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
Engine, Oct 23, 2024, fire
Received Hyundai recall 251 the end of 2023. Car taken to Hyundai dealer in March 2024 and dealer could not make the repairs on the recall. The end of July, the car caught fire (engine fire) when the car was parked for 10 minutes. Car and adjacent structure was destroyed.
Engine, Oct 9, 2024, fire
My daughter had her car towed to the Hyundai dealership because of engine failure. Upon inspection we learned that there was a recall on the engine. We had to wait a few weeks so that the dealership could get approval and authorization to replace the engine. Finally after 3 or so weeks we got a courtesy car to drive. After about 4 weeks our car was finally ready to pick up so we took the courtesy car back and picked up our car. After about 4 months or so maybe my daughter went to her friends house one afternoon and her and her friend left in the friends car. They had been gone maybe 10 minutes or so and her friends neighbor called her friend and said that her car was on fire and they had already called the fire department but the car was engulfed in flames and before the fire department could get to it the whole car burnt to the ground. Nothing left but the shell of the car. The fire marshal said that the source of the fire was under the hood. Thats where the fire ignited he said. Luckily no one was injured or hurt. But this is after I had the recall motor put in. It was super scary and very upsetting because no one seems like they want to help us either.
Engine, Sep 22, 2024
connecting rod bearing failed
Engine, Sep 20, 2024
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle, and an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. Despite the vehicle repeated engine shut off failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service. The vehicle was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 1, 2024, fire
On July 29, 2024, my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was parked in our driveway. About 10 minutes later an engine fire started that consumed the car. The local Fire Departmemt put out the fire but the car was totaled. The fire also destroyed a storage shed and some windows were damaged. The car was taken to the Hyundai Dealer for servicing when the engine light came on on March of 2024. The car was left for a few days with the dealer. The NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 was not repaired during that service call.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The passenger's side front tire was extremely hot. The contact stated that the RPM increased to high, and the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. There was an abnormal electrical burning odor detected. The vehicle was hard to start. The contact stated that the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. On several occasions, the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to retrieve any DTC trouble codes. The bearing was fine but was replaced at the owner's request. The mechanic test-drove the vehicle for five hundred miles but was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the ECM was fried. The ECM was replaced, but no update was provided. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the wiring harness had a short circuit and that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Engine, Jun 18, 2024, fire
Airbag clock springs module malfunction disabling emergency deployment of the driver’s side airbag in the event of a collision. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo with 93,336 miles on it, ending seized up going at highway speed causing instant and complete loss of power. Smoke started coming out from under the front engine compartment hood making me think the car was on fire. Trying to get the car manuvered off the highway and over to the right side of the road I was almost involved in a collision with other traffic. I was scared almost to death. Hyundai Motor America is now refusing to repair my vehicle even though it is covered under their extend warranty.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
Engine stalled in middle of the road while travelling. It put me in danger of getting into an accident. Tried getting appointment with dealership and nonappointments available for next 30 days. No warnings before the failure.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2024, fire
On the morning of April 15, 2024, at around 6 a.m., our 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid unexpectedly caught fire and exploded in front of our house. This incident occurred shortly after I started the car and left it to warm up. Smoke and flames emerged from under the hood, quickly escalating until the front of the vehicle exploded, shattering the windows and extensively damaging the driver and passenger sides. Previously, we had noticed a fuel odor emanating from the hood, which we suspected was related to a known fuel recall issue. We brought the vehicle to the manufacturer's attention, hoping for a resolution under the recall. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not address the fuel smell as part of the recall services and instead billed us for unrelated repairs. This oversight on their part raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the recall process and the manufacturer's accountability in ensuring the safety of their vehicles.
Engine, May 25, 2024
The engine failed causing my steering and breaks to lock up on the interstate going 70mph surrounded by 18 wheelers, which was a total surprise as my car had no warning lamps on. Fortunately, I was able to guide my Hyundai safely to the side of the highway where I waited 5 hours for a tow truck. After leaving my car at Hyundai for 3 weeks due to an engine recall I was totally unaware of, they informed me they will not approve a new engine due to lack of service history? The only this lacking in my s"service history" are a few oil changes which I did myself due to the engine burning so much oil due to the recall. After eight years in the military as a mechanic I'm pretty sure I can handle an oil change on a sedan. Hyundai also refused to put me in a loaner for any of this process. [XXX] informed me that "my vehicle was effected by the sonata engine connecting rod bearing inspection campaign. Additionally, the warranty coverage for the engines short block assembly (consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, May 3, 2024
I was driving. The tailpipes started smoking I checked engine oil and it was almost empty. No check engine light came on. The engine could have locked up on me on a state hwy that has a 60mph limit! No warning light. No low oil light. No lights came on at all ever. The car still doesn't have any light on but has oil consumption like I've never experienced. The engine was replaced in 2019 and only has about 63,000 miles on it.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to restart. After numerous attempts, the vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Wheels, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 31, 2024
Approx one year post engine replacement, and 2 weeks prior turbo system replacement, I am having major issues with my sonatait struggles to stay started, it always hesitates and doesn't want to move when I press accelerator, shakes jolts and shudders, the smell of burning oil comes thru the vents and even smoke comes out from under the vehicle. The engine is leaking masses amounts of oil that seem to be leaking from all over the under carriage and half way to the back underneath the car, oil is in the wheel wells, and even splashed on the rims, the spark plugs are covered in oil, huge plums of white and dark smoke come out of the tailpipes, literally blinding anyone behind me, press the accelerator to the floor and it just shudders and smokes even more, check engine light is on and states malfunctioning turbo system, boost pressure sensor malfunction, sluggish will not gain speed, oil within the turbo blow by hose and in intake hose area, now I have coolant pouring out and the reservoir the coolant will be literally boiling. This is not good at all especially after a year post engine replacement and turbo replacement. When the car is started I push start and car struggles to start the starter keeps screeching and car shudders for a good 45 seconds before it either dies out or finally starts. This vehicle should be a lemon and bought back regardless of age condition etc. A vehicle after engine replacement of only one year should not be pouring oil out of the engine, failed head gaskets,misfiring and leaking coolant. I keep receiving recall notice after recall notice in the mail stating I have recalls that need to be addressed but when checking using my vin it says there are no recalls needing fixing, that makes me uneasy and I don't feel safe driving the vehicle I lost faith in it all together
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise began to emit from the vehicle as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle began to lose power as the contact's daughter coasted the vehicle into a parking lot. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) which was linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Engine, Mar 4, 2024
2012 Hyundai Sonata engine ceased on [XXX] heading west away from Dallas, Texas on [XXX] leaving my young daughter stranded in the middle of nowhere on her way to Lubbock Texas. Daughter had car towed by AAA to the closest Hyundai dealer and Hyundai dealer did not advise daughter that recalled engine due to known failures that been replaced in or about 2011 at approx 60,000 miles was an engine known to fail post engine replacement and expected to fail again within approximately 50-60,000 miles oats replacement engine had same issues as original recalled engine. Daughter sold car as junk for $200 to service guy at shop not knowing engine could be replaced. Dealers are not being forthcoming about replacing the engine. In this particular Hyundai Sonata, which, even though was replaced, previously, was known and expected to fail again according to service people. Hyundai needs to be held accountable for this issue and not just brush off the problem and not make it public that all these cars should be recalled. Daughter could’ve been hurt on the interstate and we’re fortunate. She was not hurt but she was very frightened by the ordeal, forced to purchase a new car as she was told her car could not be repaired by repair shop, at great expense, and great stress and frightening experience for young girl. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
My engine has locked up at 60,000 miles . I got the car when it was only 30,000 miles on it back in Jan 2021. It locked up on me in Oct 2022. I took it to the Carolina Hyundai dealership . Corporate will not help me get the engine fixed because of the first owner not keeping up with the oil changes . But I did my part in keeping up with the vehicle maintenance. I even tried filing this with BBB Auto but it went in their favor . All because I could not get the information for the maintenance of the vehicle that happened 2012-2016. Due to privacy and security reasons . Auto shops will not release what was done on the vehicle and some was not reporting to CarFax then when the car was owned by the first owner . Please help .
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Feb 9, 2024
My vehicle sometimes stops on the highway. I get the alert hybrid system warning, do not drive. The dealership was charging over $8000 to fix the problem. They even told me they don't know if the problem will be solved after changing my oil pump
Air bags, Engine, Structure, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle and noticed that the dashboard was severely cracked. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed about similar failures with 2011-2014 vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,696.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 26, 2023, fire
I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
The headlights and rear break lights keep going out, we have changed the bulbs multiple times and they keep burning out and not within months it happens within weeks the bulbs completely burn out which has caused us to be stopped by police and given warnings. The headlights look very dim when on which as well have been changed but still give a dim look. The engine has given out, the last time driving the vehicle was a 60 mile road which it lost velocity momentum and the engine light turned on then it completely shut off almost crashing into a light post.
Engine, Dec 16, 2023
I started financing my 2012 Hyundai in 2019. Feb of 2021 the vehicle stopped without any warning. I paid to get the vehicle towed to Brandon Hyundai in which the did replace the engine and the starter free of charge. I was able to continue to drive my vehicle everything seemingly fine. Fast forward to late 2023 the engine light is back on, I’ve taken my vehicle to Hyundai dealership several times relating to the engine light being on each time having nothing resolved in regards to this matter with Hyundai stating theres no one there who’re able to inspect the engine. My oil light has remained on for a number of months in 2023 I’ve had to get an oil change several times this year and Hyundai isn’t able to explain as to why the vehicle isn’t retaining oil.12/15/23 around 11 pm the vehicle began to make an unfamiliar noise, stall, jerk and not accelerate. I am now unable to drive my vehicle and have to loss hope in my vehicles reliability and most importantly my safety.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 13, 2023
Alarm started and Hybrid brake check warning instructed to pull over and do not drive. This happened while driving down the road. The car lost power and would not accelerate. The brakes were gone and were making a grinding noise.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 25, 2023
Illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp and/or ABS (Anti-lock brake system) light. My 2012 Sonata Hybrid has been towed twice to Key Hyundai dealer in Jacksonville, FL. They charged me several thousand dollars and the vehicle ABS lamp remains illuminated. The dealership did not offer me alternative transportation and I feel unsafe driving the vehicle. On Friday November 12th they blamed the brake lamp illumination on the Hybrid main battery and gave me an estimate of $12,900.00 to replace the battery. The first time I took the vehicle in for this problem my vehicle was still under 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. My car has approximately only 35,000 miles driven. They did not honor the warranty. This is a brake issue not a battery issue.