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.
Engine, Dec 1, 2015
MY 2012 SONATA HAS STOPPED ACCELERATING AND SHIFTING PROPERLY. WHEN THE GAS PEDDAL IS PRESSED, THE CAR REVS HIGH AND DOES NOT UPSHIFT PROPERLY, RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL POWER LOSS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DAYS AFTER THIS BEGAN AND GAVE CODE P2562 FOR AN ERROR IN THE TURBOCHARGER. FURTHER RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE RELATING TO THE WASTE VALVE OF THE TURBOCHARGER. THIS IS A GRAVE SAFETY CONCERN AS THE CAR CANNOT SAFELY MERGE ONTO ROADWAYS AND CAN LOSE POWER RANDOMLY AT ANY TIME, RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AT POSTED SPEEDS ON SIDE ROADS AND ON HIGHWAYS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIM THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE AND MUST CHARGE ME TO DIAGNOSE BEFORE DETERMINING IT IS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY.
Engine, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ....UPDATED 03-31-16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2015
PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD, "CLANKING" NOISE., AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IF I ATTEMPTED TO PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE NOISE WOULD BECOME LOUDER. WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, THE CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A GARAGE. UPON INSPECTION, THE MECHANICS STATED THE ENGINE WAS BEYOND REPAIR AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. A REBUILT ENGINE, WITH 50,000 MILES WAS PLACED INTO THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO OBTAIN A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK WHILE MY CAR WAS BEING REPAIRED. I HAVE FAITHFULLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED IN MY CAR EVERY 3,000 MILES AND HAD TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT. I CONTACT A HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE WHO TOLD ME TO UPLOAD MY EXPENSES INCURRED TO THE WEBSITE, WHICH I HAVE DONE. HE ALSO TOOK MY INFORMATION AND SUBMITTED A CLAIM FOR THE ISSUE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE OR HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY INVOICES; IF NOT, I WILL RESUBMIT. A WEEK OR SO AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I NOTICED A RECALL WAS BEING ISSUED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED. HAD I BEEN AWARE OF THE RECALL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP.
Engine, Nov 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/06/16*LJ; 04/27/18*JB *TR
Seats, Nov 20, 2015
REAR PASSENGER SEAT GETS VERY HOT WHEN DRIVING EVEN WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON IN SUMMER. SOMETIMES GETS HOT ENOUGH TO FEEL LIKE IT COULD START SOME KIND OF FIRE INSIDE SEAT AREA. EVEN IN WINTER THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS.
Engine, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) 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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,130. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine, Nov 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING AND SQUEAKING NOISE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO A TRUCK STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE A BUNCH OF METAL SHAVINGS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Engine, Nov 18, 2015
ON 08/30/2015, I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA TO MY RESIDENCE AND THE ENGINE TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE, ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD LIGHTED UP, AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE AT NO COST, BUT I WAS CHARGED $125.87 FOR A NEW CAR BATTERY. MY CAR BATTERY WAS FULLY OPERATIONALLY BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND FOR THE AMOUNT I PAID FOR THE CAR BATTERY. I WAS TRAVELING ON A PUBLIC STREET WHERE VEHICLES WERE BEHIND AND IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A LETTER SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED FOR A RECALL OF THE ENGINES FOR 2011-2012 HYUNDAI SONATAS.
