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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 26, 2022
I was on the expressway and car hesitated and jerked while speed began to increase followed by hybrid warning system alert. (Pull over and stop the vehicle) with a flashing ready light. Could have caused a major accident with loss of life as there was no place to safely pull over. Warning lights came in immediately after the cat jerked.
Air bags, Jul 21, 2022
The Air Bag sensor light will not turn off. several months ago I had brake light sensory issues that cost me $1,500.00 and now its the Air Bag light.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
I was on the highway during rush hour when the car was rattling during acceleration. I was going around 75mph. The car just died in the middle of traffic and I coasted to the berm. Once stopped, it smelled like something was burning and I had my 2 small children in the back in 5 point harnesses. They couldn't unbuckle themselves and I could not get the back door to unlock with the key fob to get into the back seat to help them. Once they were able to loosen their buckles, they had to crawl through the front seat to get out. Had the car actually caught on fire, I wouldn't have been able to get my children out in time. This was the absolute scariest ordeal I've ever been in. One shop has said the engine has seized. It's now sitting at Hyundai waiting for them to look at it. No warning lights came on until the car died.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
I was making a Right turn when suddenly after making the turn my car shook and started slowing down by itself. The engine light, the oil light and the EPS and battery light all turned on. I was able to pull into a parking lot and the car just stopped. After trying to restart it, I noticed smoke under the hood. No prior warning lights came on.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
When arriving at a stop and then making a turn on a street vehicle came to a halt. It would not turn on again. The vehicle was able to be pushed to the side, and started to have a knocking sound from the engine, after vehicle was started . Searching thru the internet found recall campaign 312, that has same issues I experienced. Vehicle is drivable but has loud knocking sound as the speed goes up. Also, vehicle was purchased with a rebuilt title and is road worthiness.
Engine, Jul 15, 2022, fire
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ENGINE STALLING, KNOCKING, FAILURE, FIRE AND OTHER SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY REPAIR.
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.
Engine, Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed, she heard an abnormal sound before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The failure was diagnosed as a seized engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
I brought my engine in to be checked after the recall for engine failure. Hyundai told me it was fine/not affected. I brought my vehicle in twice after that because while driving, the engine suddenly stopped accelerating in the middle of driving. Both times, I was told that nothing was wrong with my car. They went so far as to accuse me of overfilling my gas tank (which I have never done). I trusted them instead of looking up this issue being part of the recall symptoms. Finally, while in the middle of driving, the engine locked up completely. I had it towed to Hyundai. They finally admitted it was covered under warranty, but I see no evidence of them recording it as a vehicle affected by recall. I am very concerned about this because there are probably thousands of other families at risk right now because of Hyundai's dishonesty and dodging responsibility and not including their VINs in the recall either. If their engines were to lock during a left turn for example, people are at risk of dying. In addition, Hyundai has still not reimbursed me for the towing and rental car costs of $2918.27 total which they are entitled to per the settlement. It has been over 3 months since I turned in the last of the paperwork. It has been over 7 months since the engine died. More importantly, they need to be fully investigated for withholding information, falsifying information, and putting people at risk of death and at a financial disadvantage.
Engine, Jul 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine, and the vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 7, 2022
Motor seized , powered off while driving down the highway at speeds of 55 miles of hour on a hill and would not start back , without warning other than a loud noise right before it shut off.
Engine, Jul 5, 2022
My 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA is experiencing knocking noises. I only have 125,674 miles on it. I have not received anything saying that the car has been recalled yet. I’m making monthly payments on this vehicle and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2022
After recall repairs at Hyundai dealer in Danbury CT during the past few years, the engine light remains on or comes back on the next time the car is driven. Never had issue before these recall repairs. The car has been returned countless times to dealer to correct repairs and never successful. After multiple incidents of losing engine power and having to pull off highway i retuned to dealer again where they claimed fuel tank and fuel pump needed replacement for nearly $3,000 but never said if this was related to the ongoing recall repair issues or the engine coming on. I had another garage smoke test system and confirm gas tank didn’t need replacement. Error codes are related to recall parts in Hyundai TSBs for recall and other issues. Hyundai dealer and corporate HQ level consumer affairs remain unable or unwillingly ensure repairs are done correctly. All I want is the vehicle to be safe for family use.
Engine, Jun 30, 2022
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata is experiencing what caused Hyundai to recall 129k similar cars, but I never received a recall notice: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34874678/hyundai-engine-bearings-recall/#:~:text=Hyundai%20has%20issued%20a%20recall,and%20the%202015%E2%80%932016%20Veloster. My car is experiencing abnormal knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination of the "check engine" light and error code is coming across as "knock sensor"
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2022, fire
There were no warnings or indicators of a problem. My husband was driving down the highway when he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. He pulled over, but the car was already on fire. The fire department put out the fire, and the car is likely to be totaled by insurance. The car is currently available for inspection but will be taken into possession by insurance soon.
Engine, Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon pulling out of a parking space, the oil pressure warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact's husband test drove the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle went into limp mode and would only drive at slower speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle in to their location. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance might be provided for the engine replacement. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine, Jun 27, 2022
The knock sensor kept going off and check Engine light would be activated, we have taken to several auto places and check engine light and codes would be cleared, engine seized and no longer works we were stranded on side of road. Our understanding that this is part of the rod bearing inspection recall campaign. We purchased car for our daughter and it has a salvaged title, we were told by Hyundai dealer that due to it being a salvaged title they can't do anything. My understanding that any recall must be honored with or without salvaged title, is that correct?
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: Vehicle went into LIMP mode on highway (June 7th 2022). The next day, the vehicle would not start, despite battery replacement. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When in limp mode, car would not accelerate. My vehicle could have been hit by another vehicle due to the sudden, unexpected decline in speed; Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Vehicle was towed to the Hyundai dealership the evening of June 10, 2022. I was informed by Hyundai that it would take 2 to 3 weeks before they could even look at my vehicle. Vehicle has not been diagnosed yet. It is still at Hyundai as of today, June 22, 2022. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle is currently awaiting diagnosis by Hyundai. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The vehicle went into limp mode. The next day it would not start.
Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2022
I gave my son this car b/c I thought it was safe and reliable. My son was driving down the road and all of a sudden the lights started blinking and he pulled over. He had to have it towed and repair shop says the engine is locking up and would cost more to replace. This is a paid for car and now we are totally screwed. I really want the manufacturer to honor and fix their issues. I ensured I had this car serviced timely and took care of the car. Now, I am $12K in the whole and will probably go ahead and trade in my other 2017 Hyundai Sonata to avoid anymore of these issues that no one can honor to fix. This car has about 80K miles on it so not too bad, either!
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
Connecting rod broke and punctured engine. Vehicle is available for inspection. My son was driving vehicle and the vehicle shut off while driving which could have been very catostrophic. Service center is who advised what the problem was after the vehicle was towed to their facility. Not inspected by any others at this point. Vehicle was just in for maintenance a week prior. No warning lamps or symptoms until the moment it happened. Approaching stop sign heard knocking or clicking noise, proceeded to side street to pull over and before he could pull over, the vehicle completely shut down. He went to look under hood and oil was splattered on top of hood and leaking all under vehicle. Vehicle was then towed to service facility who advised the connecting rod broke off and blew hole in engine.
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).
Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2022
Tail light sockets overheats causing bulb to become stuck and whole tail light assembly needs replacement
Exterior lighting, Jun 4, 2022
Brake lights frequently to go out. When I am driving on the road it is a game to find a Sonata with all 3 taillights functioning correctly. Many of the other Sonatas I pass on the road has a taillight that is out. Bulbs burn out but I have replaced my bulbs at least 7 times in the past 6 years.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2022
The car was running and just stopped working in the middle of the highway the warning lights came out and i couldn't be able to start the car since that day .