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
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 24, 2022
Driving on a freeway when check brake warning appeared. Car speed dropped down to drastically. Alarm was chirping and brakes made a bad grinding noise
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 30, 2022
My "Hyundai system warning safely stop and don't drive". light went off with my brake light on also, we were driving on the freeway going around 60 mph I was I'm the middle lane causing me to have to hurry and pull over as Car came to complete stop.i went to brake check to see if the breaks needed to be replaced and after inspection they said everything was fine, brakes, rotors and brake fluid was fine it's been doing this more often now..
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.
Service brakes, Aug 17, 2022
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata, build date 10/31/2011, experienced the exact issue as described in NHTSA campaign number 15V759000. Note that the campaign covers Sonatas built before my vehicle's build date. The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorated and resulted in the brake lights falsely illuminating at random times. Furthermore, the condition - when occurring - resulted in the car overriding any throttle inputs, making for random inability to provide throttle inputs.
Service brakes, Aug 3, 2022
"Hybrid system warning, stop safely and do not drive" and "check brake" alarm. Car immediately went into limp mode (15mph top speed). Luckily, I was not on the highway, but on residential street. Alarm was not recoverable by restarting car. Dealer says its the hydraulic brake booster and will cost $3250 to fix. Vehicle at 80,000 miles.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 14, 2022
AHB Hydraulic Break Module Failure car only has 60k miles.
Service brakes, Jul 14, 2022
The brakes lights (all three) wont shut off even when the vehicle is not on.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2022
About 1 month after I bought this vehicle, late December 2021, a warning light came on the hybrid screen, it read "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop And Do Not Drive!" The accelerator was not working I pulled over and turned the vehicle off. I waited a couple minutes and restarted it up again and went on my merry way. About a month later it happened again!! It's happened about every 5 weeks until June 16th at about 5pm, it now permanently chimes and beeps with the Hybrid screen warning me of the same, my foot brake goes to the bottom and makes a grinding noise. I am not able to drive it more than 100 yards or so then the accelerator fails again. I owned a mechanic shop and I know my brakes are fine, there has to be something wrong with the brake pumps/master cylinder, the brake fluid reservoir is full and the brakes electrical components make a horrible noise when I depress the foot pedal, I've read on Hyundai Forum on-line, that this has happened to various others, its happened on the freeway while I was going about 70mph!! It's happened on busy city streets with 45mph speed limits. Hyundai doesn't want to take any responsibility for it! What can I do? The dealer wants $200 to have it checked with no guarantee that they'll find the problem. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, May 3, 2022, crash
On March 19th I was involved in wreck where the other driver was at fault. The lady t-boned me on my driver's side. Airbags never deployed so my head smashed Into the window leaving me with a concussionand spinal injury. My usually working horn failed as well. I would also like to mention that I have only had this car a year. I was also told it was never in a wreck and had 1 owner. Nope. A week after I got it, I was driving and my engine seized while I was doing 70mph. The steering stopped working, but somehow managed to pull off to the side. i had to stay in my car because of the busy highway. It was 100+ weather and my windows wouldn't work. I sat there for 2 hours. Took the car to a shop just to find out about the engine recall that I believe my car wasn't apart of, but should have been. Fought with Hyundai for them to fix it then lost my job because I was denied a loaner car while waiting. 2 months later they finally fix it. Now the breaks do a weird grinding thing a lot, my shifter slips out of place, the steering column wobbles, the engine is constantly making a disturbing noise and is sluggish, it has trouble shifting when accelerating. I have had the car rapidly accelerate instead of slow down when stopping at a stop sign or light. I only got it to stop after stomping the breaks repeatedly while throwing it in park and turning the car off all at the same time. Emergency break and traction control light come on a lot. It's throwing a high speed can bus code, but only sometimes. My gas mileage has went down to 16-18 mpg. Oil changes are necessary every month. AND my taillights burn out every 1 to 2 months. Now I have 4 traffic tickets. And that was all BEFORE the wreck. Hyundai refuses to call me back after they reluctantly fixed the first recall.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 4, 2022
After the recent recall repairs, the car started to intermittently getting a message on the dashboard saying ‘Hybrid System Warning - Safely stop and do not drive’ and ‘Check brakes’ and the brake lights came on with a loud chiming beep, the car would stop accelerating and would not go beyond 10 mph, also the breaks would fail to apply correctly and made a loud screeching sound when applied. It used to do have this issue without any warning, while driving or stopped at the light, without any distinguishing pattern. However, it used to go away when the car was restarted multiple times. However now the message is on continuously and doesn’t go away with the restarting the car. After taking to the dealership, they said that the repairs would cost $3000 as the Hydraulic Power Assembly unit has failed. After looking for the issue online, I have found that a lot of the 2011-14 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have this same issue and seems to be a manufacturing defect. This is a huge life risk for the owners of this car since it can happen while on the freeway and pose a life threatening risk to their life. It is also a huge financial burden for the owners for a manufacturing defect. I would like you to investigate these issues and provide us with a appropriate solution.
