
2012 Hyundai Elantra
Should You Buy a 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that offers a blend of efficiency and comfort, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. With a 1.8L I4 engine producing 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a respectable 32 MPG combined, which is ideal for daily commuting. The vehicle features a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience while maintaining fuel efficiency. Priced at an MSRP of $20,595, the Elantra is positioned competitively in the compact car market, appealing to those seeking reliability and value.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some concerns reflected in NHTSA complaint data. With 911 total complaints, the Elantra has reported 72 crash incidents and 13 fire incidents, primarily related to the engine and electrical system. Despite these issues, the vehicle maintains a reliability score of 79.5 out of 100, indicating that while there are some concerns, many owners have had positive experiences with their Elantra.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for a reliable and efficient daily commuter.
Strengths
- +Excellent fuel efficiency at 32 MPG combined
- +Affordable pricing for a compact sedan
- +Comfortable seating for five passengers
- +User-friendly technology and features
- +Good overall reliability score of 79.5/100
Weaknesses
- -Reported issues with engine and electrical system
- -Some complaints regarding safety incidents
- -Less powerful compared to competitors in the segment
- -Limited cargo space compared to hatchbacks
- -Resale value may not be as strong as rivals
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has notable complaints primarily concerning the engine and electrical system, with issues surfacing at various mileage intervals. Common problems include electrical system failures occurring between 20,000-60,000 miles and engine issues typically arising around 60,000-80,000 miles. While these concerns are significant, there are no fatalities reported, and the overall reliability score suggests that many owners have had satisfactory experiences.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 1.8 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 32
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 178.3 in
- Width
- 70.1 in
- Height
- 56.7 in
- Wheelbase
- 106.3 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,661 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –