I bought my 2012 Hyundai Tucson from a used car dealership back in November of 2024 . When I bought the vehicle it only had 55,000 miles on it and came with a 2 year unlimited mile warranty on the drive train and a full Carfax history in which everything came back clean , regular oil changes with synthetic oil every 4,000 miles and for my warranty through the used car dealership requirements I have continued to honor the every 4,000 mile oil change with synthetic oil every time . I have my Carfax that shows that my vehicle was brought to a certified Hyundai dealership back in 2019 for maintenance and the dealership never applied the required KSDS software update to extend my warranty. Flash forward to 8/06/2026 my vehicle with only 94,000 miles on it is sitting at a Hyundai dealership with the engine blown . I filed a claim with Hyundai and of course they denied it . I filed a complaint with corporate because it was at a certified Hyundai dealership back in 2019 they have had the updated KSDS software available at the time knew that it was a requirement for the extended warranty and didn't add the software update to my vehicle. I have asked for a good faith gesture and was also denied . I'm on a fixed income with a disabled husband and a disabled son . I still owe a considerable amount on the vehicle since I've only owned it for 1 year 7 months . The used car dealership I bought it from will only cover up to $2,900.00 of the repairs and the new engine is costing me $7,601.01 . Leaving me with a remaining bill of $4,701.01 . While that's pennies to them to me that's 4 months rent and my family not eating for 4 months . . I even tried to work with them to split the cost and again was denied . They know their 2.4 theta engine is inferior and was court ordered to extend their warranty. I was informed when I brought it to the dealership that is fixing which is also a certified Hyundai dealership that it has 4 open recalls attached to my vehicle that needed to be fixed
2012 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
168 complaints (66% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 99,450. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 168
- of this car's complaints
- 66%
- typical mileage
- 99,450
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Tucson engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 66Stalling 39Knocking 32Check engine light 31Loss of power 20Won't start 10
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
Recall number 19V063000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V‑568, 17V‑226, 20V‑746, and 21V‑727; and Kia recalls 17V‑224, 19V‑120, 20V‑750, and 21V‑844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V‑877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA21003
What 2012 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle suddenly slipped into limp mode. Vehicle was then immediately taken to have code read. Code came back P1326. Was advised due to previous recall campaign(s) to contact Hyundai of America for guidance. Was told that vehicle needed to be confirmed per the BCT at any Hyundai dealership to which the agent scheduled the appointment myself and that i should get the other 4 recalls fixed as well. My spouse drove the vehicle there and that was our last true communication verbally with Hyundai of America. Vehicle barely made it to the dealership and then spouse was offered a ride home an hour and a half later without paperwork or any type of understanding other than it would take time for the service team to get it on the BCT. A week later I was told it would cost $250. We have argued that we were never told it would cost anything as it relates to this major recall nor the others and in fact it would be performed at zero cost. Then, a service manager stated that now the vehicle needed $10k worth of work and began having finance firms contact me that he said were employed by Hyundai but are not. Here we are a month later, and still no vehicle and we have contacted Hyundai of America numerous times and have all communications regarding such contact and have gotten nowhere. We have yet to actually speak to someone over the phone. We were assigned a case manager who is now on vacation. We're without an income now because after not having transportation to work my partner has lost his job, and we are in dire condition. Inside of my vehicle that this dealership is holding hostage is my infant’s car seat and a brand new catalytic converter. They have refused to communicate with me and supposedly with this case manager according to her emails. We are in need of help.
Engine started knocking luckily I was right by my mechanics place. They said needs new engine. Not to drive as a rod might go right through the engine. Only 98000 miles on it. Maintenance always done on time.
Car suddenly stalled on the interstate (sudden deceleration, could barely make it to the shoulder; engine and oil lights, loud knocking sound, burning smell); per Hyundai dealership, it is sudden engine rod failure. Hyundai recall 181 described this exact situation. If not for quick thinking and moving to the shoulder/shutting down the engine immediately, there was a high chance of either being hit by other vehicles or engine fire. I could have been killed or severely injured. Yes, problem was confirmed by Hyundai dealership. No warning prior to sudden deceleration. Engine and oil warning lamps did not appear until after sudden drop in speed, followed by burning smell.
My 2012 Tucson started dumping large amounts of oil. Would be ok not dumping then would start drastically using then stop again. Vehicle ran fine then it started doing this maybe 3 months into this approx a week ago it started making noises coming from the motor. It is doing as I was told the motors Hyunda has recalled already done yet it is not listed in that recall. From what I understand it is a fire hazard as well as a road safety hazard due to it possible stalling. I have has 2 mechanics tell me it's pertains to the recalled motors. To see if it's a issue I'm expected to pay the dealership to evaluate this issue which is unfair to me You can clearly hear and see the issue is there. Why is it I am having to miss work, delay bills, be without transportation for them to acknowledge this concern. Please tell me there is a alternate solution help anything?!
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was contacted.
Customer was driving down the road when he brakes were not functioning properly. The vehicle began to smoke and she pulled over and the fire started under the hood. We are the insurance carrier that paid for the damages.
I was driving on the road way and the entire engine seized. I had to glide over to the side of the roadway and call AAA. I called Route 1 Hyundai, where the car was originally bought, 7324126502 brand new in 2012. and they told me no warranty on vehical. I had vehical towed to a mechanic in Hightstown, NJ and they told me to check that he just put in a new engine in the same car covered under a class action lawsuit for the same problem. I called the dealership service manager William, and they told me that they are not willing to do anything. I am the original owner and what happened was very dangerous and I could have lost my life! I usually drive on highway going 65mph. This could have been a catastrophe with no warning!!
On [XXX], Gas pedal failed to accelerate car while transitioning from [XXX\ on-ramp to the highway lane. Was able to steer car to shoulder before momentum dissipated. Warning lights for oil and motor were illuminated on dash. No power steering. Turned off motor. Restarted car eventually. Warning lights not illuminated. Gas pedal worked. Drove about 30 minutes to dealer. Hyundai did agree to replace motor and I paid a fraction of the cost ([XXX]). Since then, they have agreed to reimburse me for my cost. However, an oil leak was detected at the dealer two months ([XXX]) after receiving the car + rebuilt motor. Dealer has tried 4 more times to fix the VERY slow oil leak. Leak is still not fixed. Service dept now not returning my call (2/2/2023). Have called Hyundai customer care 800# and obtained a case number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Our [XXX] daughter was driving the vehicle from our home to work in Richmond Heights (approx. 19 miles) on [XXX] on {XXX]. At approximately [XXX] and before the [XXX] exit ([XXX] area), the vehicle made a load bang/popping noise, began to lose power, and the interior began to fill with smoke. She was driving in one of the center lanes and luckily made it over to the right shoulder without incident despite traffic and the smoke impairing her view and use of the rear and side mirrors. She immediately got out and called 911. Luckily there was no accident involved and she was not trapped in the vehicle. She was not injured, just very shaken. The vehicle was on fire under the hood and eventually burst into flames. The Kirkwood City Police Officer called the Kirkwood Fire Department and Terry's Towing. The fire was put out, but not before causing the vehicle to be totaled (see photos). Terry's Towing towed the vehicle to its lot, where it is currently stored. The vehicle is a total loss. As we purchased the vehicle from a family member earlier in 2023 as a spare car for our 16yo son and 20yo daughter (when she's home on break from college) for local and short drives, we only carried liability insurance on it with Progressive. We were not aware of Hyundai Recall 251 / the federal safety agency Recall # 23V651000 until after this happened to our daughter. We have filed a case with Hyundai. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by them or anyone else. The vehicle was running fine. The ABS light had come on sometime prior to this incident. The vehicle was going in for an oil change and system check after the holidays. In the process of obtaining the fire department report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine
Does the 2012 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owners have filed 168 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 66% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 99,450 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Tucson engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V063000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Tucson have bad engine?
The Hyundai Tucson model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (619 complaints), 2016 (430 complaints) and 2018 (250 complaints).
Other 2012 Hyundai Tucson problems
Brakes 35Transmission 26Electrical 17Acceleration 9Body 9Airbags 6Steering 6Fuel system 5Wheels 5Suspension 4Visibility 3Driver assistance 2Lights 2Seats 1Tires 1
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