2012 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy, MPG (2024)

Alex Showalter

Jan 6, 2022

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a compact car with a price range of $7,050 to $10,512. More mechanical issues and less passenger room than rivals make the Elantra a car buyers should avoid.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy, MPG (1)

The Good

The interior materials are better than other cars in the same price range, infotainment technology is decent for the class, and there’s a class-leading 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

The Bad

Engine failures are very common, leading to a class-action lawsuit. The back seats are more cramped than rivals, and the cabin is louder than other compact cars.

2012 Hyundai Elantra: Quick Overview

  • New features for the 2012 model year include transmission software updates, and steering system improvements.
  • Reliability ratings are average, according to J.D. Power, with more complaints than the older 2011 model.
  • One engine is available, with less power than other compact cars.
  • Fuel economy is great, tying for 4th place out of 36 compact cars with a combined rating of up to 32 miles per gallon.
  • Safety ratings are excellent, getting a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests and earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  • The 2012 Hyundai Elantra ranks 24th out of 36 compact cars based on owner reviews. A lot of powertrain problems and a weak engine are reasons to go with a different compact sedan.

Expert Ratings

KBB

3.5/5

US News

8.5/10

Positive Owner Reviews

James P

This car has a good gas mileage and it is very reliable, so does not cost you much.

Reliable, Affordable, and has a good MPG. However, this car has some defective car paint work on the top.

Judith T

Low maintenance, and good gas mileage.

My Hyundai has 115, 000 miles & has never had any real mechanical problems. I have put on two sets of tires, and keep my oil changed. Very happy with my Hyundai.

Thomas E

It ages really well the trim package I have. Always serviced on time.

Overall, it is been a pretty great car. Not too many problems (knock on wood) and they were fairly easy repairs that I could do myself. Love my car. If you are in the market I would suggest looking into getting something as budget friendly as a Hyundai.

Mackenzie K

Great car for all the road trips.

I have no problems with this car. Heated seats in the front and back, stereo and all electronics works great, it has low air pressure sensors for the tires. As long as the vehicle is well maintained and you get all the checks there is never any problems that I have run into. The leather seats are somewhat difficult to clean however.

Fiona S

Great Gas Mileage. Great Car.

My car is very roomy, has great trunk space and can carry three in the backseat, for a total of 5. The vehicle gets great gas mileage.

Deja F

Well traveled and reliable.

It is reliable and does great on gas. I am just now having to replace my tires after getting the car in 2014. Had to replace the brakes but other than that the car is still pretty much the same after all this time. And I travel in it a lot. Would recommend to those who do not need anything fancy but still want a good looking car.

Trisha S

Cute, compact. Fun to drive. Very fuel efficient. I hate that there is no spare tire though.

I get at least 30 miles to the gallon even with a ton of in town driving!

Sharaye C

Shiny and used!

It is a great car! One of the best I have had so far! It is small for me having 3 kids but it saves on gas. It is a four door, touch screen, Bluetooth, amazing clear sounding speakers, tinted windows, all black with no scratches, bumps, or dents! It has eco mode on it which I have never used! It is all digital except the speedometer and it is trunk it is very roomy for grocery shopping. It is grey leather interior is easy to clean with the little girl I have so when she eats in the car I can easily get the crumbs and stuff out!

Negative Owner Reviews

Kri K

Hyundai Elantra - do not buy

The alternator has had to be replaced twice in 3 years. The speak plugs, Dane thing. I've had to replace the ignition coil, both camshaft sensors - twice as well. The check engine light comes on and goes off as it pleases. I've put more money into this car than it's worth. Save yourself the trouble and but something that isn't foreign.

Brooke B

My car is small little car that doesn't have a lot of power but gets me around.

My airbag TPS system is broken. My airbag sensor is broken. My sunroof leaks. My car sometimes sputters. My battery has died. And my windshield has cracked. I like the leather seats. There is not a lot of room in the back seat for passengers. It's a good car for a single person. Heated seats in the back are a nice touch but sometimes are on without my knowledge.

