VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson carries two red flags at once: 314 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Tucson years to avoid. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 54% of all reports (168 of 314), far ahead of brakes at 36. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

314

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

18

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine16854%
Brakes3611%
Transmission268%
Electrical System196%
Other144%
Speed Control93%
Body & Structure93%
Tires & Wheels62%
Airbags62%
Steering62%
Fuel System52%
Suspension41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Lighting21%
Seats10%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

19V063000EngineFebruary 5, 2019 · 120,000 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

14V245000AirbagsMay 13, 2014 · 137,500 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Consequence

An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY - IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR EVEN STARTED IN OVER 28 HOURS. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 23, 2018 · fire

“While driving in October I hit a curb when I hit the brake it accelerated and I jumped a curb while my foot was still on the brake, I came to a stop after hitting a pole, the cops came to the they thought I would be able to drive off however the brakes were not working and neither was the emergency…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 25, 2023 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PLACING HER VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACKWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BUS. NO POLICE WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 5, 2011 · crash

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY - IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR EVEN STARTED IN OVER 28 HOURS. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 23, 2018 · fire

“YESTERDAY AROUND 9:00 PM I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 150 IN SAN ANTONIO TX WITH MY KIDS AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH BOARD OR CLUSTER AND THE ENGINE DIE ON ME AND WOULDN'T START I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AFTER PAYING 220.00 FOR TOWING , NOW ITS AT RED MCCOMBS HYUNDAI RUBEN RODRIGUEZ SERVICE ADVISOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 7, 2019

2012 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 314 complaints put the 2012 model at #8 of 22 Tucson years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (168 complaints), brakes (36 complaints), transmission (26 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.