Is the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON reliable?

The 2012 Hyundai TUCSON has 314 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON?

Top problems: ENGINE (168 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (36 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (26 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Hyundai TUCSON?

The 2012 Hyundai TUCSON gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON often stolen?

The Hyundai TUCSON was the #17 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 5,900 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Hyundai TUCSON?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON is approximately $1,822/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Hyundai TUCSON

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Hyundai TUCSON has 314 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 314. The most common issue is engine problems (54% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai tucson. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start, even after the fuel tank was filled to capacity. she had to apply pressure to the brake and accelerator pedals in order to start the vehicle. the dealer made three attempts to duplicate the failure. t. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 20 fire reports filed.

20 fire reports 12 crash reports 10 injuries

314

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

168 complaints

54%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, EVEN AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED TO CAPACITY. SHE HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. T
• BRAND NEW CAR- A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING AND DRIVING THE CAR, NOTICED CAR WAS NOT DRIVING RIGHT. SEVERAL SYMPTOMS BECAME NOTICEABLE. CAR WOULD JERK WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. CARS PICK UP WAS DELAYED AND HAD A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE VIBRATION, WHILE IN IDLE AND WHILE DRIVING, TO THE POINT OF GETTI
• I SHOULD START BY STATING THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I GOT IT LAST YEAR. AT RANDOM TIMES, WHILE DRIVING, MY VEHICLE WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO GO ABOVE 2500K RPMS, EVEN WITH THE GAS PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED. THIS MAY HAPPEN WHILE I AM ON A SLOW ROAD OR, AS TODAY, WHEN I A

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 13 fire reports💥 2 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, EVEN AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED TO CAPACITY. SHE HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON

Based on 210 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 84K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 100-150K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 38K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 90K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 75K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 50K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 33K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Earlier than typicalmedian 33K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE05/02/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

High theft risk

#17 most stolen in 2025

The Hyundai TUCSON was the #17 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 5,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Hyundai TUCSON

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Hyundai TUCSON

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,822

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$626

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1822

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai TUCSON Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2012 TUCSON, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 314 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, EVEN AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED TO CAPACITY. SHE HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO DRIVE 1 INDEPENDENTLY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN APPLIED AND AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE DOOR AND I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PLACING HER VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACKWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BUS. NO POLICE WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: BRAND NEW CAR- A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING AND DRIVING THE CAR, NOTICED CAR WAS NOT DRIVING RIGHT. SEVERAL SYMPTOMS BECAME NOTICEABLE. CAR WOULD JERK WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. CARS PICK UP WAS DELAYED AND HAD A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE VIBRATION, WHILE IN IDLE AND WHILE DRIVING, TO THE POINT OF GETTI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)