Aimee B

GPS in dashboard and rear camera.

Horrible in the snow without snow tires. The vehicle is too small. There is not much room in the back seat. No a/c plug in the backseat area and none in the trunk. The buttons on steering wheel do not work properly. Bluetooth only connects when the cat is in park.

Chey

Terrible piece of c**p

Don't buy a piece of s**t waste of money but one brand new wish i didn't Engine blew up on me and hyundai did nothing about it

Bill T

Bad engine

At 127000 miles developed a rod knock. Hyundai said they know about it but won't warrany it. Dealer said they would fix it for 9000 dollars. Very frustrating

Kim H

Good things are it has plenty space throughout the whole car.

The car is too light weight, when making turns even slowly if feels as if the car can tilt. A few months after purchasing the vehicle it would accelerate on its own or to quickly when given a little gas. I believe the clutch was getting stuck I am not sure as the problem stopped after the car kept revving on its own.

Brenda S

Do not buy Hyundai they are nothing but trouble.

My car is a lemon. In the first I had to replace so many things. Each year after that has been nothing but problems. I even called Hyundai corporate office to see if it could be fixed and they brushed me off. I would not recommend buying Hyundai cars.

L. Manni

Major issues

Absolutely the worst! I purchased my 2012 Elantra GLS brand new and have had nothing but problems. There was a recall on the engine and after 3 years they had to change part of the engine. One of the front coils broke while driving, its a good thing I was on the service road of the highway when it happened and not on the highway driving at 100km. Both tie rods and stabilizers had to be changed. The electrical system in the steering wheel (if I tried to use the bluetooth the radio would turn off) amongst other strange occurrences. This has been one of the WORST vehicles I have owned. Again, last week, one of the stabilizers had to be changed. Hyundai Canada are absolutely USELESS!

What Problems Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra Have?

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has more serious and costly problems than other compact cars on the market. There are fewer owner complaints than the newer 2013 model.

Engine problems, including the engine ticking, are the most frequent issues with the car. Excessive noise is a sign of damage to the bearings which may cause the engine to fail. There was a class-action lawsuit offering a warranty extension to 120,000 miles and reimbursement for previous repairs. If the car you’re looking at has had the bearing service, or a replacement, then the engine life should be better. More information can be found here.

Electrical issues, leading to the engine being unable to start, are also common. The most common sources are the starter motor, inhibitor switch, and loose battery leads. Repairing the issue costs $50 to $400 depending on the cause.

Steering problems including pulling to one side are another frequent complaint. Usually the issue is caused by a failed yaw rate sensor. Replacing the sensor costs about $350, and happens around 20,000 miles.

There are 4 recalls, which is better than some other cars from 2012. The recalls include headliner support brackets, ESC malfunction, and accessory power outlet overheating. The ESC malfunction and accessory outlet overheating are both dangerous since they can lead to a loss of control or a potential fire.

What are the Prices, Models & Specs?

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is more expensive than many other compact cars, with a price range of $7,050 to $10,512, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $15,345 to $20,595. Depreciation is average, dropping around 40% in value over the first 5 years.

  • GLS is the entry-level model and comes with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, power locks and mirrors, as well as a 6-speaker stereo system with USB and AUX inputs.
  • SE is in the middle of the lineup with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, fog lights, improved cloth seating, steering wheel stereo controls, and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Limited is the flagship choice and has 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, heated front and back seats, a sunroof, keyless ignition, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

SE

138 HP 26 MPG

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Limited

148 HP 32 MPG

View Details chevronRightAlternative

How Long Will the 2012 Hyundai Elantra Last?

A properly cared for 2012 Hyundai Elantra will last about 200,000 miles, which is average for the class. Engine failures are relatively common around 100,000 miles, and may mechanically total some cars when they are out of warranty. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a compact car. Repair Pal estimates them to be $473 per year.

