CarComplaints.com Notes: Be aware that there's a significant trend of owners complaining that the Elantra's fuel economy is significantly less than the EPA estimates.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,074 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #86

Feb 012019

Elantra

  • 118,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall I have a 2012 Elantra 120,000 miles car has stalled driving down the highway and also has started a ticking in the engine I took it to have a oil change and they said there was metal in the oil pan and I needed a new motor. Hyundai who advised the sonata had a recall for the same issue but not the Elantra

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

problem #85

Feb 092019

Elantra

  • 102,000 miles
I have 2012 Hyundai Elantra gls with 1.8 L DOHC engine. When cold started, the engine produces ticking/knocking noise which quiets down after running for 15 minutes. But, I observed that it is getting louder and louder and the noise is also not getting reduced as it used to be. I went to northtown Hyundai and they found metal shavings in the oil pan. Hyundai refused to replace the engine for free even though they very well know that it is a manufacturing defect due to bad piston coating. The engine power has highly reduced and I am afraid that it might blow in the middle of the highway. I have attached the Hyundai Canada bulletin where they acknowledge the manufacturing problem. But, Hyundai usa is not doing anything with this problem.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #84

Dec 202018

Elantra

  • 110,000 miles
After 110,000 miles, engine started hesitating, not running smooth, anymore. Brought to valley stream, NY dealer on 1/8 and they claimed no trouble found, sent me away and 2 mos. Later, the engine died. They "confiscated" my vehicle for safety concerns, but never said what, specifically.

- Long Beach, NY, USA

problem #83

Mar 022019

Elantra

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. A few minutes after the vehicle was parked in the driveway after a trip, the sound of a horn was heard from the vehicle. Someone looked outside and saw the front end of the vehicle on fire. The fire was extinguished by a family member. There was no warning indicator illuminated. Neither a fire nor a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and declared totaled by the insurance company. The contact sent an email to vandergriff Hyundai (817-912-5122, located at 1120 w interstate 20, arlington, tx 76017), but there was no response. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V310000 (structure). The failure mileage was 88,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Mansfield, TX, USA

problem #82

Oct 012018

Elantra

  • 78,000 miles
Ticking noise at 78000 miles.

- Fyffe, AL, USA

problem #81

Jan 232018

Elantra

  • 57,000 miles
At 56,000 miles or there abouts my engine started to tick, has had regular maintenance and oil changes since purchased as a used vehicle in 2014 with 17,000 miles. The mechanics state this a common problem with the Elantra. I am covered under my 100,000 mile warranty, yet Hyundai refuses to fix the engine blaming it on poor maintenance. I brought this vehicle putting my trust in the company and now may end up paying for a car I cannot use or may kill me. Someone needs to do something.

- Glenmont, NY, USA

problem #80

May 012018

Elantra

  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased the car used, when it had 35,000 miles on it. Around 38,000 miles, I started to experience an engine ticking noise and vibration before coming to a stop or when starting up after a stop. It feels like the car will stall, but it never actually stalls. I have taken the car to several mechanics and the head mechanic at a Hyundai dealer. The Hyundai mechanic said the issue is "common" with Hyundai Elantras. He listed off various fixes he has tried, but said he can't figure out a common cause. When I researched the issue online, it appears that many other Hyundai Elantra owners have the same problem (e.g. carcomplaints.com). It seems that there are many Hyundai Elantra owners waiting on engine replacements, with Hyundai often not wanting to pay for the engine. I wonder if a recall is needed.

- Corte Madera, CA, USA

problem #79

Jan 312019

Elantra

  • 67,000 miles
I have a 2012 Elantra, I am 2nd owner of the car, it just turned 67,000 miles and began making a loud ticking noise coming from the engine, I took it to my mechanic who did an oil change and discovered that there were pieces of metal in the oil pan and suggested I take it to Hyundai dealership. Upon inspection at dealership they stated I need a new engine. The car is no longer in warranty so they dealer sent the information into Hyundai corporate, outcome is no free engine I have to pay 3,000 out of pocket to have a new engine installed. In researching the problem online I am not alone in my pain! shame on Hyundai your car should be placed in the least wanted list! I wouldn't purchase another Hyundai if it cost one cent! Hyundai is well aware of the issues with the engines and yet fails to acknowledge the right thing to do for its customers. Beware do no purchase a Hyundai anything! I would not trust any of it's vehicles this is a huge safety issue for any one that owns one - do you homework check out the facts. Fortunately for me I didn't encounter a major accident while driving this car. I am now the owner of a very expensive car that is worth about the cost of the engine!

