What are the most common Hyundai Elantra problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,170+ owner reports, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure, Electronic Power Steering System Failure, ABS Module Electrical Short and Fire Risk. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has 12 known issues documented across 3,170+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure and Electronic Power Steering System Failure and ABS Module Electrical Short and Fire Risk and Airbag Sensor and Control Module Malfunction and P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) from Clogged OCV or Stretched Timing Chain. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Elantra problems?
Repair costs for known Hyundai Elantra issues range from $0 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure, typically costs $4,000-$7,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure?
The 1.8L Nu engine in 2011-2016 Elantras is prone to premature failure due to manufacturing defects including piston ring issues, connecting rod bearing failure, and oil passage problems. Metal debris from failed components can circulate through the engine causing catastrophic da… Repairs typically run $4,000-$7,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2018 Hyundai Elantra Electronic Power Steering System Failure?
The electronic power steering (EPS) system fails due to a rubber star damper gear inside the steering column that deteriorates. This causes steering play of up to one inch before wheels respond, making the vehicle difficult to control. Over 200,000 vehicles were recalled for torq… Repairs typically run $800-$3,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra ABS Module Electrical Short and Fire Risk?
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally causing an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. This is a critical safety recall. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until recall… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2013 Hyundai Elantra Airbag Sensor and Control Module Malfunction?
Multiple airbag-related recalls affect Elantras due to driver seat track position sensor issues and passenger weight sensor contamination. The driver's airbag may deploy at incorrect pressure, and the passenger airbag may deploy regardless of occupant weight. Nearly 285,000 vehic… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) from Clogged OCV or Stretched Timing Chain?
P0016 means the intake camshaft position no longer correlates with the crankshaft position within the allowed window. On the Elantra's CVVT engines the two dominant causes are (1) a clogged/stuck Oil Control Valve (OCV/CVVT solenoid) — its internal screen loads up with sludge fro… Repairs typically run $150-$1,300. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2017 Hyundai Elantra Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure Causing Stalling?
The crankshaft position sensor fails, causing intermittent stalling, hard starting, and no-start conditions. The problem often worsens when the engine is hot and may not trigger check engine codes initially. Sensor harness corrosion is a common contributing factor. Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2018 Hyundai Elantra Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?
Panoramic sunroofs in Hyundai Elantras have spontaneously shattered while driving, often described as sounding like a gunshot. Broken glass falls into the cabin, creating safety hazards. A class action settlement provided an extended 10-year/120,000-mile warranty for shattered su… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra MDPS Rubber Coupler Wear — Steering Clunk / Knock and Loss of Assist?
The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit uses a flexible rubber coupling between the assist motor and the steering column. The rubber isolator wears, cracks, or develops play, producing a distinct clicking, clunking, or thud through the wheel during low-speed turns and on roug… Repairs typically run $80-$1,300. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0011 — Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) from Stuck CVVT Oil Control Valve?
P0011 sets when the intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commanded (or the CVVT system won't respond correctly). On the Elantra this is most often a stuck/clogged intake Oil Control Valve (CVVT solenoid): the valve's fine internal screen plugs with oil varnish/sludge, so… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0171 — System Too Lean (Bank 1) from Vacuum Leak / Dirty MAF?
On the Elantra's inline-4 (Beta II 2.0L in 2007-2010, Nu 2.0L in 2011+), P0171 means fuel trims have gone too positive because unmetered air is entering the engine. The classic Elantra trigger is a vacuum leak — most often a hardened/cracked PCV hose or a leaking intake-manifold… Repairs typically run $50-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2022 Hyundai Elantra P0420 — Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), Often Downstream of Nu 2.0L Oil Consumption?
P0420 on the Elantra means the downstream (post-cat) oxygen sensor sees the catalytic converter no longer scrubbing efficiently. On the 2017-2020 Nu 2.0L engine this frequently is not just an aged cat — it is a symptom of the well-documented Nu 2.0L piston-ring/oil-consumption de… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0128 — Coolant Below Thermostat Regulating Temp from Stuck-Open Thermostat?
P0128 sets when the Elantra's engine fails to reach its expected operating temperature within the calibrated time, which the PCM interprets as a thermostat that is stuck partially open (letting coolant circulate too early). This is a known enough pattern on 2017 Elantras that Hyu… Repairs typically run $150-$411. Severity: low.
