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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
After intermittent starting and car dying for no reason, the engine completely died while driving on highway. I filed a claim with Hyundai as part of Theta Engine settlement. I had the engine replaced at my expense, they will not cover. It is now burning oil at an alarming rate. This is dangerous and has happened to many many HYUNDAI/KIA owners as part of this engine problem.
Engine, Apr 21, 2023
When driving to work, the engine just stop without any warning signs. I had to tow my car to the mechanic and he told me that my engine was seized. My oil change is up to date.
Engine, Apr 18, 2023
As i was getting off the interstate, my car literally shut off completely, no warning signs or anything, so my fiance thought it was the alternator, went to get a new alternator, & my car still didnt crank, got a new starter, my car still didnt crank. So i had to tow it to an independent service center and he determined that my motor had seized. Which was weird because i kept my car up. My safety was put at risk because i could have had a wreck getting off the highway with cars coming down a ramp.
Engine, Apr 17, 2023
Hello, I am the second owner of this car since 6+ years. I had given the car for fluid flush as part of regular service at a local Firestone. The technician was on a test drive after service and the engine hydrolocked. I have been without a car since last 5 days and no one seems to take the responsibility and help me with replacing the defective engine as it has major known issues with engine. Please review and help. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 7, 2023
The car quit on road going 40 mph. Won't restart.
Seat belts, Engine, Apr 1, 2023
Oil leak
Power train, Engine, Mar 24, 2023
I was driving my car at approximately 45 MPH when my car began smoking and overheating and making a knocking sound from the engine. I pulled over and checked but had coolant in the vehicle as I had just got my car serviced 3 weeks prior. I was about to get onto the highway when my car decelerated and the oil lamp and engine light started flickering as my car lost power and started smoking profusely.
Engine, Mar 7, 2023
Hyundai denied engine replacement after providing them with complete and full oil change history.
Engine, Feb 28, 2023
Engine suddenly shutdown while driving in the middle of the road. Luckily, I was not on the highway. Had it towed to my mechanic and he told me that there was a class action lawsuit on these engines and that they were known to fail after 100,000 miles. I never got any notification about this problem. I am checking with the Hyundai dealership about replacing the engine.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2023
3 Months post oil change June 2022, oil plug fell out on highway and motor seized. Dealership advised motor no longer manufactured and recommended used motor supplier. Purchased a used motor with 80K on engine, had it installed in June of 2022. Dealership did oil change in December 2022, in February 2023 noticed oil smell and oil on the ground in driveway. Added 4.25 quarts of oil and started motor, attempted to locate the leak when noticed leak below motor. Turned off motor and found oil dripping from under car near the oil drain plug. Reached under car and touched oil drain plug with finger and plug fell out draining all oil to the ground. Had vehicle towed to the dealership, new oil change completed. Demanded the dealership install new oil drain plug, torque to manufacture specifications and apply lock tight to plug. Dealership stated they no longer remove the oil drain plug due to customer complaints and stated they only pump out the oil. When i asked them if that was a manufacture recommendation or their own they stated they started doing it due to multiple complaints from customers. Two engines 8 months apart, oil drain plug coming lose and falling out not a coincidence.
Engine, Feb 10, 2023
The engine has stalled in middle of the road on several occasions. I have a had an independent service center confirm.
Engine, Feb 10, 2023, fire
ENGINE FIRE “RECALL” -ENGINE FIRE / ALREADY HAD A FIRE INVESTIGATOR INSPECT MY VEHICLE - MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK , IM NOT HURT PHYSICALLY, BUT IM EMOTIONALLY TRAUMATIZED ,PTSD - THE PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED BY HYUNDAI . VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HYUNDAI’s INSPECTOR & MERCURY INSURANCE INSPECTOR. They said there was a leak in my engine which they had replaced the long block of my engine do to an engine recall . They replaced that in 2020. -NO WARNING LIGHTS On 01/03/23 I was at a stop light, I started to smell gas in my car , then I saw white smoke , i then looked at my gauges to see if there was any warning lights were on but there wasn’t . My heat temperature was normal . As I looked up I noticed black smoke started coming from my vehicle . I quickly shut off my car but that didn’t help stop the smoke . I literally got out of my vehicle rite before flames engulfed my vehicle . I immediately called 911 . & then contacted my insurance & Hyundai
Engine, Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,476.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
My check engine light came on when I took my car to certified collision they ran a diagnostic and it came up as the timing in the engine is off. I looked up that there was recalls on 2011 to 2014 on this same problem.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, suddenly there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed 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 failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2023
gasoline engine. yes, it is available. This vehicle has broken down and left me stranded at the side of the road more than a few times. It has failed on the Interstates , as well as local highways. The dealer refuses to replace the faulty engine. No warning lights have come on with regard to the gasoline engine. Ever since I purchased the vehicle, it sounds like there are marbles in the gas engine when its running at low rpm. The oil leaks are extreme and getting worse. It is smoking badly. I just do not have any more money to pour into this vehicle. I want a new engine from Hyundai.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 5, 2023, fire
My car started on fire while being stopped at a signal light
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the resident and then to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Engine, Nov 25, 2022
Excessive oil consumption. No oil leaks. Car has been using oil for quite some time, but now I need to add over a quart a month to keep the oil level in the recommended range.
Engine, Nov 21, 2022
Engine had a Rod knock failure out of Nowhere, Vechile went into limp mound with a very clear & loud knocking noise. Engine blew up entirely shortly afterwards.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 7, 2022
The car starts alarming out of nowhere while driving at 70 mph on the interstate and the Hybrid System Warning - Safely Stop and Do Not Drive along with the wrench, battery light and engine light all appearing on the dashboard to pull over and do not drive when this occurred I lost total control of the vehicle. The brake peddle goes all the way to the floor enabling me to stop and I lost the ability to steer the vehicle as the power steering went out as well while this was happening. I almost got killed as I was on the highway driving at 70 mph. I immediately put on my hazards lights to signal to other drivers that I was having mechanical problems. Thank GOD I was able to pull over without anyone hitting me from behind. I have had major major issues with this car since I purchased it the engine seized up on me in the same manner back in 2020 and the engine was replaced. Then there was an issue with the transmission and that was also replaced. Then the brake booster also failed and had to be replaced as well. Hyundai aught to be ashamed of the production of this vehicle as it is truly a severe risk to the lives of the consumers not just the person who is driving this vehicle but also to those who may be behind someone driving as this could cause a major accident and people could be killed. These cars need to be recalled and they need to get down to what is causing these issues in order to fix the problem. I pray that you all make Hyundai do a recall on this vehicle as I have googled and see that there has been many others that have encountered these same issues. I am filing this complaint in hopes of you all getting involved to do something about this. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Engine, Nov 5, 2022
Hyundai recall 198 was received after my engine was replaced. I started the reimbursement process with Hyundai 05/28/2021 at www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign198. On 11/15/2021 my reimbursement request was denied. I never received any notification about this. I only found out in early December 2021 when I checked the above website. After several subsequent communications with Hyundai, the claim was reinstated. Eventually, my claim was approved in April 2022. Per an email dated 04/12/2022, the claim was supposedly submitted for payment. I had my vehicle inspected at a Hyundai Dealer per their 03/08/2022 email. On 06/08/2022, Hyundai then requested proof of payment. I did make a partial payment of $2128.65 on 03/25/2020. Proof provided. I can't obtain any further proof of payment because I since had closed this account. Recently I requested help from the Minnesota Attorney Generals office. Hyundai responded on 10/10/2022. They won't make any payment without payment proof. I've tried doing everything Hyundai has requested yet is is never enough. I provided the repair invoice. I provided proof of inspections at a Hyundai dealer. PLEASE HELP ME. I've been dealing with this for a year and 9 months. I have endured so so much during this process. I wonder how many other Hyundai owners have been put through the hell I've had to deal with. I just want to be paid and put this horrific mater behind me once and for all. PS: This replacement engine failed me again on 05/19/2022. Hyundai has basically ruined me financially. I think they should be punished somehow.
Engine, Nov 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle made knocking sounds with the check engine, battery, and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled temporarily. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove back to her residence where she parked the vehicle. However, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure reoccurred on two occasions and the starter was replaced for a second time. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,994.
Engine, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 35-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son restarted the vehicle and pulled into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's son was able to drive the vehicle to his residence at slower speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.