Engine, Nov 17, 2015
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF HIS SISTER AND BROTHER-N-LAW. AS HIS BROTHER-N-LAW EXITED THE RAMP, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD SQUEAL AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. WHEN HE TRIED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. WHEN THE TECHNICIAN RETURNED, HE HAD AN OILY OIL FILTER. THE THREADS ON THE ENGINE OIL HOUSING WERE DESTROYED. LOOKING FURTHER INTO THE FLUTED TUBE THAT RAN DOWN INTO THE FILTER HOUSING AND DISPERSED THE OIL INTO THE FILTER WAS MANGLED TO THE POINT WHERE THE PAPER ELEMENT WAS COMING OUT OF THE INTO THE OIL FILTER CENTER TUBE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS SABOTAGED AS HIS BROTHER-N-LAW HAD JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGED. *JB
Engine, Nov 17, 2015
CONCERNS RECALL #132 IT HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED, AS FAR AS I KNOW, HOW MUCH TIME MAY ELAPSE BETWEEN THE ONSET OF THE LOUD PINGING NOISE AND THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING A POSSIBLE CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY. IN VIEW OF THIS THE TIME SPAN COULD BE A MATTER OF SECONDS, MINUTES, OR HOURS---- NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW. IF THEY DO IT HAS NOT BEEN REVEALED. BECAUSE OF THIS THERE ARE PROBABLY MANY PEOPLE ACUTELY AFRAID TO DRIVE THEIR VEHICLE, I KNOW MY SON IS. ADDITIONALLY THE PINGING COULD HAPPEN AT AN ODD TIME OR DAY OR NIGHT OR AT AN ODD LOCATION MAKING IT UNREALISTIC OR UNSAFE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND STOP DRIVING THE CAR. IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE, THIS POTENTIALLY PUTS THE PASSENGERS IN GREAT HARM AND EXPOSES HYNDAI TO POTENTIALLY HUGE AND COSTLY LEGAL BILLS. RATHER THAN WAITING UNTIL THE PINGING STARTS IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT IF HUNDAI WERE TO PICK UP THE COST OF A CAR RENTAL FOR THE OWNERS INVOLVED, BEFORE THE PINGING STARTS, OWNERS COULD DRIVE WITH PEACE OF MIND AND FEEL SAFE AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HOW MUCH MIGHT TIME ( PERHAPS SECONDS, MINUTES OR HOURS) WOULD ELAPSE BEFORE A BREAK DOWN. I AM SURE THAT PROVIDING THE OWNER'S A FREE RENTAL UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS RESOLVED WOULD BE FAR FAR, CHEAPER AND FAR LESS TIME CONSUMING !!!!! DOING OTHERWISE WOULD ALSO HAVE DISATROUS PUBLIC RELATIONS IMPLICATIONS. ALL OF THE ABOVE WOULD SERIOUSLY AFFECT HYUNDAI'S BOTTOM LINE AS WELL!! HOPING AFTER YOUR SERIOUS REVIEW AND THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION TO YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE CUSTOMERS YOU'LL GET BACK TO ME INDICATING YOU'LL PROVIDE A FREE RENTAL TO THE OWNER'S INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE NHTSA STANDS ON THIS ISSUE AND WHAT IT IS DOING TO GET HYUNDIA TO PRODVIDE FREE RENTALS. AWAITING YOUR RESPONSE, I REMAIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB
Steering, Nov 16, 2015
STEERING WHEEL FLEXIBLE COUPLER (P/N 56315-2K000) WORN OUT CAUSING A MILD 'LOCKING' FOLLOWED BY A DULL SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO THE 'STRAIGHT' POSITION DURING LEFT/RIGHT/U TURN AT CITY SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP QUICKLY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM (INDICATING THAT IT IS VERY COMMON) AND QUOTED $375 + TAX FOR THE REPLACEMENT WITH AN UPGRADED PART, WHICH COSTS A MERE $2. THE FACT THAT HYUNDAI HAS AN UPGRADED PART INDICATES THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE ORIGINAL PART IS PROBLEMATIC. HYUNDAI IS FOLLOWING A DIRTY PRACTICE OF SELLING CARS WITH SUBSTANDARD PARTS AND THEN CHARGING AN EXORBITANT LABOR FEE TO REPLACE IT WITH AN UPGRADED PART WHEN IT EVENTUALLY WEARS OUT.
