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2012 Hyundai Tucson Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 255 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, most often about the engine (66% of complaints, typically around 99,500 miles). It is 8th of 22 Tucson model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2012 Hyundai Tucson problems
Engine
168 complaints · 66%Half of these problems showed up before 99,500 miles.
Hyundai Tucson theta-II engine failure. My Tucson experienced sudden onset oil problems overnight. I parked the car on thursday night in my driveway, everything was fine. Friday morning when I turned it on the oil light was on. I confirmed I was not scheduled for an oil change for another 2000 miles but added a quart…
On november 23, 2018, on rt 110 in farmingdale, ny. I heard something shatter but could still drive on the highway. I stopped and looked underneath but saw nothing. I drove away for twenty minutes and the engine fell out. I was stopped suddenly by the collapse of the engine.
Brakes
35 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 102,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. While driving, the rpms took longer than normal to engage during acceleration. Occasionally, the RPM dial would not move at all. Also, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and code: "p3018" and "shift delay" were located. The vehicle was not…
Im having problems with vibrations when at a stop or idling,also his vehicleis hard to keep aligned. I've two sets of tires in the past two years. Ive had two four wheel alignments. What's the fix?
Transmission
26 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 68,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. While parked, the transmission gear selector did not match the indicated gear. The contact stated that after removing the key from the ignition switch, the vehicle moved in an unintended direction. The contact stated that in order to start the vehicle, the brake would have to be…
My AWD light comes on and off- when on I do not have AWD and if is a serious safety matter. I have taken it to be checked and was told "oh at times you have it and some times you don't have it. Meaning AWD--then another Hyundai dealer informed me " oh no problems when checked on diagnostic". Well with being said as a…
Electrical
17 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 37,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, horn.
Shift does not appear on dashboard, transmission shifts hard when this happens. When in reverse, the camera does not work. Have to shut car off then transmission works.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated the all-wheel drive (AWD) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Other or unspecified
12 complaints · 5%On november 23, 2018, on rt 110 in farmingdale, ny. I heard something shatter but could still drive on the highway. I stopped and looked underneath but saw nothing. I drove away for twenty minutes and the engine fell out. I was stopped suddenly by the collapse of the engine.
Speed control
9 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles.
Vehicle intermittently does not accelerate from a stop, often looses power. This can be dangerous if pulling out into traffic. Transmission issues have been addressed with other years, but this issue has not been addressed with earlier model years. While turning into traffic, vehicle did not accelerate as expected…
I received the recall of my 2012 Hyundai tuscon. As a precaution I took it to the dealership to address the recall 181 and an electrical issue I had with the power windows. I visited the dealer two weeks apart and sat at the dealership for more than 5 hours with the second visit being for 8 hours. I was told something…
Body and structure
9 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
The left rear door will not open from outside handle or inside handle. Unlocking from the key fob or drivers door control or the lock on the rear door panel does not work. We can not in any way open the door. It worked fine for quite a while then began malfunctioning occasionally and then finally would not open at…
A panel covering the panoramic sunroof mechanism detached on the i90 while travelling at 70mph. The panel was not found. The detachment was audible heard as the panel swung around and struck the car. Fortunately there was no=one traveling behind me at the time.
Steering
6 complaints · 2%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles.
Hello, I purchased a 2012 Hyundai tuscon, 2wd, and had a terrible time in this vehicle during snowy/wet weather. I live in silver spring, md, and was driving the vehicle in snow on february 21, 2015. The vehicle skidded, the tires spun, and the car got stuck several times. Also, the ESC (electronic stability control)…
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact was driving 35 to 40 MPH when the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a ditch. The contact stated that the power steering light illuminated after the failure. The crash caused no injuries and the police were not contacted. The vehicle was taken to the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Hyundai and kia ABS module fires
Summary
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
Loss of motive power
Summary
The national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated july 13, 2022, petitioning the agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain hyundai motor america, inc. And kia america, inc. Vehicles spanning model years (my) 2005-2021. The petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are
Engine fires
Summary
On march 29, 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened two preliminary evaluations (pe19-003 on hyundai and pe19-004 on kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year hyundai and kia vehicles.â during the pe investigations, hyundai and kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.â the remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.â additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modif
Questions about the 2012 Hyundai Tucson
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (168 complaints, typically around 99,500 miles); brakes (35 complaints, typically around 102,000 miles); transmission (26 complaints, typically around 68,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 22, 2023 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Hyundai Tucson?
- It is 8th of 22 Tucson model years by number of complaints, with 255 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.