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.
Visibility, Aug 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE SUNROOF OF MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. NO VEHICLES WERE WITHIN 300 FEET AHEAD OF ME AND I WAS IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE OF THE SIX LANE DIVIDED INTERSTATE. SKIES WERE OVERCAST BUT NO HAIL OR LIGHTNING. I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OVERPASSES, AND I DID NOT WITNESS ANY FLYING FOREIGN OBJECTS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP CLAIM TO HAVE FOUND AN "IMPACT SITE" ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SUNROOF, BUT THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER REPORTED THAT IT WAS INCONCLUSIVE. THE EXPLOSION LEFT A BASKETBALL SIZED HOLE IN THE SUNROOF GLASS ABOVE THE DRIVER SIDE. NO INJURIES WERE EXPERIENCED. THE SUNSHADE WAS CLOSED AT THAT TIME. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2013
WESTBOUND ON I-78 NEAR HARRISBURG, PA WHILE TRAVELING ON CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE MOTOR INCREASED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM 65MPH TO OVER 72MPH TO THE POINT OF 80MPH BEFORE SEVERAL HARD FOOT PRESSURES ON BRAKE DISENGAGED CRUISE CONTROL. CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL TAP TO DISENGAGE. CALLED DEALER WHO SUGGESTED WE NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL AND ON RETURN HAD THEM SERVICE--DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE AND RETURNED CAR. ON 8-05-13 WHICH WAS NEXT HIGHWAY TRIP ON 440W IN STATEN ISLAND, NY WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 60MPH (FLOW OF TRAFFIC) CAR SUDDENLY MADE HIGH REVVING MOTOR NOISE, LURCHED FORWARD AND INCREASED SPEED TO 0VER 70MPH--BRAKE AGAIN DID MOT DISENGAGE CAR BUT HEAVY (VERY HEAVY) PRESSING ON DISENGAGE BUTTON SLOWED CAR. CAR TO BE LOOKED AT AFTER OUR RETURN--SCHEDULED CHECK 8-13-13. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2013, fire
HAD MY SONATA FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF. I THOUGHT I SMELLED GAS IN THE CAR, BUT FIGURED I MUST HAVE SPILLED GAS ON MY SPORT COAT THE LAST TIME I WORE IT. STARTING THE CAR, I HAD TO HOLD THE START ENGINE BUTTON DOWN FOR AN EXTRA SECOND WHICH WAS WEIRD, BUT I FIGURED MAYBE I WAS LOOKING INTO THINGS. I HAD MY WINDOWS DOWN SINCE I THOUGHT I SMELLED GAS. AFTER DRIVING FOR A BIT MY CAR DIED SUDDENLY, AS I WAS PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO GET MY SON FROM HIS CAR SEAT AND THEN I SAW THAT THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED, WHILE SHE DROVE 45 MPH. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,060.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 4, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 77 NORTH BOUND IN NORTH CAROLINA I NOTICED THE PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT BELT LIGHT WAS FLICKERING BUT THERE WAS NO ONE OR NOTHING ON THE SEAT TO WARRANT THE LIGHT TURNING ON. SO I REACHED OVER AND SNAPPED THE SEAT BELT IN AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. ABOUT 10 MILES AFTERWARDS THE EPS LIGHT STARTS FLICKING AS WELL AS THE BRAKE INDICATOR ON THE DASH, NEXT THING YOU KNOW THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND POWER STEERING GOES STIFF. I MANAGE TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER AVOIDING GETTING STRUCK BY A CAR OR TRUCK AND I AM NOT ABLE TO TURN ON THE CAR BACK ON. I AM ABLE TO TURN ON ALL OTHER ITEMS ( RADIO, TURN SIGNALS, INTERIOR LISGHTS) I AM NOT ABLE TO USE THE BLUE LINK SERVICE SO I HAD TO CALL AAA AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP 18 MILES AWAY. I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP LOOKS INTO THE ISSUE, ITS SUNDAY AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS CLOSED. *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2013
CAR VEERED RAPIDLY TO THE LEFT WHEN STEERING WHEEL RELEASED. DEALER CHANGED SHOCK IN REAR. NOW CAR WANDERS EXCESSIVELY AND IS HARD TO KEEP IN LANE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAR HAS BEEN "REALIGNED " 3 TIMES IN 16 MONTHS TO NO AVAIL. VEHICLE IS TIRING ON LING TRIPS. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2013
THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHEN LOCKING AND ACTIVATING ALARM. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND SHUT IT OFF AGAIN, THEN THEY SHUT OFF. I AWAKE THE NEXT MORNING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START, THE BATTERY APPEARED TO BE DEAD. AFTER A JUMP I LEFT FOR WORK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE GAS. THE CAR THEN ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD GET CONSIDERABLY BRIGHTER AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL LIKE A FLASH WHEN ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL OCCASIONALLY. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WILL ALSO BLINK OUT FROM TIME TO TIME. TOOK BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY TOOK IT TO A HYUNDAI SHOP. I GOT IT BACK YESTERDAY BUT IT STILL APPEARS TO BE DOING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVEN'T EVEN MADE MY FIRST PAYMENT ON IT YET. *TR