- Warrington, PA, USA

problem #78

Jan 052019

Elantra

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 30 mph, there was a ticking noise coming from the engine. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to northtown Hyundai (3675 sheridan dr, amherst, NY 14226, (716) 992-6536) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 15444915. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. The VIN was not available.

- Derby, NY, USA

problem #77

Dec 072018

Elantra

  • 91,000 miles
My vehicle has less than 100K miles on it. I have been driving it without any issues and getting routine checkups and oil changes. I was driving my vehicle down the road (almost on the highway) and during my drive my engine blew out and the car immediately stopped. Due to being a second owner of the vehicle, I am not covered under the factory warranty under 100K miles. After much research, it seem that both Hyundai and Kia have engine issues; however, only certain makes/models are covered when Elantras also have the same issues.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #76

Aug 082018

Elantra

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle has had engine ticking noises starting around 50,000 miles. On 3 occasions the dealer advised it was a non issue. Other vehicles from the same manufacturer and with the same engine have had recalls due to an engine manufacturing process defect. Engine noise has progressed from a slight ticking to a hard knocking sound and difficulty idling upon initial start up with no diagnostic codes

- Trumann, AR, USA

problem #75

Jul 092018

Elantra

  • 97,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the engine made a distinct tapping noise. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions upon starting the vehicle, and was persistent for the past three months. Jones junction Hyundai (1504 belair rd, bel air, md 21014) was made aware of the failure and was unable to locate any diagnostic trouble codes to help identify the source of the noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

- Joppa, MD, USA

problem #74

Aug 232018

Elantra

  • 99,514 miles
Takata recall: My car will rev the engine really high over and over again on its own rather than idle while in park. Also while in drive and the break pressed, the engine will rev on its own likes its trying to move forward without me pressing the gas pedal. This is dangerous. This has happened on multiple occassions not just what is noted below.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #73

Apr 242018

Elantra

  • 105,000 miles
Intermittent engine ignition failure. Engine does not start when gear shift is in park and key is properly inserted and turned. Grinding noise and engine does not start. Problem occurs up to five times per week upon attempting to start the car. The issue began in April 2018 and is ongoing on a weekly basis. The defect has resulted in unreliable transportation. I replaced the ignition coils and ignition plate was cleaned. Problem was not resolved. Mechanic cannot identify the defect. Similar issues have been reported with Hyundai sonatas, resulting in a recall. Many complaints about intermittent Hyundai Elantra 2012 ignition failure can be found online.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

problem #72

Aug 232018

Elantra

  • 169,000 miles
While driving at 35 mph on left lane, engine suddenly died and car skidded a little because brake was deployed automatically or the wheel locked. It made 2 braking/skidding sound. Then suddenly I was able to steer again and position the car to the right for safety. Engine wont turn on. Burning smell and some smoke maybe from locked brake? car towed to nearest Hyundai shop.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #71

Jun 012018

Elantra

  • 75,000 miles
Takata recall car doesn't want to start and struggles to do so. Have replaced battery and key fob batteries. This has to be a starter issue, possibly an electrical short. Says "key out" while I'm driving it half the time. I am afraid it will cut off while I'm driving it! I have only had the car for 2 years! been doing this for about 2 months.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #70

Jul 252018

Elantra

  • 96,000 miles
Vehicle stalled twice while driving. Once while merging from a highway on to a surface street. Hyundai is aware of this issue involving 2012 Elantras and other years as well. This issue was also present in the sonata, and ultimately was settled with a class action law suit. Speaking with an attorney we are also aware of instances where vehicles have caught on fire as a result of these defective engines.

- Rising Sun, MD, USA

problem #69

Jul 052018

Elantra

  • 76,000 miles
Driving down road engine died towed to dealer told needed new engine had one at 44,000 done under warranty. This engine lasted to 76,000 now needs another engine. Engine is so backordered dealership telling me 6 months. So many Elantra engines blowing up should be a recall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- New Bedford, MA, USA

problem #68

Jul 032018

Elantra

  • 49,437 miles
After pulling into my parking space, I went to put the car in park and it lunged forward several feet onto the pavement and up 2 steps in front of my house...the vehicle was stationary, at the curb

- Abingdon, MD, USA

problem #67

Sep 232017

Elantra

  • 95,000 miles
Tapping from engine. Have asked dealer to inspect and they said there is no issue for the last four oil changes and inspections. With the recall of other Hyundai, I'm thinking this maybe the same issue.

- Collegeville, PA, USA

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