2012 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,557 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 51 involved a crash and 95 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchNov 16, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Campaign 15V759000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineSep 10, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Campaign 15V568000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 24, 2012
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 12V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,557 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 10, 2021
I WAS IN MOTION ON THE INTERSTATE AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT POPPED ON AND IT WAS TOLD IT ENDED UP BEING THE CAMSHAFT. ON MY WAY TO SHOP THE NEXT DAY MY CAR CUT OFF ON THE INTERSTATE AND EVERYTHING WORKED BUT CAR WOULD NOT CRANK. WAS TOLD IT WAS ENGINE. I HAD NO WARNING AND YES MY OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 9, 2021
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN VEHICLE WOULDN'T START DUE TO THE INTERIOR FUSE BOX GONE BAD ONCE FIXED WHILE DRIVE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET THE STEERING WHEEL BEGIN CLICK WHILE TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AND ALMOST LOCKED ON ME THE 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA STEERING COLUMN FLEXIBLE COUPLER WENT BAD AND FROM MY RESEARCH THIS SEEM TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THERE CAR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2021
I TOOK THE AFFECTED VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE TOOL TO CHECK THE ENGINE CONNECTING ROD. THE VEHICLE HAD A DEAD BATTERY AND THE DEALER DID SOME OTHER WORK ON THE VEHICLE INCLUDING A TUNE UP AND FUEL INDUCTION AND REPLACED A LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET .THE COST WAS $1009.01 THE REPAIRS WERE DONE UNDER THE NAME OF [XXX] ,THE ORIGINAL OWNER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 7, 2021
MY PASSENGER REAR LIGHT KEEPS BLOWING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB ONCE A WEEK SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES, THANKFULLY I WAS NOT TICKETED AND WAS GIVEN A WARNING ALL 3 TIMES. THE LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN SO I WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB AND THE THE WHOLE HOUSING UNIT IS MELTED. NOW I AM UNABLE TO TAKE THE BULB OUT TO CHANGE IT.
Engine, Apr 4, 2021
I HAVE A2012 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0 LIMITED DOESN'T TAKE THE GAS WHEN U PRESS IT AND IT MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND ALSO SO I CHECKED THE OIL EVERYTHING FINE AND ALL THE REST OF THE FLUIDS NO PROBLEM THERE THE CAR ONLY HAS 58000 THOUSAND MILES ON IT ALSO WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT HOME FROM WORK IT WAS LOSING POWER
Engine, Apr 4, 2021
MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2.0 HAS LOST POWER AND IT IS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS AND IT ONLY HAS 58 THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND I WAS DRIVING IT WHEN ALL THIS TOOK PLACE COMING HOME FROM WORK
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2021
MY RADIO WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO CONNECT BLUETOOTH NOR WILL IT COME OFF THE 'CAUTION' SCREEN THAT COMES ON WHEN IT FIRST START UP. ALSO I AM UNABLE TO CONNECT USB (MEDIA) . I ATTEMPTED BUT DID NOT WORK THEN I TRIED THE SAME CORD WITH CHARGER PORT ADAPTER AND IT WORKS
Air bags, Mar 25, 2021
MY CAR HAS AND WAS SERVICED ON THE AIR BAG BEFORE AND ONCE AGAIN OUT OF THE BLUE THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON , NO CHANGES HAVE OCCURED WITH THE VEHICLE , NO ACCIDENTS NOTHING NEW AND I HAVE CHECK THE WEBSITE PERIODICALLY TO SEE IF ANYTHING CHANGE
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Mar 22, 2021, fire
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON BUT IT DIDN'T COME ON, AND THEN I NOTICED IT SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE CAR.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 18, 2021
ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I NOTICE A LITTLE SCRATCH ON THE DASHBOARD, AFTER A WHILE I SEE THAT IT WAS A DANGER CRASH AFTER THIS TIME NOW ARE 3 BIG SCRATCHES THAT INTERFERE WITH THE DEPLOYMENT AIRBAGS OF BOTH FROM AIRBAGS IF SPLIT COULD COST BIG INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE .HYUNDAY SAID THEY ARE NOT RESPONSABLE FOR THAT DEFECTIVE PART.(PLASTIC) BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY. ALSO THE LIGHTS NEVER ARE RIGHT TO CAUSE DIFFICULTY AT NIGHT DRIVING ALSO DANGEROUS, THE DEALER SAID THEY ARE OK, BUT THEY ARE NOT IN RIGHT POSITION.
Steering, Mar 18, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE IN REVERSE, MAKING THE VEHICLE HARD TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE IN MANUAL STEERING MODE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI (12801 SOUTH, ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000
Engine, Mar 16, 2021
THE CAR IS UNDER RECALL FOR ROD BEARINGS BUT THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION HAS NOT AUTHORIZED THE FIX. THE PAPER THAT I RECEIVED FROM HYUNDAI STATES WHAT THE FIX IS (KNOW SENSOR). IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE TO THE CAR BUT NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO PROCEED WITH THE KNOWN FIX. THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED IS DEC 2020. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF INCIDENTS WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE HAS BEEN ACTIVATED WHEN DRIVING. WHEN I TAKE TO THE DEALER, THEY ALWAYS FIND AN UNRELATED PROBLEM WHICH TO ME SEEMS SUSPICIOUS. I DO NOT WHETHER TO SELL THE CAR OR KEEP WAITING FOR THE ALREADY KNOWN FIX. MY CAR HAS BEEN SERVICES AT MISSION HILLS, HYUNDAI.
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 16, 2021
STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, GEAR IN DRIVE AND THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, BUT THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV AND LURCH FORWARD--WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. MOVED FORWARD A COUPLE OF FEET WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE FOOT BRAKE BUT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN.
Power train, Mar 16, 2021
I HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED IN 3/17. A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER THAT, IT STARTED HESITATING WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER, I HAD NO REVERSE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN BECKLEY, WV. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY RAN A SCOPE IN IT AND THERE IS NO REVERSE GEAR THERE. I WAS TOLD OF A RECALL ON THE POWER TRAIN SO I CALLED HYUNDAI. THEY SENT ME TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING, I HAD NO REVERSE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS WITH NO REVERSE. I DON'T LIKE TO COMPLAIN BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT STEPS TO TAKE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING A FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PATRICK HYUNDAI (1020 E. GOLF RD, SCHAUMBURG, IL 60173, (847)230-8294) WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2021
THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT COMES OUT
Service brakes, Mar 7, 2021
A WARNING KEEPS HAPPENING WITH NO CODES IT SAYS TO CHECK BRAKES AND PULL OVER I CAN ONLY GO ABOUT 15 MILES AN HOUR AND THE BRAKES PEDAL HAS A WEIRD GRINDING NOISE LIKE IT'S SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ABS SYSTEM IT IS VERY SCARY AND IT DOES IT INTERMITTENTLY
Engine, Mar 6, 2021
WENT TO START CAR ON WED AN WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE. SHUT IT OFF AND CHECK FLUIDS AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER AND THE INSPECTED IT. TOLD ME IT WAS METAL IN THE ENGINE AND MOTOR WAS SHOT. WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE $14000 FOR A NEW ENGINE OUT OF MY POCKET. THIS IS THE REASON FOR THE RECALL AND NOW MY CAR IS DISABLED. I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE UNTIL THIS MATTER IS RESOLVED. I HAVE VIDEO FROM THE DEALER BUT IT WONT LET ME SEND IT FOR MY REPORT.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2021
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH PLUNGER DOES NOT RETRACT AS IT SHOULD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PRESSED, CAR LOOSES ACCELERATION AND LOOSES POWER. WHEN DRIVING ON CRUISE CONTROL, BREAK WILL DEPRESS AND TURN CRUISE OFF AND ON IN DASH.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 3, 2021
THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN ON ITS OWN AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO REV UP EVEN WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN. ALSO THE LIGHT FOR TRACTION CONTROL TURNS ON AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT WHETHER THE CAR IS ON OR OFF.
Engine, Mar 1, 2021
MY CAR ENGINE JUST STOPPED WORKING ON ME. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY OIL LIGHT AND THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN ON. CAR WAS STATIONARY
Engine, Feb 27, 2021
I HAVE DONE AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WITH HYUNDAI THAT PROVES MY OIL IS BURNING EXTREMELY FAST. IT ALSO STALLS AND THE ACCELERATION HAS SLOWED DOWN. WHEN COSTARRING UP THE CAR IT SOUNDS LOUD. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2020. AS OF FEB. 2021 HYUNDAI STATED THAT MY PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE WILL NOT BE SOLVED BECAUSE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION.
Engine, Feb 23, 2021
THIS CAR HAS HAD EPISODES OF THE ENGINE DYING WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST SINCE 2014. MY FATHER, THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND CARETAKER OF THE CAR HAS NEVER RECEIVED ANY MENTION OF A HYUNDAI RECALL FOR THIS. THIS SAME EVENT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AGAIN, AND EVERY MECHANIC WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO FOR REPAIR CONCLUDES THAT THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T REPLICATE IT. THIS IS ALSO THE CONSENSUS FROM OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALSHIP MECHANICS.THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE!!! IT HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE SHOP AT THE HYUNDAI DEALSHIP FOR OVER A WEEK NOW. HYUNDA CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CARE HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING, BECAUSE THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM IS DOWN. SO, HERE WE ARE, WITHOUT THE CAR,AND NO ANSWERS. MY FATHER DIED IN 2019, BUT HE KEPT EVERY PIECE OF PAPERWORK FOR THAT CAR, INCLUDING RECALLS FOR THE AIR BAG, SEAT BELTS, ETC. HE HAD EVERYTHING FIXED THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED ON THAT CAR, AND THERE IS NO RECORD OF A RECALL SENT TO HIM REGARDING THE RECALL I MENTIONED.
Air bags, Feb 23, 2021
WHEN I GOT MY CAR ..IT SEIZED ON ME .TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THAN IT WAS SENT TO HYDAI FOR THE 11 RECALLS ..AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND DOES NOT TURN OFF ..IT JUST TURNED ON ONE DAY FOR NO REASON ..NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE .I CAN PUT APPROX.SINCE DATE HAS TO BE ADDED IN ORDER TO SELECT NEXT
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2021
FOR 6 MONTHS I HAVE RECEIVED EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" ALSO "CHECK BRAKES" MOST RECENTLY THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 65MPH AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. MOST OFTEN THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS LOOKED AT IT TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE SECOND TIME THEY WERE "UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM" AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AS THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON THE BRAKES MUST BE FULLY PRESSED DOWN TO ENGAGE. I FILED A CASE WITH HYUNDAI BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE IN TWO WEEKS