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.
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2018
RECALL #15V759000, DATED 11/16/15 FOR 2011-2012 SONATA'S BUILT BETWEEN CERTAIN DATES. MY CAR FELL OUTSIDE OF THOSE DATES WITH A JANUARY 3, 2012 DATE. HOWEVER MY 2012 SONATA, VIN NUMBER [XXX] IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HOW MANY OTHERS OUT THERE WITH SONATAS BUILT AFTER THE JUNE 30,2011 CUTOFF DATE ARE HAVING THE PROBLEM AS WELL. AS FOR ME, I WAS FIRST ALERTED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN I WAS BRAKING OR NOT THAT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ABILITY TO RETAIN A CHARGE ON MY BATTERY DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ILLUMINATED, DRAINING THE BATTERY CHARGE, 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. AS KNOWN, THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH AND HARM TO INDIVIDUALS, UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH. I SUGGEST THIS BE RESEARCHED FOR THE NEED TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM ON THE 2012 SONATAS THAT WERE CONTINUED TO BE BUILT AFTER 6/30/2011. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 7, 2018
I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND RISK DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO HYUNDAI USA'S INACTION. NHTSA RECALL 18V137000 HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE FEBRUARY 27, 2018 AND HYUNDAI USA STILL HAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE AS OF TODAY, JULY 7, 2018. HYUNDAI US HAS PROVIDED NO UPDATES AS TO WHEN THIS REPAIR WILL BE MADE. HYUNDAI SHOULD PAY A FINE
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 6, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, HIS VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V617000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V617000 (SEAT BELTS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000.
Air bags, Jul 5, 2018
THE RECALL DETAILED BELOW WAS DATED MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS AGO WITH STILL NO FIX YET AVAILABLE AS OF TODAY AND NO ESTIMATION OF WHEN A FIX WILL BE OFFERED. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V137000 RECALL DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2018 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 174 HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA (HYUNDAI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2011 SONATA 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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jul 3, 2018
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE IN AREAS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE WHICH INCLUDES A NOTED AIRBAG RECALL. BELOW IS A LIST OF ISSUES I'VE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT HAVE ME CONCERNED WITH THE OVERALL SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. THESE ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED OVER VARIOUS DATES WHICH I'M UNAWARE OF THE SPECIFIC DATES. 1. STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY (AT TIMES WHEN I TRY TO INCREASE THE VOLUME OF THE STEREO, THE VOLUME DOESN'T INCREASE OR STARTS THE VOICE CONTROLS INSTEAD.) 2. THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL IS MALFUNCTIONING SO THE PARKING BRAKE AND SEAT BELT INDICATORS ARE PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED. 3. PARKING BRAKE LIGHT CASINGS BURNED 4. HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 174 IS FOR AIRBAGS WHERE "IN SOME STANCES, ELECTRICAL OVERSTRESS HAS BEEN OBSERVED IN THE MODULE CIRCUITRY, WHICH MAY PREVENT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS, SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND SIDE AIRBAGS FROM DEPLOYING. " ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THIS CAMPAIGN ARE BELOW. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 174 HYUNDAI RECALL DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2018 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V137000 RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 3, 2018
WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE IN USE, THE CAR RANDOMLY LOSES POWER, HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF, ENTIRE CAR JUST SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, THEN AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS, POWERS BACK ON. THE LIGHTS, ENGINE, EVERYTHING TURNS OFF. ALSO, WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE IN USE, CRUISE CONTROL AND STABILITY DO NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND THIS HAS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE TWO NEAREST DEALERS AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. GENERALLY, THIS HAPPENS WHEN BRAKING, USING TURN SIGNALS, CHANGING TO HI BEAM/LOW BEAM, BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED FOR NO REASON AT ALL.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 3, 2018
RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL REGARDING AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT AND POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL OVERSTRESS DAMAGE TO THE MODULE CIRCUITRY WHICH COULD PREVENT FRONTAL AIR BAGS, SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND SIDE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING! I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CARE WITH MY 4 YEAR OLD - PLEASE EXPEDITE FINDING A FIX ASAP!
