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.
Structure, Mar 5, 2018
I JUST ARRIVED TO MY DESTINATION PARKED THE CAR AND WAS SITITING IN THE DRIVER SEAT, WITHIN MINUTES I HEARD THIS REALLY LOUD NOISE, I FROZE, I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD RAN INTO THE BACK OF ME THE BANG WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. I SAW GLASS PARTICLES COMING DOWN MY WINSHEILD GOT OUT THE CAR TO LOOK AROUND THE VEHICLE WHEN I OBSERVED THE BROKEN GLASS HAD COME FROM THE SUNROOF - IT SHATTERED AND CREATED A LARGE HOLE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2018
IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE STEERING COLUMN. IF I TURN ON MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK OR JUST TURN OFF. THE RADIO WILL SOMETIMES TURN OFF AS WELL. IF I PRESS ANY OF THE VOLUME BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FOR THE RADIO, THE CAR THINKS I'M TRYING TO INITIATE VOICE COMMANDS TO CALL SOMEONE. IF I TRY TO TURN ON MY HIGH BEAMS, SOMETIMES IT WORKS, OTHER TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF. ALL OF THESE THINGS HAPPEN WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD. THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED SO THAT IF YOU LEAVE THE HEADLIGHTS ON, REMOVE THE KEYS, AND LOCK THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF. IT STILL DOES THIS, BUT THE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON AGAIN LATER AND TRY TO KILL THE BATTERY.
Engine, Feb 22, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, ENGINE MADE LOUD NOISE (NOT CONTINUOUS) BUT SEVERAL TIMES. WAS LESS THAN A MILE WHEN THE POWER CUT OUT AND I DRIFTED TO THE MERGE AREA AND OFF TO THE SIDE. NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG- NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST STOPPED. HAD AUTO TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE DID A THOROUGH CHECK - INDICATED THERE WERE SLIVERS OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE METALLIC PIECES IN OIL (OIL WAS JUST CHANGED LESS THAT 1000 MILES). MECHANIC DECLARED ENGINE WAS DEAD-
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 13, 2018
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY CAR IS KNOCKING OUT OF GEAR, NOT GETTING ACCELERATION. PRETTY CERTAIN ITS THE GEAR SHIFTER. ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMES FROM MY MOTOR.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT RESPONDING WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD FUEL. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A LOCAL DEALER (ANTWERPEN HYUNDAI, 6440 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, CATONSVILLE, MD 21228) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Engine, Feb 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL AND THAT THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER (LESTER GLENN HYUNDAI, 386 ROUTE 37 E, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753, (732) 691-4108). THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V152000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE REMEDY WOULD PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION BY REPLACING THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,918.
Engine, Feb 2, 2018, fire
I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA TO VISIT FAMILY FOR THANKSGIVING. HALFWAY THROUGH THE TRIP I HEARD A RUBBING, GRINDING NOISE. I STOPPED AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE, BUT FIGURED IT WAS A BELT ISSUE SINCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I CALLED THE NEARBY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY KNEW WHAT IT COULD BE. THEY DID NOT BUT CHECKED MY VIN FOR RECALLS. I WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS SO I HEADED TOWARDS THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. SOON AFTER GETTING BACK ON THE ROAD A LOUD BANG OCCURRED AND THE EXHAUST STARTED SMOKING. I PULLED OVER TO CALL FOR A TOW AND AGAIN OPENED THE HOOD. I NOTICED A FIRE HAD STARTED UNDER THE ENGINE SO I GOT MY WIFE OUT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR BECAME FULLY ENGULFED. CALLED 911 AND A FIRE UNIT RESPONDED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. CAR WAS THEN TOWED.
Steering, Feb 1, 2018
RECENTLY MY STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHILE BOTH DRIVING AND IDLE, WHEN IT IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. ONCE I GET TO A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO VIBRATE VIGOROUSLY AND IS EXTREMELY LOUD. AT TIMES, MY DRIVING FEELS UNSTABLE AS IF MY CAR IS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL.
Engine, Feb 1, 2018, fire
SON DRIVING CAR AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. SON WAS ABLE TO GET TO VACANT LOT. SON TRIED TO CRANK CAR 2 TIMES AND IT WOULD NOT START. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FLASHED ON AND OFF ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER CUTTING ON AND OFF. SON GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SON RAN TO BUSHES AND 5 MINUTES OR LESS CAR ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES.
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2018
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF, EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED. EVEN THOUGH300,000 SAME MODEL CARS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, MY EXACT VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN PART OF THE RECALL AND I HAD TO PAY $250 TO FIX IT. I CALLED HYUNDAI (CASE 10974149) AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR.
Steering, Jan 30, 2018
WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A LOUD CLUCK SOUND HAPPENS. IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH FOUND OUT THAT THE FLEXIBLE COUPLER IS THE PROBLEM. A CHEAP PLASTIC PIECE THAT BREAKS BECAUSE IT IS SANDWICHED BETWEEN 2 METAL GEARS, NOT A GOOD SOLUTION.
