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.
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled temporarily. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove back to her residence where she parked the vehicle. However, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure reoccurred on two occasions and the starter was replaced for a second time. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,994.
Air bags, Oct 7, 2022, crash
Involved in a head on crash with a deer at 63 mph. Front end completely smashed in. All components including air bag sensor detached from vehicle on impact. Airbags did not deploy.
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..
Engine, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 35-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son restarted the vehicle and pulled into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's son was able to drive the vehicle to his residence at slower speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Air bags, Sep 24, 2022
Fake Place and fake appointment. They give me an appointment after 1 month and I went to do the recall on the airbag unit they told me no part.Very bad experience
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2022
I purchased the car 9/1/21. 4 months ago I repaired an issue with the fuel pump and fuel rail. Now it's doing the same thing. Code P0087. I looked up to see if there were any recalls and there aren't any OPEN recalls; however the recall #180 is the issue I am having with my car. Would this be covered under the #180 recall?
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 22, 2022
I purchased my 2012 Hyundai Sonata on 4-7-22. The car has had no mechanical work, no accidents and has less than 1000 miles. On 9-16-22 i was driving my car home and was less than five minutes away on the highway. My car began to decelerate, I attempted to stop at a red light but my car would not give me control and the brake was rock solid and would not push down. I also could not turn the car off via the start button as the car would not let me. My engine ESC light came on the dashboard in red and the engine completely halted. To get to safety as i was on the highway with oncoming traffic i steered the car to the right on the ramp .I exited the vehicle as it began to smoke ,i thought it would catch fire so i moved far away and called my boyfriend for help and a tow truck to get the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to College park Hyundai 9500 Baltimore Ave., College park, MD 20740.I looked up my car and noticed there are recalls for this engine and a few other recalls as i told the dealership. The car is currently being inspected and the dealer said they would get back to me. Once the service department received the car they told me the recall most likely will not effect my vehicle. I don't believe that to be true and i was put in danger because of this engine issue with Hyundai.
Engine, Sep 18, 2022
My vehicle stopped in December 2020. The dealer, Hyundai of PR, did not issue a recall for this issue. I could have been driving on the highway and loss power. THIS IS DANGEROUS. The manufacturer should be Required to notify all affected Hyundai Sonata owners via all types of media. If I hadn't known about this recall I would have paid for an engine out of my pocket.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 17, 2022, fire
Vehicle caught on Fire.
Power train, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, and depressing the accelerator pedal the RPM inadvertently decreased. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that while exiting the vehicle he noticed that the brake lights were still illuminated. The contact called Cochran Hyundai of Monroeville (4520 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146:(412) 245-4380) and Bowser Hyundai (1001 Clairton Blvd, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236: (412) 469-2100) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 15-01-056; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500. The contact paid for the replacement of the defective part.
Engine, Sep 10, 2022
Car stalled several times for no reason then engine siezed
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2022
When driving at higher speeds 50+mph, hybrid battery warning flashes, alarm beeps, warning states to safely pull over and stop. Warning goes away after turning the car on and off a few times. Dealer states they can not duplicate problem and can not diagnose. Have visited Dealer twice now with she results
Engine, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the RPM increasing and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer had not yet informed the contact of the diagnostic results. The dealer requested the oil change maintenance records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Engine, Aug 22, 2022
Engine failed while driving, causing vehicle to stall and forced to the side of the road while transporting children. I had vehicle towed to dealership and learned that this was a known manufacturing defect, one that I had previously had recall service to repair and eventually a class action lawsuit. I had previously taken the vehicle to the dealership to perform recall repair. They claimed this repair was completed, even though the defect still remained and caused engine to fail. The mechanic advised that a rod from engine was discharged, which "could have killed someone". The dealership initially approved an engine replacement due to known defect and class action lawsuit settlement, but then denied repair due to unrelated branded title. Hyundai corporate refuses to take responsibility for this defect, due to title status, that could have seriously injured or killed someone. One Hyundai agent advised during a phone call on 8/22/22 that Hyundai is not responsible for remedying any manufacturing defects if the vehicle has branded title, which is in contradiction to federal law. This is a grave safety concern and should be investigated by the NHTSA. I would be glad to participate in such an investigation, providing call records, names of witnesses, statements and documents as needed.
Seat belts, Aug 22, 2022
Driver’s side seat belt frequently unlatches on own while driving vehicle. This places the driver at risk for significant harm should this occur during a collision. This problem has not been inspected or confirmed by the manufacturer or other professionals. The only warning lamp possibly associated with this is the airbag warning lamp.
Hybrid propulsion system, Aug 18, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the hybrid system message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no error codes were retrieved and the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then towed to Gray Epperson Hyundai (4100 APD 40, Cleveland, TN 37311) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was last towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the transmission; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was 140,266.
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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to lose power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,300.
Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while replacing the brake light bulb on the passenger’s side, the contact became aware that the brake light housing was melted, causing the bulb to be inoperable. The contact stated that the driver’s side brake light housing was also melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2022
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP EXPLODING
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2022
Check hybrid system keeps appearing on the dash, forcing me to have to pull over and stop the car. Dealer can’t fix it due to the code being intermittent.
Engine, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, her daughter heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the oil was changed and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where metal shavings were found in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and stated they were waiting on the dealer for the diagnostic result to proceed. The failure mileage was 92,000.
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.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that once car has warmed up, while driving at low speed or starting to move after a stop, she vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. This is a serious risk hazard as the car barely moves at intersections where it is a risk of getting hit by incoming cars. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to multiple independent mechanics as well as hyundai dealerships who were all unable to diagnose the failure due to no warning lights illuminating on the instrument panel and no codes getting registered in the ECU. The contact then got the car evaluated by another Hyundai dealership in order to exchange it for a new vehicle and mentioned this problem. This time the dealership mechanics claimed to have seen this same problem at several occasion and that the cause was failing electric motor (when warming up) which needs to be replaced along with transmission. They also said this failure would eventually lead to the car no longer being usable at all (catastrophic failure of drivetrain) The car was no longer under warranty and total repair cost around $11 000 CAN. This far exceeded the value of the car so the car could not be repaired nor re-sold. The failure pattern started to happen when mileage was approximately 110,000 miles