLUNTARY RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAITING FOR THEIR RETURN CALL. *TR

3/1/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S TIRE SPLIT AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE TIRE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *TR

5/14/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HAVE HAD 3 INSTANCES DURING WARM/HOT WEATHER THAT THE ESC LIGHT HAS COME ON (BLINKING) DURING NORMAL CITY DRIVING (AFTER A LITTLE FREEWAY DRIVING & USING THE AC) & THE VEHICLE PERFORMANCE IS IMPAIRED DUE TO THE ESC (NO PWR OR INADVERTENT BRAKING W/O DRIVER BRAKING). ONLY WAY TO BYPASS THIS IS BY USING THE ESC OFF BUTTON. IT APPEARS TO GO AWAY AFTER THE CAR IS SHUT OFF & COOLED DOWN. GUESSING THAT THIS IS SOME KIND OF HEAT RELATED PROBLEM (MAYBE A SHORT) WHICH CAUSES THE ESC TO IMPROPERLY KICK IN. *TR

6/7/2013

I WAS DRIVING IN DRY WEATHER AND ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE ESC LIGHT BEGIN TO BLINK FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, AND THEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES LOCKED UP. LUCKILY, I WAS ENTERING ONTO A ON RAMP AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED TO A STOP ONTO THE SHOULDER. IF THIS WOULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REVIEW OF THE ISSUE. *TR

5/29/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON FEB. 10, 2012. WITHIN SEVERAL WEEKS I NOTICED THE GAS DISAPPEARING SO QUICKLY SO I BEGAN FILLING THE TANK AND TAKING PICTURES. I BOUGHT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT IT ADVERTISED 40 MI. GAL ON HIGHWAY AND 29 CITY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD TO FILL CAR AND RESET TRIP AND DRIVE ON HIGHWAY. I DID AS THEY SAID ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEFORE GOING BACK. THE TRIP CONTINUED TO READ 18 MPH AND APPROXIMATELY (AS LOW AS 10.9 AND AS HIGH AS 24.8 MPG) ONE OF THE MECHANICS (I GUESS HE WAS A MECHANIC) TOOK IT FOR A RIDE, I WAITED; HE WAS GONE AN HOUR. WHEN HE GOT BACK HE SAID HE DROVE 47 MILES AND GOT IT TO READ 33 MPG IN WHICH HE SAID HE COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY TOGETHER. I HAVE NEVER GOT IT TO DO THAT AND I HAVE BEEN TRACKING IT CLOSELY SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SQUEALS, I TOLD THEM; THEY SAID IT IS NOTHING. THE BRAKES (ALLOYED WHEELS) SQUEAL AFTER IT RAINS, THEY SAID IT IS NOTHING. I SMELLED SOMETHING COMING FROM CABIN FILTER, THEY SAID IT IS A BIG JOB TO TAKE APART TO SEE WHAT THE SMELL IS AND THEY SAID THEY BELIEVED IT IS A DEAD ANIMAL IN WHICH I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR, I TOLD THEM TO FORGET IT. THEY TOLD ME EVEN THOUGH I ONLY HAD ABOUT 1000 MI. ON CAR AFTER 3 MO. WENT BY THEY NEEDED TO CHANGE MY OIL SO I HAD IT CHANGED. EVERYTHING IS DOCUMENTED. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP ME. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

10/23/2012

I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHERE MY CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING, OR WILL NOT START AT ALL. BEGINNING IN 2012, WHEN THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (TUSTIN HYUNDAI - PATTERSON'S) AS IT WOULDN'T START. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR ROUGHLY THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT, AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, SO THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. THEN AGAIN IN FEBRUARY 2013, MY CAR STILL HAD ISSUES STARTING PROPERLY, AND THE DEALER AND CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS WERE CONTACTED. ADDITIONALLY, ON OCTOBER 4TH, MY CAR WOULD NOT START ONCE AGAIN, AND FINALLY, AFTER THREE TIMES, IT STARTED. IT IS CURRENTLY AT GLENDALE HYUNDAI FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2012, AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. FROM THE ISSUES WITH STARTING, TO MY WINDOWS NOT ROLLING UP. THE START ISSUE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND SAFETY MALFUNCTION. AS A YOUNG WOMAN, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR ALONE AT NIGHT OR LONG DISTANCES AS I CANNOT COUNT ON IT BEING RELIABLE. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL, AS A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH BRINGS UP MULTIPLE OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES, ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOT A RESOLUTION. *TR

10/6/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

INABILITY OF HYUNDAI MANUFACTURED WIPERS TO CLEAR RAIN, AND ADDED STREAKS. DRIVING IN RAINSTORM BECAME VERY DANGEROUS. AM FILING COMPLAINT NOW, HOWEVER, HAVE HAD WIPERS REPLACED ON 2 OCCASIONS IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR

1/14/2015

THE SUN VISOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BROKEN AND WILL NOT STAY UP BLOCKING VISIBILITY.

5/21/2015

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN INADVERTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HOOD WAS MISALIGNED. THE HOOD WAS ALIGNED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.

12/22/2011

SUNROOF SHATTERED TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH IN VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC, HEARD A LOUD NOISE ON TOP OF CAR. SOON REALIZED BY THE WIND NOISE THAT THE SUNROOF HAD BROKEN. PULLED OFF AT NEXT EXIT, OBSERVED SHATTERED SUNROOF GLASS. CONCERNED THIS IS A DEFECT - AS THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND TO THROW ANYTHING INTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR, AND IT DID NOT HAPPEN AFTER PASSING UNDER AN OVERPASS. THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION FOR THE DAMAGE. *TR

1/27/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BELIEVE THAT DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT ARE A GREAT SAFETY FEATURE. THE LIST OF STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE WINDOW STICKER SHOWS "DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS" (DRL). I HAVE FOUND THAT THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE THE DRL ON IS TO TURN ON THE PARKING LIGHTS. THE PARKING LIGHTS, LIGHT THE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE TAIL LIGHTS. I HAD DRL ON A 2003 CHEVY S-10 AND THEY ONLY LIGHTED THE HIGHBEAM AT A LOW VOLTAGE, WITH NO OTHER LIGHTS. THEY WERE ON ANY TIME THE CAR WAS RUNNING. HYUNDAI CANNOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE HYUNDAI WEBSITE. THEY SHOULD NOT LIST THE LIGHTING SYSTEM, THEY HAVE, AS "DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS". I KNOW THIS IS A MINOR ITEM BUT IT SURE DOES BUG ME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

3/24/2012

MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2012 GLS SEDAN WAS SOLD AS HAVING DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLS) ACCORDING TO MONRONEY STICKER. NHTSA AND IIHS DICTATE THAT "DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLS) ARE HEADLIGHTS THAT ARE LIT WHENEVER A VEHICLE IS RUNNING. A LOW-COST METHOD TO REDUCE CRASHES, THEY ARE ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING DAYTIME HEAD-ON AND FRONT-CORNER COLLISIONS BY MAKING IT EASIER TO SEE VEHICLES, PARTICULARLY AS THEY APPROACH FROM FAR AWAY." HOWEVER, DRLS DO NOT ENGAGE AUTOMATICALLY WHEN MY VEHICLE IS STARTED, AGAINST TO NHTSA AND IIHS DRLS DEFINITION. IN ORDER TO OPERATE DRLS IN MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2012, PARKING LIGHTS HAVE TO BE ENGAGED. IN OTHER WORDS, WHEN DRLS ARE OPERATIONAL, AMBER SIDE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS ARE ALSO ON, WHICH OBVIOUSLY MASKS TURN AND STOP SIGNALS AND IN MY OPINION COULD REPRESENT A VERY REAL ROAD SAFETY ISSUE. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRLS ARE ENGAGED, THE INTERIOR GAUGE LIGHTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY DIMMED TO A NIGHT DRIVING LEVEL, WHICH MAKES IT MUCH HARDER TO READ THE GAUGE DURING DAYTIME AND REPRESENTS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL. CONTACTING MULTIPLE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS AND HYUNDAI EASTERN REGION HQS WAS FUTILE, SINCE THE ONLY ANSWER I WAS GETTING IS THAT THIS IS "A NEW DESIGN DRLS" AND NOTHING WILL BE DONE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. IRONICALLY, IT LOOKS TO ME THE END RESULT OF THIS "NEW DESIGN" REPRESENTS NOT AN INCREASED SAFETY FOR MY VEHICLE (ACCORDING TO PUBLICATIONS DOT HS 809 760 AND DOT HS 811 029 DRLS ARE AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE), BUT RATHER AN INCREASED RISK OF A COLLISION DUE TO MASKING TURN AND STOP SIGNALS, AND SUBSTANTIAL DIMMING OF THE CABIN. I NOTICED THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE BOTH FOR 2012 AND 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO READ MY COMPLAINT, AND I WOULD ASK NHTSA TEAM TO LOOK INTO THE SITUATION PROMPTLY AND TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

