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: other or unspecified
122 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 30, 2026, fire
Vehicle engine caught fire in April 2026! Tow company sold for parts without my permission! Immediately after gaining possession of my car. I didn't have comprehensive insurance, only basic. I had a brain bleed stroke Nov. 2022 and this is causing stress, setbacks. No attorneys want to take the case because there was no injuries! I jumped out in time. THANK GOD!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 15, 2026
As I was merging onto the interstate I put my foot on the gas pedal to give it a little more gas then usual to get pulled out and all of a sudden all the lights on the dash board illuminated and it slowly lost all power I was able to move it out of the road ... There was no loud ,knocking or ticking noises prior to this happening there was no type of any kind of warning .. my car is the push start button so after the car died completely I hit the push button and all the lights on the dash came on the radio worked and everything else seemed to be working it was when I went to put my foot on the brake to start it it would do nothing it would not start at all .. I was still able to put it in neutral even after the incident happened . I had it towed t Hyundai of Bristol to have it inspected well they did verifi that the engine was locked up but failed to give me any information on the test they ran or how they keep it was locked up and what locked it up so then they have my car over a week and they tell me I need a new engine but then contact me to tell ke that HMA refused to replace the engine on warranty and I had the campaign 953 completed the knox sensor thing before my car broke down so then I had to pay for towing once again out of my pocket to go pick the car from their dealership so when I got there to get my car the service was not that great and my car was in a mess very uncalled for the battery to the car was completely dead with that being said we had to use another battery to just get it turned on to even put it in neutral well then fuel started spraying from the fuel line , the engine cover was left off right along with engine mount was taken off and they even took the belt off there were bolts laying all over my hood of my car and I'm pretty sure we lost a few transporting the car back ..their service they provided was not business/professional behavior and very disrespectful at that .. returning my car in that condition was very unnecessary
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2026, fire
UNKNOWN Car was driving fine no warning lights and the car died. tried to stat back up and engine wiring harness on top of motor caught on fire.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 6, 2026
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata recently had an engine replacement completed under a Hyundai recall. Immediately after the recall repair, the vehicle began shaking while driving, produced a burning smell, and the air conditioning stopped working, none of which occurred prior to the recall repair. These symptoms started immediately after the engine replacement, indicating a possible improper or unsafe installation. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the burning smell and shaking. I contacted Hyundai Customer Service and was told the issue must be resolved with the dealership. However, the dealership has refused timely inspection, has dismissed my safety concerns, and has declined to provide a rental or loaner vehicle, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a post-recall safety issue, and I am concerned about the risk of fire or mechanical failure due to the burning smell and vehicle instability. I am requesting this issue be formally investigated.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2025
The vehicle dashboard is severely cracked. It doesn’t appear to be from wear and tear.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2025
Noticed there’s a crack on the passenger side dashboard of the car that’s about 12 inches long. From what I read this could cause issues with any possible airbag deployment.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2025
No incident to report. Vehicle not regularly driven in about 5 years, other than to keep battery charged. But charge not hold. Have to charge battery again the next day. This is to reporting a crack in the passenger side dashboard where airbag is located.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2025
This is the 2nd Hyundai I've owned, same year make and model. The first one was totaled due to the air bag deployment. The accident did not warrant the air bag deploying. I should have reported it at the time. I didn't realize that I could and now it's too late. The claim has already been submitted. Now, we have the same exact car and a crack has appeared on the passenger dash. My concern is the airbag. The crack just appeared from nowhere. I do not feel that we should have to pay for a replacement dash. Is this something that can be repaired by Hyundai, as it poses a risk to my 18 year old student driver. My number is [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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!
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2025
We received a recall letter for 198 and 251. We called and made the appointment for September 9, 2024. We took the car at Five Star Hyundai of Macon. 3010 Riverside DR. Macon, GA 31210. Phone: (478) 309-8308. We called in October to check on our vehicle status, so they are still working on it. We called back again because they didn't communicate well with customers and told us the car was ready. We went to the dealership to pick the car and when we got in the car to leave, without doing anything, the brake light came on and didn't move. We were never able to go because of this. The mechanic came and took the car and said let me check. He took the car for a short ride and said we need it to keep it. Then, they called tell us that the car needed a brake module and that would cost us 6700 dollars. I said that is unacceptable because the car worked fine when we took it to you for a free recall. They reduced the price to 3000 dollars and our car is still with them. We want our car fixed and running but this is not the way it should have to be. Our car is still in Macon at 5- star Hyundai. Few more days and we will 5 months without car. They never provide another vehicle. This has put us on a hardship because my husband goes to work early, then comeback and pick me up and take me to work then, he has to picked me up too. We have called the corporate office and have received a case number. The only communication that exists is between the corporate offices of Hyundai and us. The dealer will not return calls or texts. We haven't got any updates recently. They only thing we got told on Christmas time it was we must bring a check or a card to be able to pay. We have been paying insurance on that vehicle for what? If we haven't be able to drive. We are frustrated. We live about 95 miles away from the dealership and we can't check on our vehicle that easy. You don't know how much we regret this and how we really going to know if they are doing a good job or not.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2025
Car went complete stall after a warning light came off “Hybrid System Warning - Check Brakes” I am completely braked, but when I slowly releasing the brake pedal, there’s was a loud grinding noice and the wheels wouldn’t go forward at all, so I have to step on the brake again . I got stuck IN THE MIDDLE of the road and couldn’t park on the right curb since the car randomly got stalled completely. It took almost 40mins for the warning issue to go away and the car went back to normal. However, IT’S COMPLETELY A SAFETY ISSUE for the car to randomly stall in the middle of driving! I could be driving to fast traffic on a freeway or wide street where accidents can occur since I couldn’t even drive it a bit to park on the curb. On top of this - I occasionally get “hybrid system warning” whenever I am in the middle of driving and I always have to pull over and wait at least half an hour for it to go away, it’s been happening for few years now, and tonight was the most dangerous one so far!!! Please make Hyundai do a recall on the hybrid battery diagnose or replacement
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2024
My brake lights are constantly needing replaced. Sometimes they stay on even when I'm not braking, other times they won't come on at all when I brake. I've gotten them replaced many times but it doesn't seem to fix the problem. I've almost gotten rear ended 3 times now bc my lights have failed to come on when hitting the brakes.
