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, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Electrical system, Hybrid propulsion system, May 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HYBRID ASSIST LOST POWER AND THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT COULD NOT RESTART THE ENGINE. ALSO, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILL HOOD HYUNDAI (401 N MORRISON BLVD, HAMMOND, LA 70401, (985) 345-0321) WHERE IT WAS BEING DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR SPECIFICS ON MAY 20, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2019
MY FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER READING THE FUEL LEVEL. I FILL MY TANK TO FULL AND IT TELL ME THAT I AM EMPTY. FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON AND FUEL GAUGE GOES UP AND DOWN. I HAVE TO MANUALLY CALCULATE AND ESTIMATE HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE ON SONATA'S AS THERE ARE MANY OTHERS REPORTING AND IS NOT A RECALL YET.
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITH THE GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT DOES THE SAME THING WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL. FOR EXAMPLE, I'LL BE DRIVING 50MPH AND I'LL HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY RPM AND SPEED WILL DROP. IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS THEN RE PRESS IT, IT RE ENGAGES AND ACCELERATES AGAIN.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2019
AFTER MY ENGINE SHORT BLOCK WAS REPLACED THE CAR STARTED TO HAVE ACCELERATION PROBLEMS AND NEXT IS STARTING TO SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS. THE SMELL STARTS WHEN YOU START UP THE CAR COMES THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND AFTER YOU PARK THE CAR TO STAY AT SMELL STAYS IN THE CAR FOR LEAST 5 HOURS LATER. ALSO THE GAS GAUGE AND THE MILEAGE ARE NOT COINCIDE WITH EACH OTHER ONE SAYS ONE THING AND THE OTHER SAYS ANOTHER MY GAS LIGHT COMES ON AT 56 MILES LEFT TO EMPTY SOMETIMES IT COMES ON THAT 40 SOMETIMES IT COMES ON AT 50
Service brakes, May 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL 2 TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER VOLUME HYUNDAI (2520 NORTH COLUMBIA STREET, MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 31061 (478)-452-7001) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD DETERIORATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Service brakes, Engine, May 9, 2019
I BELIEVE MY CAR HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V759000 BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD DETERIORATION I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO COME ON AND STAY ILLUMINATED PREVENTING ACCURATE COMMUNICATION TO REARWARD FOLLOWING VEHICLES THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHIFT THE THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. LASTLY, WHEN THIS ALL OCCURS WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE LOSES POWER AS OFF I AM PRESSING THE BREAK. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET, HIGHWAY AND WHILE TURNING.
Steering, May 9, 2019
MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS BEEN ALIGNED TWICE BY FIRESTONE AND STILL HAS A PULL IN THE WHEEL WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL AND SLOWLY DRIFT OFF THE ROAD THE CAR HAS NO STEADY ALIGN AFTER BEING ALIGNED AND I HAVE A YEAR WARRANTY ON THE ALIGNMENT IT'S SO IRRITATING DRIVING A NICE CAR WITH LITTLE THINGS LIKE THIS WHICH RUINS THE LUXURY OF ENJOYING MY ROAD CAR .
Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2019
MY FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T REGISTER WHEN GAS IS PUT INTO CAR, GOD DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN WHEN NEEDED TO.
Steering, May 2, 2019
STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHILE TURNING AND WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS, POTHOLES ETC
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY DIED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 29, 2019
TAIL LIGHTS/ BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY BURNOUT. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OVER 10 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE BULB IS AT TIMES SO HOT IT'S MELTING THE PLASTIC CASING THAT IT SITS IN.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2019
OIL LEAK FROM FROM ENGINE LEAKS ON ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR TO BECOME DAMAGED AND NOT WORKING. CAUSED CAR TO STALL AND SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE WHERE ALL LIGHTS LIGHT UP AND BLINKING BEFORE CAR SHUT DOWN. WHILE THERE IS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN HYUNDAI MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THERE IS NOT ONE FOR THE SONATA WHICH HAS DISPLAYED SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 14V415000
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE SHORTING OUT AND THE REAR TAIL LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER (CAPITOL HYUNDAI MONTGOMERY, 2820 EASTERN BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36116, (855) 984-2840) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THEY HAD NOT PROVIDED THE REPAIR. LARRY PUCKETT CHEVROLET (2101 COBBS FORD RD, PRATTVILLE, AL 36066, (334) 223-4481) DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE COMPONENT TO BURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF *TR
Steering, Apr 23, 2019
WHEN TURNING WHEEL SHARPLY WHILE IN MOTION, CAR MAKES CLICKING NOISE THAT SEEMS TO COME FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. THIS PROBLEM ORIGINALLY STARTED AROUND 60,000 MILES WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. I DID NOT REALIZE IT WAS A PROBLEM AT THE TIME BECAUSE FOR ME, IT HAD ALWAYS MADE THE NOISE. AT FIRST THE NOISE ONLY HAPPENED WHILE IN REVERSE. NOT IT HAPPENS ANY TIME THE WHEELS ARE TURNED FAIRLY SHARPLY AND THE CAR IS MOVING IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. MILEAGE IS NOW ABOUT 85,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 19, 2019
HYUNDAI SONATA 2012 BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS. I'VE REPLACED BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS 3 TIMES THEN TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP O'BRIEN FORT MYERS,FL. BRAKE LIGHT WAS CHANGED OUT AGAIN IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH 2019. MY RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT IS NOW OUT AGAIN.
Steering, Apr 18, 2019
STEERING MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, POTHOLES, ETC. DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE. OCCURS AT ALMOST ANY SPEED (BUT OCCURS LESS DUE TO THE STABILITY AT LOW SPEEDS)
Power train, Engine, Apr 12, 2019
WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WAS MAKING HARD SHIFTS WHEN ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. THEN IT SLOWED AND GAS PEDAL WHEN PRESSED WAS LIKE BEING IN NEUTRAL, THEN IT WOULD CATCH AND STOP AGAIN...THEN HAD NO POWER AT ALL. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2019
AT ANY SPEED THE ENGINE WILL RETURN TO IDLE WITHOUT MOVING THE GAS PEDAL. IT WILL DO THE SAME THING WHEN USING CRUISE. PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL WILL RE-ENGAGE THE ENGINE. IT ACTS AS IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING ACTS NORMAL (LIGHTS, POWER STEERING ETC). THIS STARTED IN MID MARCH 2019. IT IS BECOMING A DAILY ISSUE. . MY WIFE IS SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I TOOK IT TO MY HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IT DID NOT DO IT FOR THEM. THEY SAID IT SHOWED NO CODES. I KEEP VERY GOOD CARE OF MY SONATA. IT HAS 180,000. MY DEALER IS NOLLER HYUNDAI TOPEKA KS.
Engine, Apr 12, 2019
TAKARA RECALL CAR RATTLE OR VIBRATE HARD IF THE CAR STATIONED ON PARK AND AND RPM IS ON 1500 BELOW OR ABOVE THAT NUMBER CAR IS OK
Steering, Apr 9, 2019
CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT 68,000 MILES. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT 2011'S WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ITEM BUT NOT 2012'S, SO IT IS A WARRANTY ISSUE, BUT IT WAS BEYOND THE 60,000 MILES FOR WARRANTY. DEALER SAID IT'S "NOT A SAFETY ISSUE" SO I COULD KEEP DRIVING IT UNTIL I HAD THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR.
Steering, Apr 6, 2019
MY HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2012 STEERING WHEEL RECENTLY STARTED SHAKING ONCE I HIT 65 MPH. IT'S DOING IT ON AND OFF, BUT AT TIMES IT SOUND SCARY LIKE IT'S GOING TO FLY OFF.