VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Elantra electrical system problems

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 169 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

169

Electrical System complaints

18%

Share of year

12

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

20V393000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2020 · 272,126 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Remedy

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.

15V871000Electrical SystemDecember 23, 2015 · 155,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

DRIVER ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE BUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND HIT ANOTHER CAR, ALSO UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED TO PROTECT THE DRIVER CONSIDERING HOW SEVERELY THE FRONT AREA OF THE CAR WERE DAMAGED. 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, CAR WAS NOT STARTING, WAS JUMPED- START AND VEHICLE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 12, 2014 · crash

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?

NHTSA has 169 complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra electrical system — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra electrical system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 15V871000, 20V393000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.