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2012 Hyundai Elantra airbags problems

124 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 89,000. 25 crashes reported.

owner complaints
124
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
89,000
crashes
25
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Frontal
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Hyundai Elantra airbags problems in other years

1994200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra airbags

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Airbag light 87No deployment 18

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Headliner Bracket DetachmentOpened September 13, 2012, closed December 9, 2013

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see the federal safety agency recall 13V‑115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification number: 10457696

EA12008

Side Curtain Air Bag Improper DeploymentOpened May 10, 2012, closed September 17, 2012

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification number: 10457696

PE12012

What 2012 Hyundai Elantra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Airbags · VA · crash · 5 injuries

I was going down the bridge on settlers landing road the yellow school bus was in the right turning lane with right turning signal on .as I approached the light in the middle straight lane to keep toward the landing (hotel) on settlers landing Hampton va the bus some what merged back towards the middle lane and that when the bus crashed into the car it went under the bus it’s totaled the windshield and my sunroof collided the airbags did not deploy something needs to be done about that that was dangerous.I got glass in my face my right hand had glass my head hit the steering wheel my body jerked. I hit my legs my whole body is hurting and very sore all over I can’t hardly walk my hand is swollen. Liability suit of airbag default needs to happen

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Airbags · 101,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Airbags · TN · crash · 1 injury

Car accident. My car was T-boned on the passenger side, the side airbag did deploy. The impact from the accident pushed my car into on coming traffic and I hit 2 other cars. One in the front grill and the other in the left rear quarter panel. The front airbag did not deploy and my chest hit the steering wheel. My car was totaled and I was taken to the hospital and had 5 CT scans. The one for my chest showed a contusion which I continue to have pain from. I also had neck sprain or strain and had physical therapy to assist with the pain. When I was released from the hospital ER I was taken to the lot where my car was towed to get my belongings and took photos of my car. The photos show where they cut the side airbag out and the broken window. You can also see the front airbag did not deploy. I believe the insurance adjuster inspected my car after it was towed. I received reimbursement from the insurance company. There were no warning lamps or messages regarding the airbags prior to the accident.

Filed Sep 30, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · FL

I have constantly had problems with the airbag light going on & off for simply no reason driving the road. Also the windshield sensor light keeps going off making it unsafe to drive at night. I am am a senior citizen & I have to work and I keep going back & forth with my mechanic paying extensive checks on top of getting the problem resolved. I don't have money like that. I live along surviving off of one income.

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · AZ · crash · 2 injuries

Seatbelt failed passenger was thrown forward hitting windshield afterwards airbag deployed throwing passenger upwards hitting roof of vehicle Issue: Delayed airbag deployment Issue: Seatbelt failure

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · 80,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and air bag warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 18, 2023 · Airbags · ME

Good day i hope this finds you well. While I'm driving my air bag light comes on and off around certain corners and such..I have been told it means my air bag won't work if I'm in an accident. It definitely freaks me out knowing I could or couldn't be ok in an accident. I'm not sure what to do about this..I bought my hyundai elantra from a personal sale so there probably isn't anything I can do but I just thought someone should know. I am grateful for your time..hope you have a great day

Filed Jan 14, 2023 · Airbags · FL

The airbag light came on and stays on no matter what. I have read this happens a lot with Hyundai Elantra’s made during this time frame. This is a major safety issue if the airbags are not functioning properly.

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Airbags · ME · crash

A 2015 ford car hit me and the passenger airbags deployed, but did not inflate due to a hole in the airbag at the seam

Filed Aug 26, 2022 · Airbags, Driver assistance · KS · crash

My steering column makes a clicking noise and the cruise control comes on when it wants to also the horn won't work on the steering wheel, and I was in an accident where I got hit in the front and the airbag didn't even deploy

Questions about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra airbags

Does the 2012 Hyundai Elantra have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 124 complaints about the airbags of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 19% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Elantra airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 89,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra airbags?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Hyundai Elantra have bad airbags?

The Hyundai Elantra model years with the most airbags complaints are 2013 (168 complaints), 2012 (124 complaints) and 2001 (118 complaints).

Other 2012 Hyundai Elantra problems

Engine 141Electrical 126Brakes 99Steering 88Driver assistance 47Suspension 45Transmission 40Acceleration 27Visibility 19Fuel system 18Lights 17Wheels 17Body 16Tires 16Seat belts 6Seats 2

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