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.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2021
No Incident. Airbag warning light is always on. This is an going issue with Hyundai Sonata 2012. Contacted the dealer since it is a safety issue, but they said it is not under warranty. I know several people have the same model of the car and have the same issue with the airbag light. This issue should be recalled because it a is a safety issue
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2021
The rear brake lights burned out can't replace the light because the wiring harness melted and y'all no longer sell replacement wiring harness at the store or dealership for my vehicle make and model I was told I would have to make a out of pocket costly repair to install a new model wiring harness. I keep getting pulled over by the cops cause I don't have break lights. Worse case someone could run into the back of me. This issue is a Hyundai issue. It's so many Hyundai sonata riding around without break lights. Please fix this issue.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
Bluetooth cuts out on vehicle and volume shuts off completely on stereo. Without the bluetooth and volume functioning on the vehicle, I no longer have handsfree capability. It endangers my safety (and others) and then becomes a legal violation for me to answer my phone while driving. I have taken it to a dealership and they have been able to reproduce the problem. The only solution they provided me was to replace the whole head unit for the exact same system that has this known bluetooth/volume issue. On forums that I've read it's stated that this is a software/firmware update that resolves this issue, but the dealership says they know nothing about it nor does Hyundai national. Other dealerships in the country have installed the software update to fix the issue.
Engine, Sep 5, 2021
My engine is making this knocking noise and when I check my oil it has metal shavings in it from the engine
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2021
While I was driving, an error stating "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive" popped up on my dash.
Engine, Aug 27, 2021
MY CAR STOPPED IN DECEMBER 2020. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE UNDER A RECALL CAMPAIGN. EIGHT MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE COUNTLESS DIAGNOSIS OF THE ISSUES AND STILL CANNOT RESOLVE IT. THE LATEST ERROR MESSAGE IS ENGINE ERROR CODE P0076. I AM STILL AWAITING THE PART TO FIX THE ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. HOWEVER, THE FUEL CONSUMPTION HAS INCREASED. I DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES AND NOW THE FUEL INDICATOR MOVES EACH DAY I DRIVE THE CAR. WON'T BUY THIS BRAND AGAIN.
Engine, Aug 23, 2021
The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata that only has 70,000 miles on it.
Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2021
Exact same issue as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (described below). Video was taken of the incidents. 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.
Power train, Aug 12, 2021
The car transmission breaks down prematurely. And dashboard show hybrid system warning safely stop do not drive. Hyundai is asking for $5000 to replace the transmission.
Service brakes, Aug 11, 2021
After driving one day, I noticed the brake lights on without anybody in the car, they would not turn off whatever I tried. The next symptom was the traction control turned off and would not function via dashboard button. the next symptom was, while driving, cruise control turned on without myself doing so, set it's speed and maintained, I was approaching a 4 way stop and depressed the brake expecting cruise control to disengage, it did not, I pressed the brake again this time holding it down while the car continued to revv, the engine continuing to attempt to speed up while pressing the brake. The only thing stopping the car was the on and off button on the steering wheel. I finally came to a screeching halt half way into the intersection, the brakes were locked up and vehicle would not move, the dealership claims no responsibility in anything and blames it in fact on myself putting the wrong brake fluid into the vehicle. I had not put anything into the vehicle, the dealership was the last to touch it when they did a complete engine replacement in Jan 2021. Vehicle is currently in their possession and available for inspection. No warning lights came on and vehicle began to function normally after, and I have not driven it since. I do not feel safe any longer in the vehicle. Dealership wants me to pay for all new brakes, rotors, brake light switch and brake flush, all which I feel is dancing around the real issue of the brakes and the cruise control. This is a real serious safety issue to anyone with this same vehicle and the potential for a serious possibly fatal accident, dealership doesn't seem to think it's a serious issue, and instructed me to drive the vehicle home, I did not!!!!!
Engine, Aug 6, 2021
The contact's mother owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed however, there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The failure recurred two weeks after the contact's mother received the vehicle back from the dealer. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure and that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,073.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 5, 2021
UNKNOWN: On July 14th, 2021, I was driving approx. 45mph on the Expressway when I felt the car losing a little power, I looked at the speedometer and noticed (no warning lights where on) the speed was going down slowly as I was attempting to accelerate, the car would not go past 20mph. Then all the sudden I lost all controls of the car (the car stalled) I was not able to steer or brake, the car had stalled in the middle of the parkway, it was a very dangerous situation, so many cars came within inches of hitting me. I was able to finally restart the car and get it to the side of the road and then it stalled again. This time when I attempted to restart the car I noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood and the would not start, at that point I called for help. The car was towed to my mechanic and he determined the engine was seized. (see attached pdf) Car is available for inspection.
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2021
When driving the “Check Brake” warning comes out and the brakes hit the tires allowing for minimal movement of the vehicle. Right after that, a “Hybrid System Warning - Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” comes up. At times, The warnings will continue for days or hours and other times, imthey would just disappear. When bringing the car to the dealer they wouldn’t be able to understand the issue as the warnings suddenly disappear and they would just start guess-repairing the car which can be extremely expensive for us the consumers
Vehicle speed control, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle decelerated independently with the Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 28, 2021
I have provided this information already, case number 11424760. I am now submitting further documentation on this safety issue. There was a recall notice from Hyundai, for whatever reason, this was changed to not include our vehicle. We never heard back about the solution & they no longer will replace the engine.
Engine, Jul 28, 2021
These are known for engine failure which has already happened to me summer of 2019. The first time Murdock of Murray gave me a hard time replacing the engine even though it was a recall they tried over charging for other repairs that supposedly lead to the seized engine. Murdock also told me the turbo on the vehicle would need time to adjust and kick in with turbo the coils needed to get oil in them for the turbo to work properly. After fixing engine the turbo never was the same but Murdock insisted nothing was wrong. Now 25k miles later again the vehicle is on the verge of seized engine. While in traffic at 5pm ish, I turned left and as I was turning my vehicle would not accelerate, I heard a crackling noise and the check engine light came on but the car was still running all power but would not accelerate over 20mph with the rpm flooring. I immediately thought it’s happening the engine is seizing. Remind you this was the second time this happened. I almost died twice in this vehicle both times with my children in the car. I called Murdock to ask if they would tow the vehicle they told me no I would need to pay out of pocket, so I did, bc the vehicle would not accelerate. Once I got my car to the dealership already the technician seemed annoyed by my prediction with the engine on the verge of seizing. After a few days of the technicians looking over my car he claims I must pay for repairs and blamed me when these engines have been recalled by Hyundai. I then reached out to Hyundai corporate national consumers for assistance and they were just as bad. I was told there’s nothing I can do until a case manager calls me but they will let them know about this issue. No one has contacted me. The fact that Hyundai is trying to find ways to not cover their faulty death trap vehicles and the dealership is right behind them on giving customers a hard time replacing the recall without causing all the stress and over charging. Hyundai should be ashamed of themselves.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2021
Brake and tail light continues to burn out. I have replaced bulbs and entire assembly every couple weeks and t melts thei units as well as my engine stalls out and will not accelerate and does this intermittently. This puts me at risk of one of my lights catching fire or a crash due to my engine losing power on the freeway when I turn my lights on
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2021
Rear brake lights stay on even when the engine has been turned off
Engine, Jul 21, 2021
While driving the car turn off and I could start it on again. On dashboard I had battery warning, low oil and check engine light on. We towed the car hone and next day we checked the oil and in general what’s going on. We manage to start the car but the engine was making a knocking sound and won’t stop. We can’t drive the car because it will turn off.
Power train, Engine, Jul 14, 2021
Entered a freeway on-ramp, the engine started to make a slapping noise. I thought it was the fan belt slipping. We began to lose acceleration, had a burning smell We pulled off and had the vehicle towed. Subsequently we discovered that the issue was exactly that which appeared in a published recall notice: Symptoms of the problem can include abnormal knocking noises from the engine; reduced power or hesitation; illumination of the “check engine” light or the engine oil-pressure warning light; or a burning smell, oil leaks, or smoke. In discussing with Hyundai, it was stated that my VIN does not meet a full reimbursement due to the VIN not being included. How is that possible, when the symptoms match the year, Make, model. https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/hyundai-recalls-almost-129000-cars-in-u-s-for-possible-premature-engine-wear
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2021
When driving in the car at any speed over 40 mph, the brake override will engage at random moments and slow the car down about 20 mph immediately. This makes the car extremely unsafe to drive especially on freeways because when going the speed limit of 60 mph, the car will suddenly slow down with no warning to me, the driver, and the car driving behind my car, also going 60 mph or more, will then have to slow down to my speed just as fast if not faster to avoid hitting the back of my car at an excessive speed. This problem first appeared around July 6th, 2021 and has been an ongoing and worsening issue since then. There is a similar recall that has been put out on other cars, but my car has not been included in that recall even though this is clearly a problem affecting my model as well. I ask that my model be added to the recall list to avoid other people possibly getting into an accident.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the engine ceased with the hybrid system warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that the engine failed due to a disconnected rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed replacement. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The contact was then informed that the vehicle would be serviced under the recall however, the dealer had not replaced the engine due to the manufacturer sending multiple incorrect engines. The contact notified the manufacturer on numerous occasions about the failure and was provided, two case managers. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. Consumer stated engine still has not arrived and has been without a vehicle for 3 months now.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2021
UNKNOWN. I purchased this vehicle and found it had an open recall and would like it checked out.
Exterior lighting, Jul 9, 2021
Break lights repeatingly burn out on both sides. Replace it and a few weeks later, need replacing again. It is an ongoing problem and a known defect, but hasn't been recalled yet. This is a safety hazard as you are at risk of being rear ended.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 9, 2021
ON 05/26/21 THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN HYUNDAI FOR AN ENGINE RECALL AND WAS NOT RUNNING. IN FACT, SINCE PURCHASED AT THE AUCTION IT HAS NEVER RAN MORE THAN 30 FEET THEN SUTS OFF. TECH SAID, COMPUTER RESPONDED WITH A FAULTY WHEEL SENSOR, A DEAD BATTERY, AND FAULT ABS SENSOR. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND PUT NEW BATTERY IN IT, AND A LEFT REAR WHEEL SENSOR AND REPORTED BY HYUNDAI. OUR MECHANIC SAID TAKE BACK TO HYUNDAI TO RESET THE ABS SENSOR, SO ON06/24/21 WE DID RETURN THE VEHICLE TO CROWN HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLK NOW THEY COULD NOT SET THE SENSOR AS THE BATTERY WAS THE WRONG TYPE, NOW A CODE FOR A FLAP DOOR AND AN ALLEGATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING WRECKED IN THE FRONT END CAUSING DOOR DAMAGE. MY RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOOSE BUT NO DAMAGE. NOW THE COMPUTER SAYS THE DOOR PLAP AND FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE IS CAUSING 30 MORE DEFAULTS TO POP UP MY WRECKER DRIVER WILL TELL YOU THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVING BUT WOULD START AND MOVE UNTIL SENSOR SHUT DOWN. NOW IT WILL NOT START OR MOVE AND MORE SENSORS ARE BEING SHOWN.. SERVICE MANAGER SAID ,, I CANNOT TELL YOU NOT TO FIX IT, BUT THERE ARE MORE CODES POPING UP NOW... THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE... HE SAID HE HAS SEVERAL MORE HYDRID'S SITTING IN THE BACK THAT ALSO SHOW MANY CODES.