Engine, Nov 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power train, Nov 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
Steering, Nov 16, 2015
THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO RATTLE A WEEK AGO CAUSING A HARSH SHAKE AT THE HANDS AND A LOUD NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME IT'S A DEFECTIVE BUSHING THAT MALFUNCTIONS AND A LARGE MAJORITY OF SONATAS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. HE SAID IT'S HAPPENING SO MUCH THAT THE MANUFACTURER CAN'T KEEP UP WITH PRODUCING THE PART SO THERE IS A SLIGHT DELAY ON FIXING IT. I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND HE INFORMED ME THE MANUFACTURER SAID IT'S SAFE. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A WEEK AND A HALF OUT, DUE TO THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF THE PART. DURING THIS PERIOD I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND IT WOULD OCCUR EVERY TIME THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON A HIGHWAY THE STEERING DETERIORATED SO QUICKLY NOT ONLY DID THE STEERING WHEEL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY BUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY SHUDDER WHILE DRIVING IT. IT FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON AN UNGRADED DIRT ROAD AND THE RATTLE WAS INCREASING LOUD OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND HARD TO HANDLE AS THE STEERING WOULD SWAY. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE LOOSE AND UNCONTROLLABLE TO DRIVE. THERE WAS NO SAFE OPTIONS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS FIXED. THERE ARE VERY FEW VEHICLE ISSUES MORE DANGEROUS AND DEVASTATING THAN LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE. THIS IS ROUGHLY A $5 DOLLAR BUSHING THAT TAKES AROUND 2 HOURS TO FIX. A DEFECT THAT IS THIS SIMPLE TO FIX BUT IS EXTREMELY DEADLY GIVES PLENTY OF CAUSE FOR A RECALL. ON TOP OF THAT, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT A RECALL IS NECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE WIDESPREAD OCCURRENCES. HOPEFULLY THIS DOESN'T CONTINUE TO UNANNOUNCED UNTIL MAJOR ACCIDENTS HAPPEN BEFORE THEY FIX THIS MAJOR DEFECT. PLEASE REFER TO THE SAFETY RECALL COMPENDIUM WHERE THIS FITS THE CRITERIA FOR THE NHTSA. HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/RECALLS/DOCUMENTS/RECOMPENDIUM.PDF
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2015
EARLY THIS YEAR WHEN I STARTED MY 2012 SONATA IN THE MORNING FOR WORK IT STARTED TO STALL. IN MARCH WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE I NOTIFIED THEM OF THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THE BATTERY NEEDED REPLACING. IT GOT BETTER AFTERWARDS UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE KEYLESS REMOTE NEEDS NEW BATTERY AND SO SWITCHED TO THE SPARE REMOTE THAT I HAD BARELY USED. IT DID NOT HELP. BUT I NOTICED THE STALL HAPPENED IN THE MORNING WHEN I LEAVE FOR WORK, NOT IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN I GO HOME. MAYBE BECAUSE I HAVE TO USE THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE CAR IN THE AFTERNOON AND MAKE THE CAR CONNECT TO THE "KEY" RATHER THAN DISPLAY " KEY NOT DETECTED." THIS MORNING I COULD NOT GET THE CAR STARTED AFTER TRIED ALL MY TRICKS FOR NUMEROUS TIMES. I WAS STRANDED AND HAD TO USE MY VACATION FOR WORK. MADE AN APPOINTMENT LAST WEEK WITH THE DEALER FOR THIS TUESDAY. WONDER HOW I AM GOING TO HAUL THE CAR TO THE DEALER IF I CAN NOT GET IT STARTED.
Steering, Nov 15, 2015
PURCHASED MY SONATA WITH 40K MILES. AT AROUND 70K MILES IT STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN, AT LOW SPPED. IT HAS ONLY GOT WORSE, IT NOW HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE METAL TO METAL HITTING SOUND IS MADE AT EVERY LEFT TO RIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER RESEARCH IT IS FOUND TO BE THE INTERNALS OF THE EPS, ALSO THE PLASTIC BUSHING INSIDE THE COUPLING. WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE WHEEL WILL SHAKE HARD AND SOUND AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN HAS BROKE AND WILL FEEL A POP IN THE WHEEL AS IF IT HAS COME OUT OF THE JOINT THEN POPS BACK IN AFTER HITTING A BUMP. NOTICED ONLINE THERE ARE 100S IF NOT 1000S OF HYUNDAI SONATAS AND ELANTRA DRIVERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME SORT OF ISSUES.
