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: exterior lighting
141 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to return to the normal upright position. The contact stated that the taillights remained illuminated as if the brake pedal was still depressed. The contact stated that the stabili-trak warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 6, 2022
Brake lights stay on when the car is turned off. It is draining the battery and I cannot drive the car. No Hyundai dealers near me have availability until October or after.
Exterior lighting, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to lose power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,300.
Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while replacing the brake light bulb on the passenger’s side, the contact became aware that the brake light housing was melted, causing the bulb to be inoperable. The contact stated that the driver’s side brake light housing was also melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2022
Tail light sockets overheats causing bulb to become stuck and whole tail light assembly needs replacement
Exterior lighting, Jun 4, 2022
Brake lights frequently to go out. When I am driving on the road it is a game to find a Sonata with all 3 taillights functioning correctly. Many of the other Sonatas I pass on the road has a taillight that is out. Bulbs burn out but I have replaced my bulbs at least 7 times in the past 6 years.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 4, 2022
The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorated, allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal was released. This kept my break lights on even when the car was turned off, which lead to issues with my accelerator randomly giving out while I was on the road, and my traction control forced off.
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after the vehicle was parked, the brake lights were illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure caused the battery to be drained; requiring the vehicle to be jump started. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not been taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 25, 2022
The bulbs keep blowing out and now the wiring harness is burnt. I have replaced bulbs multiple times and I have an upcoming appointment at my local dealership on April 4th. My concern is I thought bulbs were supposed to be replaced every few years not 7-8 in one month. Now due to the fact that the lighting housing assembly is melted it will not hold any bulbs. I have a small child that sits and the back and has a medical condition and I am scared to drive (at night especially) if he needs to go to the emergency room/doctors appointments due to the fact someone may hit me from behind because I have no lights back there. Where I stay every time I see a Hyundai Sonata it never fails they are always missing a light in the back due to the light assembly has melted. This is a safety concern for not only my children but for me. I am also concerned that due to it being melted it could potentially catch something on fire.
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when she arrived at her residence, she noticed that her son's rear brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated her son placed a can on the brake pedal to turn off the brake lights. The contact stated she had to disconnect the battery and reconnect before using the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the socket to replace the light bulb had melted and that due to the failure, both light bulbs could not be replaced. The contact also mentioned that a white smoke had emitted from her driver side headlight when she attempted to replace the light bulb. The contact was able to replace the driver side headlight bulb; however, the driver side headlight bulb would illuminate very dim. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2022
My brake lights constantly burns out and I’m having to repair them every month. My brake lights also stay illuminated when I am pressing the brake which does not show that I am stopping or slowing down. This is a MAJOR safety issue that needs to be repaired
Exterior lighting, Jan 16, 2022, crash
The brake peddle stopper gets worn out and the car stops accelerating. Activation of the engine management system's brake pedal override feature causes the car to not accelerate, brake lights stay on, and car turns on without touching the brake.
Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated he would need to replace both rear brake lights every two months. The contact stated recently he noticed a burning smell and saw the plastic cover on the bulb was melted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 29, 2021
I am experiencing the exact same issues described in a previous recall of 2006 to 2007 model affecting the brake lamp switch. My brake lamps remain illuminated after release of the brake pedal, and the ESC light illuminates on the dash
Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2021
3 of my light lamps where burning and front headlight could have start a fire
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2021
Exact same symptoms as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (Hyundai recall 136 - described below). The car was previously repaired for this issue. The brake lights come on without any pressure applied to the brake petal, both when the car is off or running. Besides the critical issues stated below, it also causes the brake light bulbs to burn out prematurely, and drains the car battery. 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. Consequence: 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. Remedy: 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.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2021
The rear brake lights burned out can't replace the light because the wiring harness melted and y'all no longer sell replacement wiring harness at the store or dealership for my vehicle make and model I was told I would have to make a out of pocket costly repair to install a new model wiring harness. I keep getting pulled over by the cops cause I don't have break lights. Worse case someone could run into the back of me. This issue is a Hyundai issue. It's so many Hyundai sonata riding around without break lights. Please fix this issue.
Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2021
Exact same issue as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (described below). Video was taken of the incidents. 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. Consequence: 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. Remedy: 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.
Exterior lighting, Jul 9, 2021
Break lights repeatingly burn out on both sides. Replace it and a few weeks later, need replacing again. It is an ongoing problem and a known defect, but hasn't been recalled yet. This is a safety hazard as you are at risk of being rear ended.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 22, 2021
My break lights and head lights are constantly blowing out, I've had multiple repair orders to prove this & can have records pulled from my pull overs. My back up camera now has an electrical issue and will no longer come on. Also when I'm driving the gas pedal just stops working while driving!!! Very very dangerous. My car is well kept and maintained there is NO reason for these issues to be happening aside from a manufacturer issue. I know plenty of people with the same year make and model as me and they all have the same issues. There really needs to be recalls put out on these issues as they are a safety concerns and they are putting me and my children in danger every day. I wish I had researched these issues before buying a Hyundai. I WILL NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN especially if these issues do not get resolved.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 7, 2021
MY PASSENGER REAR LIGHT KEEPS BLOWING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB ONCE A WEEK SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES, THANKFULLY I WAS NOT TICKETED AND WAS GIVEN A WARNING ALL 3 TIMES. THE LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN SO I WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB AND THE THE WHOLE HOUSING UNIT IS MELTED. NOW I AM UNABLE TO TAKE THE BULB OUT TO CHANGE IT.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 18, 2021
ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I NOTICE A LITTLE SCRATCH ON THE DASHBOARD, AFTER A WHILE I SEE THAT IT WAS A DANGER CRASH AFTER THIS TIME NOW ARE 3 BIG SCRATCHES THAT INTERFERE WITH THE DEPLOYMENT AIRBAGS OF BOTH FROM AIRBAGS IF SPLIT COULD COST BIG INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE .HYUNDAY SAID THEY ARE NOT RESPONSABLE FOR THAT DEFECTIVE PART.(PLASTIC) BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY. ALSO THE LIGHTS NEVER ARE RIGHT TO CAUSE DIFFICULTY AT NIGHT DRIVING ALSO DANGEROUS, THE DEALER SAID THEY ARE OK, BUT THEY ARE NOT IN RIGHT POSITION.
Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2021
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA ON MAY 8,2020 HYUNDAI REPLACED MY ENGINE DUE TO A RECALL .ON AUGUST 18,2020 I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SMELL OF GAS THAT I SMELLED IN MY CAR . THEY INSPECTED MY VEHICLE AND SAID IT WAS FINE . BUT EVERY SO OFTEN I KEPT SMELLING GAS INSIDE MY CAR BUT NO ENGINE LIGHT OR ANY LIGHT TURNED ON AND PLUS I THOUGHT IT WAS FINE SINCE HYUNDAI INSPECTED MY CAR BUT FEBRUARY 4, 2021 I WAS PARKED WITH MY VEHICLE RUNNING AND THE FUEL SMELL STARTED GETTING WORSE , ENTERING MY VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENT. MY VEHICLE WOULD SMELL LIKE GAS EVEN WHEN IT WAS TURNED OFF . SO I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND I HEARD LOUD BOILING BUBBLE NOISES INSIDE MY CAR WHICH IS STRANGE. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES TURNED MY CAR ON AND THEN MY THERMOSTAT MAXED OUT ALL THE WAY TO HOT SO I SHUT MY CAR OFF . I CALLLED HYUNDAI & TOOK MY CAR TO THE PALM SPRINGS DEALERSHIP AND THEY INSPECTED IT AND TOLD ME THAT IT'S THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PIPE . MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD $1000.00 TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT'S A RECALL. ESPECIALLY SINCE I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE GAS SMELL ON AUGUST 2020 . ALSO MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT IS COMPLETELY OUT . I REPLACED THE BULBS MULTIPLE TIMES BUT IT ENDED UP BURNING OUT . THE WIRES ARE BURNT AND MELTED. THIS IS CAR IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS .
Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2021
BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS GO OUT A LOT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED TO OFTEN. THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHT ARE OUT NOW AND WHEN THE BULB BLEW, IT MELTED THE HOUSING ELEMENT AND CAN'T GET A NEW BULB IN IT. SO NOW THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED WITH ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS.