2012 Hyundai Elantra

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency, stylish design, and a good amount of features for its price point. The 2012 Elantra is equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine producing 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its gas mileage and comfortable ride, but some dislike the somewhat numb steering and occasional complaints about the ride.

Engine

1.8L Nu MPI Inline-4 Engine

• Engine Knocking/Ticking
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable knocking or ticking sound coming from the engine, especially during cold starts or acceleration. This can be caused by excessive piston wear or rod bearing issues.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is essential. Depending on the severity, the fix could range from replacing rod bearings to a full engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes an abnormally high amount of oil, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes. This could be related to piston ring wear or valve stem seal issues.
  • Solution: A compression test can help diagnose the cause. Repair options may include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or a complete engine overhaul.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission exhibits rough or jerky shifts, or slips between gears, especially when accelerating or going uphill.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, further diagnosis may reveal worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or a faulty torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. This could indicate worn shock absorbers or bushings.
  • Solution: Inspect the rear shock absorbers, sway bar links, and suspension bushings. Replace any worn components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery frequently drains, requiring jump-starts or replacement. This can be due to parasitic draw from a faulty electrical component or a failing alternator.
  • Solution: Have the electrical system tested for parasitic draws. Replace the alternator or any faulty components causing the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABS warning light illuminates, and the ABS system may not function properly. This could be caused by a faulty ABS sensor, pump, or module.
  • Solution: Scan the ABS system for diagnostic trouble codes. Replace any faulty sensors, pumps, or modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture or condensation inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Check the headlight housing seals and replace if necessary. Consider drilling small drain holes to allow moisture to escape.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airbag Light Illumination
  • Description/Symptoms: The airbag warning light stays on, indicating a potential issue with the airbag system.
  • Solution: Scan the airbag system for diagnostic trouble codes. Repair or replace any faulty sensors, wiring, or airbag modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1,000+
  • Recalls: Recall Number 13V113000: Remedy: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 20, 2011, to April 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also cause the vehicle to not shift out of the park position.
• Sun Visor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sun visor can become loose or break.
  • Solution: Replace the sun visor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra, while generally a reliable and fuel-efficient car, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine issues like knocking and excessive oil consumption can be costly to repair. The transmission can also experience problems with harsh shifting. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and ABS malfunctions, can also occur. Although the severity of the listed issues is relatively high, the number of issues is low. Addressing these issues proactively can help extend the life of the vehicle and minimize unexpected repair costs.