12/15/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD NOT START THIS MORNING AND THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED STARTING IN MAY 2014. I HIT MY DOOR UNLOCK ON MY KEY FAB AND THE DOORS UNLOCKED FROM HERE I PROCEEDED START MY CAR. EVERYTHING STARTED BUT THE CAR. I TURNED BACK TO THE STARTING POSITION AND TRIED AGAIN SAME RESULTS. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND TRIED AGAIN AMAZINGLY IT STARTED. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CAR? THIS HAS HAPPEN BEFORE THE FIRST TIME CALLED A TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND BY THE TIME HE ARRIVED IT STARTED . THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO NORTH COUNTY HYUNDAI IN CARLSBAD,CA. OF COURSE THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING WRONG . AGAIN WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR? *TR

8/10/2014

AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT, VEHICLE FAILED TO START FOLLOWING MORNING. ALTHOUGH ALL COMPONENTS REQUIRING POWER (WINDOWS, HEADLIGHTS, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ETC.) SEEMED TO BE FUNCTIONING OK, JUMP STARTED VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED IMMEDIATELY. A FEW DAYS LATER PROBLEM RECURRED; LET VEHICLE SIT FOR SOME TIME, AND VEHICLE THEN STARTED IMMEDIATELY (NO JUMP START). TODAY PROBLEM OCCURRED YET AGAIN (WAITING TO SEE IF VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY START). A QUICK REVIEW OF ONLINE FORUMS INDICATES A POSSIBLE ISSUE WITH THE SHIFT INTERLOCK, OR PERHAPS A FAULTY RAIN SENSOR. AS AN ASIDE, A LONGER-TERM SPORADIC, PRESUMABLY ELECTRICAL, ISSUE ALSO EXISTS WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW. THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN WITHOUT ISSUE, BUT IT OFTEN TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS FROM EITHER THE PASSENGER SIDE OR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW CONTROL TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. *TR

8/21/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED THE NIGHT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY BUCK/JOLT/JERK AS IF HITTING A SPEED BUMP IN A VERY JARRING MANNER. THIS ALSO HAPPENED DURING A TEST DRIVE OF A VEHICLE OF THE SAME TYPE AND COLOR (I'M NOT SURE IF THEY SOLD ME THE ONE DURING THE TEST DRIVE.). I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WHICH JOLTED IN THIS MANNER WAS REPAIRED AND SOLD TO ANOTHER CUSTOMER. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WERE TELLING THE TRUTH OR IF THEY GAVE ME THE SAME VEHICLE. STILL, THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT IS POTENTIALLY A BIG SAFETY HAZARD. THE SALESMAN WHO SAT NEXT TO ME WAS ALSO CONCERNED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE IN THE SPAN OF ONE 10 MINUTE TEST DRIVE. I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE NOT EXPECTING THIS TYPE OF SERIOUS, INTERNAL ISSUE. AFTER SOME TESTING, I BELIEVE THAT THIS SUDDEN BUCK WILL MORE LIKELY OCCUR AFTER ACCELERATING THEN DECELERATING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. *TT

1/29/2012

I ACCELERATED OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND THEN LOST POWER BECAUSE THE CAR WENT OUT OF TIME AND STARTED MISFIRING. THEN WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF MY TAILPIPE. THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY CAR HAS MISFIRED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE REASON I KNOW IT MISFIRED IS BECAUSE I HAVE A CODE READER AND IT SAID CYLINDER 1 & 2 MISFIRE. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE CAR, WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES, RESTARTED IT AND THE CAR RUNS FINE. THE DEALER CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND BY THE TIME I GET THE CAR TO THEM THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF. STRANGE BEHAVIOR WITH THIS CAR.

