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
1,557 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2023
While driving with foot on accelerator, acceleration/ current speed will randomly just stop. 1-1- Once i fully release the accelerator and then reengage the accelerator problem goes away. This is very random as to when it happens, and will happen multiple times in a row some times... and other times happens once and doesn't the rest of the trip. This seems to be more amplified occurrences when it is cold. 2- Safety is put at risk. 3- Not gone to dealer yet. 4- No inspection yet. 5- No warning messages.
Seat belts, Jan 12, 2023
Driver's seat belt takes 3 to 5 times for it to engage. A recall was done for the front driver's seat seatbelt. Campaign recall was done in December 2017 at Chapman Hyundai Phoenix.
Engine, Jan 9, 2023
gasoline engine. yes, it is available. This vehicle has broken down and left me stranded at the side of the road more than a few times. It has failed on the Interstates , as well as local highways. The dealer refuses to replace the faulty engine. No warning lights have come on with regard to the gasoline engine. Ever since I purchased the vehicle, it sounds like there are marbles in the gas engine when its running at low rpm. The oil leaks are extreme and getting worse. It is smoking badly. I just do not have any more money to pour into this vehicle. I want a new engine from Hyundai.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2023
When I start the vehicle in the morning I leave the neighborhood going around 15mph and the car loses power. I have to let off the gas completely then reapply but it still continues to studder. I applied the slapstick sift mode and noticed it does this in first and fourth gear. In automatic you can’t see it
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2023
The lighting system on the front and back lights, tail lights and brake lights are shortaged and melts the housings thst the bulbs go in. I have had two of these cars with the same identical problems and my son has had two sonatas and I have more people that’s having the issue as well. It’s very dangerous because the tail lights work whenever and me as the driver can’t see behind me nor the person driving behind me will know that I’m stopping. I can’t drive my vehicles at all at this present time and has made s appointment with the company, Hyundai and filed a complaint as well. Something has to be done quickly to put this on the recall list because it’s very dangerous for myself and others on the national highways
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 5, 2023, fire
My car started on fire while being stopped at a signal light
Service brakes, Dec 31, 2022
Vehicle doesn’t stop hard pedal and brake light came on 144k
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2022
My tail and brake lights sometimes work sometimes doesn't. Rear window brake light stays illuminated when car is turned off causing battery to drain. This problem has been on going for years. I can sometimes wiggle bulbs and make them work for a while but problem has been persistent for too many years. Tired of replacing bulbs.
Service brakes, Dec 21, 2022
Driving on freeway and traction control light came on and stays on. Then my car stalls. Additionally, I awakened at 6 am to find my breaks light had been on most the night at no fault of mine. I checked my vin# and being told my 2012 sonata is not part of the recall campaign 136. This is a danger to my life and Hyundai is refusing to correct the problem at their cost.
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the resident and then to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unavailable.
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
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 16, 2022
Break lights don’t go off.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 29, 2022
Power steering loses power and window between speedometer and tach goes blank. Car keeps running but no power steering and cannot take out of park. Must restart the car to solve issue. Happened several times while at idle, in park. Happened once while in drive, at idle while stopped, and was able to drive forward when I discovered no power steering. Concerned it could happen while driving.
Engine, Nov 25, 2022
Excessive oil consumption. No oil leaks. Car has been using oil for quite some time, but now I need to add over a quart a month to keep the oil level in the recommended range.
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
Engine, Nov 21, 2022
Engine had a Rod knock failure out of Nowhere, Vechile went into limp mound with a very clear & loud knocking noise. Engine blew up entirely shortly afterwards.
