Hyundai · Tucson · 2012
2012 Hyundai Tucson
3
Recalls
252
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 3 recalls and 252 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (130 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 130 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2012 Hyundai Tucson reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Hyundai Tucson currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 252 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (130), service brakes, hydraulic (23), power train (9).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Hyundai Tucson
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 252
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
18.0% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V651000September 22, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 19V063000February 05, 2019
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 14V245000May 13, 2014
AIR BAGS
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
252 totalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 9, 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.
AIR BAGS
CRASH1 injurySep 8, 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...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jul 31, 2025
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 ...
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ENGINE
Nov 9, 2024
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...
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SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Aug 20, 2024
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 ...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Aug 15, 2024
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 ...
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jul 2, 2024
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 ...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 24, 2024
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 17, 2024
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...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
FIREMay 14, 2024
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.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 252 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Tucson Years
2013 Hyundai TucsonCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r263c2011 Hyundai TucsonCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.5r124c2014 Hyundai TucsonCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r200c2010 Hyundai TucsonCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.4r57c2015 Hyundai TucsonCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.1r223c2009 Hyundai TucsonCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.1r18c
More 2012 Hyundai Models
2012 Hyundai SonataAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.8r1,545c2012 Hyundai ElantraAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.4r668c2012 Hyundai Santa FeAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r350c2012 Hyundai VelosterAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.6r294c2012 Hyundai AccentAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r151c2012 Hyundai AzeraAnother 2012 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r74c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has received 252 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson are engine (130 reports), service brakes, hydraulic (23 reports), power train (9 reports).
Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.