2012 Hyundai Tucson
The Verdict
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (170 complaints) and body (27 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 48/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Tucson, consider the 2009 model year which has 92% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2009 has 92% fewer complaints
View the 2009 Hyundai Tucson dashboard →
Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution
About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 59 | 12 | 54 | 49 | 11 |
| 2006 | 36 | 15 | 50 | 27 | 7 |
| 2007 | 25 | 6 | 19 | 11 | 4 |
| 2008 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 2 |
| 2009 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 22 |
| 2011 | 26 | 25 | 4 | 46 | 19 |
| 2012 | 27 | 23 | 13 | 170 | 16 |
| 2013 | 36 | 34 | 18 | 161 | 11 |
| 2014 | 20 | 46 | 9 | 118 | 3 |
| 2015 | 26 | 52 | 12 | 123 | 6 |
| 2016 | 571 | 36 | 149 | 452 | 408 |
| 2017 | 159 | 35 | 50 | 637 | 200 |
| 2018 | 36 | 32 | 20 | 250 | 55 |
| 2019 | 35 | 111 | 18 | 203 | 8 |
| 2020 | 40 | 42 | 16 | 74 | 3 |
| 2021 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 45 | 2 |
| 2022 | 77 | 24 | 42 | 207 | 29 |
| 2023 | 49 | 16 | 22 | 34 | 10 |
| 2024 | 45 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 1 |
| 2025 | 154 | 37 | 64 | 12 | 12 |
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Complaints
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
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was driving on the road way and the entire engine seized. I had to glide over to the side of the roadway and call AAA. I called Route 1 Hyundai, where the car was originally bought, 7324126502 brand new in 2012. and they told me no warranty on vehical. I had vehical towed to a mechanic in Hightstown, NJ and they told me to check that he just put in a new engine in the same car covered under a class action lawsuit for the same problem. I called the dealership service manager William, and they told me that they are not willing to do anything. I am the original owner and what happened was very dangerous and I could have lost my life! I usually drive on highway going 65mph. This could have been a catastrophe with no warning!!
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that 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 parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
See attached document for complaint
Campaign #[XXX] I was notified and contacted Hyundai multiple times - 11/14, 15 and 16.There were multiple other times as well. I contacted both Broadway and Bergstrom Hyundai in both Appleton and Green Bay on multiple occasions as well to ask for a rental while awaiting the remedy as you are advised not to park near structures and outside. I live in an area where this is not possible and rent a duplex with a shared driveway-meaning that if a fire would occur, an explosion would most likely occur and lives would be lost. This also means that going to run errands while parked near other vehicles could cause multiple fatalities, as an explosion would most likely occur and more lives would be lost. If I were at any location and the vehicle started on fire, there would certainly be fatalities. To date, I have contacted Hyundai again and the representative was extremely unhelpful and unfriendly. At one point I was promised a rental but then was turned away. No warning lights came on but if there is a fluid leak, who is to say that the wires that would transmit a signal to turn on an ABS light would not be disabled as well?Brake fluid has certain components that could render wires useless. I have not had my vehicle inspected by a dealer because the recall was sent to me by Hyundai. I also have had other problems with this vehicle including seats not being stable and seatbelt indicators not working which questions whether I need to worry about the passengers safety. This campaign has been ongoing since I received this letter in November of 2023. Hyundai has yet to do a thing about this recall. I am asking for a complete refund for this vehicle due to multiple recalls. Today-[XXX] I was on hold for 50 minutes, without an agent-so I am also questioning how seriously you are taking these issues. I have always looked on your website prior to purchasing vehicles, but now I am uncertain as to how much I should take your websites advice. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
249 total