2012 Hyundai Tucson: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
254 NHTSA owner complaints · 3 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
254 NHTSA owner complaints · 3 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Complaints per year on the road: 18.14
Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.
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.
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.
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 ot…
What the community is saying right now.
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 19V063000 | 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 … |
| 14V245000 | Air Bags | Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through Dece… |
| 23V651000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Tract | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 201… |
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (159 complaints in our indexed sample).
Our data verdict is CAUTION with a reliability score of 57/100, computed from 254 NHTSA complaints and 3 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 2 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 05/02/2019. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorComplaints & recalls: NHTSA ·
Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov ·
Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements.
Last updated: 2026-08-20.