Service brakes, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the brake pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they found no fault with the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer on multiple occasions where software updates were performed and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the driver’s side rear brake caliper piston was replaced; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
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
Service brakes, Oct 6, 2021
At 28,000 miles the ABH pressure sensor failed c1237 Hydraulic Power Unit. Dealership charged $2947.95 for the repair. $2141.55 just for the part. The brakes completely failed and the car required towing.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake lights were continually illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but, vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about a possible fire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
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.
Service brakes, Aug 11, 2021
After driving one day, I noticed the brake lights on without anybody in the car, they would not turn off whatever I tried. The next symptom was the traction control turned off and would not function via dashboard button. the next symptom was, while driving, cruise control turned on without myself doing so, set it's speed and maintained, I was approaching a 4 way stop and depressed the brake expecting cruise control to disengage, it did not, I pressed the brake again this time holding it down while the car continued to revv, the engine continuing to attempt to speed up while pressing the brake. The only thing stopping the car was the on and off button on the steering wheel. I finally came to a screeching halt half way into the intersection, the brakes were locked up and vehicle would not move, the dealership claims no responsibility in anything and blames it in fact on myself putting the wrong brake fluid into the vehicle. I had not put anything into the vehicle, the dealership was the last to touch it when they did a complete engine replacement in Jan 2021. Vehicle is currently in their possession and available for inspection. No warning lights came on and vehicle began to function normally after, and I have not driven it since. I do not feel safe any longer in the vehicle. Dealership wants me to pay for all new brakes, rotors, brake light switch and brake flush, all which I feel is dancing around the real issue of the brakes and the cruise control. This is a real serious safety issue to anyone with this same vehicle and the potential for a serious possibly fatal accident, dealership doesn't seem to think it's a serious issue, and instructed me to drive the vehicle home, I did not!!!!!
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2021
When driving the “Check Brake” warning comes out and the brakes hit the tires allowing for minimal movement of the vehicle. Right after that, a “Hybrid System Warning - Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” comes up. At times, The warnings will continue for days or hours and other times, imthey would just disappear. When bringing the car to the dealer they wouldn’t be able to understand the issue as the warnings suddenly disappear and they would just start guess-repairing the car which can be extremely expensive for us the consumers
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 18, 2021
I was driving on the freeway and I put my foot on the gas to accelerate and my car would not go. It had no power. It is intermittent. I can be driving and it is fine then all of a sudden it won’t go more then 30 mph. My brake lights are always going out. Now my break lights won’t turn off.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 27, 2021
I was driving on the Highway and my vehicle started blinking with all of the check lights going off and it stated “hybrid system warning stop and pull over immediately”. The car seemed to continue to jerk with the gas than the brakes went off. My steering wheel would not allow my to turn and I was very close to getting into an accident. My 6 month old baby was in the car and I feared for both of our lives. Every time I turn the car on it states the same thing... please help me
Service brakes, May 4, 2021
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH GRINDING NOISE. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE.
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 16, 2021
STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, GEAR IN DRIVE AND THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, BUT THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV AND LURCH FORWARD--WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. MOVED FORWARD A COUPLE OF FEET WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE FOOT BRAKE BUT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN.
Service brakes, Mar 7, 2021
A WARNING KEEPS HAPPENING WITH NO CODES IT SAYS TO CHECK BRAKES AND PULL OVER I CAN ONLY GO ABOUT 15 MILES AN HOUR AND THE BRAKES PEDAL HAS A WEIRD GRINDING NOISE LIKE IT'S SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ABS SYSTEM IT IS VERY SCARY AND IT DOES IT INTERMITTENTLY
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 3, 2021
THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN ON ITS OWN AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO REV UP EVEN WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN. ALSO THE LIGHT FOR TRACTION CONTROL TURNS ON AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT WHETHER THE CAR IS ON OR OFF.