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, Mar 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle had started decelerating before stalling without warning. The contact was able to pull off the road to a parking lot and park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when she arrived at her residence, she noticed that her son's rear brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated her son placed a can on the brake pedal to turn off the brake lights. The contact stated she had to disconnect the battery and reconnect before using the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the socket to replace the light bulb had melted and that due to the failure, both light bulbs could not be replaced. The contact also mentioned that a white smoke had emitted from her driver side headlight when she attempted to replace the light bulb. The contact was able to replace the driver side headlight bulb; however, the driver side headlight bulb would illuminate very dim. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2022
I keep getting this error message Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive with the caution symbol. I have take it to the dealership 5 times and they do not see anything wrong. Usually the message flash for a few seconds and then go away. Today it did something different. The display keep alternating with Check charging system and Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive along with a beeping sound. I had to pull over and restart the car. I travel in rural areas for work, and I am so afraid my car is going to stop in the middle on nowhere. When I googled the error message it appears so many other Sonata owners from 2011-2014 are experiencing the same problem. I have reported this to Hyundai warranty, but when they contact the dealership, they tell them nothing is wrong with my car. Please advise of what to do.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after fully refilling the gas tank at the gas station, and driving at 40-55 MPH, he smelled a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. Upon investigating the failure, the contact noticed that each time he fully refilled the gas tank, in addition to the smell, the vehicle would shudder for 3-5 min while driving. Additionally, the contact noticed that gas was leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel well whenever the gas tank was fully refilled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with evap failure. The dealer informed the contact to check his gas cap; however, the contact stated that the fuel cap was new and was a manufacturer-approved gas cap. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 94,750.
Engine, Mar 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER AUTHORIZED A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 1, 2022
front Seat belts do not fasten properly and air bag light stays on. I don’t see a pending recall, however did notice certain models recalled. This is a huge safety issue that is very concerning to me. I would appreciate if someone could get in touch with me to discuss further. Thank you. [XXX]; [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that occasionally while driving 66 MPH and other speeds, the vehicle lost power and decelerated. The contact stated that the power steering was still functional during the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed several times and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was happening more frequently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic did not recover any fault codes. The mechanic duplicated the failure and informed the contact that there was a hesitation in the engine instead of a loss of motive power. The fuel injectors were cleaned however, the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine, Feb 9, 2022
1. The engine failed due to rod knock - rod bearing wear/damage. This vehicle is in the possession of Killeen Hyundai. 2. This engine failure occurred on the highway while my family and I were traveling. 3. The Killeen dealership has confirmed this information over the phone but we do not have documentation of this. We are unable to contact the dealership for any updates or statuses for 2 months now. 4. unknown 5. No warning lights or indicator appeared prior to the issue. This occurred on 12-16-2021.
Engine, Feb 5, 2022
On January 29th I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata to my dads and the check engine light was on. We used a scanner to see what codes were present and there were none so we cleared the light. On February 1st we were driving back from getting tires put on the car and getting the inspection done and the engine seized up with no warning while driving. We got the car towed to freysinger Hyundai in mechanicsburg pa and when they looked over the car they stated that it failed the bearing test and due to the engine failure recall on my car Hyundai should replace it. Hyundai is denying the engine replacement because of the previous owner didn’t do the ecm update when that has nothing to do with the bearings and oil in the car.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2022
Original Report: 1/28/22 to HyundaiUSA Problem with car started day after alignment. First noticed (while going up driveway) pressing accelerator did nothing - press again then OK. Got out to open gate, noticed brake lights on. Later (after dark), came out and brake lights on. Driving home noticed ESC light on - ESC off button had no effect. I found this exact description on "CarComplaints.com" from 2019 and it references recall #136. Next day I cranked the car, and the "ESC off" indicator came on. I was then able to turn off with the ESC off button. Update: 1/29/22 Next day same issue with brake light. Able to reset ESC light but it came back on after driving about 15 miles. I noticed that the issue with the sudden deceleration occurred while going 55 mph. It happened about 3 times in the 5 mile return trip. Releasing the accelerator pedal then pressing again provided acceleration. When I got out of the car, the brake light remained on. Update 1/30/22 The ESC light reset itself automatically when I cranked the car. While warming up the car in the garage, the brake light came on and I tapped the brake to turn off. This happened 4 times. I was pulling out of a side road onto a busy road with limited sight of oncoming traffic. As I started out, the acceleration died, and a car came around the curve/hill. I managed to release the accelerator and re-apply and got out of the driver’s way – he was able to slow down enough to avoid an accident. Issue happened several times while driving to my destination. A few minutes after going inside, the car security horn started sounding. I used the remote to turn off. I went back in, and it started blowing again. I pulled the fuse for the horn from under the hood. The ESC light did not come back on during this trip but the brake light did numerous times. My research found that the brake light switch has been blamed for some of these issues. But a faulty brake light switch would prevent engaging gear shift.
