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 6 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Oct 192015

Elantra

  • 84,000 miles

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

My car was sitting at my apartment. Went to go to the store and the car wouldn't start. The car would not turn over no matter many times I would try and start it. I had to call my dad who told me to hold gas pedal down and start the car. This happened twice. Took it to the dealership, said they couldn't do anything about it because it wasn't happening at that moment. Car starts to jerk while driving. Started off only in the mornings, then while I was driving home from work, it jerked again this time more aggressive. Have talked with Hyundai 3 times about this issue, said they couldn't do anything about it until they see it happening themselves. I am having to press the gas hard to go at least 50 mph. Yesterday 10/19/2015. I stop to get gas. Full my tank up, get in the car and the won't start again! press my foot on the gas, car won't start. Had to call triple a and they say my battery is low. Bought the car in 2013, shouldn't be happening. Something is wrong with this vehicle and all I get is they have to see it happening. I have taken this car to the same Hyundai dealership in South austin. I bought the car from carmax. I have no idea what else to do.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #31

May 152014

Elantra

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where they were unable to locate a failure. After experiencing the failure a third time, the technician replaced the brake switch. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #30

Feb 042014

Elantra

  • 55,000 miles
On multiple occasions, when starting my Elantra, the engine won't turn over. The car made a "click" sound, but did not start. After a few minutes it would turn over. I had the battery checked and it was fully charged. This happened about 7 times since Feb. 2014. This last time, Sept. 3, 2015 it would not start at all. I had it towed to my car repair. Again, the battery was fully charged. They called to tell me the next day it started up right away, and many times during the 6 hours the garage had the car. The garage was unable to replicate the issue. Called the dealership and they said they have not have any complaints about this issue. Researched the issue on line and there are some complaints about this issue. The posts are pointing to a bad rain sensor or a transmission range switch.

- Croton On Hudson, NY, USA

problem #29

Jul 012013

Elantra

  • 30,000 miles

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

I have a Hyundai Elantra limited, 2012, with the technology package. There are multiple issues with my car, that have occurred since I purchased it brand new off the lot in 2011. Whenever I take the car to the shop to have the issues checked, I am always told that they were unable to replicate the problem, so couldn't find anything to fix. First, there are serious issues with the transmission. When taking the car out of park and into drive or reverse, it often lurches into gear, which then continues as I drive into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and sometimes 4th gear. It shifts really hard, as if the car were a manual and I was not shifting very well between gears. A couple of months ago (~June 2015) the check engine light came on for the first time, and the shop said that it was a transmission temperature sensor error. The check engine light came on the 2nd time this week on 7/14, and turned off within 24 hours. I've continued to have this jerking shift issue, though it never seems to happen when it's at the shop. Second, there is some kind of electrical issue/short in the car, because sometimes when I have windows down and I hit the lever to roll the driver's window up the sunroof also starts to open/close! or, the windows don't go up/down as hard/soft as I move the lever. Also, in the past month or so (July 2015) the proximity key seems to not work, and I have to press the button on the door handle multiple (up to 10) times before the car will lock/unlock. This also prevents me from being able to start the car (ignition switch) because it doesn't recognize the key is inside the vehicle. Please help!

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #28

Apr 272015

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 32,986 miles
This is a problem that has been going on with other Elantra drivers. There are videos on you tube with this issue. The vehicle doesn't start at times and it should be a recall on this issue. This is a new car and should have issues like that. It seems to be a problem with the starter or the ignition switch.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #27

Dec 312011

Elantra

  • 31 miles
After purchasing the car new with all of 31 miles on it I noticed on my 350 mile drive home from anchorage to fairbanks Alaska that the rear end of the car would skip around unpredictably when hitting a bump or when I hit an icy patch of road (and as a result of the skipping around, the rear tires wear/cup ridiculously fast, which may also be dangerous but is mostly annoying and expensive). Despite a few attempts by the dealer at repairing the steering column it still does it, 30K miles later. As far as speed, it happens at any speed above about 35 mph. It is bad enough in the summer to feel like the rear end is leaving the road, but it is extremely dangerous in the winter when traction is already tenuous at best. Sooner or later this is going to kill someone if it hasn't already.

- Fairbanks, AK, USA

problem #26

Mar 182015

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 38,999 miles

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

I turned the key to the start position so I could start the car, but it would not start up. The car was in park. I did some research on the internet, and found some videos on youtube, and people commented they were having the same issue. Some people mentioned that if you turn the key so you can move the shifter from park to neutral, and back to park, the car may start up. I tried exactly this, and as soon as I attempted to move the shifter to neutral, the car started up. It appears to be a problem with the inhibitor switch, which I will try to get that replaced by the dealership if possible. Since many people are experiencing this same problem, there should be a recall for this issue!

- Montebello, CA, USA

problem #25

Feb 222015

Elantra

  • 48,000 miles
Today I went out to start my car after it sitting out over night (living in North Dakota my vehicle has always sat out in the cold over winter and started with no issues) and it would not start. The lights, doors, widows, everything else electrical worked just find, but the engine will not turn on. I tried charging the battery and jumping it with a friends vehicle. Nothing has worked. I have been reading online this is becoming a common issue among Hyundai's. I would hope Hyundai will soon have some answers and fixes for this issue.

- Minot, ND, USA

problem #24

Feb 052015

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 41,400 miles
2012 Hyundai Elantra would not start when in park, even though the battery has a full charge. Shifted to neutral and back to park, and it started on the first try.

- Ambler, PA, USA

problem #23

Jan 172015

Elantra

  • 67,000 miles
Car would not start. After multiple attempts at turning key, it finally started. Lights and horn functioned properly, but I replaced the battery anyway. Car would still not start on first few attempts. Engine would not turn over at all, then after several attempts at turning key, it would start, as if nothing was wrong. Brought it to dealer, they said they cleaned out some parts of the engine and updated the computer. The next day I had the same problem again. Brought it to the dealer, and they said they changed some fuses. Less than a week later, still the same problem. There are multiple incidents of this happening for other owners of this car which I found online when I was looking to diagnose the problem.

- Mahopac, NY, USA

problem #22

Aug 152013

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, there was a loud grinding noise as the vehicle stalled. In addition, the electronic stability control warning light illuminated. The vehicle could be restarted. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000. MA 10/8 updated 9/12/12

- Centereach, NY, USA

problem #21

Oct 112014

Elantra

  • 38,500 miles
My car was parked outside overnight and I used the key fob to unlock my car. I then tried to start the car but it would not start. I had my foot pressing on the brake and pushed the ignition button and the lights/radio would come on but the car made a click noise and would not crank over to start. I tried this 5 times before it started. It was not that cold so weather was not a factor. I then drove to work and at lunch the same thing happened. It took 5 tries before the car cranked over to start. The brake pedal seems to be locked and then finally it has some give to start the car. I had taken my car to the dealership 6 weeks prior for this same issue but they said they could not find a problem as it started for them every time. It is starting to now get frustrating.

- Brookfield, WI, USA

problem #20

Jul 252014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 27,070 miles
Hello, well, I am the first owner, and there was not any accident before. Last Thursday, after I started my car, I tried to shift the gear to drive, and the car was suddenly shook. I kept tried to drive it, but whenever the RPM goes up to 2000, the car was bouncing like that I stepped on the brake or so. I was not even able to drive it, and it was even so dangerous to drive. Therefore, I just tried it again at night, and the engine light turned on. I put my car into the fitzgerald Hyundai service center in gaithersburg, md on Friday morning (11/7/14), and I got my car back yesterday. When I picked up my car, I asked them what was the wrong with it, and they told me that the transmission sensor did not lead the temperature. Therefore, I told them that I put my car into the Hyundai service center in fairfax, va three months ago for the exact same problem, and the fairfax representative told me that they could not find any problems with it, so they just reset the software so that it is going to be fine. However, this happened again after few months. A man from fitzgerald told me that this time they update some numbers, so it is going to be fine. I do not know whenever this happens, the engine light turned on, too, and it seems like that it is breaking transmission and the engine together. Since this was not my first time, I reported this to the Hyundai recall service center. They called me yesterday and told me that they do not know the reason, but they fixed it. How come they can fix it even if they do not know the reason" I kept complained about it, and they just told me that they will expand the dates for the warranty so that I can fix it whenever it happens again! they also said that they do not know the next step for it. How irresponsible! now, all I can think of is that this is the defected car. Can you please investigate this" thank you.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #19

Oct 012014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
When turning on the ignition switch the car interior lights light up. Turning the key to the ignition position, nothing happens. There is no draw on the dash lights or any other lights on the car. It simply has no noticeable effect. I have to turn the key off and on numerous times before it starts. Not starting is, of course, a concern. The expenses from taking it to a mechanic has become a real drain on our finances. However, if it begins to turn off while we are driving, serious injuries may occur. {ref: Chevy cobalt} please investigate this issue. Getting ahead of this could prevent more tragic occurrences.

- Port Orange, FL, USA

problem #18

Aug 152013

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 35,000 miles
My 2012 Elantra has failed to start 3 times while it was in park and 2 times while I was on the freeway in a period of 12 months. There was no warning while I was on the freeway. All dashboard lights were on, radio was on and it was until I tried to accelerate when I realized that the car had turned off on me. Luckily, it was in heavy traffic going about 15 miles per hour, nonetheless, it was a pretty nerve wrecking unsafe experience. I was able to turn the car back on after 3-4 attempts. My biggest fear is that the car can potentially turn off on me when I'm going 60+ mph. I drive my kids everywhere in this car and I fear for the safety of my family. I have taken it to the dealer after every incident and their main response is that they cannot duplicate the problem, therefore, they can't fix it. At one point, they claimed that it could be due to carbon build up in the engine so I paid ~$300 for that service which did not help because the car turned off on the freeway several months later. I have even had the Hyundai tow truck from roadside assistance tow my car from my work parking lot to the dealer in hopes that it was proof that the car did not turn on. Tow truck driver confirmed the car did not turn on, then prepped car to place on tow truck bed. He got the car to dealer, then attempted to turn on the car and it did. I tried to get documentation from him but he declined. All I got was a letter that stated that the car was taken from my work parking lot to the dealer with zero details. The dealer is being irresponsible and does not stand behind their product. This is a huge safety issue. I am in the process of pursuing the lemon law and going to BBB for arbitration in hopes that they take the car back. I feel like I don't have an alternative. I cannot, with a clear conscious, sell this car to a dealer or a private party knowing that it is defective.

- Cerritos , CA, USA

problem #17

Sep 282014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles
My 2012 Hyundai Elantra will not start. I tried several times to get it to start and it finally started. All indicator lights will turn on but when I turned the ignition all the way nothing happens. This has happened to me multiple times a year. I had it towed before to the dealership since it's still under warranty but the dealer couldn't find nothing wrong since it started up for them. The issue has only ever occurred when my car is parked.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #16

Sep 032014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
I've had the following issues with the 2012 Elantra: 1.) the vehicle would not start. This only happens intermittently so it is hard to predict when it will occur and where you will be stranded. All indicator lights will turn on but when I turned the ignition all the way nothing happens. I brought the car to the dealer since it still under warranty but the dealer had no idea how to fix the issue. They had my car for 3 weeks now and still trying to figure what is wrong with the car. 2.) there are also instance where the engine starts but the gear gets stuck in park and cannot switch to other gear. I had to turn the engine off and try to restart. 3.) the battery light indicator briefly lights up at 60 mph.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #15

Sep 152014

Elantra

  • 52,000 miles
Yesterday afternoon I got into my car to go to the store, and it wouldn't start. I continued to turn the key to on position, then back off and wouldn't start. Then tried again in then it finally started barely. Again I got into my car to go to work, and it wouldn't start again. I switched the key back off position and on again and still no start. Tried it again 2 more times to start and finally it started up. I had this issue about a year ago about a month after I purchased my vehicle and got it towed to dealership and they found nothing because it started right up for them. Please let me know what to do to get this issue from occurring.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #14

Sep 092014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 67,770 miles
The vehicle in question periodically fails to start. This has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle for several months. At first the vehicle would not start on occasion but has since began having starting issues more frequently. I contacted my dealer and was told of two possible issues regarding a stop lamp switch and a faulty starter. I brought the vehicle in and they were unable to identify a problem. I contacted Hyundai usa and they were unaware of an issue regarding my specific vehicle as there are no recalls for this specific issue but there are recalls regarding this same issue but with other vehicles. I feel that Hyundai is not standing behind their products with their warranty and I do not know on a daily basis if my vehicle is going to start the next time I attempt it.

- Fall River, MA, USA

problem #13

Aug 292014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 37,850 miles
Engine would not crank. Lights, windows, radio, etc. All worked. Shifted to neutral and car started. Has happened multiple times.

- Weymouth, MA, USA

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