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: electrical system
234 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2023
The lighting system on the front and back lights, tail lights and brake lights are shortaged and melts the housings thst the bulbs go in. I have had two of these cars with the same identical problems and my son has had two sonatas and I have more people that’s having the issue as well. It’s very dangerous because the tail lights work whenever and me as the driver can’t see behind me nor the person driving behind me will know that I’m stopping. I can’t drive my vehicles at all at this present time and has made s appointment with the company, Hyundai and filed a complaint as well. Something has to be done quickly to put this on the recall list because it’s very dangerous for myself and others on the national highways
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2022
My tail and brake lights sometimes work sometimes doesn't. Rear window brake light stays illuminated when car is turned off causing battery to drain. This problem has been on going for years. I can sometimes wiggle bulbs and make them work for a while but problem has been persistent for too many years. Tired of replacing bulbs.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 29, 2022
Power steering loses power and window between speedometer and tach goes blank. Car keeps running but no power steering and cannot take out of park. Must restart the car to solve issue. Happened several times while at idle, in park. Happened once while in drive, at idle while stopped, and was able to drive forward when I discovered no power steering. Concerned it could happen while driving.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2022
There is a recall of our 2012 Hyundai Sonata but Hyundai never informed us of the recall. https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign132/sitecontents/English/CustomerLetters/site_97_page_1530_customerLetter1.pdf#pdfjs.action=download Our car qualifies for the recall but Hyundai does not want to do anything about it. Our car experienced engine knocking and we took it to an independent repair shop. The repair shop informed us about the recall but Hyundai never did. The recall is because there is a defect in the engine in which friction caused by metal bits burned up the oil. The low level of oil causes the knocking. The repair shop filled our car engine with oil. We took the car to a Hyundai dealership but they refuse to do the repairs unless the engine is knocking even though the recall letter admits there is a potential safety issue if the engine is not replaced.
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2022
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP EXPLODING
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2022
Check hybrid system keeps appearing on the dash, forcing me to have to pull over and stop the car. Dealer can’t fix it due to the code being intermittent.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 26, 2022
I was on the expressway and car hesitated and jerked while speed began to increase followed by hybrid warning system alert. (Pull over and stop the vehicle) with a flashing ready light. Could have caused a major accident with loss of life as there was no place to safely pull over. Warning lights came in immediately after the cat jerked.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 14, 2022
AHB Hydraulic Break Module Failure car only has 60k miles.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: Vehicle went into LIMP mode on highway (June 7th 2022). The next day, the vehicle would not start, despite battery replacement. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When in limp mode, car would not accelerate. My vehicle could have been hit by another vehicle due to the sudden, unexpected decline in speed; Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Vehicle was towed to the Hyundai dealership the evening of June 10, 2022. I was informed by Hyundai that it would take 2 to 3 weeks before they could even look at my vehicle. Vehicle has not been diagnosed yet. It is still at Hyundai as of today, June 22, 2022. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle is currently awaiting diagnosis by Hyundai. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The vehicle went into limp mode. The next day it would not start.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 4, 2022
The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorated, allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal was released. This kept my break lights on even when the car was turned off, which lead to issues with my accelerator randomly giving out while I was on the road, and my traction control forced off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2022
It all started with the electronic system. Both of my brake lights burned, leaving huge holes in the back of my brake light bracket. Replace the whole brake assembly on both brake light fixtures, then now my horn is not working—nothing to do with the relay or fuse.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 27, 2022, fire
As I was driving on the highway, my car engine stalled and all the interior dashboard lights came on. I was unable to accelerate although all other features of my car worked (steering, brakes, radio, bluetooth, etc...). I was barely able to get off the highway safely as the highway I was on had no shoulder that was safely accessible. Luckily, I was in the far right lane already which allowed me to exit the highway. I was just barely able to exit the highway and move to the middle and far right lane of the service road before my car came to a complete stop. I attempted to turn my car off and back on without success. At this point, I could start to smell burning of something and knew I needed to exit the car immediately, however, I was unable to do so due to traffic on the driver side of my car. I noticed smoke coming from my engine which prompted to me to jump out of the car without continuing to pay attention to the traffic that was passing me. I called 911 to alert them of my car impeding traffic, potentially causing another wreck, and the potential that my car may be on fire. After making those statements to dispatch, flames shot forward from my hood and I was able to move away from my car. The fire department arrived on scene but not before the flames had reached 12+ feet as they were taller than the fire truck. The firefighters were able to put out the flames. My car engine was completely melted from the fire. At this point, the dealership, insurance agent or any other representative has determined a cause of the fire or has looked at my car. No warning lights to indicate a malfunction was visible prior to the incident. No noises or engine malfunctions were noted prior to the incident.
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the socket to replace the light bulb had melted and that due to the failure, both light bulbs could not be replaced. The contact also mentioned that a white smoke had emitted from her driver side headlight when she attempted to replace the light bulb. The contact was able to replace the driver side headlight bulb; however, the driver side headlight bulb would illuminate very dim. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2022
I keep getting this error message Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive with the caution symbol. I have take it to the dealership 5 times and they do not see anything wrong. Usually the message flash for a few seconds and then go away. Today it did something different. The display keep alternating with Check charging system and Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive along with a beeping sound. I had to pull over and restart the car. I travel in rural areas for work, and I am so afraid my car is going to stop in the middle on nowhere. When I googled the error message it appears so many other Sonata owners from 2011-2014 are experiencing the same problem. I have reported this to Hyundai warranty, but when they contact the dealership, they tell them nothing is wrong with my car. Please advise of what to do.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2022
Original Report: 1/28/22 to HyundaiUSA Problem with car started day after alignment. First noticed (while going up driveway) pressing accelerator did nothing - press again then OK. Got out to open gate, noticed brake lights on. Later (after dark), came out and brake lights on. Driving home noticed ESC light on - ESC off button had no effect. I found this exact description on "CarComplaints.com" from 2019 and it references recall #136. Next day I cranked the car, and the "ESC off" indicator came on. I was then able to turn off with the ESC off button. Update: 1/29/22 Next day same issue with brake light. Able to reset ESC light but it came back on after driving about 15 miles. I noticed that the issue with the sudden deceleration occurred while going 55 mph. It happened about 3 times in the 5 mile return trip. Releasing the accelerator pedal then pressing again provided acceleration. When I got out of the car, the brake light remained on. Update 1/30/22 The ESC light reset itself automatically when I cranked the car. While warming up the car in the garage, the brake light came on and I tapped the brake to turn off. This happened 4 times. I was pulling out of a side road onto a busy road with limited sight of oncoming traffic. As I started out, the acceleration died, and a car came around the curve/hill. I managed to release the accelerator and re-apply and got out of the driver’s way – he was able to slow down enough to avoid an accident. Issue happened several times while driving to my destination. A few minutes after going inside, the car security horn started sounding. I used the remote to turn off. I went back in, and it started blowing again. I pulled the fuse for the horn from under the hood. The ESC light did not come back on during this trip but the brake light did numerous times. My research found that the brake light switch has been blamed for some of these issues. But a faulty brake light switch would prevent engaging gear shift.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 7, 2022
After an oil change, my car started losing power at the gas and suddenly turned off on me while I was driving and never turned back on! When I tried turning my car back on my engine started smoking
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 29, 2021
I am experiencing the exact same issues described in a previous recall of 2006 to 2007 model affecting the brake lamp switch. My brake lamps remain illuminated after release of the brake pedal, and the ESC light illuminates on the dash
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 28, 2021
This morning when i drove the car to Bart station, just before i parked in the parking lot. the showboard showed "Hybrid System Warning, Safely Stop and Do Not Drive". So i stopped and parked the car in the parking space. i'm not sure what the issue is and if i still can drive it after i came back from my work. After i checked the website and found there're a lot of people have this same issue as this case. I did not see any of them have solution for it. So I believed that this is a big issue since it will cuase death if it happens in the high speed high way. please do the investigation and recall for it to save lives! appreciated in advance.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake lights were continually illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but, vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about a possible fire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2021
While I was driving, an error stating "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive" popped up on my dash.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2021
When driving in the car at any speed over 40 mph, the brake override will engage at random moments and slow the car down about 20 mph immediately. This makes the car extremely unsafe to drive especially on freeways because when going the speed limit of 60 mph, the car will suddenly slow down with no warning to me, the driver, and the car driving behind my car, also going 60 mph or more, will then have to slow down to my speed just as fast if not faster to avoid hitting the back of my car at an excessive speed. This problem first appeared around July 6th, 2021 and has been an ongoing and worsening issue since then. There is a similar recall that has been put out on other cars, but my car has not been included in that recall even though this is clearly a problem affecting my model as well. I ask that my model be added to the recall list to avoid other people possibly getting into an accident.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 9, 2021
ON 05/26/21 THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN HYUNDAI FOR AN ENGINE RECALL AND WAS NOT RUNNING. IN FACT, SINCE PURCHASED AT THE AUCTION IT HAS NEVER RAN MORE THAN 30 FEET THEN SUTS OFF. TECH SAID, COMPUTER RESPONDED WITH A FAULTY WHEEL SENSOR, A DEAD BATTERY, AND FAULT ABS SENSOR. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND PUT NEW BATTERY IN IT, AND A LEFT REAR WHEEL SENSOR AND REPORTED BY HYUNDAI. OUR MECHANIC SAID TAKE BACK TO HYUNDAI TO RESET THE ABS SENSOR, SO ON06/24/21 WE DID RETURN THE VEHICLE TO CROWN HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLK NOW THEY COULD NOT SET THE SENSOR AS THE BATTERY WAS THE WRONG TYPE, NOW A CODE FOR A FLAP DOOR AND AN ALLEGATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING WRECKED IN THE FRONT END CAUSING DOOR DAMAGE. MY RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOOSE BUT NO DAMAGE. NOW THE COMPUTER SAYS THE DOOR PLAP AND FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE IS CAUSING 30 MORE DEFAULTS TO POP UP MY WRECKER DRIVER WILL TELL YOU THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVING BUT WOULD START AND MOVE UNTIL SENSOR SHUT DOWN. NOW IT WILL NOT START OR MOVE AND MORE SENSORS ARE BEING SHOWN.. SERVICE MANAGER SAID ,, I CANNOT TELL YOU NOT TO FIX IT, BUT THERE ARE MORE CODES POPING UP NOW... THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE... HE SAID HE HAS SEVERAL MORE HYDRID'S SITTING IN THE BACK THAT ALSO SHOW MANY CODES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 18, 2021
I was driving on the freeway and I put my foot on the gas to accelerate and my car would not go. It had no power. It is intermittent. I can be driving and it is fine then all of a sudden it won’t go more then 30 mph. My brake lights are always going out. Now my break lights won’t turn off.