Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2012 Hyundai VeracruzRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz. Most complaints involve electrical system (21) and engine (19). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
65
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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 compartment fire while parked or driving.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 22, 2023NHTSA 23V651000

Engine and engine cooling: oil

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.

Engine and engine coolingReported Nov 13, 2020NHTSA 20V705000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Remedy pending

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jul 8, 2014NHTSA 14V415000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

65 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2014 – Aug 2026
  1. Electrical system21
  2. Engine19
  3. Engine and engine cooling16
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic8
  5. Exterior lighting3
  6. Vehicle speed control2
  7. Air bags2
  8. Structure2
  9. Steering1

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

By model year

Complaints for each Veracruz model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007145
2008231
200924
201091
2011106
201265
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

21 reports1 fire
“Bought car, it was a recall on the vehicle got it fixed then the ESC code came on, stops the car while driving & smoking from rear driver wheel, took to Hyundai was told I needed to get wheel speed sensor, CV axle & valve cover gasket replaced, got it done then it was the starter, radiator , got it fixed , then it started slowing down while driving putting the car in limp mode now I need a new engine .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 6, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11729426

Engine

19 reports3 fires
“I own 2012 Hyundai Veracruz, I called Conceilli Hyundai Service repair service to make an appointment for my hyundai recall for oil leaking on alternator, the closest dealer to my location Conshohocken Conceilli Hyundai which I have called several times over the past month to get repaired. "Rick" the service manager said they are not taking any "recall repairs". I asked for a future appointment and he told me I can find another dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2024EngineODI 11575801

Engine and engine cooling

16 reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the battery was draining quickly after being recharged. When inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was oil on the alternator. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was charging for the replacement of the alternator even though the remedy stated that the alternator and valve cover gasket would be replaced if an oil leak was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 191,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Engine and engine coolingODI 11755872
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Veracruz 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172219$3,300468
Veracruz 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162118$3,450494
  • Veracruz 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Veracruz 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    16 city · 21 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 6751Vehicle 6114
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2012 Veracruz questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Veracruz problems?

Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (21), engine (19), engine and engine cooling (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026