2012 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 139about this part
- Share
- 21%of 654 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,585miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 139 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 21% of the 654 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,585 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
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“Just bought the car a couple weeks ago for my daughter. The car was parked in a parking lot and would not start. Tried jumping it. Changed battery in key. Gas tank was full. Finally looked on internet and finally looked on line and found a lot of others had the same problem. They said to push the car from the rear. We did and it started. Afraid my daughter will be stuck at night leaving work.”
NHTSA complaint #11398314, filed 2021-02, 110,000 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: my car will rev the engine really high over and over again on its own rather than idle while in park. Also while in drive and the break pressed, the engine will rev on its own likes its trying to move forward without me pressing the gas pedal. This is dangerous. This has happened on multiple occassions not just what is noted below.”
NHTSA complaint #11129458, filed 2018-09, 99,514 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 10165455Aug 12, 2019If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid…
- 10057053Nov 1, 2014Hyundai: the diagnostic logic is revised for engine control unit (ecm) and op code, that was updated. Model 2011-13 elantra.
- 10053532Aug 1, 2013Hyundai: the following dtcs p2096 post catalyst fuel trim system too lean, p0301/2/3/4 cylinder 1/2/3/4 misfire detected, on some vehicles, will be revised the logic by an ecu…
- 10052144Apr 1, 2013Hyundai: the throttle control (etc) body, on some vehiicles, needs to be cleaned and procedural information is being provided, due to deposits found at valve-to-bore interface…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 | 8 | 14% |
| 2023 | 20 | 20% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 13 | 10% |
| 2020 | 109 | 43% |
| 2019 | 134 | 53% |
| 2018 | 142 | 50% |
| 2017 | 291 | 38% |
| 2016 | 111 | 38% |
| 2015 | 92 | 35% |
| 2014 | 166 | 43% |
| 2013 | 233 | 18% |
| 2012 | 139 | 21% |
| 2011 | 92 | 21% |
| 2010 | 15 | 4% |
| 2009 | 13 | 5% |
| 2008 | 24 | 8% |
| 2007 | 12 | 4% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
126 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 28, 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