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BrakesPart report

2012 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems

Complaints
99about this part
Share
15%of 654 total for the year
Median mileage
59,425miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 15% of the 654 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,425 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“As I backed out of a parking place and attempted to stop the car in reverse to check the area behind me, the car stalled out completely, the engine stopped and the brakes would not respond and seemed stuck. I put the car back in park and turned it off, then finally on the third try, the engine engaged and I had control of the car, moved back into the parking place and then managed to back out normally and proceed.”

NHTSA complaint #11197216, filed 2019-04, 36,000 miles

“Stability control malfunction, I lose control and the brake applied unexpectedly and the crash my car I am ok but I have damage in my car. I went to dealer for this recall and they did not fixed now I dont know if they are going to pay for it”

NHTSA complaint #11290654, filed 2019-12, 132,450 miles

“Each time I hit the brakes then release I hear a clicking sound from the brake paddle that makes me nervous that something may be wrong. This happens every time I use the breaks when driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11386078, filed 2021-01, 90,071 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10481566, filed 2012-10, 20 miles

“Occasionally while traveling on the highway - any speed from 50-70 MPH - the electronic stability control light will flash, even though there are no adverse conditions. While the light is flashing, I can feel that my left rear brake is applied, causing me to have to correct the course of the car. I do not feel safe in this car anymore. This did not start happening until after I received the recall service associated with campaign 137 for the the yaw sensor (which describes the exact scenario I am experiencing now). …”

NHTSA complaint #10955743, filed 2017-02, 89,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202529%
202447%
202399%
202277%
202186%
2020146%
201962%
2018155%
2017486%
2016155%
20155521%
20148723%
201328322%
20129915%
20114410%
20103910%
20092711%
20085217%
20073814%
20063221%
2005118%
200484%
20032712%
20023410%
20013010%
200095%
1999108%
199859%
19971110%
199666%
19951312%
199457%
1993521%
199227%

Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra

Engine
139 complaints
Electrical system
126 complaints
Air bags
124 complaints
Steering
88 complaints
Other or unknown
67 complaints
Suspension
45 complaints
Electronic stability control
44 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
40 complaints
Vehicle speed control
27 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaints
Fuel system
18 complaints
Exterior lighting
17 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology