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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-HYUNDAI-TUCSONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Tucson problems
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 255 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 255 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 142 complaints (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Tucson?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
8 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Brakes: 31 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Hyundai Tucson? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 142 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
brakes — 31 owner reports
· ~$450 to fix
powertrain — 24 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 11 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Tucson· brakes
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Hyundai tucson. While parked in a driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police and a fire report were filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of…
Driving on highway engine cuts shuts off. I let the car roll to the first off ramp in which I could not start the car again. Stuck in middle lane of exit until I got help to push car to side of the road.
Brand new car- a few days after purchasing and driving the car, noticed car was not driving right. Several symptoms became noticeable. Car would jerk when accelerating and braking. Cars pick up was delayed and had a very uncomfortable vibration, while in idle and while driving,…
Had a problem with your 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles
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.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013
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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
AQService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 255 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 8 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Brakes: 31 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 142 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 255 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 142 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Tucson has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 255 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Hyundai/Tucson.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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