Steering, Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 30, 2018
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL RELATED REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE SEAT BELT, POWER STEERING, AND AIRBAG RECALLS. *JS
Steering, Jan 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLICKING SOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (PIAZZA HYUNDAI OF POTTSTOWN, 84 AUTOPARK BLVD, LIMERICK, PA 19468) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COUPLING WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TT *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 25, 2018
SPEED CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING. NOW DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED MULTIPLE TIMES BUT BECAUSE IT'S INTERMITTENT THEY SAID NOTHING COULD BE DONE.
Engine, Jan 24, 2018
I WAS DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND IT SHUT DOWN I ROLLED TO THE SIDE STARTED IT AGAIN BUT SAME NOISE HAPPENED I CONTACTED MY MECHANIC HE SAID IT MIGHT BE OUT OF OUT I TOWED IT TO NEAREST MECHANIC SHOP THEY SAID YOUR ENGINE BLOW UP THEY WANTED TO CHARGE 4500 DOLLARS PLUS TAX TO GET USED ENGINE SO I STARTED TO CALL OTHER MECHANICS TO LOOK FOR CHEAPER SERVICE AND ONE OF THE MECHANIC TOLD ME BEFORE I DO THAT I SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI BECAUSE THEY HAD RECALL FOR ENGINES ON MY CAR. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTORS AND THEY SAID ITS TRUE I TYPED IN ON THEIR WEBSITE MY VIN NUMBER AND IT GAVE ME 4 CODES FOR RECALL THAT WERE NOT COMPLETED AND IT GAVE ME OPTION TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT SO I TOWED MY CAR FROM ONE SHOP TO THAT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THEY INSPECTED IT AND SAID I WILL NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE I HAVE 143000 MILES ON MY CAR. I JUST THINK ITS CLEARLY NOT MY FAULT BECAUSE NON OF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS OR WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF BEFORE MY ENGINE DIED. I AM JUST SO UPSET BECAUSE I AM STILL PAYING FOR THIS CAR AND NOW I HAVE TO GET NEW MOTOR THAT IS SO EXPENSIVE JUST BECAUSE THEIR COMPUTER OR ENGINE HAS FAILED TO LET ME KNOW THAT IS SOMETHING WRONG GOING ON INSIDE OF THE ENGINE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2018
WHILE DRIVING WITH HIGH BEAMS ON WHEN I SIGNAL A TURN THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE TURNING BACK ON. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN INITIATING A TURN ON COUNTRY ROADS WITH NO STREET LIGHTS AND DEEP DITCHES ON ALL FOUR CORNERS. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND NOT A ONE TIME INCIDENT.
Service brakes, Jan 22, 2018
HYUNDAI HAD A MASSIVE RECALL 15V-759 FOR 2011-2012 SONOATA (AND OTHER VEHICLES) FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD. IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WORE OUT WHICH MADE THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON. FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON OUR VEHICLE DOEN'T SHOW UP ON THE RECAL EVEN THOUGHT IT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHARGED US TO FIX IT. WE CALLED THE HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS CASE # 10929935 AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP US. WHY? IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AND IS A 2012 SONATA WITH THE SAME DEFECTED BREAK PEDAL PAD! THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND DRAINED THE BATTERY
Engine, Jan 22, 2018
EVERY OWNER OF A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT HAS OVER 130,000 MILES THAT I TALKED TO COMPLAINS THE CAR USES FAR TOO MUCH OIL (3 TO 4 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES) UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND DO NOT CHECK YOU OIL WEEKLY, YOU WILL RUIN AN ENGINE DUE TO LACK OF OIL.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2018
MY BRAKE TAIL LIGHT HAS A SHORT NO BRAKES LIGHTS ON ONE SIDE
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2018
ON INTERSTATE DRIVING AND CAR LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING.
Air bags, Seat belts, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 14, 2018
THE AIRBAGS IIGHT STAYED ON WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STOP. WHEN I ACCELERATE IT TURN OFF.
Steering, Jan 11, 2018
WHEN CAR TURNS LOUD CLICKING SOUND COMES FROM STEERING WHEEL. WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS STEERING COLUMN MAKES LOUD NOISE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2018
AFTER CHANGING BRAKE LIGHT BULBS BRAKE LIGHTS STILL DON'T WORK. BULBS HAVE BEEN CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE YEAR AND NOW THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY IS MELTING AND SOCKETS HAVE CRACKED. WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 5, 2018, fire
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET I CAME TO A SLOWING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, MY CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. I PULL OVER TO FIND SMOKE COMING FROM TRUNK ARE AND BEHIND THE BACK SEATS. OPEN THE TRUNK TO FIND FLAMES NEAR DRIVERS SIDE TAIL LIGHT. CAR WENT INTO FLAMES AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
Power train, Jan 2, 2018
PRESS THE START BUTTON AND THE CAR DOESN'T CRANK TO TURN ON. POWER TO ALL OTHER SYSTEMS APPEARS FINE. I PUT THE CAR IN N THEN BACK TO P AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR ON. CHANGE BATTERY AND THE BATTERY ON THE KEY. STILL HAVING ISSUES. NO-START, NO-CRANK DUE TO GEAR SELECTOR RANGE SWITCH I WAS INFORMED BY HYUNDAI THAT MY 2012 SONATA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THERE CAMPAIGN