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, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power and staled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,011.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the key symbol warning light displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the highway and was able to use a trailer to tow the vehicle to the residence. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline) which she linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine, Oct 25, 2023
while traveling at interstate speeds vehicle engine failed along with some associated electronics. Vehicle was a risk of being impacted by other vehicles traveling at greater speed until moved to the shoulder. Vehicle was towed and inspected by service center that stated the engine was seized up due to possible bearing issues. No warning lamps illuminated until time of engine failure. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by Hyundai or insurance.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 23, 2023
While driving on the freeway, the Hybrid system warning, safely stop and do not drive will alternately flash with check brake and continuously the alarm sound with the park brake red light. The car would loose acceleration, and the brake pedal goes to the floor when applied. Once stopped, I restarted the car and the same things happen. The car can accelerate on and off for about 5mph. Brake pedal still goes to the floor. After restarting the car for 30-minutes- 1 hour, there are no warning lights or alarm. The car can be driven again. I brought to independent mechanic and found the code C1604 and there’s a recall 251 on ABS brake system- recommended to bring to dealer. Brought to dealer, they say that recall 251 had no fix yet. They diagnosed that the safety plug relay needs to be replaced. Dealer replaced it and said that the car is fixed. Pick up the car from the dealer. After 20 miles of driving the same problem occurred- Hybrid system warning, safely stop and do not drive will alternately flash with check brake and continuously the alarm sound with the park brake red light. Had the car towed back to the dealer. After 2 days, the dealer says it’s possibly a transmission issue. I asked how come it wasn’t diagnosed the first time around? No clear response.issue occurred 4 times already.
Engine, Oct 14, 2023
Due to the recall of my car's engine (VIN [XXX] ), on July 11, 2023, I dropped off my 2012 Hyundai Sonata to get my faulty and failing engine inspected at my local Hyundai dealership. After being approved for an engine replacement, I submitted the necessary paperwork proving ownership and routine maintenance of my vehicle. Two months of ineffective and infrequent communication went by thus leaving me without my vehicle. Unfortunately, Hyundai Motor America/corporate headquarters made it increasingly difficult to meet all their prerequisites to have my recalled engine replaced, which, ironically, is due to their faulty engineering. To replace the engine myself would cost nearly $5000. After finally being given confirmation that all necessary documents were submitted, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement stating completely false and confusing reasons. The reasons (attached) genuinely proved the company's disinterest in helping me; I have never requested an engine replacement before nor have ever owned a Hyundai before this one--which will be my last. When questioned, an HMA representative referred me to the Better Business Bureau, confidently believing the BBB would overturn HMA's decision. Unfortunately, the BBB was unable to assist due to the age of the car. Any class action suits against Hyundai only cover vehicles manufactured between 2013 and present-day. That said, my car is still unsafe and inoperable, which, with a pregnant wife (who is also in the National Guard), is absolutely unacceptable. I feel compelled to escalate this situation until it is resolved. With the above stated, I would like Hyundai Motor America to replace the current engine within my 2012 Hyundai Sonata and also provide proof of my previous “requests” for an engine replacement---which do not exist. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 12, 2023
Car completely shut down suddenly and spontaneously without ANY warning while my husband and I were driving on a very busy major highway at night. We were unable to do ANYTHING to control the car and could have died, been seriously injured, or caused death or injury to other drivers. We were then towed off of the highway after calling for help. We don’t know firsthand exactly what failed. We were aware of our engine burning oil and had been to Huffines Hyundai multiple times previously for an oil consumption test at their recommendation. Upon completion of this test process no solutions for repair were offered, and we were never warned of any danger in driving it. We have found out via our own research that our car has a defective engine. This specific engine has been the subject of at least one class action lawsuit and Hyundai is well aware of its dangers. We have been denied an engine replacement by Hyundai as they are claiming negligence on our part as the reason for failure after we presented a substantial stack of oil change receipts. Not 100% complete, so they make this claim. These cars are death traps and people are dying because this company won’t honor their warranty. Please do something.