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.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2022
There is a recall of our 2012 Hyundai Sonata but Hyundai never informed us of the recall. https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign132/sitecontents/English/CustomerLetters/site_97_page_1530_customerLetter1.pdf#pdfjs.action=download Our car qualifies for the recall but Hyundai does not want to do anything about it. Our car experienced engine knocking and we took it to an independent repair shop. The repair shop informed us about the recall but Hyundai never did. The recall is because there is a defect in the engine in which friction caused by metal bits burned up the oil. The low level of oil causes the knocking. The repair shop filled our car engine with oil. We took the car to a Hyundai dealership but they refuse to do the repairs unless the engine is knocking even though the recall letter admits there is a potential safety issue if the engine is not replaced.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2022
Received a warning message saying pull over safely do not drive this vehicle in the middle of the road as I'm driving all the warning lights on the dash came on . The car jerked Then the car died
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 7, 2022
The car starts alarming out of nowhere while driving at 70 mph on the interstate and the Hybrid System Warning - Safely Stop and Do Not Drive along with the wrench, battery light and engine light all appearing on the dashboard to pull over and do not drive when this occurred I lost total control of the vehicle. The brake peddle goes all the way to the floor enabling me to stop and I lost the ability to steer the vehicle as the power steering went out as well while this was happening. I almost got killed as I was on the highway driving at 70 mph. I immediately put on my hazards lights to signal to other drivers that I was having mechanical problems. Thank GOD I was able to pull over without anyone hitting me from behind. I have had major major issues with this car since I purchased it the engine seized up on me in the same manner back in 2020 and the engine was replaced. Then there was an issue with the transmission and that was also replaced. Then the brake booster also failed and had to be replaced as well. Hyundai aught to be ashamed of the production of this vehicle as it is truly a severe risk to the lives of the consumers not just the person who is driving this vehicle but also to those who may be behind someone driving as this could cause a major accident and people could be killed. These cars need to be recalled and they need to get down to what is causing these issues in order to fix the problem. I pray that you all make Hyundai do a recall on this vehicle as I have googled and see that there has been many others that have encountered these same issues. I am filing this complaint in hopes of you all getting involved to do something about this. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Engine, Nov 5, 2022
Hyundai recall 198 was received after my engine was replaced. I started the reimbursement process with Hyundai 05/28/2021 at www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign198. On 11/15/2021 my reimbursement request was denied. I never received any notification about this. I only found out in early December 2021 when I checked the above website. After several subsequent communications with Hyundai, the claim was reinstated. Eventually, my claim was approved in April 2022. Per an email dated 04/12/2022, the claim was supposedly submitted for payment. I had my vehicle inspected at a Hyundai Dealer per their 03/08/2022 email. On 06/08/2022, Hyundai then requested proof of payment. I did make a partial payment of $2128.65 on 03/25/2020. Proof provided. I can't obtain any further proof of payment because I since had closed this account. Recently I requested help from the Minnesota Attorney Generals office. Hyundai responded on 10/10/2022. They won't make any payment without payment proof. I've tried doing everything Hyundai has requested yet is is never enough. I provided the repair invoice. I provided proof of inspections at a Hyundai dealer. PLEASE HELP ME. I've been dealing with this for a year and 9 months. I have endured so so much during this process. I wonder how many other Hyundai owners have been put through the hell I've had to deal with. I just want to be paid and put this horrific mater behind me once and for all. PS: This replacement engine failed me again on 05/19/2022. Hyundai has basically ruined me financially. I think they should be punished somehow.
Engine, Nov 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle made knocking sounds with the check engine, battery, and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2022
Approx july 2022 My sonata began to malfunction, first the steering wheel buttons stopped working intermittently off and on unable to turn on and set cruise control, unable to use hands free phone options as well as unable to navigate cluster features, as the time goes on the problem gets worse and eventually do not function ever. I replaced the steering wheel buttons which fixed the issue temporarily only now the vehicle will engage cruise control, accelerate dramatically and continue to gain speed. I am unable to disengage cruise control via the brake pedal, or cancel option or steering wheel. If I depress the brake pedal it will begin to decelerate but once I let off the brake pedal the engine will revv high and gain speed again. Buttons begin to function in a reverse order meaning press cancel, cruise turns on, press set button, cruise will set, press set button cruise will disengage etc. The only way to disengage cruise and rapid acceleration in this dangerous scenario is to Press the on off cruise control button. Immediately stopped vehicle had it towed to dealership, they stated that they could not replicate the problem, however their diagnosis for the problem was due to incorrect brake fluid put in the vehicle and suggested to completely replace the entire brake system of the vehicle I declined as I felt that was not the problem in fact bizarre diagnosis. Only hyundai dealership has ever put any brake fluid in my vehicle... this is completely dangerous as when vehicle suddenly accelerated I was unable to turn it off I almost rear ended a vehicle on the freeway going 70 mph. I no longer feel safe in the vehicle and it sits collecting dust while I make monthly payments.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2022, crash
On March 19th, 2022 I was t-boned and my airbags failed to deploy causing me to slam my head against my window. I herniated two discs in my neck because of the accident. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata had just had it's engine replaced due to the engine recall and had also never been in a wreck. My airbag light came on after the wreck. Sent my car to be fixed and light went off. I was hit again 2 weeks ago and afain, airbags failed to deploy. Notified Hyundai of the situation and was told my car wasn't part of the airbag recall.