Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while stopped for a traffic light and attempting to drive off after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body control, fuel injectors, fuel pump, starter, and accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle had not been taken back to the mechanic. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V871000 (Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,825.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. He stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently brake with the ESC warning light illuminated. The contact's wife drove at a slower speed once the failure occurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they were unable to diagnose the vehicle failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V871000 (Electronic Stability Control) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall for the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System; however, the failure recurred, and the ESC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
On November 8th, 2016, saint paul, mn, my car would not start up. No warning signals came on and just made a "clicking" noise". I called Hyundai's roadside assistance when they arrived he told me to try to start it up. The car then came on which was approx. A 45 minute wait. In October 2015- eagan, mn, I was driving on the highway, I felt dizzy, nauseous and had a panic attack. I tried pulling over to the side of the road, the car would not stop despite stepping on breaks, the car kept pulling toward the side of the grass that was surrounded with gravel. I ended up hitting and stopping at a guardrail. The driver side wheel was blown and along the drivers and passenger door was scratched, there was also some front end damage which got repaired. In approx. March 2015- west saint paul, I just got off the highway when my car lost power. …
I just crashed this car yesterday, 01/09/2017 on rt. 724 between birdsboro, pa and gibraltar, pa. I was driving with a 50-55 MPH on a 55 MPH road going to work with almost no traffic. I was driving in a straight line when it happened, I was not even turning.the sky was clear and no distractions. Suddenly, the car wheels went left and right and then all the way to the left taking me to opposite side of the road and crashing the car in a ditch then flipping on the driver's side(I attached pictures). My trials to turn it back to the right all failed. Emt came and were able to get me out. I almost got killed. I don't drink or smoke. I heard of several incidents like this about the steering in Elantra. The car has only 56000 miles on it. I believe the problem is with steering. I felt like there was no steering at all. …
The ESC system did not help prevent and May have even caused my car accident. There has also been a recall on my yaw-rate sensor, which is the key component to the ESC system...updated 05-19-16 on March 2, 2016, Hyundai national customer care refused the consumers request to have the vehicle tested in its post accident condition. On March 26, 2016, southern states Hyundai of raleigh replaced the yaw-rate sensor and acknowledged the part was defective. Hyundai sent a letter to the consumer, stating they did not believe the yaw-rate sensor contributed to the accident. Updated 06/13/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the brake system failed to engage while driving 50 MPH in rainy conditions. The contact crashed into an embankment. The stability control warning light illuminated. The contact suffered injuries to the back and arms that required medical attention. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control), but the parts were not available for repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 101,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 30 MPH, the electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. Prior to the crash, the vehicle accelerated independently. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the tie rod was bent and the brake pad on the front passenger wheel was missing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. While attempting to park, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into some branches. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle was already in the branches. There were no injuries. The vehicle was still drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
Stability control malfunction, I lose control and the brake applied unexpectedly and the crash my car I am OK but I have damage in my car. I went to dealer for this recall and they did not fixed now I dont know if they are going to pay for it
Related recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016.
Traction Control complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 7% of the model year's 654 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Elantra traction control problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-871 (electronic stability control (esc), Dec 23, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Elantra traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.