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, Jul 9, 2021
Recall 198. Dealership has had my car for over 30 days. NO LOANER OR RENTAL!!!
Engine, Jul 8, 2021
Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata's engine failed with no warning lights our any sounds indicating possible problems. It failed while driving and immediately stalled which could have easily caused an accident. We are the original owners of the vehicle and all recalls had been completed with the engine having been looked at as part of a recall several years ago. The mileage was around 121,000 and Hyundai has taken care of replacing the engine. We are still waiting on them to reimburse us for towing related to the incident four months after our car broke down.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2021
Driving in traffic in town and accelerator pedal quit working. Deceleration happened until I went from 40 mph to 2mph. Then able to accelerate back up to 30mph and happened again until I coasted to a stop. Traction control light came on after second incident. Car was in park and still on. Turned car off, took key outside vehicle and exited vehicle. Car locked itself and brake lights came on and stayed on. This is a danger!!! Can cause an accident, driver has no control over vehicle at random times. Traumatic and scared to drive vehicle now.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2021
Brake lights stay illuminated when car is off. Loses speed while in motion. ESC lights come on.
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2021
This safety issue affects Hyundai Sonatas with a turbo. The vehicle loses acceleration. The engine will rev with the tachometer functioning properly, but the vehicle speed does not increase accordingly. This is a safety issue because drivers could cause accidents when merging into traffic, changing lanes, or clearing an intersection. This issue may be related to my engine being replaced by Hyundai as part of a recall since it happened within a week of receiving the new engine. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -- The problem is related to the wastegate actuator and/or sensor. The ECU/ECM seems to disable the turbo in the vehicle. Stopping and restarting the vehicle (rebooting) eliminates the problem until the vehicle is parked/off for at least nine (9) hours. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - See introduction above. When accelerating from a stop, the vehicle's acceleration stalls at about 20-23 MPH, even with the tachometer reaching 7,000 RPMs. While driving above 30 MPH, the vehicle is very slow to accelerate so merging onto any highways or changing lanes is a high-risk maneuver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -- Yes. They first tried to replace the turbo boost sensor but that did not eliminate the problem. Hyundai Sonata owners have reported this problem since 2012. "Wastegate actuator sensor". Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -- Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by a manufacturer dealer service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -- No. The warning lamp does not activate on a regular basis with this issue. The warning lamp does appear approximately 10% of the time but again, rebooting the vehicle removes the warning lamp.
Seat belts, Jun 30, 2021
Seat belt doesn’t latch properly. It’s been happening for a while now. I have to fidget with the metal clip into the slot several times, and sometimes I just can’t wear it at all because it doesn’t latch.
Engine, Jun 26, 2021, fire
Dear To Whom It May Concern, My cars VIN: [XXX] There is a recall (NHTSA Recall Number20V746000) that I found on this website for my car that the dealership below is claiming is not correct and will not work on. Springfield Hyundai Address: 754 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064 My car has been having engine issue even after it getting services at another Hyundai Dealership Service Center. Engine overheats and smoke came out several times. Not it is jerking while I drive - loosing power. I barely was able to get the car to the service, that is how bad the state of the engine is at the moment. Initially when I took the car to the service center they said there is no recall at all on my car, even though the Hyundai customer service agent acknowledged the recall I mentioned above. After some push back from me, the service agent at the center said there was a recall but not the one I mention above a different one. I would really appreciate some help getting the recall above sorted out. Thank you in advance. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2021
While driving on 285 @ 60 mph the car begins alarming with a hazard light indicating emergency braking system failure then the car looses complete braking capabilities and power to drive, all while I am in front of an 18 wheeler. I have practically no control over the stirring wheel as the car has completely lost all power all I could do is throw on my hazard lights and pray that the truck sees me then I begin to coast off to the side of the highway. In 2019 the engine seized up and did the exact same thing lost total power on the highway, the engine was replaced in 2019. In 2020 the transmission was causing problems and was replaced as well, this vehicle is a death trap and I truly fear for mines and my child’s life when driving it. I have never ever really feel safe in this car after my engine failure it left with in total paranoia with it loosing total power and leaving me without control to get out the way of on coming traffic thank goodness the trucker behind me noticed I was in distress and I was able to coast off to the side. I have googled and seen that there has been many others who have had this exact same problem with the braking system. Hyundai needs to recall these vehicles for this braking problems so no has to loose there lives behind it. Please please, please help me and the others that have these issues to get this matter resolved. Every since I have gotten this car it has had nothing but major issues in my eyes it should be deemed a lemon. Please advise
Air bags, Jun 21, 2021
Air bag light won’t turn off
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 18, 2021
I was driving on the freeway and I put my foot on the gas to accelerate and my car would not go. It had no power. It is intermittent. I can be driving and it is fine then all of a sudden it won’t go more then 30 mph. My brake lights are always going out. Now my break lights won’t turn off.
