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.
Service brakes, Sep 20, 2018
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE REMAINING ILLUMINATED WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND WHEN DRIVING. REAR DRIVERS MAY NOT KNOW THAT I'M STOPPING OR DRIVING BECAUSE THE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ILLUMINATED.
Air bags, Sep 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DICKSON CITY HYUNDAI (1519 SCRANTON CARBONDALE HWY, SCRANTON, PA 18508, (570) 487-5000) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. **TR THE CONSUMER STATED DICKSON CITY HYUNDAI REPORTED FAILURE DURING SERVICE. *TR
Steering, Sep 17, 2018
CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. STARTED OFF VERY SOFT POPPING/CLICKING SOUND FEW MONTHS IN IT IS VERY LOUD AND NOW GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD IT HAS GOTTEN VERY LOUD. SOUNDS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD GIVE OUT AT ANY MOMENT. I WAS TOLD BY THE HYUNDAI DEALER THE COST IS $400 TO FIX FOR A $3.00 PART. THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED FOR THE STEERING TO GO OUT. IF SOMETHING SHOULD HAPPEN TO OCCUR I WILL CERTAINLY BE CALLING MY LAWYER. HYUNDAI FIX YOUR PROBLEMS BEFORE WE GO ELSEWHERE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2018, fire
DRIVING FROM VA CLINIC BONHAM, TX TO HOME IN MCKINNEY, TX. AUTO FAILED TO START ON FIRST TRY, STARTED ON SECOND TRY (NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE). WENT TO LUNCH IN BONHAM. RESTARTED CAR FIRST TRY. DROVE HIGHWAY TX121 APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MILES AND ENGINE DIED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TRIED A ROLLING RESTART WITHOUT LUCK. PARKED AND TRIED RESTART TO NO AVAIL. SITTING IN CAR CALLING TOW TRUCK AND NOTICED SMOKE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SMOKE CONTINUED TO BE THICKER SO GOT OUT AND WAVED DOWN TRAFFIC TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER (NONE AVAILABLE) AND CALLED 911; EMPTIED BELONGINGS FROM CAR AND WATCHED IT BURN. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT BUT COMPLETELY BURNED.
Steering, Sep 16, 2018
STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING AND HAS SLIGHT RESISTANCE.
Air bags, Engine, Sep 11, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. ENGINE LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HASN'T BEEN WORKING PROPERLY IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS SO I PULLED UP THE VIN NUMBER AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR HAD A FEW RECALLS WENT TO SONATA CFL IN CLERMONT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIX ANYTHING BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON BUT THAT THEY FIXED THE AIRBAG RECALL. SO I'M STILL RUNNING MY CAR, WHICH IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WITH AN AIRBAG AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I'M SCARED FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN. I CALLED TODAY AGAIN TO SEEK ASSISTANCE OR SOMEWHAT OF ANSWERS OF WHATS GOING ON. THEY SHARED WITH ME LAST TIME THAT MY CAR HAD TO MANY MILEAGE THAT AT THE TIME HAD ABOUT 120436
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN HYUNDAI DEALER IN MEMPHIS, TN AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED PEACOCK HYUNDAI HILTON HEAD AT 843-208-1234 (LOCATED AT 51 AUTO MALL BLVD SUITE A, HARDEEVILLE, SC 29927) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
Steering, Sep 8, 2018
ABOUT A YEAR AGO I STARTED NOTICING THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY STICKY AND HARD TO TURN ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING WHEELS IN THE SONATA STICK A LITTLE. ABOUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO I STARTED HEARING A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. ON SEP 1, 2018 I NOTICED THAT WHEN MY CAR WAS PARKED AND STILL RUNNING THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS STICKY AND MAKING A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE. WE BROUGHT IT TO OUR MECHANIC WHICH CHECKED THE FRONT END AND SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD. HE NOTICED THE CLICKING/POPPING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND SAID THIS WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE.. I HAVE HAD MY HYUNDAI FOR 5 YEARS AND IT'S BEEN ONE RECALL AFTER ANOTHER OR THEY ARE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY BECAUSE OF AN ISSUE THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE A RESOLUTION FOR. HYUNDAI SHOULD START TO RECALL THE SONATA'S FOR THIS STEERING WHEEL ISSUE AS I KNOW THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IT COULD BE SERIOUS.
