Vehicle report
2012 Hyundai Tucson
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 4 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
3
Open recalls
15
Complaints
4
Overall safety
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2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls (3)
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
2012 Hyundai Tucson safety ratings
4
Overall
4
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2012 Hyundai Tucson owner complaints (15)
- ENGINE
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 through the used car dealership requirements I have continued to honor the every 4,000 mile oil change with synthetic oil every time . I have my Carfax that shows that my vehicle was brought to a certified Hyundai dealership back in 2019 for maintenance and the dealership never applied the required KSDS software update to extend my warranty. Flash forward to 8/06/2026 my vehicle with only 94,000 miles on it is sitting at a Hyundai dealership with the engine blown . I filed a claim with Hyundai and of course they denied it . I filed a complaint with corporate because it was at a certified Hyundai dealership back in 2019 they have had the updated KSDS software available at the time knew that it was a requirement for the extended warranty and didn't add the software update to my vehicle. I have asked for a good faith gesture and was also denied . I'm on a fixed income with a disabled husband and a disabled son . I still owe a considerable amount on the vehicle since I've only owned it for 1 year 7 months . The used car dealership I bought it from will only cover up to $2,900.00 of the repairs and the new engine is costing me $7,601.01 . Leaving me with a remaining bill of $4,701.01 . While that's pennies to them to me that's 4 months rent and my family not eating for 4 months . . I even tried to work with them to split the cost and again was denied . They know their 2.4 theta engine is inferior and was court ordered to extend their warranty. I was informed when I brought it to the dealership that is fixing which is also a certified Hyundai dealership that it has 4 open recalls attached to my vehicle that needed to be fixed
- ENGINE
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 that i should get the other 4 recalls fixed as well. My spouse drove the vehicle there and that was our last true communication verbally with Hyundai of America. Vehicle barely made it to the dealership and then spouse was offered a ride home an hour and a half later without paperwork or any type of understanding other than it would take time for the service team to get it on the BCT. A week later I was told it would cost $250. We have argued that we were never told it would cost anything as it relates to this major recall nor the others and in fact it would be performed at zero cost. Then, a service manager stated that now the vehicle needed $10k worth of work and began having finance firms contact me that he said were employed by Hyundai but are not. Here we are a month later, and still no vehicle and we have contacted Hyundai of America numerous times and have all communications regarding such contact and have gotten nowhere. We have yet to actually speak to someone over the phone. We were assigned a case manager who is now on vacation. We're without an income now because after not having transportation to work my partner has lost his job, and we are in dire condition. Inside of my vehicle that this dealership is holding hostage is my infant’s car seat and a brand new catalytic converter. They have refused to communicate with me and supposedly with this case manager according to her emails. We are in need of help.
- ENGINE
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
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 during the crash. There was no indication, via warning lights or any other messages, that the system was not working properly. All outstanding recalls for the vehicle had been addressed. It is unknown if the partial deployment was indicated in the police report. No other inspections of the system have been done. Insurance adjuster from at-fault party will be performing an assessment of damage this week. Thankfully the most serious injury is from the seat belt and this partial deployment of the airbag did not cause a more serious injury.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- ENGINE
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 quick thinking and moving to the shoulder/shutting down the engine immediately, there was a high chance of either being hit by other vehicles or engine fire. I could have been killed or severely injured. Yes, problem was confirmed by Hyundai dealership. No warning prior to sudden deceleration. Engine and oil warning lamps did not appear until after sudden drop in speed, followed by burning smell.
- SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
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 the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the rear passenger's side wheel was dislocated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe and other parts were severely rusted. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the frame and the suspension were damaged and needed to be replaced. The contact was provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that an undercoating spray was previously applied to the underbody of the vehicle as a corrosion preventative service under TSB Number: 16-01-045. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,576.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
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 I was told the motors Hyunda has recalled already done yet it is not listed in that recall. From what I understand it is a fire hazard as well as a road safety hazard due to it possible stalling. I have has 2 mechanics tell me it's pertains to the recalled motors. To see if it's a issue I'm expected to pay the dealership to evaluate this issue which is unfair to me You can clearly hear and see the issue is there. Why is it I am having to miss work, delay bills, be without transportation for them to acknowledge this concern. Please tell me there is a alternate solution help anything?!
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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
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 time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- SERVICE BRAKES
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. I hope my brakes don't fail or my car catches on fire as it's been 6 months waiting for the repairs.
Checking a used Hyundai Tucson before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2012 Tucson in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Tucson's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2012 Hyundai Tucson in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Hyundai Tucson, or browse more Hyundai models.
2012 Hyundai Tucson — questions and answers
Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?+
Our check found 3 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Tucson safe?+
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2012 Hyundai Tucson VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Hyundai free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Hyundai dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
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