Engine, Nov 14, 2015
AFTER STARTING THE CAR AFTER IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR 8 HOURS OR MORE, IT SEEMS THE TURBO CHARGER WAS NOT ENGAGED. NO ENGINE FAULT LIGHT WAS ON AND THE POWER WAS DIMINISHED. IF YOU STOP AND RE-START THE ENGINE EVERYTHING WOULD BE BACK TO NORMAL WITH THE TURBO CHARGER ENGAGED. EVENTUALLY THIS PROCEDURE STOPS WORKING AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO ADJUST THE TURBO. THE SAFETY ASPECT IS IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE FULL POWER PULLING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND THEN SUDDENLY YOU DON'T, THEN AN ACCIDENT CAN HAPPEN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME I GOT INTO MY CAR AT WORK AND IT STARTED FINE. WHEN I PULLED INTO TRAFFIC I COULD FEEL SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT AND THE CAR BARELY MOVED YET THE ENGINE REVVED TO OVER 4K.
Engine, Nov 12, 2015
A VERY LOUD, CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELARATE AND EVENTUALLY STALLED ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACED AND I HAD TO ACQUIRE A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK. I WAS THEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL AFTER MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED SO ANOTHER REBUILT HAD TO BE INSTALLED. REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS IS EXPECTED DUE TO RECALL.
Engine, Nov 10, 2015
WE PURCHASED THIS 2011 SONOTA USED FROM THE FOX DEALERSHIP IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI. THE CAR STARTED WITH ODD ENGINE SOUNDS ON 3/3/15 WHILE DRIVING CITY & LOCAL AND THEN STALLED OUT. WAS ABLE TO RESTART & 2 DAYS LATER THE CAR STALLED AGAIN. AFTER MULTIPLE TRIES IT DID RESTART AND WE GOT IT TO A SHOP A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. AFTER THAT IT WOULD NOT START. THE SHOP SAID THE ENGINE WAS FROZEN. AFTER CALLING FOX HUYNDAI TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP US, AS WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN SEPT 2013, THEY WOULD NOT HELP AND ONLY OFFERED $4000 TO INSTALL A REFAB MOTOR. THE SHOP IT WAS AT SAID $4500 FOR A NEW MOTOR AND NEITHER COULD GUARANTEE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WOULDN'T ARRISE. WE ENDED UP SCRAPING OUT THE CAR AFTER 4 DAYS OF GETTING QUOTES AND TRYING TO DETERMINE OUR BEST OPTION. THE CAR WAS SOLD TO PEDDLE VIA PEDDLE.COM. (DOCS ATTACHED) PEDDLE SENT A WEST MICHIGAN COMPANY OUT TO PICK UP THE CAR FROM US ON 3/9 OR 3/10/15.
Engine, Nov 9, 2015
MY ENGINE BLEW. WHILE DRIVING MY SUDDENLY STOPPED. GOT CAR TOWED RO SPRINGFIELD HYNDAI. SPRINGFIELD HYUNDAI OF PA, SAID METAL WAS FOUND IN ENGINE. WOULD NOT HONOR WARRANTY. TOLD ME $12,000 TO GET A NEW ENGINE PLUS $2500 FOR LABOR. HAD TO GO TO DIFFERENT MECHANIC TO GET AN ENGINE. COSTING $400, I HAVE A RECEIPT FOR PROOF.
Engine, Nov 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NOISE CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING AND LASTED APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Engine, Nov 9, 2015
OIL PAN HAS BEEN LEAKING AND RESEALED FOUR TIMES. AFTER FIRST TWO TIMES THE DEALER REPLACED THE PAN AND RESEALED IT AGAIN. IT STARTED SEEPING AGAIN AND I AM SICK OF IT. THE OIL PAN HAS BEEN LEAKING SINCE THE CAR HAD ONLY 7000 MILES ON IT AND I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW.
Engine, Nov 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY RESPONDED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE); 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Nov 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 1/12/16 *CN