Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
My steering wheel started making loud rattling and clunking noise. This happened when I turned or slowed down or went over a bump. It got worse very quickly. I suddenly could not steer at all. So I ran into a pole. Thankfully it wasn't another car or a person. Many people have this same issue. This needs to be recalled ASAP. It's either the pinion and rack issue or the steering wheel issue.
Driver side wheel baron was scrubbing together and brake fluid was leaking I lost speed can't go over 35 miles on the speedometer my airbag light is on on the dashboard, abs, the car with 2 lines and tire along with engine sign is on I look up for recall and it listed everything my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is doing I took it to Hyundai dealership in Orlando Florida on West colonial drive and 2 hours they called said it was ready they didn't do anything all the the same lights still on on the dashboard still leaking brake fluid and wheel baron and my brakes still scrubbing against each other speed reduction they claim they did the recall would not look at it again said they did it nothing changed I'm taking a risk of fire starting from brake fluid hitting the electrical box and wheel coming of and again All the lights on the dashboard is still on my name email address and everything is wrong …
I have had my car since 201. I brought it brand new. In that time, I have had to replace the tire sensors (TPMS) on my tires multiple times. They keep failing or something is wrong with the system. Even after brand new tires (and sensors) the warning fault light on the dash illuminates intermittently. Sometimes after 45 miles, it goes off. If I go on a rough road it sometimes illuminates and stays on for some time. The only fix mechanics have is to replace them every time, just for me to have the issue repeat later.
I noticed I had to air my tire up once every few days, so I thought there was a nail or slow leak in my brand new tire, but then I had to start airing it up daily, I then took it to the tire shop, they told me I had to get a new rim because there was a crack on the inside of my rim. By the time my new rim came in I was having to air my tire up every hour. I kept the cracked rim. I was driving when I noticed it going low. It did cause a blowout on my new tire, there is no reason a 4 year old rim should have cracked on the inside. They are alloy wheels. But I had to pay almost 200 dollars for a new rim and then another 100 on a new tire after I had just bought 4 of them. There has to be a manufacturer's defect on the alloy wheels. If the rim would have happened to be on the front of my car it could have caused a fatal crash.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with hankook tires, tire line: winter ipike, tire size: p215/45/17, dot number: not provided. The contact stated that while her son was driving 20 MPH up a hill there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger tire. The tire became deflated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the passenger's side front coil spring fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 170,000. The tire failure mileage was 6,000.
The airbag light on my dash came on about a month ago for no apparent reason and I had my car inspected and no codes were shown. The reason for the airbag light is still unknown and I worry that the airbag wont deploy if I get into an accident. I've heard this happening to several different Hyundai Elantra owners and I think there should be a solution for this common problem.
One TPMS sensor failed December 2018, now the other 3 failed in the span of the last 6 weeks. This is an important item. How do you know if the tire is really low when driving, other than a visual or an air gauge. I'm not the only one with this problem. The first time I was driving, on the last 3, the code showed on start-up
Due to the design of the 2012 Elantra suspension/rear end, the rear wheel tires are worn out well before expectation. Purchased the car new and after 20K miles discovered significant wear on the rear tires...especially the inside of the tire. Thought it was a tire problem. Replaced all tires, and after only 16K miles the rear tires again need replacement. Front tires look like new. The tires are less than 2 years old. Again, still thought it was a tire problem. Went to tire dealer and was told the problem was not the tires but the fact that the rear suspension cannot be adjusted for alignment. It is fixed by Hyundai at a -1.50 camber...which apparently causes the tires to ware out quickly. I now agree that it a car problem and contacted Hyundai customer service. …
Had just had my car in for my 20,000 mile check one week ago. Had tires rotated and all the other recommended service. Was driving on highway, good weather in atlanta, ga, and tire pressure gauge went on. I exited the highway (fortunately I was in a location where I could and it was evening with less traffic than the norm) to find a station to check tires and put in air in. One tire had a bubble/bulge in the sidewall and all four tires were showing a pressure of 29/30....down that much in one week with no significant weather changes, I haven't hit any potholes or bumps, or any reason why this should be the case. Very frustrated and afraid to drive, especially after reading all the horror stories about the wheels/rims/tires on this car being the wrong size for the car. Please do something about this sooner rather than later before someone dies! …
Pothole induced tire failure - torn sidewall. The limited edition of this car is fitted with 17" rims -- stock tire is a 215.45.17. With approximately 22,000 miles of driving, we have destroyed three tires on potholes, fortunately all were at low speed and there was no loss of control. However, hitting a pothole or other break in the pavement at high speed could easily destroy the tire and cause the vehicle to go out of control. The aspect ratio is simply to small for safety. A review of automotive forums indicates this is a common problem for Hyundai elantras with 17" rims. I was hesitant to let my children drive the car on the highway. At our own expense we have replaced the stock wheels and tires with a 16" wheel and larger aspect tire.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 4% of the model year's 654 complaints. The component named most often is temporary/emergency spare tire (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Elantra wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Elantra wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.