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 2, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED PART UNAVAILABILITY AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jul 2, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE THE CONTACT AND HE LURCHED FORWARD. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED THREE TIMES FOR THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE POINT OF PURCHASE WHERE CARMAX AND HYUNDAI WORKED ON THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES WITHOUT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND IT HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE POINT OF PURCHASE OR ONCE AGAIN IT WAS UNREPAIRED UPON HIS RETURN. THIS TOOK PLACE SEVERAL TIMES DURING OWNERSHIP. FINALLY DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS CAUSING IT TO DOWNSHIFT ON IT WHILE DRIVING. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED. THE REAR TAIL LIGHT HOUSE IN UNITS KEPT BLOWING BULBS IN SHORT-CIRCUITING OUT. REAR TAILLIGHT UNITS WERE SMOKING WHICH WAS CAUSING A BURNING SMOKE AND OR ODOR INSIDE THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY A DEER JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND COLLIDED WITH THE DEER. NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. UPDATED 10/12/18*JB
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 2, 2018
MY CAR IS NOT STARTING UP. WHEN I PUSH KEY START AND PRESS THE BRAKES THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH COMES ON BUT THE CAR WONT START. IF I WAIT A FEWS HOURS THEN IT WILL START. I HAVE WAITED AS LONG AS 5 HOURS IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE CAR READS "KEY NOT IN VEHICLE". I HAVE GOTTEN NEW BATTERIES FOR BOTH KEY FOBS. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR DID THIS AFTER A FEW HOURS LATER IT STARTED AND I DIDN'T HAVE AN ISSUE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. SINCE THAT TIME THE CAR HAS NOT STARTED ON 3 OTHER OCCASIONS. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID I NEEDED THE FUEL INJECTORS CLEANED. SO I PAID TO HAVE THAT DONE AND THEN THE CAR STARTED EVERY TIME FOR ONE DAY. THE VERY NEXT DAY THE WOULDN'T START AGAIN IN MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER AN HOUR IT STARTED AND THEN THE NEXT DAY IT DID THE SAME THING AND MY DAUGHTER MISSED WORK. WHEN THE CAR DOESN'T START ALL THE LIGHTS AND RADIO COME ON BUT THE CAR JUST WONT START. EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED THE CAR HAS BEEN STATIONARY. I CANT LEAVE MY CAR RUNNING WHILE I GO TO THE STORE BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL NOT TURN BACK ON. I HAVE READ ARTICLE ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE PUSH START VEHICLE.
Exterior lighting, Jul 2, 2018
BILATERAL BRAKE LIGHT TO LARGE AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF HOLDER. CAUSING MELTING TO PLASTIC COMPARTMENTS SURROUNDINGS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 1, 2018
WHILE MY CAR IS IN MOTION IT DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON SHORTLY AFTER. THE CAR WILL REV UP TO 5000-6000 RPM WITH VERY LITTLE TO NO ACCELERATION. APPARENTLY A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE SONATAS WITH TURBOS. I WAS TOLD IT'S THE WASTE GATE ACTUATOR FOR THE TURBO. WHEN I FIRST EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE I WAS DRIVING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS AND COULDN'T GET UP THE MOUNTAIN FAST ENOUGH SO I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER WITH MY HAZARDS. THE REMAINDER OF THE CLIMB OVER THE MOUNTAINS I WAS GOING 20-30 MPH (WHILE I'M AT 5000 RPM OR OVER).
Engine, Jun 28, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT CALLED TERRY LABONTE CHEVROLET AT 336-447-1535 (LOCATED AT 1401 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407) AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,062.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2018, crash
I WAS PARKED. I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TO MOVE IT CLOSER TO A BUILDING, FROM ONE SIDE OF A DIRT DRIVEWAY TO THE OTHER. WHEN I STARTED BACKING UP EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE BUT AFTER A FEW, MAYBE 3 SECONDS, THE ENGINE STARTED ROARING AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT TREMENDOUS SPEED. I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST THE CAR WENT.I HIT THE BUILDING, THAT'S WHAT STOPPED THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW IF IT WOULD HAVE STOPPED OTHERWISE.
