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

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 2,789 lb | 62/38 |
| 4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 2,661 lb | 62/38 |
| Touring 5dr Hatch FWD Gl/Gls | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 59.8 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,080 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +34% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +34% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Elantra Touring | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +5% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Elantra Touring | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +5% | $2,600 | 342 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (5)
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.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 119 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 119 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 88 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →