CarComplaints.com Notes: Be aware that there's a significant trend of owners complaining that the Elantra's fuel economy is significantly less than the EPA estimates.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,138 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #92

Aug 122019

Elantra

  • 157,607 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. When the accelerator pedal was engaged, the vehicle hesitated and only accelerated to 20 mph. The vehicle also stalled while at a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but a failure code could not be found. The mechanic cleaned all the sensors; however, the failure was not corrected. The mechanic stated that the throttle body was causing the vehicle not to accelerate. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 15986313. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 157,607.

- New Port Beach, CA, USA

problem #91

Jun 202019

Elantra

  • 102,900 miles
My 2012 Hyundai Elantra started making a ticking/ knocking noise in the engine. I googled the problem and found that many people were having the same issue. It was a missed step when building the engine. The noise is called piston slap. It's happening to a lot of Hyundai's from 2011-2016 Elantra and sonatas. Hyundai didn't do a recall because they don't want to foot the cost of replacing the engines. I took my car to Hyundai of South brunswick NJ on 7/3/19 no one called me until 7/9/19 I called everyday 3-4 times a day and kept being transfered to leave voice mails, I left messages and no one called me back. On 7/9/19 I was called and told it would cost me $6,766 to replace my engine. I believe Hyundai should be responsible for the engine when they're aware of this issue and have not done a recall. The problem happened just starting the car one morning and the noise got louder each day.

- East Windsor, NJ, USA

problem #90

Jun 022019

Elantra

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine caught on fire due to unknown reason. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. A police report was filed. The vehicle had not been moved and continued to be parked at contact's residence. The contact called to the local dealer Hyundai de hormigueros located at carr #2 km 165.7 bo. Lavadero, hormigueros, 00660, puerto rico, 1 787-849-6000 and had been made aware of failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed as of yet. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

- Yauco, PR, USA

problem #89

Jan 102019

Elantra

  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle. This vehicle started the infamous 'ticking or knocking' sound in January this year when it was very cold. At first I thought it would go away after the engine warms up but it continued to get worse with time. The ticking sound became very loud and annoying. I took it to couple of reliable mechanics to take a look and get an idea of what's wrong with the engine. They both told me separately that one of the pistons is not working properly and in order to fix this issue I have to have my engine replaced.I was also told that this is a 'known issue' with Elantras 2012-16. Anyways I took it to Hyundai dealership here in chantilly, Virginia. They looked at it and finally told me that it is out of warranty and it will cost me $8000 to put a new engine and about $4000 or so to replace with used engine. This is shocking given that Hyundai is well aware of the faulty engine design and lots of people have already complained about the ticking problem yet there is no recall !!!

- Herndon, VA, USA

problem #88

May 182019

Elantra

  • 84,455 miles
Car is jerking while driving. ESC light comes on. Hesitates, low power.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #87

Apr 182019

Elantra

  • 36,000 miles
As I backed out of a parking place and attempted to stop the car in reverse to check the area behind me, the car stalled out completely, the engine stopped and the brakes would not respond and seemed stuck. I put the car back in park and turned it off, then finally on the third try, the engine engaged and I had control of the car, moved back into the parking place and then managed to back out normally and proceed.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #86

Feb 012019

Elantra

  • 118,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall I have a 2012 Elantra 120,000 miles car has stalled driving down the highway and also has started a ticking in the engine I took it to have a oil change and they said there was metal in the oil pan and I needed a new motor. Hyundai who advised the sonata had a recall for the same issue but not the Elantra

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

problem #85

Feb 092019

Elantra

  • 102,000 miles
I have 2012 Hyundai Elantra gls with 1.8 L DOHC engine. When cold started, the engine produces ticking/knocking noise which quiets down after running for 15 minutes. But, I observed that it is getting louder and louder and the noise is also not getting reduced as it used to be. I went to northtown Hyundai and they found metal shavings in the oil pan. Hyundai refused to replace the engine for free even though they very well know that it is a manufacturing defect due to bad piston coating. The engine power has highly reduced and I am afraid that it might blow in the middle of the highway. I have attached the Hyundai Canada bulletin where they acknowledge the manufacturing problem. But, Hyundai usa is not doing anything with this problem.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #84

Dec 202018

Elantra

  • 110,000 miles
After 110,000 miles, engine started hesitating, not running smooth, anymore. Brought to valley stream, NY dealer on 1/8 and they claimed no trouble found, sent me away and 2 mos. Later, the engine died. They "confiscated" my vehicle for safety concerns, but never said what, specifically.

- Long Beach, NY, USA

problem #83

Mar 022019

Elantra

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. A few minutes after the vehicle was parked in the driveway after a trip, the sound of a horn was heard from the vehicle. Someone looked outside and saw the front end of the vehicle on fire. The fire was extinguished by a family member. There was no warning indicator illuminated. Neither a fire nor a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and declared totaled by the insurance company. The contact sent an email to vandergriff Hyundai (817-912-5122, located at 1120 w interstate 20, arlington, tx 76017), but there was no response. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V310000 (structure). The failure mileage was 88,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Mansfield, TX, USA

problem #82

Oct 012018

Elantra

  • 78,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ticking noise at 78000 miles.

- Fyffe, AL, USA

problem #81

Jan 232018

Elantra

  • 57,000 miles
At 56,000 miles or there abouts my engine started to tick, has had regular maintenance and oil changes since purchased as a used vehicle in 2014 with 17,000 miles. The mechanics state this a common problem with the Elantra. I am covered under my 100,000 mile warranty, yet Hyundai refuses to fix the engine blaming it on poor maintenance. I brought this vehicle putting my trust in the company and now may end up paying for a car I cannot use or may kill me. Someone needs to do something.

- Glenmont, NY, USA

problem #80

May 012018

Elantra

  • 38,000 miles
I purchased the car used, when it had 35,000 miles on it. Around 38,000 miles, I started to experience an engine ticking noise and vibration before coming to a stop or when starting up after a stop. It feels like the car will stall, but it never actually stalls. I have taken the car to several mechanics and the head mechanic at a Hyundai dealer. The Hyundai mechanic said the issue is "common" with Hyundai Elantras. He listed off various fixes he has tried, but said he can't figure out a common cause. When I researched the issue online, it appears that many other Hyundai Elantra owners have the same problem (e.g. carcomplaints.com). It seems that there are many Hyundai Elantra owners waiting on engine replacements, with Hyundai often not wanting to pay for the engine. I wonder if a recall is needed.

- Corte Madera, CA, USA

problem #79

Jan 312019

Elantra

  • 67,000 miles
I have a 2012 Elantra, I am 2nd owner of the car, it just turned 67,000 miles and began making a loud ticking noise coming from the engine, I took it to my mechanic who did an oil change and discovered that there were pieces of metal in the oil pan and suggested I take it to Hyundai dealership. Upon inspection at dealership they stated I need a new engine. The car is no longer in warranty so they dealer sent the information into Hyundai corporate, outcome is no free engine I have to pay 3,000 out of pocket to have a new engine installed. In researching the problem online I am not alone in my pain! shame on Hyundai your car should be placed in the least wanted list! I wouldn't purchase another Hyundai if it cost one cent! Hyundai is well aware of the issues with the engines and yet fails to acknowledge the right thing to do for its customers. Beware do no purchase a Hyundai anything! I would not trust any of it's vehicles this is a huge safety issue for any one that owns one - do you homework check out the facts. Fortunately for me I didn't encounter a major accident while driving this car. I am now the owner of a very expensive car that is worth about the cost of the engine!

- Warrington, PA, USA

problem #78

Jan 052019

Elantra

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 30 mph, there was a ticking noise coming from the engine. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to northtown Hyundai (3675 sheridan dr, amherst, NY 14226, (716) 992-6536) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 15444915. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. The VIN was not available.

- Derby, NY, USA

problem #77

Dec 072018

Elantra

  • 91,000 miles
My vehicle has less than 100K miles on it. I have been driving it without any issues and getting routine checkups and oil changes. I was driving my vehicle down the road (almost on the highway) and during my drive my engine blew out and the car immediately stopped. Due to being a second owner of the vehicle, I am not covered under the factory warranty under 100K miles. After much research, it seem that both Hyundai and Kia have engine issues; however, only certain makes/models are covered when Elantras also have the same issues.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #76

Aug 082018

Elantra

  • 50,000 miles
Vehicle has had engine ticking noises starting around 50,000 miles. On 3 occasions the dealer advised it was a non issue. Other vehicles from the same manufacturer and with the same engine have had recalls due to an engine manufacturing process defect. Engine noise has progressed from a slight ticking to a hard knocking sound and difficulty idling upon initial start up with no diagnostic codes

- Trumann, AR, USA

problem #75

Jul 092018

Elantra

  • 97,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the engine made a distinct tapping noise. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions upon starting the vehicle, and was persistent for the past three months. Jones junction Hyundai (1504 belair rd, bel air, md 21014) was made aware of the failure and was unable to locate any diagnostic trouble codes to help identify the source of the noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

- Joppa, MD, USA

problem #74

Aug 232018

Elantra

  • 99,514 miles
Takata recall: My car will rev the engine really high over and over again on its own rather than idle while in park. Also while in drive and the break pressed, the engine will rev on its own likes its trying to move forward without me pressing the gas pedal. This is dangerous. This has happened on multiple occassions not just what is noted below.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #73

Apr 242018

Elantra

  • 105,000 miles
Intermittent engine ignition failure. Engine does not start when gear shift is in park and key is properly inserted and turned. Grinding noise and engine does not start. Problem occurs up to five times per week upon attempting to start the car. The issue began in April 2018 and is ongoing on a weekly basis. The defect has resulted in unreliable transportation. I replaced the ignition coils and ignition plate was cleaned. Problem was not resolved. Mechanic cannot identify the defect. Similar issues have been reported with Hyundai sonatas, resulting in a recall. Many complaints about intermittent Hyundai Elantra 2012 ignition failure can be found online.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

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