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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,557

Of the 2012 reports, 51 involved a crash and 95 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernEngine567 reports · 36% of complaints
Owner complaints1,557Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine567
  2. Steering301
  3. Electrical system234
  4. Air bags170
  5. Service brakes158
  6. Exterior lighting141
  7. Other or unspecified122
  8. Fuel/propulsion system99

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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: engine

577 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine, Aug 20, 2019

    OUR 2012 SONATA IS NOW ON ITS 3RD ENGINE (1 ORIGINAL AND 2 ADD'L). THESE WERE SUBJECT TO RECALL. WENT FOR MY ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND MY MECHANIC POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN OLD OIL AND ON DRAIN PLUG. ARE WE LOOKING AT ANOTHER NEW ENGINE TO BE INSTALLED. BOUGHT IT NEW AS A COMMUTER CAR BECAUSE OF THE WARRANTY, BUT IT HAS SPENT MORE TIME IN SHOP THAN ME DRIVING IT.

  2. Engine, Aug 9, 2019, fire

    VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY COLLISION CAUGHT ON FIRE.

  3. Engine, Aug 7, 2019, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND ENTERING THE FREEWAY RAMP, THE VEHICLE SEIZED WITH ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HIS HOOD. NO FLAMES WERE NOTICED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH VAPOR LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BUT WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER INVER GROVE HYUNDAI (1290 50TH ST E, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077 (888) 706-5928) BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT AN INVESTIGATION WOULD TAKE PLACE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

  4. Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2019

    MY 2012 HYBRID SONATA, 104,000 MILES, SUDDENLY STARTED JERKING AND NEARLY STALLING ONE RECENT MORNING ON A DRIVE FROM HOME ON A DIVIDED ROAD. IT BARELY MOVED FORWARD, BADLY JERKING, MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN WAS : HYBRID BATTERY LOW. PULL UP SAFELY AN PLACE THE CAR IN PARK". SO AFTER 1/2 MILE, I RETURNED HOME. BECAUSE OF LOW SPEED ON A DIVIDED ROAD, THERE WAS A SERIOUS CONCERN OF BEING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED NEXT MORNING TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER. THEY REPORTED 'NOTHING WRONG FOUND' AND RETURNED THE CAR WHICH IS RUNNING FINE, THOUGH JERKING TRANSMISSION AT LOW SPEED. I AM WONDERING IF THIS HAPPENED AWAY FROM HOME, WHAT SHALL I DO. I NEED ASSURANCE THAT THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. HOW DO WE GET THAT ASSURANCE ?

  5. Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 31, 2019

    I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS AN ENGINE PROBLEM. WHEN I WOULD TAKE OFF IN MY CAR, I ACCELERATE AND AFTER I STARTED GOING, I COULD PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND IT HAD NO POWER, IT WOULD ALMOST COMPLETELY STALL IN THE ROAD. I LET OFF GAS AND PUSH AGAIN AND IT WOULD REGAIN POWER AND DRIVE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, NO LOW OIL, NO SERVICE LIGHTS AT ALL. ALL OF THE GAUGES IN THE DASH RED GREAT AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I STARTED MY CAR ONE DAY AND IT STARTED MAKING THIS CHIRPING NOISE, ALMOST LIKE A BIRD CHIRPING WHEN I ACCELERATE, BUT ONCE I GOT UP IN SPEED THE CHIRPING STOPPED. I THEN STARTED MY CAR AND THERE WAS A CLICKING, TICKING TYPE NOISE THAT GOT WORSE AFTER 2 DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. AGAIN, ALL GAUGES ARE COMPLETELY NORMAL, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT ALL TO WARN ME THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND NOW IT CANT BE DRIVEN. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. WHY DOESNT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR GAUGES WORK TO WARN OF POSSIBLE ISSUES, THIS HAS TO HE A DEFECT AND WHAT IS THE CHIRPING, STALLING, LOSS OF POWER? IF MY ENGINE WAS GOING BAD, WHY DID THE SYSTEM FAIL TO ALERT ME?

  6. Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 20, 2019

    I HAVE NOW HAD TWO MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY HYBRID. THE FIRST WAS 5 MONTHS AGO. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN HE LOST POWER AND THE ENGEN STARTED SMOKING AND MAKE HORRIBLE NOISES. WE HAD A ROD THROWN THROUGH THE ENGINE AND HAD TO REPLACE IT ($3200). THEN ON FRIDAY MORNING I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN I LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND THE HYBRID WARNING SYSTEM STARTED GOING OFF. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE TOLD ME I WILL NEED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION, HE ALSO SAID THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRIDS. IT IS ABOUT A $4000 REPLACEMENT. PLEASE HELP THOSE OF US THAT PUT OUR TRUST IN THIS VEHICLE AND ARE NOW PAYING FOR IT.

  7. Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jul 12, 2019

    THE POWER TO THE ENGINE CUTS OUT WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON.

  8. Engine, Jul 8, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, OIL, AND LOW BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RE-ENTER THE HIGHWAY; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE LOST MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONNECTING ROD BEARING IN THE ENGINE SHOWED STRESS FRACTURES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI OF ASHEVILLE (LOCATED AT 860 TUNNEL RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28805, (828) 298-4911). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. PIIR=Y.

  9. Engine, Jul 7, 2019

    TAKARA RECALLL. ENGINE HAS 108, ??? MILES ON IT, LOWER END OF THE ENGINE HAS A ROD BEARING OR MAIN BEARING KNOCK,

  10. Power train, Engine, Jul 5, 2019

    I OWN A 2012 HYUNDIA SONATA SE WITH 136,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS A LONG LIST OF ISSUES FROM PURCHASE DATE OF 2011 TO RIGHT NOW. THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN JERKING, STALLING AND NOT HAVING FULL POWER INTERMITTIENTLY AS OF THE THREE YEARS BUT THIS SURPASSES IT ALL. JULY 2, 2019. I WAS LEAVING FROM A PARKING LOT IN REVERSE AND HEARD A LOUD BOOM NOISE, I THOUGHT A COLLISION OCCURED. I LOOKED ALL AROUND AND NOTHING WAS THERE. SO, I PLACE THE GEAR INTO DRIVE.....BOOM AGAIN. MY ENTIRE BODY SHOOK AND THE CAR PROCEED TO JERK AND HESISTATE THROUGH THE PARKING LOT. NERVOUSLY, I HAD TO GET ON TO THE DANGEROUS INTERSTATE 35 SOUTH AND THE CAR STRUGGLED TO GET THE OPTIMAL ENTRANCE SPEED ONTO THE FREEWAY. IT JERKED MORE AND MORE WHILE ON THERE AND IMMEDIATELY EXITED AT THE FIRST EXIT. THE RPM DIAL WAS EXTREMELY HIGHER THAN NORMAL. I HAD TO TAKE SIDE ROADS TO AVOID BEING HIT OR HITTING SOMEONE TO MY HOUSE. I HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY TERRIFIED DRIVING THIS CAR BEFORE WITH THE STOP AND GO JERKING COMBINED WITH RANDOMLY NOT STARTING, BUT NOW I'M BEYOND THAT NOW. DRIVING THE LAST COUPLE DAYS HAS ME A NERVOUS WRECK WITH THE READING OF THIS ISSUE HAPPENING NATIONWIDE WITH OUR KIDS IN TOW. PLEASE NHTSA, MAKE HYUNDIA ACCOUNTABLE WITH THESE DOCUMENTED UNSAFE CARS ON OUR ROADS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. THANK YOU

  11. Engine, Jul 5, 2019, fire

    THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DRIVING DOWN WICKENBURG HIGHWAY AND A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE AND SMOKE. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND OPENED HOOD AND ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES.

  12. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 4, 2019

    ENGINE FAILURE: I OWN A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. ON JULY 2, 2019, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES AN HOUR WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. IT THEN STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY OCCURRENCE ESPECIALLY TO HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. BUT FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY CROSS OVER, SAFELY GET OFF AT THE NEAREST EXIT, AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SEVERAL WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON THE CAR (INCLUDING THE ENGINE LIGHT) AND I DETECTED A SLIGHT BURNING ODOR (BUT NO FIRE). I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WASN'T REPAIRED BUT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST OFFICIAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (256 NORTH FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY) FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FOLLOWING RECALLS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MY VEHICLE: RECALL# 17V226000 (ENGINE), AND #15V568000 (ENGINE). AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE THE VEHICLE HAD OIL IN THE TANK AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 88,000 MILES ON IT WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE AFFECTED THE ENGINE AT ALL. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT BY REPORTING THIS INCIDENT, IT WILL ASSIST THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE ENGINE IN MY VEHICLE AS STATED IN THE RECALL AND THEREBY PREVENTING THIS FROM EVER HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS INCIDENT AND WOULDN'T WANT TO EVER SUBJECT MYSELF OR MY FAMILY (WHO ALSO RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE) TO A TERRIBLE INCIDENT SUCH AS THIS OR WORSE. *TR

  13. Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 2, 2019

    MY CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSING. THE CODE P1326 CAME UP AND NOBODY CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. MY CAR DOESN'T ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND TAKE A MINUTE TO SHIFT GEARS AND DRIVE PROPERLY. THERE HAS BEEN OPEN COMMUNICATION ON THE ISSUE BY OTHER PEOPLE.

  14. Engine, Jun 28, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO FIRE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V617000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 18V137000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BAYTOWN HYUNDAI (4343 EAST FWY, BAYTOWN, TX 77521, (281) 839-1020) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERENCED THE TWO ACTIVE RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

  15. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 27, 2019

    1)MY ENGINE LOCKED UP BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT NEVER TURN ON I HAD ON KNOWLEDGE OF ENGINE PROBLEMS UNTIL TODAY. 2)MY HEAD LIGHTS ARE DIM. 3)THE RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON BY IT SELF

  16. Engine, Jun 25, 2019

    WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON BUSY STREET APPROACHING HIGHWAY, CAR SHOOK, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THEN DIMMED AS CAR CAME TO A STOP AND DIED IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. IT COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED IN SECONDS, NOT AFFORDING DRIVER ENOUGH TIME TO MOVE TOWARD SHOULDER. AS HYUNDAI EXPLAINED, THE ENGINE FAILED AND, IN SO DOING, SENT ELECTRIC SURGE THAT ALSO "FRIED" THE STARTER. DEALER INDICATED THERE WERE PHOTOS OF ENGINE AFTER INCIDENT. LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THAT AFTER REMOVING THE STARTER, VISUAL INSPECTION ALLOWED HIM TO DETERMINE A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH HYUNDAI'S EXPLANATION. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR PRIOR. TWO PRIOR ENGINE-RELATED SAFETY RECALLS (ISSUED IN RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM) WERE PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NO SAFETY PROBLEMS WERE DETECTED. HYUNDAI ADVISED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR SONATAS, AND THEY REMAIN UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN/WHERE THIS WILL HAPPEN TO ANY SONATA. A LOCAL DEALER HAD SEVERAL ON LOT WITH SAME ISSUE. ENGINE AND STARTER NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND IT REMAINS UNDETERMINED IF ANY OTHER COMPONENTS WERE IMPACTED.

  17. Engine, Jun 25, 2019

    WHILE DRIVING FROM MY JOB MY CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING. HAD TO PUSH CAR INTO PARKINGLOT. IT STILL WILL NOT CRANK UP. RECEIVED A RECALL LAST YEAR IN MAIL. WENT TO DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND NOTHING BUT NOW ITS HAPPENING.

  18. Engine, Jun 22, 2019

    THE CAR WAS WORKING FINE. STARTED UP, ACCELERATED UP A HILL AND THE ENGINE DIED. THE MECHANIC SAID IT SEIZED THE ENGINE DESPITE PLENTY OF OIL

  19. Engine, Jun 20, 2019, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) IN WHICH THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE 'HARD'. IN ADDITION WHILE IDLING IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ROLL FORWARD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER JOHN AMATO HYUNDAI(8301 N. 76TH ST. MILWAUKEE WI.) WERE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  20. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, IT EXPERIENCED REDUCED ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE ENGINE SEIZED, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V934000 (ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 15V568000 (ENGINE); ALTHOUGH, IT EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,139.

  21. Engine, Jun 11, 2019

    ENGINE RECALL THERE IS OR NOT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW???

  22. Engine, Jun 9, 2019, fire

    I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN I HEARD AN ENGINE KNOCK I LOOKED OUT MY WINDOW TO SEE ORANGE FLAMES FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR PULLED OVER THE INTERIOR CAR AND GOLF IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD ONE ADULT PASSENGER A 12 YEAR OLD CHILD AND MYSELF IN THE VEHICLE WAS VERY SCARY.

  23. Power train, Engine, Jun 4, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 20 TO 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE HOOD AND BASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

  24. Electrical system, Engine, May 29, 2019

    THE FIRST TIME I WENT OUT TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT WOULDN'T START WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY. I CALLED HYUNDAI FREEHOLD AND THEY SAID THERE 'MAY BE' A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE BUT THEY WOULDN'T KNOW UNTIL THEY BROUGHT IT IN. (REALLY, EVEN WITH THE MASSIVE RECALLS ACROSS THE NATION? OKAY.) THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE TOW. THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME AFTER THE FACT. I PLAYED DUMB AND HAD IT TOWED TO THEM BUT REPORTED IT TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE. THEN HYUNDAI OF FREEHOLD ADMITTED THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME A NEW ENGINE. THE SECOND TIME I WAS COMING OUT OF THE COLLEGE FROM A NIGHT CLASS AND IT WOULDN'T START. I CALLED THEM THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING (WE WON'T PAY FOR THE TOW WE WILL REIMBURSE YOU). THEY KNEW BY THE SECOND TIME AROUND THAT I HAD PURCHASED A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY SO EITHER WAY THEY WOULDN'T BE STUCK WITH THE BILL. I HAD IT TOWED BY THE THIRD PARTY AND PAID THE DIFFERENCE AS THE FIRST TIME. THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER. (HMMM, OKAY). NOW HERE I AM A FEW MONTHS LATER. AND I GO OUT TO MY CAR AND THE CAR ISN'T STARTING (AGAIN). SHOULD I BOTHER TO CALL THEM AND ASK THEM IF THEY WILL PAY FOR THE TOW THIS TIME? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE RIGHT AS LONG AS I'M NOT PAYING ANYTHING BUT HE DIFFERENCE AFTER THIRD PARTY PAYMENT YOU ASK? IT'S THE PRINCIPLE! ALSO, WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY THIRD PARTY AGREEMENT RUNS OUT AND THESE KNUCKLEHEADS ARE STILL SAYING (WE HAVE TO SEE IF IT'S SOMETHING WE DID!?! OR WORSE YET, SOMETHING HAPPENS WHILE I'M OUT WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD?! THEY ARE CLEARLY DOING THIS TO OTHER PEOPLE I CHECKED THEIR YELP PAGE I'M NOT THE ONLY VICTIM. PLEASE HELP?! I CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT UNTIL MY THIRD PARTY WARRANTY IS UP FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR GIVE ME A VEHICLE OF THE SAME VALUE MINS THE PROBLEMS. IT'S LITERALLY BEEN ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. AND FORGET ABOUT ASKING FOR A LOANER!

  25. Service brakes, Engine, May 9, 2019

    I BELIEVE MY CAR HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V759000 BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD DETERIORATION I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO COME ON AND STAY ILLUMINATED PREVENTING ACCURATE COMMUNICATION TO REARWARD FOLLOWING VEHICLES THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHIFT THE THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. LASTLY, WHEN THIS ALL OCCURS WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE LOSES POWER AS OFF I AM PRESSING THE BREAK. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET, HIGHWAY AND WHILE TURNING.