DecodedCars2012 Hyundai Veracruz
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Cuv AWD Gl Premium/Gls/Limited, 4dr Cuv FWD Gl/Gls
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,266–4,431 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is a SUV - offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,431 lb (4dr Cuv AWD Gl Premium/Gls/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway), 9% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Veracruz — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Veracruz →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv AWD Gl Premium/Gls/Limited | 190.6 in | 77.6 in | 71.3 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,431 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Cuv FWD Gl/Gls | 190.6 in | 77.6 in | 71.3 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,266 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veracruz 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -9% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Veracruz 4WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Veracruz (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Seals/Gaskets · Nov 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V705000 · 60,097 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
- Risk
- An inoperative charging system can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the valve cover gasket and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 197.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Jul 8, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V415000 · 61,122 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.
- Risk
- If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven. An unexpected failure of motive power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect/repair or replace the alternator and the front valve cover gasket, free of charge. Hyundai sent out an interim letter to owners on September 3, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 121.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Veracruz buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Veracruz years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Veracruz | 19 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 86 |
| 2010 Veracruz | 19 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 83 |
| 2009 Veracruz | 18 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 18 |
| 2008 Veracruz | 18 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 157 |
| 2007 Veracruz | 18 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 89 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →