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, Dec 22, 2021
Check engine light started flashing. Drove approximately .5 miles home then towed to Brown's Hyundai of Leesburg dealership on 12/06/2021. Advised on 12/22/2021 Hyundai will not cover repair of engine and said it was not covered by their recall. Dealership described problems as those listed in the recall. "Metal shavings" seen.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2021
It began in 2020; the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid I've been driving started having issues with the hybrid system. At the time, the car was still under warranty. I took it in multiple times to AutoNation Hyundai in North Richland Hills, TX, because I kept getting the error message "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive", the car battery would become depleted, and the car would stop. My husband and I would take the vehicle multiple times to the service center at AutoNation Hyundai in North Richland Hills, TX, and nothing was done because, according to their staff, the error could not be duplicated. At one point, they kept it for almost a month, barely driven (we looked at the mileage on the car) before it was returned with no work done on the vehicle. Last June 2021, on a drive to Dallas to take my daughter to her volunteer program at the Dallas Zoo, the car stopped in the middle of the highway for the same problem. I called AutoNation Hyundai in North Richland Hills, and they could not see the vehicle in a timely manner and would not give me a loaner while they had the car in the shop. At that time, I wanted them to check the vehicle's issue and the recall issue that seemed like we were experiencing with the car; it was the only car I had to use to get to and from work and drive my daughter to her obligations, and they could not see it promptly and would not issue me a loaner vehicle. I ended up taking the car to Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth; they supposedly found a faulty sensor and repaired it, checked it for a recall, and couldn't find the issue at that time. Last night, my car flashed the same error and lost all power. I was on I-35W North with my daughter at the time. I had the vehicle towed after hours to AutoNation Hyundai and called this morning to follow up. I spoke with someone at service, and they told me they could not look at the car until about mid-January and would not be able to give me a loaner in the interim. I tried to explain to the
Service brakes, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the brake pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they found no fault with the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer on multiple occasions where software updates were performed and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the driver’s side rear brake caliper piston was replaced; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine, Nov 26, 2021
On November 13th of 2021 me and my four year old we're in the car as I was driving the vehicle and my oil lamp light kept blinking showing that my car was on low oil and then my engine light came on right after and started blinking as well 5 minutes after that my car broke down on the side of the interstate on 65 north me and my daughter we're at risk of safety because it was 10:00 at night stuck on the side of the interstate in the freezing cold for 2 and a half hours what had happened was the connecting rod inside of the engine worn out so it basically locked up my whole engine as I was looking on information about a recall it was showing the same exact thing that has with my vehicle now my vehicle is sitting at a dealership while I'm still paying payments on my lease with it still no answers about why my car isn't being fixed and what is going on with it
Engine, Nov 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and other unknown warnings lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road however, he pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Engine, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced under recall after the engine failed while driving at an unknown speed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where they replaced the engine under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). Recently, while driving at various speeds, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would stall as an abnormal, knocking noise would emit from the engine. The contact had taken her vehicle back to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Nov 11, 2021
Said vehicle is affected by the Sonata engine connecting rod bearing inspection recall campaign. During the manufacturing of the engine, metal debris may have been generated during factory machining operations. If the debris was not removed from the crankshaft ‘s oil passages, it could contaminate the connecting rod oiling passages , restricting oil flow to the connecting rod bearings and increasing the potential of premature bearing wear. A worn connecting rod bearing may result in one or more of the following: 1. A metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine which increases in frequency as the engine RPM increases. 2. Illumination of the Check Engine Light in the instrument cluster. However, engine failed, lost all power without any warning. My safety was put at risk without prior warning as I turned onto main thoroughfare . No indicators from instrument panel warnings nor any illumination of check engine light. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Was told directly from dealership that vehicle affected by engine recall. Problem was confirmed on October 8, 2021. Dealership states reported problem to Hyundai Automaker and is waiting on a response. There were no warning lights, lamps, messages, or any symptoms of a problem prior to instantaneous engine failure. Vehicle towed to dealership Irving Freeman Hyundai, Irving TX on October 7, 2021 and is still there as of this complaint submission.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2021
The car hesitates when excelerating. The car has had this problem since I purchased the vehicle. I have reported to the Hyuandai dealership within in a few days of purchasing it. They told me it was normal. It has been in and out of the dealership many times and they finally told me ithey installed the knock sensor device which helped for a short time but it’s gotten worse. It hesitates so bad at times I almost got struck from the side because my car got stuck in the middle of the road because it wouldn’t go.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 4, 2021
The cars engine burn oil very quickly and runs improperly. The car jerks when attempting to accelerate normally and deaccelerates when driving at normal speeds which can cause an accident with ongoing traffic.
Engine, Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and then to a dealer for assistance. Once there, the contact was informed that the engine had seized and that the engine would need to be replaced. The contact stated that she had previously received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) however, she was informed that the recall had expired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure through the dealer and they informed her that since the vehicle was not properly maintained; they declined to repair the failure under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown. I bought a 2012 Hyundai Sonata at an auction in June of 2017. Since buying the car I have moved 3 or 4 times. In late July/ early august 2021, The car turned off while driving. When Trying to turn it back on the engine made a clunking noise and shut off. Then the car would not turn on again. The car engine had a recall on it. When looking into the recall, there was a recall on sonatas stating this was identified and because of this issue, the car had been recalled. The car was towed to Hyundai in Brockton, they would diagnose the car to see what happened, and they said it is indeed engine failure. (They didn’t even diagnose the issue until 1-1.5 months after giving them the car). The dealership sent a claim to Hyundai corporate stating this and to see if Hyundai corporate would cover the cost of the new engine since this car engine was recalled. Hyundai requested that they take the engine apart and examine the valves to see if the cause was due to the recall issue or if it was us not keeping up with the maintenance. They asked to provide invoices for the car oil change (the 2 recent invoices were provided showing maintenance) When Hyundai corporate responded back they said they denied request to cover the cost of a new engine because when they sent the recall notice back in 2018 and the car was never sent to get the engine fixed. The recall would have put in a device to notify the car when/if the engine is failing. Since it’s 2021, the recall period is expired and bc it was never brought in, they are not at fault. But, the only notice I had was right before covid where things were shut down and crazy. (As mentioned earlier I have moved 3-4 times). Hyundai refused to fix the car and offered to buy it for $200 or if I wanted to fix it, they quoted me $5000 that I would have to pay them. They also informed me that I would be liable to pay so long as the car was in their dealership so I had to pay to tow it to my house. The root cause of the issue of the engine recall. I kept up up with all maintenance to the car and could not get the recall addressed due to the covid shutdown. Hyundai should be held liable for fixing the car since the recall was a safety issue and should not "expire".
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 29, 2021
I am experiencing the exact same issues described in a previous recall of 2006 to 2007 model affecting the brake lamp switch. My brake lamps remain illuminated after release of the brake pedal, and the ESC light illuminates on the dash
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 28, 2021
This morning when i drove the car to Bart station, just before i parked in the parking lot. the showboard showed "Hybrid System Warning, Safely Stop and Do Not Drive". So i stopped and parked the car in the parking space. i'm not sure what the issue is and if i still can drive it after i came back from my work. After i checked the website and found there're a lot of people have this same issue as this case. I did not see any of them have solution for it. So I believed that this is a big issue since it will cuase death if it happens in the high speed high way. please do the investigation and recall for it to save lives! appreciated in advance.
Engine, Oct 21, 2021
Check engine light blinking and engine acting erratically. Took it to dealership they said it was a known issue with the Theta 2 engines whereas there is premature wear in the rod bearings and it requires a new engine. This engine is under recall and has a lifetime warranty on this defect. However, when the dealership contacted Hyundai to replace the engine they said because it has a salvage title they will not. The salvage title was from body damage and nothing with the engine. It is my understanding that salvage title does not negate the need to honor the recall. Can you help? The VIN is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Oct 20, 2021
1. Air Bag Light is On. 2. Car does not start. Both of these problems re-occured after Inspected & serviced by Hyundai.
Engine, Oct 14, 2021, fire
Smoke started coming from the engine and then caught fire
Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2021
3 of my light lamps where burning and front headlight could have start a fire
Service brakes, Oct 6, 2021
At 28,000 miles the ABH pressure sensor failed c1237 Hydraulic Power Unit. Dealership charged $2947.95 for the repair. $2141.55 just for the part. The brakes completely failed and the car required towing.
Engine, Oct 5, 2021
Every alarm started beeping, engine light and a few other lights came on in the dash, speed was about 45-50, car stalled out, and it's said check charging system, pull over safely and do not drive. This was 10 pm and in a dark area. Could have been very serious had I been on a busy freeway or highway. This is the 5 time in 2 years it has done this. Everytime I take it to the dealership they tell me nothing is wrong with my car.
Engine, Oct 5, 2021
I bought a 2012 Hyundai Sonata at an auction in June of 2017. Since buying the car I have moved 3 or 4 times. In late July/ early august 2021, The car turned off while driving. When Trying to turn it back on the engine made a clunking noise and shut off. Then the car would not turn on again. The car engine had a recall on it. When looking into the recall, there was a recall on sonatas stating this was identified and bc of this issue, the car had been recalled. The car was towed to Hyundai in Brockton, they would diagnose the car to see what happened, and they said it is indeed engine failure. (They didn’t even diagnose the issue until 1-1.5 months after giving them the car). The dealership sent a claim to Hyundai corporate stating this and to see if Hyundai corporate would cover the cost of the new engine since this car was recalled. Hyundai requested that they take the engine apart and examine the valves to see if the cause was due to the recall issue or if it was us not keeping up with the maintenance. They asked to provide invoices for the car oil change (the 2 recent invoices were provided showing maintenance) When Hyundai corporate responded back they said they denied request to cover the cost of a new engine because when they sent the recall notice back in 2018 and the car was never sent to get the engine fixed. The recall would have put in a device to notify the car when/if the engine is failing. Since it’s 2021, they said recall period is expired and bc it was never brought in, they are not at fault. But, the only notice I had was right before covid where things were shut down and crazy. (As mentioned earlier I have moved 3-4 times)
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2021
I started the car and immediately got a chiming sound with an error message "hybrid system warning! Safety stop and do not drive" brake light also came on. I put the in drive and Car would not accelerate past 15 mph and the brakes did not engage. I turned the car off and the message reset. Same issue occured about a month ago but the dealership could not replicate the problem.
Steering, Sep 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the contact heard a clicking noise when making a slight turn on the vehicle. The contact felt that the steering wheel was oversteering while making slight turns in either direction. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as a steering column coupler that was worn out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2021
I am a 74-year-old widowed, retired Federal Government worker. I purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sonata in October 2011. This was supposed to be my retirement car. I bought it new from Torrance Hyundai. This car has been a problem from day one. I have a lengthy list of problems. It has only 54,000 miles and will be 10 years old next year. Some of the problems are the gas meter does not work (I don't how much gas I have in my car. For a senior citizen that is not good. My windows button does not work, and my voice control and Bluetooth does not work (it was replaced once) I have a ticking when I turn my car. (Dealer said it would cost $2000. to fix. (it was fixed once) I have an oil leak that a Mechanic told me to take it back to the dealer, it should be covered. (It is not) My dashboard is cracked. (not cover). I have had two Hyundais. The hatchback (one of the first in the USA) and worked fine, and another Sonata in the '90s. I loved them both. Before my favorite was the Toyota, now since this car has all these problems and is paid off. I will never buy a Hyundai again. I looking to buy a small SUV and it will not be a Hyundai. I am ready to tell the media and everyone that would listen about this car and the problems I have had from day one. I have a list of service orders on some of these problems. I was once a loyal Hyundai owner, but now I cannot give my praise to this car or this company. I have a limited income and now I must go back into debt because of your piece of junk. Thank you for making my senior years enjoyable. I like to put this out to the media for all to know of how you treat your customers that have been loyal. I complained about this with Hyundai customer service and received a case number and told to make appointment for them to check the car. But, they didn't tell me it would cost $169.00. It is unsafe to drive cracks in your dashboard where the airbags are located and for a senior to worry about the amount of gas she has.
Steering, Sep 28, 2021
Steering wheel couplet is broken causing the steering wheel to make a clanking noise when driving or going over little bumps on the road. It also makes the steering wheel and I believe tires make clanking noise when making a turn or pulling out of a driveway.
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2021
Exact same symptoms as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (Hyundai recall 136 - described below). The car was previously repaired for this issue. The brake lights come on without any pressure applied to the brake petal, both when the car is off or running. Besides the critical issues stated below, it also causes the brake light bulbs to burn out prematurely, and drains the car battery. 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. Consequence: 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. Remedy: 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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake lights were continually illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but, vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about a possible fire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.