4/23/2014

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED WITH A SPARE TIRE, ONLY WITH AN AIR PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE ADHERED TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) AND PROVIDED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 03/09/12 *BF UPDATED 03/14/12

2/17/2012

SPARE TIRE NOT INCLUDED WITH NEW VEHICLE - SIDE WALL PUNCTURE ON FREEWAYS OR RURAL/MOUNTAIN ROADS WILL CREATE A PERSONAL SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

5/24/2012

VISIBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN LOOKING THROUGH THE WINDOW SHIELD TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDES OF THE WINDOW BLOCK HIS VISION. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONTACT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,700.

9/12/2011

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE HAD TWO WINDSHIELDS CRACKS IN A 6 WEEK PERIOD OF TIME. THE DIAMETER OF THE IMPACT ON THE INITIAL IMPACT ON 11/911 WAS THE SIZE OF A PEA AND LEFT A HORIZONTAL CRACK THAT WAS ABOUT 12". THE SECOND IMPACT, ON ANOTHER BRAND NEW WINDSHIELD, LEFT AN IMPACT THE SIZE OF A PIN HEAD AND A CRACK 18" LONG. I BELIEVE THESE ARE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS, I DID NOT EVEN HEAR THE IMPACT ON THE SECOND WINDSHIELD. BY THE TIME I SAW THE CRACK AND PARKED MY CAR THE CRACK WAS ALMOST 6" LONG. *TR

12/27/2011

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2012 IS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND REAR SEAT WARMERS. THE SWITCH FOR THE FRONT SEATS RESETS TO OFF WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR SEATS, HOWEVER, REMAINS IN THE ON POSITION. THE NEXT TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON, THE REAR SEAT WARMERS WILL BE ACTIVATED AGAIN UNTIL THEY ARE MANUALLY DEACTIVATED. A CAVEAT IN THE HYUNDAI MANUAL STATES: "WITH THE SEAT WARMER SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION, THE HEATING SYSTEM IN THE SEAT TURNS OFF AND ON AUTOMATICALLY DEPENDING ON THE SEAT TEMPERATURE." THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS TO PREVENT INJURY TO SOMEONE USING THE SEAT. MY CONCERN IS THE POTENTIAL HAZARD THE REAR SEAT WARMERS POSE WHEN THEY ARE NOT BEING USED BY A PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE THEY ARE ACTIVATED. ON COLD WINTER DAYS THE REAR SEAT WARMERS COULD BE HEATING AT MAXIMUM WATTAGE EVERY TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON, UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. WITH THIS BEING A SEATING AREA OFTEN USED BY CHILDREN, I BELIEVE THERE IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD THAT THESE SWITCHES COULD BE LEFT IN THE ON POSITION FREQUENTLY AND FOR LENGTHY PERIODS OF TIME. THIS POSES BOTH A HEALTH RISK, AS WELL AS, UNDUE WEAR ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND REAR SEAT COMPONENTS. *TR

1/14/2012

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS CAR HAS LARGE BLIND SPOTS CAUSED BY BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT PILLARS. THE POSITIONING OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ONLY MAKES THE RIGHT BLIND SPOT LARGER AS THERE IS ONLY THE SPACE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE MIRROR TO THE RIGHT PILLAR TO VIEW OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. AS A RESULT, I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE CROSSING THE STREET FROM MY RIGHT TO MY LEFT. THANKFULLY, I SAW THEM IN TIME TO APPLY MY BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WITH THIS CAR. AND, AT INTERSECTIONS WHERE THERE IS A FOUR-WAY STOP OR, WHEN I AM ENTERING THE LANE, I CAN OFTEN NOT SEE A CAR COMING FROM EITHER DIRECTION. I FULLY ANTICIPATE THAT THIS CAR WILL BE INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS. THE ELANTRA DRIVER WILL BE AT FAULT BUT NO ONE WILL LOOK TO THIS "DEFECT" IN THE CAR AS THE PROBLEM. *TR

5/24/2012

STRUCTURE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS CAR HAS LARGE BLIND SPOTS CAUSED BY BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT PILLARS. THE POSITIONING OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ONLY MAKES THE RIGHT BLIND SPOT LARGER AS THERE IS ONLY THE SPACE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE MIRROR TO THE RIGHT PILLAR TO VIEW OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. AS A RESULT, I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE CROSSING THE STREET FROM MY RIGHT TO MY LEFT. THANKFULLY, I SAW THEM IN TIME TO APPLY MY BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WITH THIS CAR. AND, AT INTERSECTIONS WHERE THERE IS A FOUR-WAY STOP OR, WHEN I AM ENTERING THE LANE, I CAN OFTEN NOT SEE A CAR COMING FROM EITHER DIRECTION. I FULLY ANTICIPATE THAT THIS CAR WILL BE INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS. THE ELANTRA DRIVER WILL BE AT FAULT BUT NO ONE WILL LOOK TO THIS "DEFECT" IN THE CAR AS THE PROBLEM. *TR

5/24/2012

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE FRONT PILLARS CREATE VERY LARGE BLIND SPOTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING. THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. DUE TO THE UPSWEEP DESIGN OF BACK WINDOWS THE REAR PILLARS CREATE LARGE BLIND SPOTS WHEN CHANGING LANES. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS I HAVE ALMOST WRECKED BECAUSE OF THIS. I WILL BE GETTING RID OF THIS CAR DUE TO THE VERY POOR AND DANGEROUS VISIBILITY. *TR

12/30/2012

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIR BAG FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S SIDE.

6/24/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CPSC: I1440033A. 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BRAKE SYSTEM. *LN THE MECHANIC RESURFACE THE ROTORS, BUT STATED THE CALIPERS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE GRINDING NOISE RETURNED. *JB

4/23/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TURN KEY IN IGNITION. NOTHING HAPPENS. TURN OFF, TURN ON, EVENTUALLY IGNITION WORKS AND CAR TURNS ON. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE FIRST VISIT TO DEALER TO TRY TO REMEDY ISSUE. FIRST TRIP TO DEALER 5/14/14. DEALER CAN'T RECREATE PROBLEM. PROBLEM CONTINUES. 6/11/14: TURN KEY, CAR WON'T START, TURN OFF, TURN ON, CAR WONT START. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, HYUNDAI DEALER CALLED, SENDS A TOW TRUCK. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TURNS KEY. WON'T START. TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAYS YOU NEED TO TURN THE KEY AND HOLD IT DOWN TO "RESET THE COMPUTER, RESET THE BRAKE SWITCH." HE DOES THIS AND CAR STARTS. HE TOWS IT TO DEALER 6/11/14. DEALER CAN'T RECREATE PROBLEM (SANDS DOWN PAINTED GROUND AREAS). 6/26/14- CAR STARTS BUT IS STUCK IN PARK, CAN'T SHIFT TO DRIVE. TURN OFF. TURN BACK ON. ABLE TO SHIFT TO DRIVE. LATER SAME DAY 6/26/14, TURN KEY IN IGNITION. NOTHING HAPPENS. HOLD KEY DOWN AS INSTRUCTED BY TOW TRUCK DRIVER ON 6/11. TURN OFF, TURN BACK ON, CAR STARTS. READ UP ON THE ISSUE ONLINE. SYMPTOMS SOUND SIMILAR TO BRAKE SWITCH RECALL ISSUES ON EARLIER MODELS. *TR

6/26/2014

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SUNROOF SHATTERED TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH IN VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC, HEARD A LOUD NOISE ON TOP OF CAR. SOON REALIZED BY THE WIND NOISE THAT THE SUNROOF HAD BROKEN. PULLED OFF AT NEXT EXIT, OBSERVED SHATTERED SUNROOF GLASS. CONCERNED THIS IS A DEFECT - AS THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND TO THROW ANYTHING INTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR, AND IT DID NOT HAPPEN AFTER PASSING UNDER AN OVERPASS. THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION FOR THE DAMAGE. *TR

1/27/2015

SUSPENSION:REAR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP, TAR, OR ROUGH PAVEMENT, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE AND SWAY VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. DUE TO THE FAULTY SUSPENSION SYSTEM, THE TIRES WOULD BECOME WORN AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 750.

12/30/2015

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is ENGINE, with 134 owner reports. That is about 15% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS.

Are complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 634 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra severe?

634 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Elantra: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
907
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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