2012 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

65 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 28% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 105,000 mi.

Brakes complaints
65
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
105,000 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes, hydraulic37
Service brakes29
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module1

Brakes complaints across Hyundai Elantra years

1200616222008152020102265201218970201444920162310201831420208720229320242
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2012 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k260k–100k4100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V651000Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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.

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 28, 2026MIBrakes
    Rear metal brake line is heavily corroded and leaking. Failed approaching intersection and had to use emergency brake to avoid crash.
    NHTSA complaint #11767324 · source
  2. Filed Aug 3, 202659,000 miMOBrakes
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake pedal felt spongy while depressed. After parking the vehicle, the contact later restarted the vehicle, and the brake pedal extended to the floor while depressed. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that there was no brake fluid inside the brake fluid reservoir. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11754439 · source
  3. Filed Jun 1, 2026FLBrakes
    *Wife litely drives this car avg 4k miles a year* She left the house for the grocery store the other day and after the first stop light, noticed the brakes were engaging on their own. Luckily she called me before going any further and damaging the pads and rotors, or worse - causing a fire or having an accident. I slowly drove it home and inspected fuses, brake fluid and checked online resources for anyone with similar issue. Turns out this is common? Very dangerous. Have…
    NHTSA complaint #11741232 · source
  4. Filed Dec 10, 2025FLBrakesElectrical SystemWheels & Tires
    Driver side wheel baron was scrubbing together and brake fluid was leaking I lost speed can't go over 35 miles on the speedometer my airbag light is on on the dashboard, abs, the car with 2 lines and tire along with engine sign is on I look up for recall and it listed everything my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is doing I took it to Hyundai dealership in Orlando Florida on West colonial drive and 2 hours they called said it was ready they didn't do anything all the the same lights…
    NHTSA complaint #11704352 · source
  5. Filed Jul 18, 2025MDBrakesLighting
    The brake pedal stopper pad broke and fell off which resulted in the brake lights remaining illuminated the entire time the car was driving, which is very hazardous. I am not sure how long it had been broken for before I realized that this dangerous condition was occurring. The brake lights remained on even after the car was turned off. I had to tape a piece of cardboard to the brake arm where it hits the brake light switch to get the brake lights to appropriately go off and…
    NHTSA complaint #11674664 · source
  6. Filed Jun 17, 202580,000 miWAAirbagsBrakes
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and air bag warning lights were intermittently illuminated. 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 an unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
    NHTSA complaint #11667394 · source
  7. Filed Nov 19, 2024NJBrakesOther / Unknown
    I took my car into Burns Hyundai (Marlton, NJ) for the ABS recall on [XXX], and while leaving the lot, my car doors began locking/unlocking when I braked or accelerated... I called them and took it back on the 10/09 and I was told they did everything correctly and I would have to PAY to have my vehicle diagnosed for THEIR error. I then took my car to Meineke (right next door to Hyundai) for other services recommended by Hyundai on 10/7 (which Meineke later told me that I…
    NHTSA complaint #11626130 · source
  8. Filed Oct 3, 2024TXFireTowedBrakes
    The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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 contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11617985 · source
  9. Filed Jun 21, 2024NCBrakes
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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 scheduled an appointment; however, the dealer rescheduled the appointment and informed the contact that the system was down.…
    NHTSA complaint #11595701 · source
  10. Filed Jun 21, 2024VABrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was not starting properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. 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 made…
    NHTSA complaint #11595666 · source
  11. Filed Jun 20, 2024MNBrakes
    Hyundai has an active recall with a remedy for the ABS system on Hyundai Elantra. The local Hyundai dealership has zero appointments available to repair this for me for many months.
    NHTSA complaint #11595599 · source
  12. Filed Jun 13, 2024NYBrakes
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11594125 · source

Other 2012 Hyundai Elantra problem areas

  • Airbags (47)
  • Engine (41)
  • Steering (35)
  • Electrical System (31)
  • Other / Unknown (27)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (10)
  • Suspension (9)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
  • Wheels & Tires (7)
  • Body & Structure (6)
  • Visibility & Wipers (6)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (5)
  • Lighting (4)

Back to all 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology