Problems · by component

2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring engine problems

134 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring cite engine, 20% of all 655 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
134
20% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I went to start my car and it would not turn over. All the lights were on, the vehicle wouldn't move out of park, and the security system kept going off. The last time this happened I had the starter replaced and the neutral safety switch and it was fine for a bit but now it's happened again. This is at least the 3rd time I've had this issue. Please help! I know I'm not the only one. I had to have AAA come and pick my car up and bring it to a garage.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11622776
“I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Elantra and it suddenly stopped. I took it to be checked out and it has an excessive oil consumption issue which can cause engine failure or a fire. Hyundai refuses to acknowledge the issue or fix it. After doing some research I see that this is a common problem with this car. I have to check my oil every 1000 miles and many times less than that and refill it. They should be held responsible and fix the issue. There should also have been a recall considering not only how dangerous this is, but also how many people are experiencing this.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2024EngineODI 11596352
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was not starting properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineODI 11595666
“Since day 1. Brakes have failed. First recall took years. They “updated my software “ brakes still failed. They failed to believe me “Couldn’t find a problem “ there’s no warning lights no nothing. Out of nowhere. The Brake goes to the floor. Makes a grinding sound and your either going towards on coming traffic or a ditch. Brakes failed at numerous intersections. How I’m alive is beyond me. The best part, either the seat belt is too baggy or strangles you there’s no in between. My entire steering system is junk. wasted money on tires alignments brake pads brake censors. Dealership has another recall on these brakes with no remedy. I’ve sadly driven this car over 10 years with failing brakes. I drive with my right hand on the e brake ready to yank it at any given times. I’m honestly traumatized by this car. Engine and transmission are junk. Nightmare”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2024Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11589017
“The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, there was a smoke odor and the engine caught fire. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and pushed the vehicle to a safe place where the fire would not spread to other objects. The vehicle was not drivable. There were no injuries and no police or fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 7, 2024Engine, FirerelatedFire reportedODI 11575963
“On [XXX], I was driving on the left lane of [XXX], between [XXX] , traveling [XXX], in Oakland, California. I had only driven for a few minutes after leaving work. After braking at a stoplight, my 2012 Hyundai Elantra stopped functioning and stopped on the road while driving. The "check engine" light went on, the "check battery" light went on and a "check fluid" light all went on at the same time for over 10 minutes. During those 10 minutes, I was unable to start the car. I put my hazard lights on and desperately called 911 and AAA. I continued to try and re-start the car. After 10-15 minutes, I was able to get the car started and pulled off the road. I was later able to drive home. I later had the car evaluated by a mechanic and he could not find a reason for my experience. The battery was replaced within the last 6 months, oil was changed recently and an engine coil was recently replaced. We get the car repaired/serviced regularly. I strongly suspect that my experience is related to Hyundai Recall 251 / NHTSA Recall 23V651000. This is a very serious safety issue (e.g. "engine could catch on fire while driving or parked...") and Hyundai has so far not been…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 16, 2024EngineODI 11572458

Showing 6 of 134 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.