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the hybrid warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over, self-inspected the vehicle, and noticed there was oil spread all over the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the crankshaft pulley bolt was loose. The contact stated that the vehicle had the engine replaced approximately 15 months ago. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the crankshaft pulley bolt was loose; however, they stated it became loose over time and that it was not the mechanic who replaced the engine fault. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and got in contact with the dealer to have the repairs performed free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 30, 2023, fire
While driving, the engine abruptly seized up and stopped without any warning. This was a replacement engine from a previous recall. The transmission warning light had illuminated the previous day, after which the car began to hesitate when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear but otherwise drove normally. When the engine seized up, every warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The car still had full battery power but the engine would not turn over or make any response when the key was turned. After placing the car in neutral and pushing it several blocks, the engine began to smoke. The smoke progressively and quickly worsened until fire was visible under the hood in the engine compartment. The engine compartment was then engulfed in fire which spread to the front of the passenger compartment. The car had to be extinguished by the local volunteer fire department.
Engine, Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil and that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 27, 2023, fire
This is a 2012 sonata hybrid. The vehicle popped under the hood when my wife was driving to visit her father. My son opened the hood and fire started shooting out from next to the exhaust manifold. The car was just into Gurnee Hyundai for service. They had the car for a month and a half. I still don't think that they did anything when they had it. Anyway, the car burnt completely to the ground in the front engine area. I already contacted Hyundai America, and, even Hyundai and South Korea. This happened on September 8th. I have pictures, I also have the warranty individual who inspected the car before the dealer worked on it, or I have the warranty information. They have the documentation.
Engine, Aug 25, 2023
The engine on my vehicle is knocking and causing the vehicle to slow down on its own and the vehicle to overheat.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
Hybrid System Malfunction. The "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" appeared on the vehicle dashboard. While traveling on the highway or in town the vehicle will want to slow down then stop. The dealership's (Wyatt Johnson Hyundai) Clarksville, TN, maintenance tech have troubleshot the vehicle. Since my daughter and I have owned the vehicle, it has been seen by the dealer a few times during this time a transmission replacement was completed for the Hybrid System Malfunction, which did not solve the problem and I had to pay out almost $6,000. Still, same issue arises and also, I was told by another tech that the transmission is sealed and should not have been opened. The only thing we heard from the dealer(Wyatt Johnson Hyundai) was to come and pick up the car. When my son-n-law went to pick up the vehicle, the engine was still torn apart. They said they would fix it and then let us know when it is ready to be picked up. We have not heard anything from the dealer (Wyatt Johnson Hyundai) at all, assuming they are still working on it. Until, we received a letter from Express Auto the the vehicle was towed and reported abandoned. So, I drove to Clarksville, TN and trailered the vehicle back to Las Vegas, NV to have the Hyundai techs here diagnose the vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VN. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the timing chain had fractured and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight and taillight bulbs would burn out and require frequent replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Engine, Jul 23, 2023, fire
The car engine has seized while I was driving. Engine started smoking up and car won’t start
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The car completely shut off in the middle of the road. It coasted to a nearby gas station and would not crank back up. There was NO oil in the vehicle, but no leaks and is up to date on oil changes and servicing. After putting oil in the engine, the car was able to crank and we attempted to drive it home. It stalled in the middle of the road and completely shut off and would not drive. It had to pushed out of the middle of the road, stopping traffic and risking our safety. Two mechanics saw us and stopped by to take a look. Upon inspection of the oil/engine they noted metal shavings (gritty) oil and the engine sounded like a propellor when we tried cranking it. It is available for inspection, however it is currently sitting on the side of the road in someone's yard. This problem has been noted on a recall with Hyundai Sonata vehicles, (metal shavings inside the block, debris circulates through the block and ends up stuck in the oil galleries, which is exactly what appears to have happened) It has not been inspected yet, I'm trying to see where I can get it towed. There were no warning lamps whatsoever before it shut off. Now, the engine light is on. and the oil light came on after it shut down the first time, but went off upon putting oil in it.
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
I went to get my car fixed at a local garage but the employee came back with a recall information form printed out and said my engine and oil consumption problem was under a recall and would not charge me for the work. Hyundai dealership in Brockton. Ma refused to fix the issues & made my car further damaged and gave me a 1 week rental. I’ve had this car for a little over 1 year. Now today my car lit up lights on the dash while I was driving, locked up and won’t start. I’m currently on the side of the road.
Engine, Jul 12, 2023
Engine completely stopped working while driving down the road. Brought to mechanic and told seized engine.
Engine, Jun 27, 2023
I purchased a 2012 Hyundai sonata from Dulles auto in Leesburg VA at the end of Feb. 2023 on June third my husband and I were driving on 395 at 74 miles and hours and lost all power to our car. We were in the middle of the highway around 2:00 pm and we manage to get over to the side with out getting hit as the engine was smoking !!!. We then called a tow truck which took 2 hours because there was another accident behind us that could not move and tow truck was stuck in that. We were in the wedding and missed the ceremony which is devastating. We had the car towed to dealer and they looked at the car and said engine seized and needs to be towed to a Safford brown Hyundai in Leesburg. We did just that. We asked for a loaner car from dealer that we bought car from and from Hyundai and both said they didn't have any loaner. They both told me i can rent a car but no guarantee if i will get reimbursed. I have three drivers in my house and a car i had for 3months and 1 week before it broke down. I still have no car no loaner and no help. Hyundai in Leesburg did everything that Hyundai corp asked and took pictures i showed proof that the dealer did oil change 12-22 before i bought end of Feb. 2023. They then asked for engine cover be removed and then it was diagnosed as sludge on the engine and that is why it has seized and can not be repaired. It would cost $9000 to fix and I bought it for 12,000.00 for my 17 year old. No one will take responsibility or help so we are asked what we can do and what rights we have. During the 3months that we had the car it ran great and no lights ever came on or any warnings that why it was such a shock when this happened. I have lost work time for all the hours i have to put in for this and get no calls back or help. Please contact me at [XXX]/ I can get picture and notes from Hyundai if needed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
Made a left turn on a busy intersection when all of a sudden the knocks from the engine got loud and and an alarm came up stating to pull over and to stop my car. I had it towed to the dealership where they state that it’s a connecting rod issue that has an extended warranty on it. They recommended that I have the entire engine replaced. I filed a claim with their claims department where they denied it because I was apparently out of warranty with it. I am not because their extended warranty covers up to 150,000 miles and I’m at 104575 miles.
Power train, Engine, Jun 20, 2023
My car is burning oil very fast it has a engine campaign running but Hyundai refuses to fix it .. it cuts while driving it at high speeds
Engine, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that there was a failure with the engine. The contact called a second independent mechanic who informed him that there were recalls on the vehicle related to the knock sensor. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 213,443.
Engine, May 22, 2023
The vehicle has cut off while driving. My check engine light started flashing and the code P1326 was detected when diagnosed. Engine is making a tapping noise.
Engine, May 19, 2023
I bought this car from someone recently and was unaware of the engine recall, I did checking and found that there's a recall on the engine, it's knocking, can't be driven, it has 128,000 miles on odometer, does the recall expire because I read that they never expire, I love the car and would really like to have it repaired.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 11, 2023
I was driving on a busy street when all of a sudden. My car reduce speed hesitated There was a pull over Safely and don't drive this vehicle warning Message Every light on the dash came on and shut off in the middle of a busy street. THANK GOD I DIDNT GET HIT Didn't get the chance to pull over the car just shut off. The whole car died I had to have it towed way I tried changing 12 V battery to a brand new one still didn't work. I've had it towed to hyundai dealer. What is wrong with this car? Still don't kno this happened in september of 2022 took it 2 different Hyundai dealerships. As I've been researching this is happening to a lot of people. With the same make a model car. I talk to corporate. They can't help me with anything because it's over a 150000 miles. You would think that they would help with some of the cause being the fact that is happening to all of the hybrid cars
Engine, May 7, 2023
On 04/25/2023 while driving to work my car all of a sudden started flashing “check engine light”. The flashing was continuous and my car lost almost all power and would not go above 2 rpm. It was terrifying. I immediately notified Hyundai and had my car towed to dealership. Now Hyundai is telling me I can’t get rental reimbursement until they approve and engine replacement, which can take up 2 months.