2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls and problems

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson has 3 safety recalls and 255 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-651 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
255
Crashes / fires
12 / 13
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Hyundai Tucson vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls

Recall 23V-651: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Recall 19V-063: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 5, 2019 · 120,000 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

Recall 14V-245: Air Bags

Reported May 13, 2014 · 137,500 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

2012 Hyundai Tucson problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine160
Service Brakes, Hydraulic27
Power Train26
Electrical System17
Unknown or Other12
Engine and Engine Cooling10
Service Brakes9
Vehicle Speed Control9
Structure9
Steering6
Air Bags6
Wheels5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Hyundai Tucson complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Aug 18, 2026
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…
Engine · reported May 6, 2026
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 · reported 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 · reported Sep 10, 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. 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…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported 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 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.

Other Hyundai Tucson years

Compare all Hyundai Tucson years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson: 23V-651 (service brakes, hydraulic), 19V-063 (engine and engine cooling), 14V-245 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?

Owners report engine problems most often (160 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.