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: service brakes
158 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check brake and "Hybrid System Warning Safely Stop - Do Not Drive" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact replaced the hydraulic pressure units and hydraulic unit assemblies (HECU/ABS modules). The contact stated that after the repairs, the failure returned approximately 30,000 miles later. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 29, 2025, fire
Based on what I experienced, the fire appears to have resulted from an internal mechanical or electrical failure that occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion. No prior issues or dashboard alerts were present at the time, and there was no external impact or damage that could explain the fire.
Service brakes, Engine, Oct 5, 2025, fire
Driving came to a stop ,light turned green made a U-turn to go to the gas station heard a pop noise smoke came from inside the car tried stopping it but the brake pedal sunk into the ground pressed my emergency brake it was seized wouldn’t go down (never had that issue my brakes always work ) I smelled brake fluid and seen the abs light on the dash then the power started to go out and my girlfriend almost got trapped in the car
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The engine and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the maintenance records were needed. The contact was using an independent mechanic for maintenance and did not have the records. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Sep 26, 2025
The part of hand break assembly that’s inside the disk break (the drum assembly) fell off when the dealer ( [XXX] Hyundai, Schaumburg, IL) tried to adjusted. I went to the dealer because the hand break stop to function. I suspect very bad design of the whole assembly disk and drum break. Also the dealer stated that all assembly was rusted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 5, 2025
With no warning my car left me sit on the side of the road and when started the engine made an awful knocking noise. Hyundai denied to replace the engine despite there being at least 2 engine recalls. When I asked why they said it was due to no maintenance records so I provided them with maintenance records like they requested and then they deny it again and say they aren’t replacing the engine because the problem with my engine had nothing to do with the 2 engine recalls my vehicle IS affected by.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 15, 2025, fire
I was driving I seen smoke then full flames on my windshield and I tried to stop and put my car in park to get out but my brakes stopped working and I couldn’t get the gear in park so I opened the driver door and had to jump out of the car .I had an engine replacement a year before for it being recalled and police and firefighters were on scene after incident
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 12, 2025
I started the car, put it into gear and then the breaks wouldn’t work. The car dash said something like check breaks hybrid system failure do not drive. There is not recall on my car but the Hyundai service department doesn’t know how to fix it. This is the second time it’s happened. I’m scared to drive it. Please investigate!
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 8, 2025
I drive a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited. After a recent fill-up, I began experiencing delayed acceleration, engine hesitation, and what appears to be misfiring—especially at low throttle. Most notably, the brake lights stay illuminated even when the car is turned off, which drains the battery and poses a major safety hazard. I scanned the vehicle with an OBD-II scanner and received code P0504, which points to a brake light switch malfunction. I also noticed that pressing the start button with my foot off the brake still starts the engine instead of going into accessory mode—confirming abnormal brake signal behavior. I replaced the brake light switch, which temporarily fixed the issue, but the symptoms returned within a day. After researching, I found there was a recall (NHTSA 15V759000) for a nearly identical issue involving the brake light switch and stopper pad. However, my VIN is not listed, even though I am experiencing the same safety-critical symptoms. This issue poses a significant safety risk on the road, and I believe my vehicle should be included in the affected population of the recall or issued a Technical Service Bulletin extension.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2025, fire
Unknown Cought fire under the hood was engulfed within minutes
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 29, 2024
In October of 2023, I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to the laundry mat about a quarter of a mile from my home. I stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, a warning sound burst from my dasher board. The message stated, "Hybrid Warning-DO NOT DRIVE: CHECK BRAKES". The brakes completely stopped working, the pedal was to the floor and the accelerator was stalling. After managing to get the vehicle back to my home, naturally I went to the Dealership (Langdale Hyundai of Valdosta) and informed them of the issue. They informed me there was no issue, charged me for a diagnostic and sent me on my way. Once I provided proof of my car stopping mid-drive, they began to check wiring and such. What they told me the issue was is a Hydraulic Power Unit. I had it replaced, still the same issue "CHECK BRAKES". I only have 116k miles on this car, bought it with 72K in 2021, so I haven't driven it much. It spent 8 months in Hyundai Dealership in Holiday, FL for a brand-new Hybrid Battery in 2022. I have been looking online for anyone that knows more about this issue so I can get it resolved. It turns out there are thousands of people who are just like me. I believe this is indeed a recall issue. I believe this is an issue is an emergency issue, brakes giving out while driving is an issue that needs to be addressed. This has been happening for years, and Hyundai has not done one thing on it. It's happening with newer vehicles as well as older. Langdale Hyundai of Valdosta was not much of a help at all, to be honest, I don't trust their workers at all. I believe they do nothing and charge customers for the max that they can.
Service brakes, Nov 20, 2024
ACTIVE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER failed while driving. 2012 with 114,000 miles on it. Brand new engine and transmission installed from prior recalls. Hyundai dealership said it was covered under anything and would cost $5K to get fixed.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 29, 2024
The driver side seat belt wont click and stay in almost half the time i drive my car… after reading other complaints its looking like this is a common thing. Within the past year ive noticed lots of times that when im going to lock my car with my fob, it wont lock and its because the passenger side lock button on the inside of door is in a stuck between lock/unlock position… resulting in me having to lean over to manually unlock the door even when I’ve unlocked my car with both the fob and inside button… all the sudden i noticed too that my speed control will not work at all and be completely unresponsive most times. It will RANDOMLY work when i try checking it on highway. ive had SO many issues with my taillights going/burning out constantly and now my headlights have gotten really dim. Im scared to drive at night now. They are much more dimmer than a cars should look like usually. Within the past week i just noticed a random big crack in the dashboard on the passenger side as well… noticed that seems to be a common thing and concern of safety with lots of others who own and drive this same vehicle… my first thought was “what if this crack will effect the airbag and make it deploy?” The crack is literally right over and above where the airbag is… plan on trying to take my car to place on OKC that did the anti-theft system software update on my car… but my car has gotten so bad when driving ill be lucky if it makes it there in one piece. My car has started to shake SO bad when im driving!!! Almost “jumping” at times it feels like. This car has been a pretty good car but when there are MULTIPLE complaints of the SAME issues that continuously keep costing us money and its not because of our doing and in fact the manufacturers FAULTY equipment and parts that they used to make these cars… they should most definitely be doing recalls and fixing these problems at no cost!