Engine, May 31, 2021
Spun rod bearing in recalled vehicle. Had recall inspected at the dealership as per the recall. Dealership said everything was fine. Engine failure due to recalled parts and dealership will not cover.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 27, 2021
I was driving on the Highway and my vehicle started blinking with all of the check lights going off and it stated “hybrid system warning stop and pull over immediately”. The car seemed to continue to jerk with the gas than the brakes went off. My steering wheel would not allow my to turn and I was very close to getting into an accident. My 6 month old baby was in the car and I feared for both of our lives. Every time I turn the car on it states the same thing... please help me
Electrical system, May 24, 2021
On one of the first occasions, I had just exited the Lincoln tunnel when the "Hybrid System Warning Safely Pull over" came blaring along with the "Check engine" light. I safely pulled over and noticed the car would act as if it was in "neutral" when it was actually in "Drive". I shut off the car and eventually I was able to drive.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 22, 2021
My break lights and head lights are constantly blowing out, I've had multiple repair orders to prove this & can have records pulled from my pull overs. My back up camera now has an electrical issue and will no longer come on. Also when I'm driving the gas pedal just stops working while driving!!! Very very dangerous. My car is well kept and maintained there is NO reason for these issues to be happening aside from a manufacturer issue. I know plenty of people with the same year make and model as me and they all have the same issues. There really needs to be recalls put out on these issues as they are a safety concerns and they are putting me and my children in danger every day. I wish I had researched these issues before buying a Hyundai. I WILL NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN especially if these issues do not get resolved.
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
When I learned my right brake light was out and upon further investigating I found that the socket for brake bulb was melted as well. I now need to replace the socket and wiring so the bulb will hopefully work properly. When I took my car in for an oil change recently, I was told the brake socket had melted the brake light assembly. Also which will now need to be replaced as well (Quoted $150 plus labor). Next thing is a little hard to explain, but short time later I was driving on freeway and my car will suddenly stop accelerating and start slowing down. Then will kick back up again like nothing happened, car didn't lose power during this. All power was sill on radio, lights ect.. The first time this happened it was so quick I didn't know what to think. Not long after that my daughter was driving this time and it did it again repeatedly will stops accelerating (on off on off on off). To the point we were slowing down quite a bit and had to put the flashers on, as suddenly as it started it stopped. Again no loss of power or steering ect. The only light that came on was my traction control light and wouldn't go off even when pressing the button. Since there wasn't any check engine light showing on instrument panel I have no clue what could be the problem. Side note I have had issues with my cruise control not wanting to work or occasionally will work. Two days later after this incident my daughter told me that all my lights we're on and doors were unlock. Car wasn't dead at that point. Turned them all the way off just in case but another day or so later car is unlocked and completely dead took a very long time to get started back up. At this point I have to disconnect the battery so that the lights won't go on and kill the battery. Outside of these issues I've had no problems with the car absolutely love my car. But am very concerned.
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2021
THE PARKING AND BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF WHEN I TURN OFF MY CAR. THIS IS RESULTING IN THE BATTERY DYING CONSTANTLY AND I AM NOT ABLE TO LOCK OR SECURE MY CAR.
Engine, May 10, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
Service brakes, May 4, 2021
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH GRINDING NOISE. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE.
Power train, Electrical system, May 1, 2021
1 DAY AFTER BUYING VEHICLE. IT FAILED. 1ST DEALER REPLACED 12V BATTERY. THEN DROVE 17 MILES AND IT FAILED AGAIN. DEALER DETERMINED HYBRID BATTERY BAD. 7K FOR NEW ONE. 7 YR OLD VEHICLE NEEDED NEW HYBRID BATTERY. PURCHASED HYBRID BATTERY. 1 YEAR LATER VEHICLE STARTED JERKING ON HIGHWAY. THEN IT COULD NOT GET OVER 40 AND ENGINE WAS REVVING HIGH. TOWEF TO DEALER. THEY DETERMINED FAILED TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRIC MOTOR. PURCHASED USED PARTS AND HAD THEM INSTALLED FOR 4K. NIGHTMARE VEHICLE. AWFUL SUPPORT FROM HYUNDAI. NO WAY I WOULD EVER BUY ANOTHER.
