2012 Hyundai Tucson: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Hyundai Tucson: 3 recalls, 255 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V245000 · 2014 · 137,500 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel May come loose from its mounting.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #19V063000 · 2019 · 120,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine oil pan May leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil May result in engine damage.
Why it matters: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V651000 · 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 13 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (160): the most common themes are noise or vibration (59), stalls / loses power (57), warning light on (41).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are warning light on (2), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (26): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (10), noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (6).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are fire / smoke (5), warning light on (5), noise or vibration (4).
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 255 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 22 Tucson model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 286). Complaints peaked in 2019 (82 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 83,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (124 complaints, 5 recalls), 2013 (266 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Tucson problems?
Owners have filed 255 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (160), brakes (hydraulic) (27), transmission & drivetrain (26).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Hyundai Tucson repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.