2012 Hyundai Tucson
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 168 of 255 complaints (66%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 124 in 2011 to 255 in 2012.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | vs. 2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,400–2,600 | 2,500–2,850 | 2,500–2,950 | 2,500–2,950 | 2,500–2,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 24–26 | 22–25 | 21–25 | 21–25 | 22–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–23 / 28–31 | 20–23 / 26–30 | 19–22 / 25–30 | 19–22 / 25–30 | 20–23 / 25–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 342–370 | 355–404 | 355–423 | 365–424 | 351–399 | |
| Complaints filed | 58 | 124 | 255 | 266 | 201 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 5 | 12 | 16 | 4 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 3 | 13 | 18 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Engine: 168 of 255 NHTSA complaints (66%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson get?
EPA rates it 21–25 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
EPA estimates $2,500–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 22 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | 25 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 355 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 21 mpg | 30 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 355 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 168 | 2 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 26 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 17 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 37 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 10 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 23V651000 · Sep 25, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 19V063000 · Feb 8, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 14V245000 · May 13, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.