Steering, Jul 24, 2013
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING INPUT TO TRACK STRAIGHT DOWN INTERSTATE. LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT. THIS IS AN UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. STEERING IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE. ALSO CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO DISENGAGE INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER CAN NOT REPLICATE THEREFORE CAN NOT REPAIR. *TR
Structure, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jul 2, 2013
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE DASHBOARD'S BACK UP CAMERA SCREEN REMAINED COMPLETELY UNIDENTIFIABLE THROUGHOUT THE RAINY WEATHER DAY, WITH ONLY DARK WAVEY JAGGED LINES STREAMING THROUGHOUT THE BACK-UP CAMERA'S LIVE VIDEO DISPLAY SCREEN MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO VIEW WHO OR WHAT WAS BEHIND THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOTS. *TR
Power train, Jun 20, 2013
THE TRANSMISSION CEASED TO WORK WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A NEW CAR ONLY ONE YEAR OLD AND NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2013
CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE BY HITTING CANCEL OR TURNING IT OFF. IT WOULD ONLY DISENGAGE BY DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS ENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THE BRAKE INTERLOCK SWITCH WAS ALREADY REPLACED ONCE, IF IT HAD FAILED AGAIN THE ONLY OPTION WOULD HAVE BEEN TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT IT OFF. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2013
WE PURCHASES THIS VEHICLE IN 2012. WE NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING WE HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL REALLY TIGHT TO STAY IN HIGHWAY LANES. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING PULLS RIGHT AND LEFT CAUSING US TO WANDER REALLY CLOSE TO OTHERS LANES. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE LAST YEAR AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIX IT. WE FEEL VERY UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND FEAR AN ACCIDENT IS WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TIGHTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. *TR
Steering, Jun 15, 2013
AS A RESULT OF THE WANDERING STEERING ISSUE, I HAVE CONCLUDED MY 2012, HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2.0T IS UNSAFE. UP UNTIL THIS REPORT, I HAVE TOLERATED THE STEERING. ON JUNE 14, 2013, I NEARLY CROSSED OVER THE CENTER OF A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY NEARLY HITTING AN 18-WHEEL SEMI TRUCK HEAD ON. THE STEERING IS NOT SAFE. DUE TO THE VERY LIGHT NATURE OF THE STEERING AND LACK OF PROGRESSION JUST OFF CENTER, THERE IS TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE CENTER OF THIS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THIS PLAY RESULTS IN A SLIGHT DELAY IN RESPONSE TO SMALL STEERING INPUTS. ALONG WITH A POOR FACTORY SUSPENSION SETUP THAT IS TOO STIFF, THE CAR EASILY BEGINS TO WANDER ON EVEN THE SMOOTHEST OF ROADS. AN EXAMPLE IS NOTED. CAR MOVES RIGHT. I RESPOND WITH LEFT INPUT. CAR MOVES LEFT. HOWEVER, DELAY IN STEERING RESPONSE TO CENTER CAR RESULTS IN OVERSHOOTING CENTER POSITION OF THE LANE. THEN HAVE TO PROVIDE RIGHT STEERING INPUT, AGAIN WITH DELAY IN RESPONSE TO INPUT. AS A RESULT, THE CAR BECOMES STUCK IN A LEFT TO RIGHT OSCILLATION. EVEN IF I LIGHTEN UP ON THE INPUTS, I CANNOT ELIMINATE THE OSCILLATION BECAUSE NO ROAD IS PERFECTLY FLAT. ADD IN CROSSWINDS, IT ONLY GETS WORSE. I AM AWARE OF NUMEROUS REPORTS CONCERNING THE WANDERING STEERING OF THE HYUNDAI SONATA. I AM ALSO AWARE OF SOME OWNERS HAVING THE STEERING MODE CHANGED TO SPORT, BUT I AM NOT CONVINCED THIS WILL HELP MUCH IF I CHOOSE TO HAVE THIS DONE. THE POOR SUSPENSION (TOO MUCH DAMPING) ALONG WITH THE LOW PROFILE TIRES WILL STILL BE THERE, AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY CAN GET THE STEERING TO WORK WELL WITH THE SUSPENSION. OVERALL, THE LIGHT, SLOW TO RESPOND STEERING AND A TOO STIFF SUSPENSION ARE NOT A GOOD MATCH FOR EACH OTHER UNDER DAILY DRIVING. THE STEERING IS PROGRESSIVE DURING MORE AGGRESSIVE DRIVING, EVEN THOUGH IT LACKS GOOD FEEDBACK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2013
THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO ENGAGE EVERY TIME YOU PRESS IT. SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. DEALER REPLACED THE SWITCH SAYING IT WAS BAD. PROBLEM PERSISTED SO I TOOK IT BACK IN. THEY CANNOT REPLICATE IT SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT THEREFORE I CANNOT GET THIS FIXED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 25, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND SLOWING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS FAILED. I LOST THE POWER STEERING, BRAKING AND GAS. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE CONSOLE. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO ALLOW THE CAR TO COME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN - IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED, OR IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN CROSSING THE ROAD, THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH, MUCH WORSE. ONCE THE CAR STOPPED, I PUT IT IN PARK AND THE LIGHTS STAYED ON. I TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND THEN BACK ON AND IT TURNED RIGHT BACK ON AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS IN SERVICE FOR 5 DAYS, AND THEY CLAIM TO BE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. SINCE THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLICATE, AND LEMON LAW STATE THAT AN ISSUE MUST OCCUR 3 TIMES, I HAVE NO COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE BESIDES BUYING A NEW CAR AND TAKING ON ADDED EXPENSE, OR DRIVING THIS CAR, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE SAFE FROM DEFECT AND HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI AS WELL. *TR
Visibility, May 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SUNROOF OF MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA SHATTERED. I HEARD THE GLASS FALL ONTO THE THANKFULLY CLOSED SUNSHADE AS WELL AS RUN DOWN THE BACK OF MY CAR, SCRATCHING THE ROOF AND TRUNK. I PULLED OVER AT THE NEXT EXIT AND CALLED THE POLICE. A STATE TROOPER CAME AND STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL THAT THERE WAS ANY EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT TO CAUSE THE DAMAGE. I FEEL THAT THIS SIMPLY WAS A FAILURE OF THE SUNROOF DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL OF ANOTHER HYUNDAI MODEL OF THE SAME YEAR. I HAVE ALSO READ REPORTS IN AUTOMOBILE FORUMS OF OTHER SONATA EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. INCLUDING THIS ONE DOCUMENTED BY NBC NEWS. HTTP://WWW.WKYC.COM/NEWS/INVESTIGATIVE/ARTICLE/288566/230/INVESTIGATOR-EXPLODING-SUNROOF-SOUNDS-LIKE-GUN-SHOT TO DATE, HYUNDAI HAS REFUSED TO COVER THIS, STATING THAT IT IS NOT A WARRANTIED PART. *TR
Tires, May 14, 2013
KUHMO TIRES CONSTANTLY LOW AIR PRESSURE REFILLED WITH NITROGEN GAS NUMEROUS TIMES WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP IT WAS DUE TO CHANGE IN OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE ,NORMAL FOR KUHMO. EVENTUALLY AT 23000 MILES WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE WORN TIRES,NO CREDIT MY, EXPENSE KUHMO DOESN'T WARRANTY. *TR
Suspension, Tires, Wheels, May 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH KUMHO SOLUS KH25 TIRES, SIZE: P205-65-R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WERE EXHIBITING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE TIRES BECAME WORN PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CV JOINT AND AXLE WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EACH TIME, BUT WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,366 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2013
STOPPED TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND GOT STUCK IN REVERSE THIS THE SECOND TIME THE HAS HAPPENED IN A 10 DAY PERIOD. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED THEY SAID THE SHIFTER CABLE CAME LOOSE. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF THIS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING? *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED FULL FORCE APPLIED TO THE WHEEL IN ORDER TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC STEERING WHICH FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 8, 2013, crash
THERE ARE ACTUALLY 2 ISSUES GOING ON. FIRST OFF, I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN SEPTEMBER 2011 (TO REPLACE A GM LEMON) AND EVER SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE, IT HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT. SECOND ISSUE, I LEFT WORK PULLING ONTO THE ROAD, DROVE A COUPLE OF BLOCKS WHEN TRAFFIC HAD STOPPED AT THE UPCOMING LIGHT; THEREFORE I HAD NOT COMPLETELY BUILT UP SPEED TO THE SPEED LIMIT (40) WHEN I HAD TO STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND DID NOT COMPLETELY STOP BEFORE HITTING THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER IN FRONT OF ME, I FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON ICE. WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES, THE CAR STARTED TO STOP BUT THE BRAKES KEPT GOING FURTHER DOWN TO THE FLOOR, WITH NO FEELING OF STOPPING. THE DEALERSHIP THAT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE INSURANCE COMPANY( GM) SAID THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES SO I TOOK IT TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER, WHO DID FIND THAT MY BRAKE LINES HAD AIR IN THEM. I DON'T KNOW HOW SINCE I HAD NEVER HAD THEM WORKED ON AND IT'S A SEALED SYSTEM. AFTER THE TECHNICIAN CALLED HYUNDAI, THEY ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER. WHILE MY CAR WAS BEING REPAIRED, I MENTIONED THAT THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT SO THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT ON IT, SINCE IT WAS A FRONT END CRASH. THEY DID NOTICE THE PULLING BUT THE ALIGNMENT DID NOT HELP AND THOUGHT I MAY HAVE A BAD TIRE, BUT WITH 21,000 MILES, WOULD NOT REPLACE IT. I GET MY TIRES ROTATED FAITHFULLY AND HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOLD THEY ARE WEARING OUT. THIS IS THE FIRST FOREIGN CAR I'VE OWNED AND (AS PREV. NOTED) GOT IT TO REPLACE A GM LEMON, NOW I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR AND I HAVE TO USE IT TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE STATE. BETWEEN THE STEERING AND THE BRAKES, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. DID I GET ANOTHER LEMON? SINCE I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANY SATISFACTION,I'M CONTACTING YOU, I'M TIRED OF CALLING THE HYUNDAI DEALER SINCE THEY SAY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. I DON'T WANT TO GET SATISFACTION, ONLY AFTER MY FAMILY IS WRITING MY OBITUARY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Mar 23, 2013
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE MOST RECENT, 2/4/13, I REQUIRED QUICK ACCELERATION TO AVOID A COLLISION. A SUDDEN THRUST OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHOULD RESULT IN RAPID ACCELERATION, INSTEAD THE CAR HESITATES, DE-ACCELERATES, PRESUMABLY WHILE IT TRIES TO FIND A SOLUTION (BATTERY VS GAS), STALLS, THEN SLOWLY ACCELERATES. THIS DELAY IS DANGEROUS AND WILL RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. SPECIFICALLY, I APPROACHED A BUSY INTERSECTION WHERE THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL WAS NOT WORKING. DRIVERS TREATED THE INTERSECTION AS A FOUR WAY STOP, AS THEY SHOULD, WHEN IT WAS MY OPPORTUNITY TO TURN LEFT, I EXECUTED MY TURN NORMALLY, BUT THEN NOTICED A TRUCK CREST THE HILL TO MY LEFT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ABOUT BLOCK AWAY, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY TO FINISH MY TURN AND GET OUT OF THE WAY. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT POWERED DOWN, SAT THERE FOR A SECOND, THEN ACCELERATED SLOWLY. THE TRUCK SWERVED AND SLAMMED ON ITS BREAKS TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH ME. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 30+ YEARS, I AM A SAFE, DEFENSIVE DRIVER. I HAVE ALSO OWNED ANOTHER HYBRID CAR (2007 TOYOTA CAMRY) WHERE THIS PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I ACQUIRED THE VEHICLE AND FILED A COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE. ADDITIONALLY, TWO OTHER ISSUES I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS VEHICLE ARE; I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR FOR 1,883 AND RECORDED MY MILEAGE AND GAS PURCHASES USING THE TOOLS FROM FUELECONOMY.GOV AND HAVE REALIZED AN OVERALL MPG OF 23.73. FOR A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO ACHIEVE BETWEEN 34 AND 39 MPG, IT MISSES THE MARK. THE HYBRID BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE ABOVE 50%. OCCASIONALLY, DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE HYBRID BATTERY WILL CHARGE ABOVE 50%, BUT QUICKLY DEPLETES THE BATTERY TO BELOW 50% WITHIN A FEW MILES. I WONDER IF THIS AFFECTS THE CARS LACK OF ELECTRIC RESERVES WHEN EVASIVE DRIVING MEASURES ARE REQUIRED. HYUNDAI SERVICE INDICATED THE BATTERY CHARGE LEVELS ARE NORMAL. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2013
THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE WHEN USED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS INITIALLY UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEN REPLACED A HEADLAMP SWITCH. AFTER THIS, THE RADIO BEGAN TURNING COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CONTINUED TO ACT ERRATICALLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT REPLACED THE RADIO. SEVERAL MORE TIMES, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND RADIO. AFTER CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE CAR AGAIN AND FOUND LOOSE PINS IN THE CONNECTOR TO THE FUSE BOX. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Feb 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000. N UPDATED 4/24/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER TRADED THE VEHICLE IN. THE MANUFACTURER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE BE HELD FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD, INTERMITTENTLY, NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. THE AIR CONDITION MALFUNCTIONED. UPDATED 06/05/2013 *JS