2012 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,557 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 51 involved a crash and 95 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchNov 16, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Campaign 15V759000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineSep 10, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Campaign 15V568000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 24, 2012
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 12V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
170 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jul 13, 2023
Cracked Dash Board The Dash Board has two cracks that run from Windshield to Passenger area. Located right where the SRS label is and the airbag is located and second crack is about 5 to 6" to the left. Dealer states that the Airbag will not deploy correctly if needed. I have read a lot on line about this issue, . In cases that Hyundai would correct the issue but in my case they will not. I have spoken with someone that had same issue and the Dashboard was replaced by Hyundai because of my very concerns. I am looking to see how this can get replaced without me having to pay $4000 to get it repaired. This car has been maintained and kept in very good condition.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 19, 2023
The break light don’t want to turn off Seat belts don’t latch
Air bags, Oct 23, 2022, crash
On March 19th, 2022 I was t-boned and my airbags failed to deploy causing me to slam my head against my window. I herniated two discs in my neck because of the accident. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata had just had it's engine replaced due to the engine recall and had also never been in a wreck. My airbag light came on after the wreck. Sent my car to be fixed and light went off. I was hit again 2 weeks ago and afain, airbags failed to deploy. Notified Hyundai of the situation and was told my car wasn't part of the airbag recall.
Air bags, Oct 7, 2022, crash
Involved in a head on crash with a deer at 63 mph. Front end completely smashed in. All components including air bag sensor detached from vehicle on impact. Airbags did not deploy.
Air bags, Sep 24, 2022
Fake Place and fake appointment. They give me an appointment after 1 month and I went to do the recall on the airbag unit they told me no part.Very bad experience
Air bags, Jul 21, 2022
The Air Bag sensor light will not turn off. several months ago I had brake light sensory issues that cost me $1,500.00 and now its the Air Bag light.
Air bags, May 25, 2022
The airbag warning light went on while driving without any cause, no recent accident or repair. After starting the engine, the light goes off for a couple seconds, goes back on, then stays on most of the time while driving but will go off for a minute or two occasionally. Checked for codes and looked at the fuses - both are good. I'm reluctant to take it to the dealer based on the probable repair cost and believe this should be a recall issue.
Air bags, May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel upon the start of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and an appointment was scheduled to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Air bags, May 18, 2022
My air bag light turned on without any code. My dash cracked with only 40K miles.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, May 3, 2022, crash
On March 19th I was involved in wreck where the other driver was at fault. The lady t-boned me on my driver's side. Airbags never deployed so my head smashed Into the window leaving me with a concussionand spinal injury. My usually working horn failed as well. I would also like to mention that I have only had this car a year. I was also told it was never in a wreck and had 1 owner. Nope. A week after I got it, I was driving and my engine seized while I was doing 70mph. The steering stopped working, but somehow managed to pull off to the side. i had to stay in my car because of the busy highway. It was 100+ weather and my windows wouldn't work. I sat there for 2 hours. Took the car to a shop just to find out about the engine recall that I believe my car wasn't apart of, but should have been. Fought with Hyundai for them to fix it then lost my job because I was denied a loaner car while waiting. 2 months later they finally fix it. Now the breaks do a weird grinding thing a lot, my shifter slips out of place, the steering column wobbles, the engine is constantly making a disturbing noise and is sluggish, it has trouble shifting when accelerating. I have had the car rapidly accelerate instead of slow down when stopping at a stop sign or light. I only got it to stop after stomping the breaks repeatedly while throwing it in park and turning the car off all at the same time. Emergency break and traction control light come on a lot. It's throwing a high speed can bus code, but only sometimes. My gas mileage has went down to 16-18 mpg. Oil changes are necessary every month. AND my taillights burn out every 1 to 2 months. Now I have 4 traffic tickets. And that was all BEFORE the wreck. Hyundai refuses to call me back after they reluctantly fixed the first recall.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 17, 2022
Front and back lights keep going out. Replacing monthly. Also air bag light starting to show off and on
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 1, 2022
front Seat belts do not fasten properly and air bag light stays on. I don’t see a pending recall, however did notice certain models recalled. This is a huge safety issue that is very concerning to me. I would appreciate if someone could get in touch with me to discuss further. Thank you. [XXX]; [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Jan 18, 2022
Aire bag ligh on
Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 2, 2022
1#.air . #2 not inspección 1year ago. #3 air bag lihg warning was the first day a Buy tne car. never im put interés now im know Is bad in damgere.
Air bags, Oct 20, 2021
1. Air Bag Light is On. 2. Car does not start. Both of these problems re-occured after Inspected & serviced by Hyundai.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2021
No Incident. Airbag warning light is always on. This is an going issue with Hyundai Sonata 2012. Contacted the dealer since it is a safety issue, but they said it is not under warranty. I know several people have the same model of the car and have the same issue with the airbag light. This issue should be recalled because it a is a safety issue
Air bags, Jun 21, 2021
Air bag light won’t turn off
Air bags, Apr 26, 2021
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, I SEE THIS MODEL HAD RECALLS
Air bags, Mar 25, 2021
MY CAR HAS AND WAS SERVICED ON THE AIR BAG BEFORE AND ONCE AGAIN OUT OF THE BLUE THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON , NO CHANGES HAVE OCCURED WITH THE VEHICLE , NO ACCIDENTS NOTHING NEW AND I HAVE CHECK THE WEBSITE PERIODICALLY TO SEE IF ANYTHING CHANGE
Air bags, Feb 23, 2021
WHEN I GOT MY CAR ..IT SEIZED ON ME .TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THAN IT WAS SENT TO HYDAI FOR THE 11 RECALLS ..AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND DOES NOT TURN OFF ..IT JUST TURNED ON ONE DAY FOR NO REASON ..NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE .I CAN PUT APPROX.SINCE DATE HAS TO BE ADDED IN ORDER TO SELECT NEXT
Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 5, 2021, crash
DRIVING HOME ON NOVEMBER 24TH 2018 I WAS ON A GRAM TO MARKET ROAD AND A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE AND THE CAR MADE A HIGH SCREETCH AND DIDN'T STOP. WHEN I HIT THE DEER NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT HAD JUST BEEN RETURNED TO ME FROM THE PREVIOUS ENGINE RECALL
Steering, Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 13, 2020
WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A KNOCKING SOUND. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK WHEN HITTING BRAKES AND IS LOOSE. THE PASSENGER WINDOW ON ONE SIDE DOES NOT GO DOWN. THE AIRBAG SIGNAL STAYS ON.
Air bags, Nov 9, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO A SENSOR HAVING GONE BAD. VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN A CRASH.
Steering, Air bags, Nov 6, 2020
SEEMS STEERING COLUMN IS DEFECTIVE, KEEP GIVING CLANKING SOUNDS. ALSO AIRBAG WARNING SIGN KEEPS COMING.
Air bags, Oct 22, 2020, crash
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS ON AND REFUSES TO GO OFF.