Amanda W

It has been mostly stress free, but yes I have had an issue. The first very cold nice this winter the tire pressure warning showed up overriding the miles to empty icon. I have yet to figure out how to get it back 2 miles to empty despite checking the pressure of all four tires.

robert v

No I have had many years of safe, reliable driving it had no problems and was very happy with its performance and safety.

Nicole L

Very reliable. I have only experienced a couple of issues with the brake pads and the tire pressure in the winter time.

Natalie D

My car has been very reliable. I haven't had any major issues. My airbag light has been on for a while, so I need to get that looked at. But other than that, it has been a really good car.

Alexandra L

My Elantra is very reliable and safe. I haven't had any real problems with it. That being said, I do make sure to maintain it quite well.

Jennifer O

Yes very reliable. Purchased new in the 2012 and so far no issues. We do the maintenance at regular intervals also.

Deb D

Not really any particular issue. There was a recall to have the instrument panel. Looked at and I believe they had a minor sensor indicator malfunction which they fixed the same day

Bianca J

I have had problems with the tires, the push start, the head gaskets. There have been issues. Push start is the worst

What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology in the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is average for a budget-friendly compact car, but the optional infotainment system is highly-rated.

  • Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with USB and AUX ports, satellite radio, and 6 speakers.
  • Upgrades include a more powerful stereo system, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Standard safety features include antilock brakes, air bags, traction and stability control. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera included with the navigation system.
2012 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy, MPG (2)

What Engine Options are Available?

Only one engine is available in the 2012 Hyundai Elantra and is a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 148 horsepower, which is a bit lower than other compact cars. Performance is very weak, taking 9.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Elantra?

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan with room for up to five people. Leg room in the back seats is cramped for adults, but is still better than some smaller competitors. The sloping design also limits headroom in the back. The Elantra also fits 3 to 4 suitcases in the 14.8 cubic foot trunk, which is more cargo space than its rivals.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy, MPG (3)

How Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra Compare to Other Cars?

Ranking 24th out of 36 compact cars based on owner reviews, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is in the lower half of the class.

A higher-rated competitor is the slightly more expensive Honda Civic. The Civic is a more reliable choice, and has better passenger room in the sedan. Where the Elantra stands out is with a more luxurious interior, and better standard technology. The Civic is the winner since there are fewer mechanical problems.

A closely rated competitor is the more affordable Nissan Sentra. The Sentra has better styling than the Elantra, and is more engaging to drive. There’s a better infotainment system, and higher quality materials in the Elantra. Overall, both cars are poor choices, though, since the Nissan has transmission failures, and the Elantra has engine problems.

Ranks #24 Small Cars by Owners

1

2012 Volkswagen GLI

4.8

2

2012 Volkswagen Eos

4.76

24

2012 Hyundai Elantra

4.16

Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra a Good Car?

No, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is not a good car based on information from 600 verified owner reviews and 16 government and automotive websites. Positives of the car include better interior materials than other budget-friendly compact cars, and great safety scores. Where the Elantra loses a lot of points is with serious mechanical problems including engine failures, and cramped back seats with limited headroom. As a used car from 2012, many Elantras are falling out of warranty, leaving owners on the hook for costly repairs. Overall, if you’re in the market for a compact car, there are better choices than a 2012 Elantra.

Owner Reviews

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Marty on August 19, 2022

Good engine

I have had since brand new, I have driven 441000 miles no issues with the engine. All highway miles

Liz W on June 17, 2021

Good but could be better.

My vehicle has been ok but I probably will buy another type of vehicle next time. I haven't had any significant problems. It is comfortable but not great. The gas mileage is good but not great. It has about one hundred thousand miles right now. So it has been a good car but not a great car.

Anthony H on June 4, 2021

Small tank with a lot of room.

I do not like the size of the tank, I feel I am filling the car up twice even 3 times a week. I do like the speed of the vehicle and the handling. The leather interior is very nice along with the heated seats and the room in the vehicle. The car feels bigger inside than what it looks like on the outside.

Liz C on June 4, 2021

Sleek look with safety airbags throughout. Weather permitting on the ride.

Style of the car is very sleek. Leather front and back seats with heated options for front and back were a great feature. Trunk size is spacious considering the style car. Fantastic airbag safety features. The car does have a lighter back end due to sport mode. This makes the drive in rainy or snowy weather a little difficult due to the type of tires and rims as well as the style of the back end allows more air flow and easily slides.

Allison B on May 26, 2021

Sleek, timeless vehicle with computer issues.

Computer now shorting out, seats super comfortable, great gas mileage, heater starts up really fast and heats the whole car extremely fast. Lots of trunk space for such a small car. Sleek interior and exterior even for a 2012 vehicle. CD player included, along with Sirius radio.

Danielle S on May 24, 2021

Car for your money's worth!

The car has lasted me a really long time. I am at 160,000 miles, and I haven't needed any major work done. The only things I have had to do is oil changes, brakes, battery, the usual. My main complaint is their blind spots. For someone who is short, the trimming makes the blind spots way worse. The next car I buy will be a Hyundai. This car has treated me really well.

Kim B on May 13, 2021

Good car with visibility issue.

I have not had any issues with my car. It runs good and is pretty good on gas. Maintenance is reasonable on the car. The only complaint is visibility is bad when checking your blind spots due to the shape of the car. The windows of the car slant and the slant blocks part of your view.

Molly E on May 11, 2021

Handy car for people who drive a lot but do not need all the luxuries.

It has good gas mileage and has held up well for the past 9 years. I drive far for work and have had few issues with it other than the usual maintenance needed. It does not have Bluetooth or GPS built in as it is a 2012 model, but it is sufficient for drivers who do not need all the bells and whistles.

xav A on May 9, 2021

Good car and reliable source of performance for a daily ride.

Good gas mileage and overall performance, steering wheel knocked for a while but it was an easy fix, other than tires, oil and gas I have not put a lot of money in it. Has all the simple features needed for the road although I would've liked if it had a flat screen radio or a touch screen radio.

Shebraneiah R on May 6, 2021

Why the Hyundai Elantra is a perfect car for you or your loved ones.

My car has eco drive which helps me save gas which is very nice to have meaning I drive far everyday to work. It is really safe to drive for me and my family and I enjoy using the cruise button. I have the choice of driving it automatic or manual and I can buy a full tank of gas with about $40-45 dollars. It is also not a high maintenance vehicle.

Cassandra D on April 27, 2021

Great vehicle with no major issue.

I bought this vehicle used (one owner, no accidents). Aside from regular maintenance I have had no issues with this vehicle. It gets roughly 30 miles to the gallon. I do not like the rearview mirror as it is an electronic one and I cannot adjust by hand to deflect the lights behind me.

Kimberlee V on April 24, 2021

I love my Hyundai Elantra!

I absolutely love my car, so far I have not had any serious problems with it. I get very good gas mileage, this was a big thing for me since I drive pretty far to work. It's also very easy to do any work on the car, anything I have had to get done has been quick and easy. I would love to upgrade my car but plan to stick with the car make and model since it is such a great vehicle.

Alison C on April 19, 2021

Black Hyundai Elantra gls.

Low amount of performance needed. Very comfortable and smooth drive. Miles per gallon less than expected for such a small sedan but is very reliable. It has needed minor maintenance over the years and has almost 120,000 miles currently. I would own another Hyundai in the future.

Kristen P on April 18, 2021

Love the Hyundai Elantra!

It is reliable and steady. It is comfortable ride and has lots of features such as cruise control and Bluetooth. The car is roomy for a compact vehicle and I love the red color. It is an automatic engine with an active eco function to help save on gas.

Tom P on April 17, 2021

All around good car that is good for the low price.

Has no problems and it runs smooth for a smaller car and very good on gas. The interior is sharply design and the outside are very sporty. All around good car to have. The price is very reasonable. Overall this car is great. So if you looking for a good running sporty package then this is it.

Bridgette M on April 16, 2021

The adequate Elantra has held up well in the past 8 years.

My Hyundai Elantra has held up pretty well in the past 8 years, it has not had too many issues, and it is nearing 100k miles. The features are good, it is been reliable and comfortable. It has had some issues in the past - the oil pan had to be changed, and the cv joints had to be changed which was somewhat expensive, but otherwise it has not had too many problems even though it is almost 100k miles and 8 years old. It is an older car so it does not have any of the newer features like wireless charging but it does have Bluetooth, aux cord, CD player, etc. It is a comfortable midsize sedan, it is got enough room for friends and is comfortable enough for road trips.

Evans S on April 3, 2021

Cheap price for a cheap car.

It has excellent gas mileage. It has lots of trunk space. It will not fit five full grown adults. I have three small children and it is a squeeze it fit them in the back seat. It has computer issues. We have owned it for three years. The Hyundai dealership does not honor recalls. I had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed.

Misty O on April 3, 2021

Gray, lots of compartments, small.

I have never had any problems with my car but I havent had it very long. The car is very comfortable and I love the size of the car because I am a small person, it fits very well.

Favin M on April 3, 2021

The comfortable Hyundai Elantra.

I love this car! I have had it for 8 years and it still runs incredibly smoothly and is yet to show any problems! Great size and it also feels incredibly roomy considering it is a smaller car. It has a large trunk that can fit many items. The sound system is exceptional and sounds crystal clear with great volume. I would recommend this amazing car to anyone!

Deborah H on April 1, 2021

I love the color, the driving response, and most the sunroof.

I have had so far only one minor issue which was covered by warranty, it has been a very good car, low maintenance and good gas mileage. It is very comfortable to ride in for any kind of distance. It has a lot of features, the one l like the most is the sunroof.

Glynis A on April 1, 2021

Good car, that has served me well

Great little car, only complaint was there was some recall issues that were resolved.

Hannah W on March 30, 2021

The Elantra- one of the best cars on the market.

I love the heated seats, including the heated back seats, the sunroof is nice, great gas mileage and gets around great in the snow. The eco feature is nice as well because it increases my gas mileage substantially. I also really like that it has cruise control. The car also gets up and goes.

Gabi R on March 28, 2021

Amazing and affordable gls sedan!

This car is absolutely amazing. I love the way it drives and it is the perfect size. I like how my seat has electric seat adjustments. I bought my car used and the people before got a remote start added to it and it works perfect. I have never had a problem with my car at all.

Dan A on March 27, 2021

Just good enough to get by

The car gets the job done. It was not built to last. It's nearing end of life after 6 years. While the car was cheap, a lot of money had to go into maintenance to ensure safe performance.

Tayven B on March 22, 2021

2012 Hyundai Elantra limited.

It runs and drives great, the only things that is gone wrong is that the tail light has gotten water into it somehow and it is causing electrical problems. Other than that it drives and runs really smooth. Also the maintenance for it is very affordable.

Jed D on March 20, 2021

It seems to be well made. There have been no major problems with it since we bought it.

It gets good mileage, handles the road very well, and came with with many standard features. It's mileage isn't as good as advertised by the manufacturer, and the low roof makes it difficult for me to enter and exit.

Ari L on March 20, 2021

Radio problems & acceleration problems at 100k + miles.

The radio one day just stopped working. It would turn off & on when hitting bumps but now it has fully not worked for years & they say it would need a whole new radio. Sometimes it will start to slow down & I cannot accelerate for about 30 seconds then work again but it is scary when I am getting off an exit on a busy highway.

Doug s on March 19, 2021

It runs very well and it looks good

It is a good size for us. I do not like the sight lines that it has but it runs well and it gets the job done for us,

Mist F on March 18, 2021

My car is awesome, even after seven years.

My Elantra is a smooth ride. It's a little bit longer than I've been used to, so it's tougher for me to turn into parking spots, but overall I love this car. It is about 7 years old and hasn't had many problems at all. If I could do it all over again, I'd pick the same car.

Courtney V on March 18, 2021

My car is small but pretty roomy.

Like warranty, Bluetooth, cruise control, xm radio, aux cord, digital led displays, gas mileage..... Dislike issues with cars yah rate sensor not working making the dashboard lights come up all the time..

Terry M on March 16, 2021

Do your homework on whatever car/truck you decide to buy.

It is not as fuel efficient as I had hoped. I like the color and features. I don't like the cost of new tires.

Lauren S on March 13, 2021

2012 Hyundai Elantra: Amazing Gas Mileage!

I purchased my 2012 Hyundai Elantra used in 2013 with about 17,000 miles on it. I still drive it today and have had no problems at all. I am good about taking it in for routine maintenance and oil changes but there have been no issues with the engine or anything else. The car drives well and gets great gas mileage! My only complaint is the interior is a light beige colored cloth and it stains very easily, even with just water. So the inside has spots on it from anytime the cloth has gotten wet or if anything was spilled. Other than that, I really love the car!

Timothy D on March 12, 2021

My tahoe is old and almost has 200,000 miles and is super reliable.

It has a comfortable ride. It is economical. It is long lasting. It does not have a spare tire or donut.

Samantha M on March 12, 2021

Small, reliable car to get you where you want to go.

Small car, very prone to break light/brake issues, comfortable, but might not be the best for taller passengers, reliable, racks up miles really quickly I haven't had any issues with breakdowns, has aux, cupholders, gets me where I want to go, but nothing particularly great.

Braxton N on March 10, 2021

I really like the gas mileage!

I like everything about the vehicle, except for the dark windows and small rear views. You look through the back window and in the side mirrors and it is hard to see if there is a car around your vehicle at times. I have gotten use to it, but I would definitely change that in a new vehicle.

Tianna W on March 10, 2021

2012 Hyundai Elantra review.

This car gets a whole lot of gas per mileage. This car is smooth to drive. This car is perfect for winter driving as well. This car has a great radio system with an aux output. Plenty of room in the car for a family of five. This car has easy steering. The cost of repairs is not too expensive.

Brynn G on March 9, 2021

I love the touch screen in my car.

My car accelerates much slower than any of my last vehicles. It takes a bit more time to speed up at a stop sign, at a stop light, and I notice that it takes the most time to accelerate when I am going uphill. My other problem is my Bluetooth takes a while to connect sometimes but other than that I love my car and it is very comfortable and very good on gas mileage.

Thomas E on March 8, 2021

It ages really well the trim package I have. Always serviced on time.

Overall, it is been a pretty great car. Not too many problems (knock on wood) and they were fairly easy repairs that I could do myself. Love my car. If you are in the market I would suggest looking into getting something as budget friendly as a Hyundai.

Amita S on March 8, 2021

My car is in a very good shape and quality and everyone likes it.

I don't dislike anything. I like my car and its make and model.

Anne W on March 7, 2021

The Elantra has more pluses than minuses.

Good performance, gas mileage, reliable, comfortable. Traffic line of sight is not as good as I would like it to be and the low profile tires lead to a bumpier ride. Handles well in general, but I use caution in bad weather, because it is a little sloppy in wet weather or snow.

Chris T on March 6, 2021

It does not get as good mileage as advertised. Most cars do get a bit less, but this is very noticeable.

It is a good car for the price. It does have a bit of a rough ride, but it was relatively inexpensive, so that is not unexpected.

Stacey S on March 5, 2021

Reliable vehicle with good gas mileage.

I love my vehicle for the gas mileage and compact size. It is been very reliable with very few/minor issues that come with owning a 7 year old vehicle. This car does not perform well in the snow because of it is lightweight but snow tire make a world of difference. I'd recommend this car. I plan to drive my car until it dies.

Lauren R on March 5, 2021

Clean back seats that warm your booty.

I love the leather interior of this car! As a mom of a golden retriever and two young boys, I can't tell you how thankful I am for easy-clean seats. And I cant forget to mention that these leather seats are heated-front and back seats. Such a quick way to warm up in these Pennsylvania winters. During the warmer months, the whole family enjoys the sunroof as we ride around a listen to music through the speakers which were surprisingly great quality. The only downfall is that trunk can only be opened using the keys or the pull lever on the floor next to the driver's seat, but I guess that is the case for most sedans? I just find it convenient to pull a handle on the trunk itself. Our Elantra developed a knock in the engine, but with the warranty, Hyundai completely covered the replacement of our engine!

Oliver A on March 2, 2021

Basically the main highlight that I like about my Hyundai is its appearance.

There were a few problems with the front steering where we needed to take it to the dealer actually 2 times because they didn't fix it the first time. Also currently 2 of the warning lights have been appearing on the dashboard panel when there is not anything wrong with the part that it is connected to. Our Hyundai does not really have any power when I need to pass another vehicle.

Amy C on February 27, 2021

A really good car for anyone, it is great.

The transmission sometimes does not work and you can feel everything on the road, also the blind spots can be annoying sometimes. Other than that this car is amazing I love it so much. It does not run that smoothly but you get used to it. I really like the size because it is super easy to park anywhere and the turning radius is amazing. It is super comfortable to sit in. I have had it for a few years now and do not have any problems with it.

Adrianne M on February 27, 2021

My car is super reliable and speedy with fantastic maneuverability.

I love my vehicle! I have yet (knock on wood) to have any real major issues with it. Aside from a battery, brakes, and new tires I have not had to spend a huge amount of money in repairs for this car. I does, of course, tremendously help when you keep up with the daily/monthly/annual maintenance. This has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I can depend on it to start in any kind of weather; 99+ degrees or even in a blizzard. I live in New Mexico so we have experienced both in the past 9 months or so. Comfort level is great, the bucket seats in front are comfortable and the backseat is plush and easy to nap on. I don't really have any special features on my car except for electric windows and, of course, an alarm. I do have the option of having XM radio, but that really does not interest me. This car provides perfectly for my personal, individual needs.

Andrew P on February 26, 2021

When looking for a great car that saves good on gas

This car has been a huge help just about in every way I can think of when it comes to basic needs and having more to bring to the table. First of all it is extremely good on gas. It looks very sporty which is nice for just the basic look of the car and feeling good driving it. The interior is really constructed well to look like a luxury car. Leather seats and a nice grey interior when it comes to the dashboard and all the setups like the touch screen. It's compact so I don't ever have to worry about my car being to wide or long when it comes to parking. Also the speaker system inside is very good quality sound and the bass booster is incredible.

Taylor D on February 26, 2021

I love having heated seats in my car.

My car has a backup camera, heated seats, Bluetooth, and air conditioning. It is a great car under 100,000 miles. It is bronze and is the limited trim. In good condition. I love having this car and am very happy with my purchase. It has new tires done a few years ago.

Mario T on February 24, 2021

A reliable and affordable car.

My car is pretty good. What I like about my car is how reliable the car is and how cheap it is to maintain it. The car has a pretty nice lowkey design. They on thing I do not like about it is how cheap some of the interior is. All and all it is a pretty nice car for a very affordable price.

Hannah C on February 23, 2021

High quality vehicle in following areas: comfort, reliability and performance.

At this time I haven't really experienced any problems with my Hyundai Elantra. It feels like a very reliable vehicle with a high quality performance. I feel very safe on the roads and comfortable in general considering the seats and set up inside has a high level of comfort. It is unfortunate that my particular Elantra does not have Bluetooth but that is easily a missing feature that can be addressed. I love my Hyundai Elantra and neither desire a different type of vehicle nor plan on ever purchasing one.

Jackie A on February 23, 2021

Great reliable car with very few issues. Nothing to complain about.

The car has been very reliable with few issues. They one issue has been with the starter and that the car sometimes struggles getting started, but after a second crank it always fires right up. Other than that, we have had no issues with the car and would highly recommend it.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.

    2012 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy, MPG (2024)
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