2012 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 160about this part
- Share
- 63%of 255 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 160 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 63% of the 255 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving about 30 MPH on a busy 4 lane street, my car stalled within a half a mile without any warning. After the engine stopped, my check engine light and oil came on. Was towed to mechanic where he stated engine died related to a piston bearing. My car had oil, but was due for an oil change. My car is been at Hyundai for a week with no answers or resolutions.”
NHTSA complaint #11244005, filed 2019-08, 107,750 miles“While driving home I heard a sudden strange noise coming from my car. I pulled over and walked around my vehicle to see if I could see anything. Went to start my car back up and it wouldn't start and my engine light came on. Got out popped the hood, looked under the vehicle, and there was oil from my car on the ground. Had to call my insurance company and they towed my vehicle to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11210017, filed 2019-05, 79,800 miles“Driving down interstate 95 in philadelphia, pa (at 55mph) when engine stalled. Was able to get onto shoulder, and had car towed to mechanic. Mechanic tells me that the engine seized (due to no oil getting to the block), and that I would need a new motor. Contacted Hyundai USA, and they have done nothing about it. Based on the reviews, it looks like this is a common issue, yet they are doing nothing about it.”
NHTSA complaint #11266780, filed 2019-10, 72,000 miles“I was driving down the highway and heard loud metal on metal noises. I immediately pulled off the road. I was told metal fragments were left in my engine during manufacturing. The metal lead to my engine blowing after 85,000 miles. The oil pan has metal shavings in it. The rods were thrown and it messed the bearings up. Dealership and corporate tell. E there is nothing they can do.”
NHTSA complaint #11032605, filed 2017-10, 85,000 miles“While driving my car having just got off the freeway, the dashboard lights flashed briefly and then the engine went dead. Cars behind me had to serve to get around me. The car is only 6 years old and under warranty. The car is currently at the dealer being repaired due to an engine problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11105377, filed 2018-07, 78,000 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…
- 11030331Mar 26, 2026This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing…
- 11030330Mar 26, 2026This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing…
- 11006829Aug 19, 2024Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine…
- 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…
- 10089603Oct 12, 2016"some tucson (lm) and santa fe sport (an) may experience a rough idle in drive after decelerating to a stop when neutral control is enabled. This bulletin provides a diagnosis…
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 3% |
| 2025 | 12 | 4% |
| 2024 | 14 | 14% |
| 2023 | 23 | 17% |
| 2022 | 115 | 30% |
| 2021 | 39 | 49% |
| 2020 | 73 | 41% |
| 2019 | 201 | 52% |
| 2018 | 244 | 61% |
| 2017 | 602 | 55% |
| 2016 | 424 | 26% |
| 2015 | 120 | 52% |
| 2014 | 110 | 54% |
| 2013 | 156 | 59% |
| 2012 | 160 | 63% |
| 2011 | 40 | 32% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 12% |
| 2007 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 12 | 9% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Tucson
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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