2012 Hyundai Elantra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 126about this part
- Share
- 19%of 654 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 126 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 19% of the 654 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“I have been experiencing failures from my speed control. It moves slow on it own regardless of how high the meter says. When braking the car shakes and then on its own it goes off and all the lights on the dashboard comes on. This has happened to me 3 times on the highway. The engine light also came on recently and now my car vibrates/ shakes when idle or when it starts.”
NHTSA complaint #11366155, filed 2020-10, 146,817 miles“Car was parked and completely off. I put the key in the ignition and turned it partway. All electronic components and headlights came on. I turned the key all the way and it would not start. There was a loud rythmic clicking and each time it clicked all the electronics flickered. Jumping the battery did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #11372705, filed 2020-11, 102,000 miles“Takata recall car doesn't want to start and struggles to do so. Have replaced battery and key fob batteries. This has to be a starter issue, possibly an electrical short. Says key out while I'm driving it half the time. I am afraid it will cut off while I'm driving it! I have only had the car for 2 years! Been doing this for about 2 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11119974, filed 2018-08, 75,000 miles“I parked my car at home and shut it off. I immediately attempted to restart it in order to adjust the car's position, and found that the interior lights would come on, but not the engine. 3 dash lights--engine, battery, and I don't remember the third one--remained lit. Took it in to the dealership the following monday (10/19), and they replaced the starter.”
NHTSA complaint #10789315, filed 2015-11, 42,000 miles“I attempted to start my car last night and it didn't start, lights were on full power and everything but not a sound from the engine... Tried many many times didn't start. Then randomly it started. Drove home parked went out this morning and tried again did not start. I have tried many times this morning but again it has not started.”
NHTSA complaint #10616537, filed 2014-07, 45,713 milesRelated recalls
- 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket…Covers: Hyundai Elantra 2011–2012, Sonata Hybrid 2011–2012, Accent 2012 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11026704Dec 19, 2025In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at…
- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made…
- 11027033Dec 15, 2025This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 11000314May 9, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 10251282Feb 12, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10251276Feb 1, 2024This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system…
- 10251275Feb 1, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249707Jan 22, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 17 | 30% |
| 2023 | 25 | 25% |
| 2022 | 19 | 19% |
| 2021 | 31 | 23% |
| 2020 | 27 | 11% |
| 2019 | 37 | 15% |
| 2018 | 43 | 15% |
| 2017 | 112 | 15% |
| 2016 | 22 | 8% |
| 2015 | 23 | 9% |
| 2014 | 47 | 12% |
| 2013 | 155 | 12% |
| 2012 | 126 | 19% |
| 2011 | 51 | 12% |
| 2010 | 48 | 13% |
| 2009 | 24 | 9% |
| 2008 | 31 | 10% |
| 2007 | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 21 | 7% |
| 2000 | 33 | 17% |
| 1999 | 18 | 14% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 9% |
| 1996 | 14 | 14% |
| 1995 | 14 | 13% |
| 1994 | 16 | 21% |
| 1993 | 3 | 13% |
| 1992 | 9 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
139 complaintsAir bags
124 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsSteering
88 complaintsOther or unknown
67 complaintsSuspension
45 complaintsElectronic stability control
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior 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 30, 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