High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2012-hyundai-tucson

2012 Hyundai Tucson Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
255
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
3
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
25
12 Crashes • 13 Fires
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2012 Hyundai Tucson Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Engine & Cooling 55.7%
142 reported failures
Braking System 12.2%
31 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 9.4%
24 reported failures
Electrical System 4.3%
11 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 3.9%
10 reported failures
Airbags & Restraints 2.4%
6 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2012 Hyundai Tucson (3)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #19V063000 Component: Engine & Cooling

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.

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

Free 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.

NHTSA Campaign #14V245000 Component: Airbags & Restraints

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.

Safety Hazard: 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.

Free 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.

NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 Component: Braking System

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.

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

Free 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.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11757815 • Engine & Cooling 08/18/2026

"I bought my 2012 Hyundai Tucson from a used car dealership back in November of 2024 . When I bought the vehicle it only had 55,000 miles on it and came with a 2 year unlimited mile warranty on the drive train and a full Carfax history in which everything came back clean , regular oil changes with synthetic oil every 4,000 miles and for my warranty ..."

ODI #11753637 • Engine & Cooling 07/29/2026

"Vehicle suddenly slipped into limp mode. Vehicle was then immediately taken to have code read. Code came back P1326. Was advised due to previous recall campaign(s) to contact Hyundai of America for guidance. Was told that vehicle needed to be confirmed per the BCT at any Hyundai dealership to which the agent scheduled the appointment myself and tha..."

ODI #11736110 • Engine & Cooling 05/06/2026

"Engine started knocking luckily I was right by my mechanics place. They said needs new engine. Not to drive as a rod might go right through the engine. Only 98000 miles on it. Maintenance always done on time."

ODI #11692419 • Electrical System 10/09/2025

"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."

ODI #11686195 • Airbags & Restraints 09/10/2025

"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 seatbelt tensioner did activate and prevented serious injury du..."