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2024
When driving (at any speed) car error message comes up that says "Hybryd system warning safely stop and do not drive" then when that light goes out a new warning comes up that says "check brake" at this time the car will slow itself down until the car stops completely - even if you have your foot all the way on the gas pedal. There's no pattern to when it happens, it can happen on any drive at any time. When this happens all I can do is turn the car off and wait to restart car to keep driving. The front brakes have replaced, the back brakes and rotors have been replaced and the brake pump was replaced but, the problem persists. Primarily this is a safety issue if I'm on the highway, or anywhere I can't really pull over. A perfect example of this is on 8/31/2024 my son received a warning citation for "Improper Stopping" the remarks on the citation say " was parked on side of roadway due to car not wanting to accelerate but, could not move outside of the roadway". Basically the car slowed down but, completely shut down in an area that wasn't safe to be parked or sitting. It's dangerous for me and any other driver on the road that's behind me or on either side of me. After researching online it seems this is a common issue that Hyundai has not figured out yet. Other consumers have spent thousands on repairs thru Hyundai and still have not resolved the issue. Please help me figure this out.
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2024
Active air lap warning. Active air flap malfunction.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2024
Vehicle’s dash panel just started cracking three years ago for no apparent reason. By the day the cracks continue. My concern is over time the cracks will become so bad the air bag will deploy prematurely causing injury. This is a known issue in Hyundai Sonata from 2011-2014. This is not due to extreme heat. This is a defect and should be addressed before someone gets seriously hurt.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 25, 2023
I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that has a problem with its ABS Module. It is overheating and causes my car to stop its brake and motor functions while driving. I contacted the dealership to get a rental or replacement in the meantime and they told me there is nothing they can do and to drive with caution. I called the manufacturer to get a rental for the meantime and they told me the same thing. I have looked on the recall documents and it says they should give me a vehicle in the meantime if it is unsafe to drive. Please, I don't even want the car at this point because of all the problems with it and with my dissatisfaction with customer service from any Hyundai business. But if I could just get a car that is safe to drive while I wait for the recall to have a remedy , I would take that.
Other or unspecified, Firerelated, Oct 18, 2023, fire
Driving and vehicle caught on fire under hood of car
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2023
My car was stolen it is Hyundai sonata 2012 although anti software has been upgraded . It is been 10 days since then my car was not recovered.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2023
The vehicle have shift control problem, it jerks hard when put into drive or reverse, also when going up a small hill it feels like the vehicle hangs in between changing from electric to gas. Also there is always a warning that comes on saying " Hybrid System Warning Safety Stop and Do not Drive". The car stops when driving, which makes it dangerous. Took it to two dealership in MCkinney and Irving and they could not fix the problem but rather charge me for diagnosis. All they say is buy new transmission. I called Hyundai for help and all they tell me is that there is no recall on 2012 hybrid model. Its frustrating because thats the only vehicle that i used for work. Need help. Thanks
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2023
i’ve been having issues with the brake lights being sometimey sometime it works and sometimes not, and almost been in accidents once too many times. i’ve also notice a lot of hyundais especially sonatas that’s on the road have the same issue. i’m at a loss in what to do with having to change light bulbs every month it acts up with both break lights. horn doesn’t work. it stopped months ago and fused changes and still no horn work. the other day while driving it brought someone was blowing at me so i turned down the radio and heard my very own horn blow on it’s own several times it does this off n on even at the light or while driving. i don’t have money to fix all these issues with this car. hopefully we can get a recall and get this fixed!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 11, 2023
I was driving on a busy street when all of a sudden. My car reduce speed hesitated There was a pull over Safely and don't drive this vehicle warning Message Every light on the dash came on and shut off in the middle of a busy street. THANK GOD I DIDNT GET HIT Didn't get the chance to pull over the car just shut off. The whole car died I had to have it towed way I tried changing 12 V battery to a brand new one still didn't work. I've had it towed to hyundai dealer. What is wrong with this car? Still don't kno this happened in september of 2022 took it 2 different Hyundai dealerships. As I've been researching this is happening to a lot of people. With the same make a model car. I talk to corporate. They can't help me with anything because it's over a 150000 miles. You would think that they would help with some of the cause being the fact that is happening to all of the hybrid cars
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 5, 2023, fire
My car started on fire while being stopped at a signal light
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2022
Dash board has been completely cracked. I’m scared the airbags are effected by it or will deploy unexpectedly there are other people with the same issue. There has been no damage or accidents with this vehicle
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2022, crash
B pillar separated from the frame during collision causing catastrophic intrusion into the cabin upon impact leading to death of the driver. No other occupants in the vehicle. Multiple investigators noted the B pillar failure upon inspection. Independent, certified crash reconstruction expert also noticed immediately that the B pillar had failed which caused cabin intrusion to an extraordinary degree considering the 2 vehicles involved were going less than 40mph. Vehicle is available for inspection. In addition, edr data reveals that although throttle was engaged, rpm's remained at idle up to the time of impact. Driver pushing on the gas and vehicle not responding.