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: engine
577 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 13, 2016
THE CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE CAR ALSO HESITATES, AND IT IS A LOUD ROARING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE ISSUES OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, AND ON THE CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY. WHEN I PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE THE CAR CUTS OFF.
Engine, Aug 22, 2016
I DRIVE 45 MINUTES ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY BETWEEN FORT COLLINS, CO AND CHEYENNE, WY EACH DAY. AS I ARRIVED IN CHEYENNE AND EXITED THE FREEWAY I MADE ONE TURN TO THE RIGHT ON TO MISSLE DR AND WAS ROLLING FORWARD WHEN THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING. I MANAGED TO MAKE A TURN TO THE LEFT AND COAST SLIGHTLY UP THE HILL NEAR THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, NOTHING WORKED AND I COULD SMELL AND SEE ELECTRICAL SMOKE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND MELTED THE STARTER. I DID SEE SMOKE BUT NO FLAMES. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AT 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE BETWEEN FT COLLINS AND CHEYENNE. AT THIS TIME I'M WAITING TO HEAR IF MY CAR IS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 15, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT END. THE POLICE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,658.
Engine, Aug 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PAN. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Engine, Jul 28, 2016
I HAVE TRIED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES TO GET MY RECALL SERVICED AT HOOMAN HYUNDAI IN INGLEWOOD, CA AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO WORK ON MY CAR. I KEEP GETTING EXCUSES. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THEM TO CHECK MY ENGINE BECAUSE IT CAN STALL.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 22, 2016
I WRITING BECAUSE I AM HAVING ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE. IT WILL NOT CRANK. THE BATTERY IS NOT DEAD BECAUSE THE LIGHTS, RADIO COMES ON, IT WILL NOT CRANK AT ALL I HAVE A PUSH BOTTON ONE. I TOOK IT FOR A OIL CHANGE ON JULY 15 2016 AND HAD TO PAY A EXTRA $75.00 FOR AIR FILTER CHANGE. NOW BEFORE I GOT THE OIL CHANGE MY CAR WAS FINE. SO ON MONDAY 18, 2016 LEAVING THE RESTAURANT MY CAR WILL NOT START.I PRESS THE BOTTON AND NOTHING HAPPEN I SMELL AND SAW SMOKE. LEFT UP THE HOOD NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I READ ON MEDIA NETWORK, SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2012 2.0 T SONATA HYUNDAI, CAR NOT STARTING AND MINES IS ONE OF THEM. I JUST GOT THE CAR MARCH OF LAST YEAR AND NOW THE CAR IS ACTING UP. I DON'T HAVE $1200.00 TO PAY WHAT MEDLIN HYUNDAI IN ROCKY MOUNT CAN'T FIND. THE SERVICE GUY SAYS IT MYBE THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR, WHEN SOMEONE TRIED TO JUMP START IT THROUGHT IT OFF. BUT I TOLD HIM THAT BEFORE I EVEN GOT A JUMP START. THE CAR MADE A NOISE AND WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THEY STILL BLAMING ME BUT I THINK ITS THEIR FAULT. THE SERVICES GUY SAID THAT THE PERSON THAT CHANGE THE OIL AND AIR FILTER THE CAR ACT LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO START. SO WHY DIDN'T THEY TELL ME THAT? I FEEL THAT THEY MESS IT UP OR THERE IS A ISSUE WITH ALL THE 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0 T THAT A RECALL NEED TO BE SO THE DEALERSHIP CAR FIX THE ALL PROBLEMS FREE. I NEED THIS TO GO TO CEO OF HYUNDAI. THERE IS SOMETHING TRUELY WRONG WITH 2012 HYUNDAI 2.0 T SONATA. AND YOU KNOW THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. HE SAID IT WAS NO FUSE BLOWN, ONLY THING THEY CAN ASSUME THAT IT'S THE COMPUTER IS DYSFUNCTIONAL CAUSE OF THE JUMP. BUT THE CAR WAS SMOKING AND DIDN'T START BEFORE THE JUMP. THESE SONATA IS KILLING OUR POCKETS, EVEN THE USE ONES TOO EXPENSIVE. I DON'T GAVE $1,000 AND $1,000 TO PAY OUT, THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT PROBLEM IS. GOT CAR FROM GABE ROWE.
Engine, Jul 21, 2016
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL LAST YEAR. FINALLY, IN FEBRUARY 2016, HYUNDAI HAD A FIX FOR THE MANUFACTURER'S ALLEGED METAL DEBRIS THAT WAS GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AND DETERMINED ALL WAS WELL. TODAY, JUNE 21, 2016, THE CAR STALLED WHILE LEAVING FOR WORK. I RESTARTED THE CAR SUCCESSFULLY; HOWEVER, MILLISECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THIS KEPT HAPPENING EVERY TIME I RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER A FEW QUOTES, RANGING FROM $500 TO $1600+, AND THE HYUNDAI DEALER ADVISING THAT THE OIL CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED -- THAT "IT HAD AN EXTRA HOLE IN IT THAT WAS NOT FROM THE MANUFACTURER". THEY ALSO ADVISED THAT AFTER REPLACING THIS VALVE, THE ISSUE STILL MAY NOT BE RESOLVED. ADDITIONAL REPAIRS AND LABOR WOULD NEED TO BE DONE -- AT MY EXPENSE. I INQUIRED IF IT HAD TO DO ANYTHING WITH THE RECENT RECALL (MENTIONED ABOVE). SHE ADVISED , 'NO'. I FIND IT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THESE TWO INCIDENTS OR ISSUES ARE UNRELATED. AFTER READING ABOUT THE MANY SONATA OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD ENGINE TROUBLE, I'M AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE.
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 14, 2016
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER AND TOOK A WRONG TURN ENDING UP ON A DEAD END STREET ON A HILL IN SONORA. WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE TURNED AROUND THEN STARTED GOING FORWARD MY ENTIRE CAR AND BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. I QUICKLY THROUGH ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THAT STOPPED ME FROM HITTING A TREE. THANK GOD IT HAPPENED THERE AS THE NEXT MORNING I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A 2 LANE MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY WITH ALL 3 OF MY DAUGHTERS ON A HOLIDAY WEEKEND AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. MY CAR HAS HAD ALL SERVICES AND HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED RECENTLY THERE WERE NO ISSUES AND NO RECALLS
Engine, Jul 11, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND FIRE NEXT TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FRACTURED METAL FRAGMENTS WERE IN THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO FAIL. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine, Jul 7, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 5 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Engine, Jul 4, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" MY VEHICLE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE A ROD IS GOING BAD. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED ON REGULAR BASIS. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM AND I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME AND THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON SECOND LETTER FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. IN THE MEAN TIME, MY CAR IS NOT FIXED AND THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE. IN NEED OF HELP AND I WAS OUT OF TOWN VACATIONING WITH FAMILY LEAVING ORLANDO FLORIDA WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURED ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING SLOW UP IN TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH.
Engine, Jun 7, 2016
ON MY WAY TO WORK I HAD TURNED OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO A SIDE STREET AND MY VEHICLE STALLED OUT WITH NO WARNING OR WARNING LIGHTS. I COASTED IT TO THE SIDE TO SAFETY. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IT DID AND NO WARNING LIGHTS SHOWED UP BUT WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE IT STALLED OUT AGAIN. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WAITING ON AN ANSWER BUT SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE PART OF AN ENGINE RECALL. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL FAILURE IF IT HAPPENED ON THE EXPRESSWAY OR IN ANOTHER TRAFFIC SITUATION.
Engine, May 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Apr 28, 2016, crash
RECALL CAMPAIGN 132. VEHICLE STALLED/LOCKED UP CAUSING A COLLISION WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED AND RPMS WOULD FLUCTUATE INDEPENDENTLY WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Engine, Apr 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, A TAPPING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Engine, Apr 11, 2016
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE METAL DEBRIS IN VEHICLE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. HOWEVER, HE WASN'T SURE IF THE INSPECTION WAS VALID TO GUARANTEE THERE WON'T BE ANY PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. RECALL # 15V568000. *JB
Engine, Apr 9, 2016
AFTER ACQUIRING THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE IN 2012, HYUNDAI SONATA 2012 2.0T LIMITED, THE VEHICLE FAILED AND LOST ALL POWER JUST BEFORE ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE. I CALLED THE DEALER, O'BRIEN HYUNDAI DEALER AS AN EMERGENCY AS THE VEHICLE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND LACKING OF POWER TO USE IT AND I WAS ON THE ROAD. I MANAGED TO GET TO THE DEALER. THIS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 2500 MILES ONLY. A QUICK PATCH OR ADJUSTMENT WAS PERFORMED AT THE MOMENT. THE PATCH JUST LASTED SEVERAL WEEKS AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PERFORMING AS WHEN IT WAS BOUGHT 2 MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN IN THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND QUICK ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. I LEFT THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES FOR A FULL INSPECTION AND DEALER CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE IS IN WORKING ORDER. I TESTED VEHICLE WITH THE SHOP SUPERVISOR, JIM HAAS, WITH THE MECHANIC AND, OF COURSE, THEY ARE ALWAYS RIGHT. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 270 HP AND AFTER THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE PERFORMS AS 100HP AT THE MOST. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THE ISSUE FIXED, I DEMANDED TO REPLACE THE WASTEGATE CONTROLLER, JUST TO DISCARD ISSUES WITH THE ORIGINAL UNIT, AND TODAY, 4/9/16 THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A P2565 ERROR CODE, RELATED TO THE TURBOCHARGER WASTEGATE CONTROLLER. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF DEALING WITH SUCH A LACK OF INTEREST FROM HYUNDAI AND AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS. I AM JUST BANNING THIS BRAND FOR LIFE. I AM JUST WAITING TO RETURN THIS LEASE AND RUN OUT SUCH A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR DEALER.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2016
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM ENGINE. ALL MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. I LOST ALL POWER IN VECHICLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC MOTOR FAILURE AND THAT THE DEALER NEEDED TO PROVIDE A REPAIR. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT AT THE DEALER FOR LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR AND STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Mar 6, 2016
NOV. 2014 WHILE ACCELERATING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH THE MOTOR OF MY 2012 SONATA SUDDENLY SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. NARROWLY AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT! AFTER HOURS ON THE SIDE OF THE RODE IT WAS FINALLY TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. NOTE THIS HAPPENED AT 104,000 MILES, HYUNDAI CERTIFIED MECHANICS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THE"SEIZED ENGINE" WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE (WHICH WAS A BLATANT LIE) THEY INFORMED US THAT IT WOULD COST BETWEEN 5-6K FOR A NEW ENGINE OR OFFERED TO BUY THE CAR FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT WAS OWED ON IT; WHICH WAS A JOKE. AFTER MONTHS OF THE CAR SITTING IN MY YARD AND DOING NON-STOP RESEARCH, I NOTICED THAT THERE WERE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME. I CONTEMPLATED ON BUYING A USED ENGINE FOR THE CAR BUT THAT WOULD'VE JUST PUT ME IN THE SAME SITUATION DOWN THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC STATED WE COULD REBUILD THE MOTOR AFTER GOING THROUGH THE OIL PAN AND SEEING WITH OUR OWN EYES THE #2 BEARING SEIZED ONTO THE CRANK/ROD. I KNEW THERE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE A RECALL DUE TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE; SO, I OPTED ON PATCHING THE ENGINE WITH A NEW BEARING WITH THE SAME DAMAGED CRANKSHAFT, ROD, AND CAP AND WAIT FOR THE RECALL. SURE ENOUGH A YEAR OR SO LATER I GET 2 LETTERS INFORMING ME THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 132 AND THAT I NEEDED TO BRING IT IN FOR THE "SOUND" TEST IN WHICH IT PASSED????!!! NOW HYUNDAI IS REFUSING TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED MOTOR SAYING THEIR HANDS ARE TIED AND THAT THEY DID EVERYTHING NHTSA REQUIRES THEM TO DO... THE ONLY WAY TO PROPERLY TEST THAT MOTOR IS BY REMOVING THE OIL PAN AND VISUALLY INSPECT EVERY MOVING PART THAT COULD'VE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE METAL LEFT IN THE ROD BEARING JOURNALS. WHAT BLOWS MY MIND IS THAT HYUNDAI HAS PROOF THAT THIS ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BY THE RECALL BUT REFUSES TO STAND BEHIND THE RECALL AND/OR THEIR PRODUCT ESPECIALLY WITH IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE
Engine, Mar 4, 2016
I WAS DRIVING ON A 6 LANE CITY ROAD.. I GOT IN A LEFT HAND TURN LANE. THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE LIGHT WAS RED. WHEN IT TURNED TO A GREEN ARROW., I PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO GO AND THE ENGINE HAD STALLED. I HAD JUST FILLED UP WITH GAS THE NIGHT BEFORE SO I KNEW I WAS NOT OUT OF GAS. I TURNED OFF THE STATIONARY, STALLED CAR AND TRIED TO START IT AGAIN. NOTHING! THE ENGINE DIED AS I SAT AT A RED LIGHT. I HAD IT TOWED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. ONE MINUTE IT WAS RUNNING FINE AND THE NEXT MINUTE WITHOUT WARNING SIGNS, IT WAS DEAD. A FEW MINUTES BEFORE I HAD BEEN ON A FREEWAY WITH MY CAR RUNNING FINE. IF IT HAD HAPPENED THEN THERE COULD HAVE SERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.
Engine, Feb 29, 2016
MOTOR KNOCKS GOING UP HILLS.AND HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR 2-YRS.
Engine, Feb 26, 2016
I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA THAT MY CAR IS PART OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN 15V-568. THE ISSUE IS METAL DEBRIS FROM THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR AND POSSIBLE ENGINE SEIZING. THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE WILL EVALUATE THE ENGINE WITH A "SOUND" TEST, ONLY, TAKING ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THIS BEING THE AUTHORIZED METHOD FROM HYUNDAI TO THIS DEALER. I ASSUME THAT NHTSA HAS APPROVED THIS METHOD OF EVALUATION. THIS METHOD OF TESTING WILL ONLY IDENTIFY THOSE ENGINES THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED ENOUGH EXCESS WEAR TO CAUSE UNUSUAL NOISES. THIS DEPENDENT ON MILES DRIVEN WHICH WILL VARY SIGNIFICANTLY AMONG THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES EFFECTED. METAL DEBRIS BLOCKING OIL PASSAGES WILL NOT BE DETECTED BY THIS TEST. CRANKSHAFT AND BEARING DAMAGE DUE TO METAL DEBRIS THAT WILL BE A LONG TERM PROBLEM WILL NOT BE DETECTED BY THIS NOISE TEST. VEHICLES WITH LOW MILEAGE SUCH AS MINE MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH DAMAGE SUSTAINED TO CAUSE ANY DETECTABLE NOISES AT THIS TIME. THE PROPER EVALUATION OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM WOULD CONSIST OF REMOVING OF THE OIL PAN AND INSPECTING FOR DEBRIS, DISASSEMBLY OF THE OIL PUMP FOR INSPECTION, REMOVAL OF ALL CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS AND INSPECTION FOR METAL DEBRIS OR PREMATURE WEAR. THIS PROCESS WOULD PROVIDE A MORE REASONABLE ASSURANCE THAT A FUTURE ENGINE SEIZURE WOULD NOT OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM REPRESENTS SAFETY UNCERTAINTY UNLESS PROPERLY EVALUATED, WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE IS BEING DONE PER YOUR APPROVAL TO THIS MANUFACTURER. IF POSSIBLE, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A COPY OF YOUR WRITTEN APPROVAL TO THIS MANUFACTURER TO USE THE SOUND TEST FOR THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. I AM AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER AT ANY TIME [XXX] THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).? *TR