Steering, Jun 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. SURESKY HYUNDAI IN GOSHEN, NY WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 19, 2018, fire
ON 6/16/18 MY CAR BRAKE LIGHT CAUGHT ON FIRE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT WE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT WE GOT A TICKET FOR THE LIGHTS STAYING ON. THE LIGHT WOULD SOMETIMES NOT TURN OFF OR NOT TURN ON. THEN THE CAR SEEM TO BE WORKING GREAT AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE CAR 3 MONTHS AGO HOPING THAT IT WOULD BE GREAT ON GAS, LAST ME AT LEAST 20 YEARS, AND THAT IT WAS A GREAT CAR TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE. NEXT, THING I KNOW PEOPLE ARE FLASHING THEIR LIGHTS AND BEEPING THEIR HORNS AND ACTING STRANGE TRYING TO GET ME AND MY FIANC'S ATTENTION. WHEN WE BOTH LOOKED BACK WE SAW THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE WHILE WE WERE MOVING 45 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WE PULLED OVER ALL OF THE BYSTANDERS HELPED US PUT OUT THE FIRE. WHEN IT WAS FINALLY OUT THE LIGHT HAD MELTED OFF AND THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HANGING WAS WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT ATTACHED ONCE WAS THE LIGHT BULB.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WAS ALSO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND THE KEY FOB FAILED TO CONNECT OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO START THE VEHICLE WITH THE FOB BEING IN THE CHARGER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER (ROUND ROCK HYUNDAI, 2405 N INTERSTATE HWY 35, ROUND ROCK, TX 78665, (512) 904-6400) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2018
WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS EXTREMELY POOR. AFTER SLOWLY ACCELERATING, THE CAR WOULD THEN "SPUTTER" AND THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER (WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION), CAUSING THE CAR TO NEARLY STOP ON THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED TRAFFIC TO BACK UP ON THE ROAD, AND FORCED CARS BEHIND MY VEHICLE TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES SO AS NOT TO REAR-END MY VEHICLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2018
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY (IDLE AT A STOPLIGHT), THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE THEN HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING AFTER THE INCIDENT - LEAVING MY CAR SITTING IDLE IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. IN ADDITION, DUE TO THE SAME MECHANICAL ERROR, MY CAR WHILE IN MOTION (ON A HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH), THE CAR HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING ENGINE POWER AND "SPUTTERED" SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL PERFORMANCE. THIS RESULTED IN MY CAR MOVING AT SPEEDS THAT WERE UNDER THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, CAUSING VEHICLES BEHIND ME TO HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY TO AVOID REAR-ENDING ME. FINALLY, AGAIN DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE, THE CAR HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING (WHILE NOT IN MOTION).
Steering, Wheels, Visibility/wiper, Jun 19, 2018
SECURITY ALARM DOES NOT WORK. STEERING COLUMN JERKS WHEN HITTING A BUMP ON STREET OR HIGHWAY.
Steering, Structure, Jun 18, 2018
WATER LEAKING INSIDE CABIN ON PASSENGER SIDE. MOLD ACCUMULATING BEHIND DASHBOARD. ALSO LOUD NOISE OF SPRAYING WATER,WHICH IS DISTRACTING DURING DRIVING ESPECIALLY DURING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNING. PASSENGER EXPERIENCED A NEAR SLIP AND FALL AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE ON A SLICK SURFACE, NOT REALIZING HER SHOES WERE WET FROM THE DRENCHED CARPET ON THAT SIDE OF THE CABIN.THERE IS ALSO A NOTICEABLE STENCH IN THE CABIN THAT HAS MADE ME NAUSEOUSLY SICK. I WAS DISTRACTED BY THE SOUND OF SPRAYING WATER TO THE POINT OF TRYING TO LOCATE IT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING IN THE CITY OR HIGHWAYS. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Jun 18, 2018
THE STEERING COLUMN VIBRATES AND MAKES LOUD BANGING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND FEELS LOOSE. WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING AND LOUD BANGING NOISE GETS WORSE. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS VERY LOOSE. VEHICLE FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY 109,000 MILES.
Steering, Jun 14, 2018
MY STEERING WHEEL IS CONSTANTLY MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND VIBRATING VIOLENTLY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI TODAY AND EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE, THEY STILL WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE.
Steering, Jun 13, 2018
ESC TRACTION LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING AND CAN'T BE TURNED-OFF BY THE ESC BUTTON. CAR WAS REPAIRED BY LIA-HYUNDAI FOR A BAD ALTERNATOR WHEN THEY RETURNED IT BACK AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ESC LIGHT HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. LIA-HYUNDAI CLAIMED NO FAULT WHILE BEING TOLD ABOUT THE ISSUE BEFORE CAR WAS DRIVEN FROM THEIR PREMISES. SALESPERSON SAID TO DRIVE CAR 2 DAYS AND SEE IF LIGHT GOES OUT AS OF YET LIGHT STILL ON.