Engine, Apr 28, 2021
THE CAR USES OIL AND THE OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN THE OIL IS LOW.
Air bags, Apr 26, 2021
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, I SEE THIS MODEL HAD RECALLS
Visibility/wiper, Apr 23, 2021
ON APRIL 5, 2021 AT ABOUT 7AM. I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER'S 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED EDITION WITH A PANORAMA SUNROOF TO A CASINO CALL CACHE CREEK CASINO IN CALIFORNIA. I WAS DRIVING AND SHE WAS THE PASSENGER THAT MORNING. I WAS GOING AROUND 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE 80, EASTBOUND WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE CENTER SUNROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE SHOT A GUN AT US AND WE ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND BARELY AVOIDED A MAJOR COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEXT TO US. WE PULLED OF THE NEXT EXIT IN HERCULES,CA. TO THE FIRST GAS STATION WE SAW. I CALL THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL SO THEY COULD COME AND MAKE OUT A REPORT. IT REALLY SCARED US ,BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE SHOT AT US WITH A SHOTGUN. ,,,,,,,,,,,
Engine, Apr 19, 2021
SO I WENT TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN MCKINNEY TX (HUFFINES HYUNDAI MCKINNEY) AND SHOWED THEM THE RECALL THAT I RECEIVED FROM YOUR WEBSITE, THAT SAYS THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT WAS REQUESTED BY MANUFACTURER, AND IF I DON'T REPLACE THEM THE ENGINE MAY GET DAMAGE AND THIS IS SAFETY RISK, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THIS RECALL AND SAID THAT RECALL NOT READY TO BE REPAIRED AS IT IS NOT LISTED IN HYUNDAI WEBSITE!! CAN YOU PLEASE HELP TO FIND A DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS RECALL AS IT IS VERY RISK AND I DON'T WANT MY ENGINE TO BE DAMAGED!
Engine, Apr 19, 2021
SO I WENT TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN MCKINNEY TX (HUFFINES HYUNDAI MCKINNEY) AND SHOWED THEM THE RECALL THAT I RECEIVED FROM YOUR WEBSITE, THAT SAYS THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT WAS REQUESTED BY MANUFACTURER, AND IF I DON'T REPLACE THEM THE ENGINE MAY GET DAMAGE AND THIS IS SAFETY RISK, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THIS RECALL AND SAID THAT RECALL NOT READY TO BE REPAIRED AS IT IS NOT LISTED IN HYUNDAI WEBSITE!! CAN YOU PLEASE HELP TO FIND A DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS RECALL AS IT IS VERY RISK AND I DON'T MY ENGINE TO BE DAMAGED!
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2021
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD BOOM, IT SOUNDED LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF IN MY CAR. THEN I WAS SHOWERED WITH GLASS FROM ABOVE. I IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS (FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO ONE BEHIND ME). THE FRONT SEAT PORTION OF MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT, LOOKING FOR A BULLET AS I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD SHOT AT ME THEN FOR A ROCK OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD EXPLAIN WHY MY SUNROOF JUST EXPLODED GLASS ALL OVER ME. I FOUND NOTHING. I DROVE HOME CRYING AND SHAKING. MY BF TOLD ME TO GOOGLE WHAT JUST HAPPENED TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE. APPARENTLY IT HAS! I AM UNSURE WHY I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE CLASS-ACTION LAW SUIT, AS I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A DEALER AND HAVE HAD IT FOR JUST OVER 6 YEARS NOW. FORTUNATELY IT IS COVERED UPTO 120,000 MILES DUE TO THE LAW SUIT, I HAVE 118,580 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. I AM STILL EXTREMELY SHAKEN TODAY!! I REALLY WANT TO SELL MY CAR BUT CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR PAYMENT (THIS MONTH IS MY LAST PAYMENT). VERY UPSET!