2012 Hyundai Elantra — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Hyundai Elantra workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 38 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 101 to 96 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.8L 4-cyl · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 34 urban / 46 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 28 city / 38 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 173 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra across 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 32 mpg (US), or 31 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (28/38) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (28/38) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Running Costs: 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Hyundai Elantra at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Hyundai Elantra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Equipment (1), Electronic stability control (esc) (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V651000, reported 22 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Equipment — campaign 20V393000, reported 2 July 2020. Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
- Electronic stability control (esc) — campaign 15V871000, reported 23 December 2015. Risk: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Structure — campaign 14V310000, reported 10 June 2014. Risk: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 675 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The most-reported areas are Engine (140), Electrical system (129), Air bags (128). Complaints include 49 reported crashes, 12 reported fires, 47 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 263 complaints across the 17 Hyundai Elantra model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (140 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (129 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Air bags (128 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Steering (90 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Hyundai models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Hyundai Elantra's 38 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 173 g/km CO₂ figure is 34 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Hyundai average.
Of the 17 Hyundai Elantra model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 11th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Hyundai Elantra year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Hyundai Elantra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Equipment (1), Electronic stability control (esc) (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
Among the 675 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (140 complaints), Electrical system (129 complaints), Air bags (128 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.