2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. This model year has 252 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Hydraulic
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 167 | 2 | 13 | — | |
| Brake System | 36 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 26 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 252 most recent complaints
got vehicle registration notice and recall notice was on the form regarding a possible electrical fire while parked or driving. I just got this car about 9 months ago, dmv is still showing nothing has been done.
Airbag located in the steering wheel partially deployed during a moderate/serious accident. It came out of the front of the steering wheel but never inflated. I have pictures available of the partially deployed airbag. No other airbags were deployed during this front end crash…
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. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair parts …
Car suddenly stalled on the interstate (sudden deceleration, could barely make it to the shoulder; engine and oil lights, loud knocking sound, burning smell); per Hyundai dealership, it is sudden engine rod failure. Hyundai recall 181 described this exact situation. If not for q…
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that the subframe was significantly rusted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, she was losing control of …
My 2012 Tucson started dumping large amounts of oil. Would be ok not dumping then would start drastically using then stop again. Vehicle ran fine then it started doing this maybe 3 months into this approx a week ago it started making noises coming from the motor. It is doing as …
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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had …
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…
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was contacted.
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…
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 …
I received a recall notice from Hyundai 11-06-23 on my 4 door Tucson has a brake leak problem which could cause brake failure and fire. It also stated to not park my vehicle in the garage. I called Hyundai on 11-17-23, 02-27-24 and 5--27-24 and was told no date to fix the problem…
Customer was driving down the road when he brakes were not functioning properly. The vehicle began to smoke and she pulled over and the fire started under the hood. We are the insurance carrier that paid for the damages.
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 …
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 …
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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had …
I was driving on the road way and the entire engine seized. I had to glide over to the side of the roadway and call AAA. I called Route 1 Hyundai, where the car was originally bought, 7324126502 brand new in 2012. and they told me no warranty on vehical. I had vehical towed to…
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. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were …
See attached document for complaint
Campaign #[XXX] I was notified and contacted Hyundai multiple times - 11/14, 15 and 16.There were multiple other times as well. I contacted both Broadway and Bergstrom Hyundai in both Appleton and Green Bay on multiple occasions as well to ask for a rental while awaiting the reme…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.
Recalls for 2012 Hyundai Tucson
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Hyundai Tucson — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 252 NHTSA owner complaints, 12 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (167 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?▾
#1: Engine Problems (167 complaints). #2: Brake System (36 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?▾
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 12 crash-related complaints and 13 fire reports out of 252 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The largest issue: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Hyundai Tucson?▾
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Tucson reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Hyundai Tucson
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.