Engine, Jan 28, 2022, crash
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, IT SHUT OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A CURB. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE WAS BENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ANY RECALLS.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2022
My brake lights constantly burns out and I’m having to repair them every month. My brake lights also stay illuminated when I am pressing the brake which does not show that I am stopping or slowing down. This is a MAJOR safety issue that needs to be repaired
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the engine without warning. Upon investigation, her son discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) which he linked to the failure. Her son then took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified, and her son was informed that the recall on the vehicle had expired. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
About a year ago, my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid had an error with an alarm that would pop up on the screen but was too fast to catch what it said. It would happen a couple of times a month. One day, I was driving about 60 mph and the alarm came on, the car stalled and it said to not drive the car. I was able to roll to a stop on the side of the road. I turned off the car and had it towed to my house. In looking at it, I turned it on and everything seemed fine. This happened another time about a month later. The second time, I just turned off the car, let it sit for a minute and turned it back on. I took it into a dealer and they said they couldn't figure it out and to bring it back if it kept happening. It hasn't had a problem since then until this morning. Here, nearly a year later, I was in the middle of a busy intersection and it gave the error and alarm and the car stalled. I turned it off, let it sit for a few seconds and then turned it back on and backed up. Fortunately, the cars coming at me noticed I couldn't move and stopped! I would pay to have this fixed if they knew what was going on! Everything I see online about this issue, no one knows what is causing it. I wouldn't feel comfortable selling it to someone else knowing this is such a safety issue. It's just a pile of metal at this point.
Air bags, Jan 18, 2022
Aire bag ligh on
Engine, Jan 17, 2022
While driving the car started smoking white smoke and locked up. I was unable to get off roadway and almosred caused wreck. Had vehicle towed to dealership they said ut had a recall on it for engine failure. Checked the engine and it was locked up. They submitted the engine replace to hyundai and they denied because I didn't have a software update done prior to engine failure. Had no warning at all.
Exterior lighting, Jan 16, 2022, crash
The brake peddle stopper gets worn out and the car stops accelerating. Activation of the engine management system's brake pedal override feature causes the car to not accelerate, brake lights stay on, and car turns on without touching the brake.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
Loss of power, while trying to accelerate, troubleshot and it was caused by a worn brake stopper after replacing the brake stopper vehicle retained the loss of power and unable to drive past 37 mph. Possible ECM problem as vehicle is not throwing any DTC.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 7, 2022
After an oil change, my car started losing power at the gas and suddenly turned off on me while I was driving and never turned back on! When I tried turning my car back on my engine started smoking
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.
Suspension, Jan 4, 2022
The front driver side coil spring broke at the base. Was driving my car and heard what sounded like something hitting the underside of my car. Upon inspection we found the coil spring had broken. In researching online there was is a campaign recall for 2010-2011 Hyundai Sonata (#133). My vehicle does not fall in this category, but feel it should. Coil springs just don't break, unless you are going off road. There are many forums with similar incidents.
Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 2, 2022
1#.air . #2 not inspección 1year ago. #3 air bag lihg warning was the first day a Buy tne car. never im put interés now im know Is bad in damgere.
Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated he would need to replace both rear brake lights every two months. The contact stated recently he noticed a burning smell and saw the plastic cover on the bulb was melted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was awaiting a diagnosis. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000. Consumer was told by the dealer engine was gone and case number [XXX] was issued. On 12/22/21 Hyundai denied coverage, stating it wasn't associated with Recall/Campaign 132. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”*JB