2012 Hyundai Tucson engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

59 owners have reported engine problems with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 58% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 111,000 mi.

Engine complaints
59
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
111,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine54
Engine and engine cooling7

Engine complaints across Hyundai Tucson years

4200531200734201014592012698220149432520165602382018194742020421162022231420241222026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2012 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k860k–100k18100k–150k8150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 19V063000Feb 5, 2019120,000 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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.

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 18, 2026NYEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11757815 · source
  2. Filed Jul 29, 2026OHEngine
    Vehicle suddenly slipped into limp mode. Vehicle was then immediately taken to have code read. Code came back P1326. Was advised due to previous recall campaign(s) to contact Hyundai of America for guidance. Was told that vehicle needed to be confirmed per the BCT at any Hyundai dealership to which the agent scheduled the appointment myself and that i should get the other 4 recalls fixed as well. My spouse drove the vehicle there and that was our last true communication…
    NHTSA complaint #11753637 · source
  3. Filed May 6, 2026FLEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11736110 · source
  4. Filed Nov 27, 2024FLEngine
    Car suddenly stalled on the interstate (sudden deceleration, could barely make it to the shoulder; engine and oil lights, loud knocking sound, burning smell); per Hyundai dealership, it is sudden engine rod failure. Hyundai recall 181 described this exact situation. If not for quick thinking and moving to the shoulder/shutting down the engine immediately, there was a high chance of either being hit by other vehicles or engine fire. I could have been killed or severely…
    NHTSA complaint #11627693 · source
  5. Filed Aug 19, 2024ALEngineOther / Unknown
    My 2012 Tucson started dumping large amounts of oil. Would be ok not dumping then would start drastically using then stop again. Vehicle ran fine then it started doing this maybe 3 months into this approx a week ago it started making noises coming from the motor. It is doing as I was told the motors Hyunda has recalled already done yet it is not listed in that recall. From what I understand it is a fire hazard as well as a road safety hazard due to it possible stalling. I…
    NHTSA complaint #11609346 · source
  6. Filed Jun 24, 2024RIBrakesEngine
    The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was contacted.
    NHTSA complaint #11596111 · source
  7. Filed May 20, 2024NHFireBrakesEngine
    Customer was driving down the road when he brakes were not functioning properly. The vehicle began to smoke and she pulled over and the fire started under the hood. We are the insurance carrier that paid for the damages.
    NHTSA complaint #11589585 · source
  8. Filed Apr 12, 2024NJEngine
    I was driving on the road way and the entire engine seized. I had to glide over to the side of the roadway and call AAA. I called Route 1 Hyundai, where the car was originally bought, [phone removed] brand new in 2012. and they told me no warranty on vehical. I had vehical towed to a mechanic in Hightstown, NJ and they told me to check that he just put in a new engine in the same car covered under a class action lawsuit for the same problem. I called the dealership service…
    NHTSA complaint #11582504 · source
  9. Filed Feb 2, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    On [XXX], Gas pedal failed to accelerate car while transitioning from [XXX\ on-ramp to the highway lane. Was able to steer car to shoulder before momentum dissipated. Warning lights for oil and motor were illuminated on dash. No power steering. Turned off motor. Restarted car eventually. Warning lights not illuminated. Gas pedal worked. Drove about 30 minutes to dealer. Hyundai did agree to replace motor and I paid a fraction of the cost ([XXX]). Since then, they have agreed…
    NHTSA complaint #11569625 · source
  10. Filed Jan 26, 2024MOFireBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    Our [XXX] daughter was driving the vehicle from our home to work in Richmond Heights (approx. 19 miles) on [XXX] on {XXX]. At approximately [XXX] and before the [XXX] exit ([XXX] area), the vehicle made a load bang/popping noise, began to lose power, and the interior began to fill with smoke. She was driving in one of the center lanes and luckily made it over to the right shoulder without incident despite traffic and the smoke impairing her view and use of the rear and side…
    NHTSA complaint #11568090 · source
  11. Filed Jan 9, 2024137,000 miTXEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was smoke coming from the tailpipe and a gurgling sound was coming from the exhaust. Additionally, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the engine oil was present inside the engine cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and…
    NHTSA complaint #11564391 · source
  12. Filed Dec 11, 2023180,000 miCABrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while having an oil change by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed there was a leak in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights 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 called another local dealer, Vallejo…
    NHTSA complaint #11559535 · source

Other 2012 Hyundai Tucson problem areas

  • Brakes (31)
  • Other / Unknown (8)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (7)
  • Electrical System (7)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Airbags (2)
  • Steering (2)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)

Back to all 2012 Hyundai Tucson 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