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.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2015
ON AUGUST 7, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:30 PM, I WAS COMING BACK FROM RUNNING AN ERRAND WITH MY 16-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WITH ME. I MADE A RIGHT-HAND TURN WHEN SUDDENLY, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. ADDITIONALLY, I LOST ALL POWER STEERING, ETC. I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY, BUT ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED BY A PICKUP TRUCK THAT WAS FOLLOWING ME. I TURNED OFF THE CAR, LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES, AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN. THE CAR SEEMED FINE AT THAT POINT, AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE MY SHORT DRIVE BACK TO MY HOME (APPROXIMATELY 1.25 MILES). WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME AND PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT WAS FLICKERING SLIGHTLY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WENT INTO THE HOUSE FOR THE NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING (8/8/15), I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL IN THE ENGINE, AND NOTED THAT IT WAS SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE FILL LINE. I ADDED SOME SYNTHETIC OIL TO THE ENGINE, CHECKED THE LEVEL AND NOTED THAT IT WAS ADEQUATE. I STARTED THE ENGINE TO GO RUN SOME ERRANDS. THE CAR SEEMED FINE AT FIRST, BUT WHEN I WAS APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES FROM MY HOME, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER AGAIN WHILE THE CAR WAS IDLING (AT A STOP LIGHT, ETC.) I CALLED MY HUSBAND RIGHT AWAY, WHO TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR HOME. I NOTED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SOMEWHAT OF A TICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING IT. WHEN I WAS APPROXIMATELY A QUARTER-MILE FROM HOME, THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING/BANGING VERY LOUDLY. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF, CALLED MY HUSBAND, AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S SHOP. ON TUESDAY, 8/11/15, MY MECHANIC REMOVED THE OIL PAN AND INFORMED ME THAT THE BEARINGS WERE FAILING, WHICH CAUSED METAL SHARDS TO CLOG THE OIL PUMP FILTER, AND HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE OIL PAN WAS FULL OF SHARDS. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!!
Engine, Jul 30, 2015
WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN THE 2ND FROM RIGHT LANE IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPPED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. MY WIFE HAD DIFFICULTLY STEERING AND BRAKING TO MOVE TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE FROM THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. IT WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE NOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT GREAT EXPENSE.
Engine, Jul 29, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH THE ENGINE QUIT. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS NOISE OR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TRIED TO JUMP START WITH NO SUCCESS. TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER. THEY TESTED THE BATTERY AND DETERMINED THERE WAS A DEAD CELL. NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED STILL WOULD NOT START. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED THE ENGINE SEIZED UP. ORDERED AND INSTALLED A NEW REMANUFACTURED ENGINE. TOOK ELEVEN DAYS TO COMPLETE. UPDATE 9/15/15*CW UPDATED 12/13/2017*CN
Engine, Jul 14, 2015, crash
I HAD A MINOR FENDER BENDER ( A PERSON HIT ME AND TOOK OFF) 1 BLOCK LATER THE ENGINE DIED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE SHOP WHERE I WAS FIRST TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY AND A STARTER. BATTERY WAS ONLY 12 MONTHS OLD AND STARTER WAS NOT A PROBLEM. I HAD IT TOWED TO HYUNDAI AND THEY TOLD ME THE ENGINE SEIZED FROM SLUDGE AND WATER. I I DONT EVEN HAVE A SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR WATER DAMAGE AND WE ARE IN A DROUGHT AND THE OIL WAS CHANGED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAD READ ABOUT THE SEIZED ENGINE ISSUES ON THIS MODEL BUT HYUNDAI SAYS THAT IS NOT TRUE. I POINTED OUT TO THEM THAT NO OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. THEY REFUSE TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT BUT ARE WILLING TO CHARGE ME $6700.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE
Steering, Jul 10, 2015
MY STEERING WHEEL HAS A SIGNIFICANT CLICK WHEN I TURN ON IT. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HYUNDAI OF TAMPA TOLD ME IT WAS A COUPLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I HAVE 71745 MILES ON A 2012 SONATA. HYUNDAI HAD A RECALL WITH THIS PROBLEM ON THEIR 2011 MODEL, BUT NOT ONE UNDER 2012. I SPOKE TO JESSICA WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER. SHE WAS POLITE BUT COULD NOT DO ANYTHING EXCEPT OFFER ME A $35 COUPON FOR MAINTENANCE.
Steering, Jun 21, 2015
ON OUR FIRST TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE, NOTICED DIFFICULTY KEEPING THE CAR FROM "WANDERING" THE ROAD STARTING JUST OVER 50MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT AS CAN BE, BUT IT'S ALMOST UNSAFE SWITCHING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. READ REVIEWS OF SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. CAN'T RELAX DRIVING, AS YOU ARE CONSTANTLY KEEPING TIGHT CONTROL OF THE WHEEL.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2015
THE FRONT-END WILL WOBBLE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS, AROUND 25 & 45 MPH. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES NOW. FIRST, THEY FIXED THE ALIGNMENT. NEXT, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DETECT ANYTHING WRONG. THIRDLY, I DROVE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND HE IMMEDIATELY DETECTED A PROBLEM. HE HAD THE FRONT 2 TIRES REPLACED, WITH ALLEVIATED THE PROBLEM FOR A TIME, BUT WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS, THE WOBBLE COULD BE FELT EASILY AGAIN, AT THE SAME SPEEDS AS BEFORE.
Engine, Jun 15, 2015
ENGINE RATTLING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION AND OIL BURNING FAST.BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP 3X FOR THE SAME CONCERN. TWICE WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SENT HOME SAYING THEY COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT. EVEN ASSURED US IT WAS NOTHING SERIOUS. ON THIRD TIME (60,800 MI), CAR BURNED THROUGH OIL AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON, RATTLING SOUNDS CAME BACK, STEREO STOPPED WORKING, CAR DIED (NEW STARTER NEEDED). DEALERSHIP INSPECTED IT AND SAID THEY FIGURED IT OUT THIS TIME (HOW CONVENIENT THAT THEY FINALLY DID RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED), SUGGESTED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. SAYS THERE WAS TONS OF SLUDGE AND METAL SHAVING IN THE OIL. THEY CITED 'OWNER NEGLECT'. WE PROVIDED THEM EVERY DOCUMENTATION OF MAINTENANCE AND CONSISTENT OIL CHANGES. DENIED HONORING OUR WARRANTY. DID RESEARCH AND FOUND 2011-2012 SONATAS HAVE A MANUFACTURING ENGINE DEFECT. PEOPLE ALL HAVE SAME ISSUES AND OUTCOMES WITH THEIR CARS. HYUNDAI WILL NOT EVEN LOOK AT OUR PROOF OF MAINTENANCE AND CONTINUE TO DENY THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THEIR ENGINE.
Wheels, May 23, 2015
LOW PROFILE HANCOCK TIRE 225 / 45 R18 HAS A SIDEWALLS WITH A LIP ON IT THAT EXTENDS ABOVE THE WHEEL'S .. EACH OF THE TIRES SHOWS SPOTS WHERE A PART OF THE TIRE'S LIP WAS SLICED RIGHT OFF OR IN BIG GASHES...OR IS IT TIRE ROT? . EACH GASH ARE NOTH EVEN CLOSE TO THE RIM AND SHOWS NO SIGN OF HITTING A CURB. EACH OF MY TIRES HAVE A VO U PLEASE OF THESE GASHES. DEALER SAID NOPE THATS NOT NORMAL BUT ITS HOLDING AIR SO NOTHIS THEY CAN DO. . THE NEW 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA EQUIPPED WITH THESE TIRES WAS PURCHASED IN JULY 2014.
Steering, May 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND CHANGING LANES, THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A CLICKING SOUND WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT SENSOR LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FLASH OFF AND ON ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. EVENTUALLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WOULD ALSO FLASH OFF AND ON WHEN A PASSENGER WAS NOT PRESENT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STABILITY CONTROL ESC SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Air bags, May 4, 2015
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. *TR
Engine, May 4, 2015
MY ENGINE SEIZED WITH NO WARNING. I WAS TRAVELING DOWNHILL AND THE MOTOR JUST SHUTOFF. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO NOTIFIED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS SEIZED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *TR
Steering, Apr 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLANKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Engine, Apr 30, 2015
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARTED HEAR NOISES COMING FROM MY ENGINE. I PULLED OVER SOMEWHERE SAFE AND EVENTUALLY HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. I'M NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CALL SO THE DEALER TELLS ME I CANT USED THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE ANOTHER WARRANTY COMPANY WHO WANTS THE DEALER SHIP TO COME TO A FINAL DECISION AS TO WHY MY ENGINE STOPPED WORKING. THERE WAS NO SLUDGE IN MY OIL PAN BUT THERE US METAL WHICH OBLIVIOUSLY MEANS SOMETHING MESSED UP ON THE INSIDE. HYUNDAI IS TELLING ME UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THEY FURTHER INVESTIGATE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE AND WYNN IS TELLING THEM THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR MY VEHICLE UNLESS THEY HAVE THE SPECIFIC REASON AS TO WHY A ENGINE THAT ONLY HAD 86,000 MILES STOPPED WORKING. MY HUSBAND HAS A 2007 HONDA CIVIC THAT HAS 210,000 MILES ON IT AND YET MY NEWER CAR DIES OUT AT ONLY 86,000 MILES TO ME THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AND I'M GETTING THE RUN AROUND ON ALL ENDS. I DON'T HAVE 6000 DOLLARS TO PAY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES THAT IS WHY I GOT THE WARRANTY IN THE FIRST PLACE. MY ENGINE SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE OUT AND WITH NO WARNING!!!!!! SO NOW I'M STUCK WITHOUT A CAR, PAYING A CAR PAYMENT FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE, AND NO WAY TO GET BACK AND FOURTH TO WORK THIS WILL CAUSE ME TO LOSE MY JOB AND NOT BE ABLE TO CARE FOR MY FAMILY SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE. *TR
Visibility, Mar 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS WERE CLOSED, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Suspension, Mar 25, 2015
I WAS BACKING MY VEHICLE UP, WHICH WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, AND I NOTICED WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A CV JOINT NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA. THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE BUT THE LATEST AND LOUDEST WAS AFTER I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 03/21/2015. THE NOISE TOOK ON AN EVEN LOUDER SOUND THAT WAS MORE OF A CLUNK LIKE A FRONT CONTROL ARM. THEREFORE, I CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA FOR A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF TSB 10055854 BUT THEY WILL NOT GO INTO ANY SPECIFICS ABOUT WHAT THE COMPONENT(S) ARE IN THIS CAMPAIGN. I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN INTENTIONAL COVER UP SO THAT THE NHTSA WILL NOT INVESTIGATE AND REQUIRE A SAFETY RECALL. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Mar 10, 2015, fire
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING TOWED BY MY MOTORHOME IN SOUTH MIAMI, FL ON ROUTE TO KEY WEST, FL. A SOUTH MIAMI, FL HYUNDAI DEALER REPAIRED MY CAR BUT DID NOT REPLACE ALL THE PARTS PAID FOR BY MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. THE REPAIR SHOP DID NOT KEEP THE BURNED PARTS AS REQUESTED BY ME AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE. LATER, ANOTHER HYUNDAI DEALER COMPLETED THE REPAIRS AS AUTHORIZED BY HYUNDAI USA AFTER NUMEROUS COMMUNICATIONS WITH ME, BUT THE HYUNDAI DEALER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH THE BURNED PARTS AS REQUESTED. HYUNDAI DID NOT REPORT THAT A FIRE HAD CAUSED THE DAMAGE. NOT SURE IF HYUNDAI USA OR ITS DEALERS HAVE REQUIREMENTS TO REPORT FIRES IN THEIR VEHICLES. I HAVE NAMES OF CONTACTS WITH HYUNDAI USA IN CA. I HAVE THE BURNED TPMS SENSOR NOT REPLACED BY HYUNDAI, BUT PAID FOR AT MY EXPENSE TO A TIRE STORE IN MY HOME TOWN. I HAVE PICTURES OF MY CAR ON FIRE; PICTURES OF THE BURNED PARTS ON CAR IN POSSESSION OF MY INSURANCE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE; I HAVE RECEIPTS FROM THE SOUTH MIAMI HYUNDAI REPAIRS, AND I HAVE RECEIPTS FROM THE OTHER HYUNDAI DEALER FOR PARTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT BUT NOT REPLACED BY THE SOUTH MIAMI HYUNDAI DEALER BUT PAID FOR BY MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. I ALSO HAVE A RECEIPT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE BURNED TPMS SENSOR BY A TIRE STORE IN MY HOME TOWN. I FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SOUTH MIAMI HYUNDAI DEALER WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR LICENSING AUTO REPAIR SHOPS IN THAT COUNTY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 2, 2015
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE TO GET ONTO THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, EACH TIME HYUNDAI AND THE DEALERSHIP HAVE FAILED TO IDENTIFY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. EACH POWER FAILURE EVENT HAS BEEN A NEAR ACCIDENT. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE MY PASSENGERS AND MY OWN SAFETY. THE VEHICLE HAS RECEIVED ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGES AND RECALLS. A CASE HAS BEEN OPENED WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT. *TR
Steering, Feb 19, 2015
VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTING TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT PATH. ISSUE IS MOST OBVIOUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUT OCCURS AT ANY SPEED. STEERING ALWAYS VEERS TO THE LEFT IF STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 18, 2015
EARLIER THAT DAY THE WRENCH WAS LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD, BUT IT DISAPPEARED. I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT ABOUT 15-20 MPH AND THE SCREEN READ "WARNING! DO NOT DRIVE! IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO ? I CAN'T REMEMBER" IT STARTED TO FREEZE THE DRIVING. THEN I PARKED IT AND IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND HPCU. IT SCARES ME TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR APRIL 20, 2014 AND NOW CAN JUST GET 2/3'S WHAT I PAID FOR IT. SAD, BUT TRUE. WHEN I GET SOME MONEY I WILL BE TRADING THIS IN AS I AM NERVOUS DRIVING THIS CAR NOW. *TR
Engine, Feb 16, 2015
WITHOUT NOTICE/WARNING, ENGINE STARTED MAKING A METALLIC KNOCKING/FLAPPING SOUND WITH A LOT OF BLUE SMOKE EXHAUST WHEN RAPIDLY ACCELERATING. SHORTLY AFTER, ENGINE OIL LIGHT FLICKERED MOMENTARILY. FROM PAST EXPERIENCE, I KNEW TO PAY ATTENTION TO THIS. BY THE END OF THE SAME DAY, I ADDED ALMOST 5 QUARTS OF OIL. I ALSO BROUGHT THE CAR TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER FOR A LATE AFTERNOON (4:30PM) APPOINTMENT JUST BEFORE NEW YEAR'S EVE. SERVICE ADVISOR MENTIONED THAT "BY THE TIME THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMES ON YOU'VE GOT LESS THAN A QUART OF OIL LEFT". HE SUGGESTED WE BRING THE CAR BACK WHEN THEY WOULD HAVE MORE TIME TO WORK ON IT. I PLANNED TO HAVE 40000-MILE SERVICE AND EXPECTED A SOMEWHAT EXPENSIVE REPAIR, SO I NEEDED TO WAIT UNTIL FEB 4, WHEN I WOULD HAVE FUNDS AVAILABLE. I BROUGHT THE CAR FOR SERVICE ON 2/4, AND WAS TOLD LATER THAT DAY THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THOROUGH INSPECTION, WITH SEVERAL PHOTOS PROVIDED TO FACTORY, HYUNDAI REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE UNDER WARRANTY REPAIR, CITING MY LACK OF REGULAR SERVICE. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AT 15000 MILES AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN MARCH, 2012, BUT DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER REGULAR SERVICE PERFORMED. DEALER (NOT THE PURCHASE DEALER) REQUESTED HYUNDAI DO A "GOODWILL REPAIR" THAT WOULD REQUIRE ME TO PAY $1900 LABOR, WHILE HYUNDAI WOULD PAY FOR THE ENGINE AND ALL FLUIDS (~$4800). AGAIN, HYUNDAI REFUSED. I UNDERSTAND MY ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OVERLOOKING REGULAR SERVICE, WHICH IS WHY I AGREED TO PAY THE $1900 LABOR PORTION OF A GOODWILL REPAIR. HOWEVER, NONE OF THIS ELIMINATES THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT DID NOT EVEN FLICKER UNTIL AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TOTALLY DAMAGED. BY HYUNDAI SERVICE ADVISOR ADMISSION, THERE IS LESS THAN 1 QUART OF OIL LEFT WHEN THE WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES. WHAT KIND OF WARNING INDICATOR ONLY ACTIVATES AFTER CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE? *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 2, 2015
ON JAN 26 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE SLIPPERY. WHEN HE WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, HE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT COME BACK UP. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED AROUND THE CORNER, BUT BY THE TIME THE CAR MADE IT INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS. ALSO THE BRAKE SWITCH OEM HAD TO REPLACED. WHEN ALL SAID AND DONE THE TOTAL COST CAME TO 729.64. CAN I TELL YOU HOW DISAPPOINTED I AM IN THIS VEHICLE?? THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY A 2012 MY HIGH BEAMS DON'T WORK NOR DOES THE CRUISE CONTROL. I AM STARTING TO THINK THIS CAR IS A REAL LEMON!!! AT THIS POINT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS ANY RECALLS BECAUSE MY BILL WAS EXTREME AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ON A 2012. I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN NUMBER ON ME AT THIS TIME. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED AND HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR! *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Jan 23, 2015
THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) HAS DISPLAYED ERRONEOUS TIRE PRESSURE READINGS DURING COLD WEATHER CLIMATES NUMEROUS DIFFERENT TIMES DESPITE HAVING THE CORRECT PSI OR ADDING AIR TO REACH AN ULTIMATE PSI READING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH OTHER MODELS OF HYUNDAI VEHICLES WITH THE TPMS FEATURE ACCORDING TO OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.