Service brakes, Sep 26, 2024
The grid warning light is coming on and telling me to stop the car. When this occurs the car will lose power and the brakes will start making a grinding noise. My safety was at risk when I was driving on [XXX], Chula Vista, California by Southwestern Community College approaching behind cars at a red light intersection on the second lane to the right going east and the warning light came on. The car started making a grinding noise and to lose power. The intersection was busy and I was barely able to get the vehicle to the right lane to get out of the way of traffic going east. I was blocking the right turn lane onto [XXX] in Chula Vista, Ca I took the vehicle to the dealer and has been confirmed. It first appeared approximately in July / August of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Sep 14, 2024
I believe this is the same issue as the Hyundai recall #170 (activation of the engine management system's brake pedal override feature). While pressing the accelerator, my car will stop accelerating until I let off the gas pedal and then press it again. This is an intermittent issue and unrelated to any fuel delivery system. I confirmed it was a brake pedal issue because my brake lights would not turn off and I could shift out of Park WITHOUT my foot being on the brake pedal. I feel like this could be a pretty big issue for properly signally drivers behind me as well as when I’m trying to drive in heavy or speedy traffic, e.g., merging onto or within interstate traffic.
Service brakes, Sep 8, 2024
Brake system warning, puts car in limp mode on freeway nearly causing rear end collisions.
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 11, 2024
Check engine light comes on, brake system malfunction warning message appears and says to pull over, vehicle goes into limp mode. Hyundai dealership says $150 to diagnose problem.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2024
Emergency brake started engaging while the car is in motion. Usually, 10-15 minutes after starting the car. We were told the hydraulik brake booster pump needs to be replaced. The car is at only 60K miles.
Service brakes, Jun 19, 2024
The car has been meticulously maintained — I am glad to provide all records of regular service upon request — and lovingly cared for. It came to us in great shape. Until, that is, I drove it for the first time and the brakes failed. I rolled into an intersection. Luckily, there was no traffic and no one was harmed. But I had a very helpless feeling, and I feel incredibly grateful no one was hurt. After taking the vehicle to two mechanics, they independently confirmed that a sensor in the ABS module was failing, leading to a sudden loss of braking. After a cursory internet search, I found that many owners of this model and year of vehicle have encountered this dangerous problem.
Service brakes, May 21, 2024
while i was driving after picking up my daughters from school the car start giving me a hybrid system warning and a brake message on the dash with brakes not working properly so i stop and get the car tow to my mechanic it was scary since i have my 2 daughter with me my mechanic said the problem is the HECU AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT he tell me there is a recall #251 I call the dealer but they said only cover a fuse no the actual defected part that doesn't make sense I seen a lot of complain of this part going bad hopefully Hyundai do something to make right and fix the actual problem and dont put life on risk like happen to me and my daughters
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2024
Saying check brakes and safely pull over hybrid battery failure
Service brakes, Apr 19, 2024
Brake light appeared intermittently while I'm in the middle of traffic.my vehicle's hybrid system warning light came on aside from the brake light and tells me to pull over and not to drive the vehicle.i towed my car to the dealership for inspection.after inspection done ,the service advisor tells me that they need to change the abs module due to possible internal leaking besides the fuse.they quoted me $3574.71 to fix the abs module excluding other brake components.i asked them to change the fuse only.Abs problem and brake light are still on and vehicle is not drivable.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024
•brake failure •this has happened at indiscriminate times including the highway, suddenly the car tells me to stop driving and the brakes don’t work as they should, no telling this would happen until it occurs. When pressing brakes, a loud noise rumbles through the car and I am no longer able to drive at any speed higher than 5 mph (an issue for being on the road) risk of possible collision as this happens suddenly and gives short time to take action •UKNOWN •was inspected by local dealer, they said it was the primary pressure sensor which is a part of the Hydraulic brake booster pump. They wanted to replace the entire hydraulic unit even though it was only the sensor that was faulty and it would cost me $3,503.61 which is an ABSURD price for an electrical issue that I did not see coming at all and it is a robbery of regular people who need their cars to get to the places they need to be (work and family) this is NOT a luxury, I need my car •no warning signs or lights until the issue actually occurred. The only light that showed was the ABS lights, maybe it’s linked to the recall about the brake fluid leaking causing fires?
Air bags, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 2, 2024
my sonata 2012 the engine was replaced it seized up on the highway. since then ive had multiple issues; 1. my brake pedal seems to get pulled to the floor all the way at random times i have to pump the brake for it to release itself. 2. ive replaced the purge valve 3 going on 4 times as well as the cadilac converter due to it being clogged. 3. my car is so loud it makes a hissing noise and a winding sound people say its my transmission going out but no one can pinpoint the problem. 4. my brake lights and head lights go out all the time been replaced bout 100 times. lights on the dash r on; airbag, check engine tire pressure . please i need my vehicle looked over by a professional and or help replacing these issues ASAP