Engine, Sep 4, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. WHILE DRIVING, THE ODOR OF FUEL ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN A THICK, DARK CLOUD OF SMOKE AND FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. KEFFER HYUNDAI (9010 EAST INDEPENDENCE BLVD, MATTHEWS, NORTH CAROLINA 28105, (704) 343-8238) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 115-743-89. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 4, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine, Sep 2, 2018
I PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET AND MY CAR REVVED UP BETWEEN 4 AND 5, AND THAN ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIT UP AND MY CAR DIED. I COASTED INTO PARKING LOT (SAFELY THANKFULLY) AND CAR STARTED SMOKING SO GOT OUT IMMEDIATELY. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED STARTER WHICH WAS WHAT THEY BELIEVED IT TO BE. TURNS OUT IT WAS NOT STARTER IT IS ENGINE THAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I LOOKED INTO RECALLS AND CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO INFORMED ME THIS ENGINE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED ALREADY. I WAS DIRECTED TO DEALERSHIP TO FOLLOW UP ON WHAT OPTIONS THERE ARE AS 'EXTENDED WARRANTY' ONLY COVERS UP TO 120000 MILES WHICH MY CAR IS OVER. THE REPAIR SHOP I WENT TO MENTIONED THERE WAS NO OIL ON DIPSTICK WHEN CHECKED WHICH IS CONCERNING TO ME AS THAT SEEMS TO BE WHAT RESULT OF RECALL THAT WAS COMPLETED WOULD RESULT IN, ALONG WITH OTHER SYMPTOMS LIKE DASH LIGHTING UP WHICH I READ FROM OTHER REPORTS. I AM ALWAYS UP TO DATE ON GETTING REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT 5000 MILES THEY NOW RECOMMEND INSTEAD OF 3000 MILES (WHICH DEALERSHIP RECORDS WILL SHOW), AND WAS NOT AT 5000 MILE POINT SO THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE. I ALSO DO NOT RECALL BEING INFORMED OF ANY OIL LEAKS OR CONCERNS FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT I WOULD HAVE NEEDED TO KEEP AN EYE ON. I HAVE YET TO FOLLOW UP WITH DEALERSHIP AS IT IS HOLIDAY WEEKEND SO WILL SEE WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO DO. I WANT TO KNOW WHO TO CONTACT IF A RECALL DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND WHAT NEXT STEPS ARE TO HELP ME AS A CONSUMER WHO ALWAYS TAKES CARE OF CAR. A CARS ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE BAD AT UNDER 130000 MILES AND TOO MANY SIMILAR SYMPTOMS TO NOT HAVE IT FOLLOWED UP ON AND MANUFACTURER TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE REPAIR SHOP FIX IT AND GET REIMBURSED UNLESS HYUNDAI DEALER IS WILLING TO HAVE IT TOWED SO THEY BE RESPONSIBLE AND STRIVE TO PROVIDE HONEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STAND BEHIND THEIR CAR.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 30, 2018, fire
I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDIA SONATA DOWN THE ROAD, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE WHOLE CAR SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES TO FAIL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND I SMELLED SMOKE. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING, SO I OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. I SAW A BALL OF FIRE, AND QUICKLY GRABBED MY 4 YEAR OLD AND 10 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME I GOT THEM OUT OF THE CAR, THE WHOLE ENGINE BAY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. AFTER TELLING MY STORY, I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PEOPLE REACH OUT TO ME WITH SIMILAR STORIES.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2018, fire
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD *JS
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 28, 2018
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LEE HYUNDAI (1960 SKIBO RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314, (910) 864-7100) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED GETTEL HYUNDAI OF SARASOTA AT 941-343-4904 (LOCATED AT 3500 BEE RIDGE RD, SARASOTA, FL 34239) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Aug 22, 2018, fire
WHILE DRIVING CAR ON RT 50 WEST BOUND TOWARDS THE BAY BRIDGE, AN ENGINE POPPING NOISE OCCURRED, THEN FUMES STARTING COMING FROM VENTS. PULL CAR OVER WHILE GETTING OUT FLAMES WERE ALREADY COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WITHIN MINUTES THE WHOLE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. NO TIME TO RETRIEVE ANY ITEMS INSIDE THE CAR. THE MD TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY POLICE WERE ON THE SEEN AND CALLED FIRE DEPT. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL BASED ON SPARKS AS THEY WERE PUTTING OUT THE FIRE. HYUNDAI INVESTIGATED THE CAR REMAINS AND COULD NOT DETERMINE ANY CAUSE.CAR PICTURES ARE TO LARGE OF A FILE TO SUBMIT
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 20, 2018
STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO SHAKE AND RATTLE AFTER RENTING A CERTAIN SPEED LIMIT. MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD SAFELY HYUNDAI NEED TO STOP BEING SO [XXX] CHEAP AND PUT A RECALL OUT ON THIS [XXX] BECAUSE I KNOW MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE DOING THIS, YOU SHOULD LOOK IT UP ONLINE AND YOU WILL BE SURPRISED AT ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT ARE OUT THERE ABOUT THIS STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Aug 19, 2018
THERE IS A "POPPING" NOISE HEARD IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS IS A WELL KNOW ISSUE WITH A PLASTIC BUSHING LOCATED WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE ARE NUMEROUS VIDEOS ON THE INTERNET ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM. THEY ALL DEAL WITH THE SAME PART BEING "CHEWED UP" WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2018
AROUND 60,000 MILES, MY DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AROUND 80,000 MILES, MY PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AROUND THE SAME TIME, 80,000 MILES, MY AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK MASTER SWITCH BEGAN FAILING. I'M WONDERING IF THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL FLAW CAUSING THESE PROBLEMS. PERHAPS THE WRITING DOESN'T HOLD UP IN HOT CLIMATES, I LIVE IN A DESERT WHERE THE CAR IS SUBJECT TO TEMPERATURE UP TO 140F AS IT IS PARKED IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. I NOTICE MORE MALFUNCTION WITH LOCKS ON EXTREMELY HOT DAYS.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 18, 2018
WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION OR AFTER DRIVING BRIEFLY AFTER A COMPLETE STOP. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT MAY COME ON, OR THE ACTUAL BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD START TO FLICKER FOR NO REASON. THE RPMS ON THE CAR WOULD DROP VERY LOW AND THEN RISE OVER 3000. THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN DECELERATE AND NOT ALLOW TO GO HIGHER THAN 25 MPH. THE ENGINE ALSO MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE. THIS HAS CAUSED TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS ,ONE BEING T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ANOTHER ALMOST BEING HIT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN STATED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AT LEAST TWICE AND THEY STATE THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG THAT WOULD CAUSE THESE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TAYLOR HYUNDAI OF AUGUSTA EACH TIME TO BE INSPECTED.
Steering, Aug 17, 2018
CLICKING NOISE WHEN STEERING,TURNING, AND DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPOT. NEVER HEARD ANY OTHER CAR MAKING CLICKING NOISE BEFORE THIS CAR AND I HAVE DRIVEN MANY DIFFERENT MAKE AND MODEL CARS! HYUNDAI SHOULD ISSUE AN ORDER TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN MANY HYUNDAI SONATA OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2018
THE CAR WILL FREQUENTLY AND RANDOMLY REFUSE TO START RENDERING THE VEHICLE IMOBILE.
Engine, Aug 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN, BUT SEIZED AGAIN AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.
Air bags, Aug 8, 2018
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS A NORMAL PART OF STARTUP BUT IS NO LONGER SHUTTING OFF; REMAINING ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. A TRIP TO THE DEALER (EDWARDS HYUNDAI IN COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA IN JULY, 2018) RESULTING IN THEM WANTING TO CHARGE A $170 DIAGNOSTIC FEE DESPITE THE CURRENT RECALL ON AIRBAGS FOR MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 103K MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINING ILLUMINATED.