Makes›Hyundai›Elantra›2012

2012 Hyundai Elantra

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Hyundai Elantra
Pictured: 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited in Silver, front left, 04-04-2026. Photo: Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited, 4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls, Touring 5dr Hatch FWD Gl/Gls
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
Length
176.4–178.3 in
Curb weight
2,661–3,080 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints560 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 91 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,789 lb (4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 34% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 560 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Elantra — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Elantra →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.8L
Engine–2.0L

Trims

GLS(Middle grade)GLSGL

Built in: Ulsan, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited178.3 in70.1 in56.7 in106.3 in60.6 / 62.2 in2,789 lb62/38
4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls178.3 in70.1 in56.7 in106.3 in60.6 / 62.2 in2,661 lb62/38
Touring 5dr Hatch FWD Gl/Gls176.4 in69.7 in59.8 in106.3 in60.2 / 60.6 in3,080 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Elantra1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+34%$2,100278
Elantra1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+34%$2,100278
Elantra Touring2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+5%$2,600342
Elantra Touring2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+5%$2,600342
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2012 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.

Similar 2012 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Hyundai Elantra (this car)32 MPGNot rated5
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated7
2012 Ford Focus32 MPGNot rated10
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer28 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 272,126 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Risk
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 23, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V871000 · 155,000 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Risk
If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.
Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V310000 · 35,000 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured December 15, 2009, through May 7, 2012. The affected vehicles have a support bracket attached to the headliner that may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Risk
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 117.
Structure · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V115000 · 186,250 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Risk
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

560Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
39Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
37Injuries reported
72,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine119
Air Bags119
Electrical System88
Steering72
Unknown Or Other63
Service Brakes55
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)41
Suspension38
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/06: 824/07: 224/08: 124/09: 224/10: 424/11: 224/12: 225/01: 125/06: 125/07: 125/08: 225/09: 125/10: 125/11: 225/12: 126/01: 226/02: 226/03: 126/04: 226/06: 226/07: 126/08: 226/09: 126/10: 124/0624/0924/1225/0725/1026/0126/0426/08max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 119 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 119 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Electrical System — 88 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Elantra years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Elantra54185.4 inNot rated44
2025 Elantra54185.4 in★★★★★234
2024 Elantra54185.4 in★★★★★263
2023 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★4170
2022 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★8159
2021 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★7162
2020 Elantra36181.9 in★★★★★3262
2019 Elantra35181.9 in★★★★★1266
2018 Elantra35179.9 in★★★★★1335
2017 Elantra35179.9 in★★★★★4796
2016 Elantra31179.1 in★★★★★2300
2015 Elantra31179.1 in★★★★★3261

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →